title: Wichita bookkeeper sentenced for wire fraud

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from his former employer. According to court documents, Jason Matthew Pennington, 52, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Pennington worked at an animal hospital in Derby, Kansas, as a bookkeeper and office assistant. Because of his position, Pennington had access to the company’s financial records and payroll system. In July 2020, he embezzled approximately $41,000 by making unauthorized wire transfers from the company’s payroll system to his personal bank accounts. As part of his plea agreement, Pennington agreed to pay full restitution to the animal hospital. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lanny Welch and Aaron Smith prosecuted the case. ###


title: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on May 14, 2024, to 36 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States Senior District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Dijuan Taylor, 22. According to information presented to the Court, during a traffic stop in Hazelwood on November 21, 2022, Taylor dropped a loaded firearm with an extended magazine as he attempted to flee law enforcement. As a previously convicted felon, Taylor is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. During the sentencing, Judge Fischer noted that firearm possession and violence, especially among juveniles and young adults, continues to be a problem in the community and that Taylor’s crime was serious and therefore requires serious consequences. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Taylor.


title: Grand Jury Returns Indictments

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Fitchburg Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm and Ammunition Deonte Turner, 32, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The indictment alleges that Turner possessed a Sig Sauer handgun with an extended magazine and Federal brand ammunition on October 2, 2023. If convicted, Turner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge against him was the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes are handling the case. Three Dane County Residents Charged with Making False Statements During Firearms Purchases In two separate cases, three Dane County residents are charged with making false statements while purchasing firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers. Candice Patterson, 36, Middleton, Wisconsin, and Deovion Baker, 19, Madison, Wisconsin, are charged with making a false statement during the purchase of two Glock handguns from a Sun Prairie gun store on September 1, 2023. The indictment charges that Patterson falsely stated on the firearms purchase form that she was the actual buyer of the handguns, when she knew she was not the actual buyer. Baker is charged with inducing and causing Patterson to falsely state that she was the actual buyer of the handguns, when he was the actual buyer. If convicted, Patterson and Baker face maximum penalties of 5 years in prison. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case. Erik Smay, 44, McFarland, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of falsely stating on a firearms purchase form that he was not an unlawful user of a controlled substance, when in fact he was an unlawful user of cocaine. The indictment alleges the false statements were made in connection with purchases of Palmetto State Armory handguns from a Madison gun store on July 20, 2022, and September 20, 2022. If convicted, Smay faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Fitchburg, McFarland, and Deforest Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the case. Eau Claire Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Machinegun and Ammunition Damon L. Clark, 25, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon and with possessing a machinegun. The indictment alleges that Clark possessed a Glock handgun and Winchester ammunition on January 1, 2024. The indictment also alleges that the Glock handgun had an “auto-sear,” which is an after-market attachment that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a machinegun under federal law. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, Clark faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. If convicted of the machine gun charge, Clark faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The charges against Clark are the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case. Eau Claire Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine Corey Hobbs, 38, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine on November 1, 2023, and November 7, 2023. He is also charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on December 6, 2023. If convicted, Hobbs faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each distribution charge. He faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison on the charge of distributing 50 grams or more. The charges against Hobbs are the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case. Two Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S. Jose Diaz-Guzman, 40, of Mexico, is charged with illegally reentering the United States after being removed. The indictment alleges that he was found in the Western District of Wisconsin on April 24, 2024. He was found in Dane County. William Alberto-Monte, 30, of Honduras, is charged with reentering the United States after being removed. The indictment alleges that Alberto-Monte was found in the Western District of Wisconsin on May 1, 2024. He was found in Dane County. If convicted, Diaz-Guzman faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison, and Alberto-Monte faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Illegal reentry offenses may carry different maximum penalties based on the totality of circumstances in each case. The charges against both men are the result of investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the cases.


title: 30 Members of a Violent Gang Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Aibonito, and Loíza, Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 8, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 30 violent gang members from the municipalities of San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Aibonito, and Loíza with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), San Juan Strike Force, with the collaboration of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “By arresting and prosecuting these defendants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners are working to uphold the rule of law and bring to justice violent offenders who terrorize our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The Department of Justice is committed to dismantling violent criminal organizations, holding gang members accountable, and pursuing justice for victims.” “In the face of adversity, our resolve strengthens”, stated DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster. “Together, with unwavering determination and steadfast collaboration, we will dismantle these drug trafficking organizations that threaten our communities and tarnish the fabric of our society. Our commitment to justice knows no bounds, and we will relentlessly pursue those responsible for perpetuating violence and addiction. We stand united, resolute in our mission to safeguard the safety and well-being of all.” The indictment alleges that from in or about 2012 through the date of the indictment, the drug trafficking organization identified as “Los Elite” distributed heroin, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, Tramadol, and Clonazepam within 1,000 feet of the Jardines de Sellés Public Housing Project (PHP), Nuestra Señora Covadonga PHP, Quintana PHP, Trébol Condominiums, Liborio Ortiz PHP, and areas near those locations, all for significant financial gain and profit. The goal of Los Elite was to control of all the drug trafficking activities within the municipalities of San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Aibonito, and Loíza, and areas nearby using force, threats, violence, and intimidation. In preserving power and protecting territory, the members of Los Elite profited from the illegal distribution of narcotics, including transportation to and distribution of kilogram quantities of cocaine in the continental United States. Additionally, members of Los Elite would ship fentanyl and marijuana from the continental United States to Puerto Rico for distribution at their drug points in the Island. The investigation revealed that during the conspiracy the defendants and their co‑conspirators participated in acts of violence and shootings to secure their drug trafficking operations. The defendants and their co-conspirators would sometimes use bullet proof vests to protect themselves when they participated in acts of violence, and modified firearms to convert them to automatic weapons (machineguns). Also, defendants and their co‑conspirators would mail pieces of firearms or entire firearms from the continental United States to other members of the drug trafficking organization in Puerto Rico. The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including as leaders, suppliers, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, lookouts, and facilitators. The defendants would communicate using cell phones, often via messaging apps and social media (including, but not limited to, WhatsApp and Instagram). The defendants promoted themselves, their narcotics, their firearms, their money, and their drug trafficking organization using social media. These social media communications included discussions about the sale of narcotics and about firearms. The 30 defendants charged in the indictment are: [1] Pedro A. Rosado-Garay, a.k.a. “Finito/Fino/Fi” [2] Josué Benito Sánchez-González, a.k.a. “Bore” [3] Juan Daniel Sierra-Jiménez, a.k.a. “Wiwi/Doble U” [4] Sergio Luis Rivera-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Zurdo” [5] Victor Alfonso Rosario-Clemente, a.k.a. “Calvo/Tato” [6] Jose Domingo Irizarry-Serrano [7] Héctor Manuel Miranda-Rivera, a.k.a. “Do/Tito” [8] David Antonio Tejada-Rosado, a.k.a. “Mudito/Mudo” [9] Edwin Gabriel Vázquez-Colón, a.k.a. “Cuco” [10] Rey Ivan Freytes, a.k.a. “Pana Mío” [11] Francisco Miguel Duluc-Méndez, a.k.a. “Franco/Frankini” [12] Rufino Hernández-Pizarro, a.k.a. “Gallero” [13] Eduardo Berríos-Sepúlveda, a.k.a. “Kiko/Chavo del 8” [14] Orville Báez-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Perry” [15] Joffren Odete Santos-Rivera [16] Yan Omar López-Machuca, a.k.a. “Bebo/John Zeta” [17] Luis Ángel Rivera-Díaz, a.k.a. “Bebillo” [18] Xavier Omar Maldonado-Negroni, a.k.a. “Maña” [19] Michael Rivera-Cariño, a.k.a. “Movie” [20] Héctor Alberto Sarriera-Marín, a.k.a. “Albert/Culón/Kardashian” [21] Melvin Martínez-Vélez, a.k.a. “Tío” [22] Raúl O. Matos-De Jesús, a.k.a. “Pechu” [23] Yomar Gabriel Rivera-Hernández, a.k.a. “Yomar Gabriel Hernández/El Ninja” [24] Ernesto Caraballo-Brooks, a.k.a. “Mullo” [25] José Omar Aguayo-Delgado [26] Sem Monge-Parrilla, a.k.a. “Jordan/23” [27] Luis Alexis Guerrero-López, a.k.a. “Trunky” [28] Jesus Antonio Carrión-Narváez, a.k.a. “Tomate/Motora” [29] Marcelino Delgado-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Marcelo” [30] Emilio Rodríguez-Guzmán, a.k.a. “Barba/A” Twenty defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and five of those defendants are facing one count of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort; Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares; and AUSA Joseph Russell are prosecuting the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug trafficking and the firearms charges in Count Seven, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking in Count Eight face a mandatory sentence of thirty years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking charges. All defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $67,191,390 that represent the proceeds generated from their illegal drug trafficking activities. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: St. John The Baptist Parish  Woman Indicted for  Federal Drug Offenses

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JESSICA MARIE PORTWAY, age 41, of St. John the Baptist Parish, was indicted on May 9, 2024, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). According to the indictment, on August 30, 2023, PORTWAY allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). If convicted, PORTWAY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. PORTWAY also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Briana Williams and Andre Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Two USPS employees indicted in separate theft cases

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned separate indictments charging two former employees of the U.S. Postal service with stealing the contents of mail. According to court documents, Alexa Garner-Cavender, 36, of Wichita is charged with four counts of theft of mail by a postal employee. Garner-Cavender is accused of stealing checks from the mail on multiple occasions in 2023 totaling approximately $4,800. In a separate, unrelated case, Dylan Ellis, 30, of Andale is charged with one count of delay or destruction of mail by postal employee. Between January and February of 2024, Ellis is accused stealing U.S. currency (cash) from the mail. The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General is investigating the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting the cases. OTHER INDICTMENTS Carletos Amaro, 26, of Wichita was indicted on one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kari Burks is prosecuting the case. Jesus Castelo-Roman, 30, of Wichita was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. Matias Pascual, 24, of Salina was indicted on two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Deputy Sheriff And DEA Task Force Officer Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Distribute Narcotics, Defrauding The United States, And Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Darrell Hickox (38, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute narcotics, one count of conspiring to defraud the United States, and one count of tax evasion. Hickox faces a combined maximum penalty of 50 years in federal prison for these offenses, including a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment for the drug distribution conspiracy. He has agreed to forfeit the money, firearms, and ammunition traceable to these offenses. According to the plea agreement, while employed as a Nassau County Deputy Sheriff and designated Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hickox and a co-conspirator engaged in extensive corrupt activity from 2017 to 2023. These acts included the theft of money and illegal drugs that were seized as evidence during criminal investigations; providing illegal drugs (including fentanyl and cocaine) to others to distribute on his behalf; and hiding from the Internal Revenue Service more than $420,000 Hickox had received as a result of his criminal activities. Hickox and his co-conspirator stole more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana from evidence and provided the drugs to others to sell on their behalf. They had covered up the theft by submitting falsified paperwork showing that the marijuana had been destroyed. Similarly, the conspirators stole a kilogram of cocaine from evidence and gave it to a drug dealer to sell for them. When Hickox’s residence was searched pursuant to a federal search warrant on March 10, 2023, agents found approximately 263 grams of a powder containing fentanyl, as well as cocaine. Hickox intended to distribute these substances. Agents also found a rifle that Hickox had illegally modified to function as a machinegun, as well as four additional firearms that had been seized during law enforcement investigations and should have been entered into evidence or been lawfully destroyed. Hickox had drilled out and obliterated the serial number on one of these firearms. Agents also located more than $195,000 in cash proceeds from Hickox’s illicit activities. A search of Hickox’s workspace at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office revealed another 260 pills containing methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection wish to thank the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their cooperation during this investigation.


title: Armed Drug Trafficker from Springfield, Massachusetts Sentenced to 87 Months

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 15, 2024, Jose Luis Maldonado, Jr., aka “Peeto,” 33, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford to a term of 87 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Maldonado previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base. According to court records, Maldonado was arrested on October 12, 2022 during a traffic stop conducted after law enforcement surveillance observed Maldonado and his codefendant, Edgar Correa, aka “Joker,” placing a shotgun and several bags into the trunk of their vehicle. During the traffic stop and ensuing search, law enforcement seized a loaded pistol tucked between the driver’s seat and center console next to where Maldonado had been seated, a pistol tucked between the passenger seat and the center console where Correa had been seated, a pistol under the passenger seat, and a shotgun in the trunk of the vehicle. Inside the trunk of the vehicle, law enforcement located approximately 24 grams of crack cocaine, 7 grams of powder cocaine, and 560 bags of fentanyl. In a post-arrest Mirandized statement, Maldonado admitted selling drugs in Vermont for almost a year, carrying firearms during drug transactions, and trading drugs for a firearm. During the investigation, several witnesses reported that Maldonado and his drug associates engaged in violence while distributing drugs, including pointing a firearm at a woman’s head while demanding payment of a drug debt, and pistol-whipping a man over missing cash. Witnesses also reported that Maldonado and his associates used drugs and drug debts to coerce women to perform sexual acts and bestiality. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated, “This case represents yet another example of the connection between illegal drug trafficking, firearms, and violence. In addition, the defendant’s coercion of women based on their drug addiction or drug debts is especially pernicious. This office and our partners will not rest in our efforts to disrupt and prosecute those who sell illegal drugs, use firearms to conduct their business, and exploit the addictions of others.” U.S. Attorney Kerest also commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Vermont State Police, the Rutland City Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Owyang and Jonathan Ophardt. Maldonado was represented by Michael Straub, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Ten Indicted in Vehicle Pollution Scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: Nine men and a company have been charged with conspiring to install so-called “defeat devices” on diesel trucks, thereby allowing the vehicles to emit far more pollutants than allowed by law, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Phillip Dwain Waddell, Philip Matthew Ormand, Kolby Douglas Huneycutt, Kyle Kris Kizer, Jonathan Joseph Lohrmeyer, Justin Loutoyama Pasamonte, Archie George Sims, and Adam Marsh Stanley, along with auto dealership James Hodge Motors, Inc. (doing business as Jay Hodge Dodge) and its Chief Operating Officer, Curtis Kevin Poore, were indicted on conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act. They made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judges Hal R. Ray, Jr., Rebecca Rutherford, and Renée H. Toliver. “These defendants intentionally flouted laws designed to ensure our children – and our children’s children – have clean air to breathe. By installing devices that bypassed automakers’ built in emissions controls, they spewed pollutants into our neighborhoods. The Justice Department, along with our partners at the Environmental Protection Agency, take violations of the Clean Air Act very seriously," said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. "Pollutants emitted from tampered vehicles can have significant harm to public health,” said Kim Bahney, Special Agent in Charge for the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division. "This scheme occurred over several years and spanned across multiple states, diminishing air quality." According to the indictment, Mr. Waddell allegedly sold aftermarket diesel exhaust components, tuners, and so-called “delete tunes” that allowed vehicles to spew excess pollutants into the air by overriding on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems required by the Clean Air Act . Operating normally, OBDs monitor vehicle emissions to ensure they fall below the limits set by the Clean Air Act. When an OBD detects excess emissions, it sends input to the vehicle’s on-board computer, which may activate an indicator light and place the vehicle in “limp mode,” capping its speed at as low as five miles per hour. With delete tunes installed, diesel exhaust systems can be modified so that OBDs cannot detect emission changes; thus, the vehicle cannot activate indicator lights, record diagnostic trouble codes, or place a vehicle into limp mode. Mr. Waddell allegedly purchased the delete tunes from Mr. Ormand, who allegedly customized each tune for a specific vehicle. From Aug. 2018 to April 2021, Mr. Waddell allegedly paid Mr. Ormand more than $2 million for delete tunes, and allegedly sold the tunes for between $300 and $1,350. Mr. Waddell’s customers included James Hodge Motors and several individuals who operated their own diesel repair and customization businesses. Mr. Huneycutt, Mr. Kizer, Mr. Lohrmeyer, Mr. Pasamonte, Mr. Sims, and Mr. Stanley allegedly purchased tuners and delete tunes from Mr. Waddell and installed them on their customer’s vehicles in a process called “tuning” or “reflashing.” James Hodge Motors, acting with the knowledge and under the supervision of Mr. Poore, also engaged in such behavior, and on at least one occasion, falsified invoices to conceal the nature of such work it performed on a customer’s truck. An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison; the company faces up to $500,000 in fines. The Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division ’s Southwest Area Branch (Region 6) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher is prosecuting the case.


title: Jury Finds Maryland Man Guilty of Aggravated Assault  While Armed

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Mercedes Edmonds, aka Marcedes Edmunds, 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, has been found guilty by a jury of aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and additional firearms charges arising from a 2019 shooting in the 4000 block of Hayes Street NE, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The verdict was returned on May 14, 2024, following a three-day jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Edmonds was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a shotgun, and related firearms offenses. Following the verdict, the Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld ordered that Edmonds be detained pending sentencing, which she scheduled for July 16, 2024. At sentencing, Edmonds faces a mandatory minimum term of five years of incarceration. According to the government’s trial evidence, on May 1, 2019, Edmonds was standing with a group in the 4000 block of Hayes Street NE, and the victim was dropping items off at a nearby apartment. Apparently perceiving disrespect by the victim toward a member of the group, Edmonds retrieved a shotgun from his car and ordered the victim to leave the area. As he tried to leave, the defendant shot the victim twice, striking him in the leg. The victim suffered substantial blood loss and had to undergo emergency surgery to save his leg. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. Invaluable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Bartz and Lauren Winer of the Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Seven Defendants Sentenced for Federal Conspiracy Against Rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Convictions Related to 2020 D.C. Clinic Invasion and Blockade

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Seven defendants were sentenced yesterday and today following their convictions for federal conspiracy against rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offenses following three separate trials in connection with the use of force and physical obstruction to blockade a Washington, D.C., area reproductive health clinic on Oct. 22, 2020. Yesterday, Lauren Handy was sentenced to 57 months in prison, John Hinshaw was sentenced to 21 months in prison, and William Goodman was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Today, Jonathan Darnel was sentenced to 34 months in prison, Herb Geraghty was sentenced to 27 months in prison, Jean Marshall was sentenced to 24 months in prison, and Joan Bell was sentenced to 27 months in prison. “Violence has no place in our national discourse on reproductive health. Using force, threatening to use force or physically obstructing access to reproductive health care is unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we mark the 30th anniversary of the FACE Act, it’s important that we not lose sight of the history of violence against reproductive health care providers including the murder of Dr. David Gunn in Florida — tragic and horrific events that led to passage of the law. The Justice Department will continue to protect both patients seeking reproductive health services and providers of those services. We will hold accountable those who seek to interfere with access to reproductive health services in our country.” “These defendants conspired to use force to prevent fellow citizens from exercising rights protected by law,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. “People cannot resort to using force and intimidation to prevent others from engaging in lawful activity simply because they disagree with the law. The department was founded to protect the civil rights of our citizens and remains steadfast in this mission.” “The seven defendants executed an extensive blockade of a reproductive care clinic, including faking a patient appointment to enter the facility,” said Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “FACE Act violations are distressing to anyone attempting to safely access reproductive healthcare, and, in this case, unfortunately resulted in the physical injury of a nurse. The FBI continues our work to ensure everyone has unimpeded access to reproductive health care facilities.” “As evidenced by today's sentencings, the FBI and our judicial system will not tolerate the obstruction of civil rights,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “The FBI will continue to investigate FACE Act violations in all jurisdictions, so patients and providers can exercise their right to receive or provide lawful reproductive health care without the threat of violence or intimidation.” These defendants, and two others, were convicted following three separate trials in 2023. Paulette Harlow and Heather Idoni are scheduled to be sentenced later this month. Idoni is scheduled to be sentenced in a separate matter on July 30, following conspiracy and FACE Act convictions in an unrelated clinic blockade from Tennessee. A tenth defendant, Jay Smith, was sentenced to prison following his guilty plea to a felony FACE Act offense on March 1, 2023. Evidence presented at trial established that the defendants used force and physical obstruction to execute a clinic blockade that was organized by the group’s leaders, Handy and Darnel. The defendants planned and organized the clinic invasion using social media, text messages and telephone calls, and several co-conspirators, including defendants Hinshaw, Goodman, Geraghty, Marshall, Bell, Harlow, Idoni and Smith traveled from northeast and midwestern states to participate in the blockade. Prior to the clinic incursion, the defendants met with other co-conspirators to plan their crime, which included making a fake patient appointment to ensure the group’s entry into the clinic, using chains and locks to barricade the facility and passively resisting their anticipated arrests to prolong the blockade. The clinic invasion was advertised on social media as a “historic” event that was live-streamed on Facebook. The defendants’ forced entry into the clinic at the outset of the invasion resulted in injury to a clinic nurse. During the blockade, one patient had to climb through a receptionist window to access the clinic, while another laid in the hallway outside of the clinic in physical distress, unable to gain access to the clinic. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. Prosecutors from the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.


title: Former Penn Hills Resident Sentenced to Three Decades in Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Extortion of Several Minors

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $27,826.57 on his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Kuang Myat Kyaw, age 24. According to information presented to the Court, Kyaw, during various periods between August 9, 2020, and September 2021, used the Internet to entice and coerce five female minor victims ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old to produce photographs and videos depicting their sexual exploitation and engaging in sadistic and masochistic sexual acts. Kyaw initially tricked the minors into providing him with photographs showing themselves naked, and then used the threat of disseminating those images to their family and friends to extort the minors to engage in what he referred to as a “seven-day challenge,” during which he would demand that the victims produce increasingly depraved sexual imagery. “This case is another unfortunate example of the disturbing increase in the online exploitation of children and teens in recent years,” U.S. Attorney Olshan said. “Our office is dedicated to continuing the important work with our law enforcement partners of protecting children and stemming the tide of devastating sextortion schemes like the one Kyaw perpetrated against multiple victims from behind his keyboard. We commend the strong federal, state, and local law enforcement coordination that helped identify and prosecute the perpetrator in this case.” “Preying on children, tricking them into producing child sexual abuse material, and extorting them into ever-escalating behavior ranks among the most sadistic crimes the FBI investigates,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “We will never stop working to serve justice for the victims of predators like this individual. Today’s sentencing reflects the unyielding resolve of the FBI and our partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.” In imposing the sentence, Judge Colville stated that a 30-year term of imprisonment reflected a balance between the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility, age, and mental health issues and the egregious and reprehensible nature of his crimes and the resulting consequences to the minor victims. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Department; Wright County, Minnesota, Sheriff’s Office, and other local police departments for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kyaw. 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: Martinsburg Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession, Manufacturing, and Trafficking of Ghost Guns Sold as Part of “Hit Kits”

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions of possession, manufacturing, and trafficking of firearms, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Harry Miller, 48. His sentencing follows earlier guilty pleas from Miller and two co-defendants, Craig Zahradnik and Wayne Farabaugh, in the case. According to information presented to the Court, Miller admitted that, between May 2022 and April 2023, he and his co-defendants were part of a conspiracy to engage in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. Specifically, Miller and Zahradnik were partners in an illicit business operation engaged in the manufacturing and trafficking of privately made firearms—so-called ghost guns—with Miller purchasing the components and maintaining many of the weapons at a storage unit that Zahradnik, a retired police detective, controlled. Beginning in July of 2022, Zahradnik provided $5,000 payments to Miller that Miller then deposited into his bank account, totaling $30,000. Miller used these funds to purchase the firearm components from outside of Pennsylvania and repaid Zahradnik with the proceeds from the gun sales, including from the sale of what Miller marketed as “hit kits,” consisting of a 9-millimeter Polymer80 handgun with no serial number, a threaded barrel to attach a silencer, a silencer, subsonic ammunition, and latex gloves. Miller was permitted and assisted by Farabaugh in using machinery at Farabaugh’s place of employment to drill the components for ghost guns. Miller also used this equipment to manufacture untraceable weapons and weapon components that were required to be registered with the government under the National Firearms Act, including silencers, machineguns, and short-barrel rifles. Zahradnik transported the “hit kits” and other firearms to and from Miller for scheduled buys. On other occasions, Miller and Zahradnik transported firearms together. In March 2023, Zahradnik transferred a firearm and ammunition to Miller, knowing that Miller intended to sell, dispose of, or transfer the firearm and ammunition in furtherance of a felony, and unlawfully transferred firearms that were not registered to him. Zahradnik and Farabaugh both admitted that they knew Miller was a convicted felon and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. During his plea hearing, Miller further pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun, illegal trafficking in firearms, and unlawfully engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms. “Harry Miller, a convicted felon who could not lawfully possess a firearm, made tens of thousands of dollars manufacturing and selling ‘hit kits’ containing untraceable ghost guns, silencers, ammunition, and latex gloves,” U.S. Attorney Olshan said. “Today’s 10-year sentence reflects the egregiousness of Miller’s illicit business, which saw untraceable firearms distributed throughout our western Pennsylvania community. This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to root out the unlawful trafficking of firearms and hold those who endanger the public accountable under federal law.” “Firearms trafficking is a primary focus of ATF,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Miller’s criminal activities fueled the violence in our communities, and the firearms he trafficked will remain a threat for years. ATF is committed to identifying, disrupting, and prosecuting those who illegally manufacture, possess, and traffic in firearms with our unique resources and expertise to protect our neighborhoods.” Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation that led to the prosecutions. This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Former Chester Housing Authority Director of Public Housing, His Chief Assistant, and Contractor Sentenced for Bribery and Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Norman D. Wise, 58, of Mullica Hill, NJ, Douglas E. Daniel, 65, of Philadelphia, PA, and Leonard F. Coleman, 54, of Paulsboro, NJ, were sentenced this week by United States District Court Judge Wendy Beetlestone on bribery and fraud charges related to two schemes: (1) a bribery scheme in which Coleman paid off Wise and Daniel in exchange for contracting work awarded to Coleman at the Chester Housing Authority (“CHA”); and (2) a fraud scheme in which Wise and Daniel created a contracting company that they used to fraudulently bill the CHA and obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds. During the time they engaged in these offenses, Wise was the Director of Public Housing for the Chester Housing Authority and Daniel was the Housing Program Manager and Wise’s chief assistant. The defendants were charged by information in connection with the schemes on August 29, 2023. Wise pleaded guilty in September 2023 to theft from an organization receiving federal funds and wire fraud, and was sentenced on Monday to 37 months’ imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and $544,967 in restitution. Daniel pleaded guilty in September 2023 to bribery concerning federal programs, theft from an organization receiving federal funds and aiding and abetting, and wire fraud, and was sentenced on Tuesday to 13 months and one day of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and $544,967 in restitution. Coleman pleaded guilty in October 2023 to bribery concerning federal programs and was sentenced Tuesday to one week in prison, three years of supervised release, and $68,502 in restitution. “These defendants lined their pockets at the expense of an agency tasked with the critically important mission of providing affordable housing — an agency dealing with already-limited resources,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “They not only compromised CHA’s efficacy and reputation out of sheer greed, they betrayed the public’s trust. My office and our partners will continue to bring such corruption to light and those responsible to justice.” “These sentencings send the message that corruption will not be tolerated in our cities,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI and our partners will continue to vigorously pursue those who seek to exploit the systems meant to aid our community and our citizens, and bring them to justice.” “The fraud committed by the defendants as part of these schemes diverted federal funds that were intended to provide safe housing for low-income families,” said Special Agent in Charge Vicky Vazquez with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “HUD OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable bad actors who willfully abuse federal assets.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.


title: Albuquerque Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of minors, including the production of child pornography. Authorities allege that Kevin Vallo , 39, lured three minor girls to his apartment through the messaging app "Telegram." Vallo appeared before a federal judge on May 14, 2024, and was detained pending trial. According to the criminal complaint, on March 20, 2024, detectives from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office learned of a 15-year-old girl, Jane Doe 1, who had disclosed that she and her friends, Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3, both 13-years-old, had sexual intercourse with an approximately 30-year-old man who they had met through the app “Telegram” at his apartment in Northeast Albuquerque. Jane Doe 2 told detectives that the man initially claimed to be 16 years old and blocked her when she revealed her age as 13. However, a week later, he messaged her again with a different profile picture, persistently asking her to come to his house until she agreed, under the impression that it was just to "hang out," and brought Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 3 with her. The man paid Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 for the acts they performed. After the victims left the apartment, the man sent Jane Doe 2 two videos through Telegram which contained child sexual abuse material. Detectives identified Vallo 's apartment based on the victims' descriptions, and the apartment complex management confirmed him as the resident. All three victims identified Vallo from a photo array using his driver's license photo. Vallo was detained at his workplace and claimed during an interview that he believed Jane Doe 2 was 18 years old. Vallo stated he did not have sex with Jane Doe 3 because he thought she looked underage. Detectives located four videos on Vallo ’s phone which contained child sexual abuse material of Jane Doe 2. If convicted of the current charges, Vallo faces between 15 and 30 years in prison. 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 Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. If you have reason to believe you or your child may be a victim of Vallo , or if you have information about this ongoing investigation, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit their tips online at tips.fbi.gov. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Former Mississippi Officer Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force

component: Civil Division

body_text: A former Mississippi Bureau of Investigations Officer assigned to the U.S. Marshals’ Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force pleaded guilty today to using excessive force against a handcuffed arrestee. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, on Sept. 16, 2021, John Winstead was working as a federal task force officer when he willfully deprived arrestee K.K.H. of the Fourth Amendment right to be free from objectively unreasonable force. K.K.H. was arrested during the Task Force operation and was already handcuffed and in the process of being escorted safely by another officer when Winstead struck K.K.H. forcefully in the face, knocking him to the ground. “Law enforcement officials in our country are entrusted with the responsibility to protect and serve communities, not to exploit and abuse them,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant violently abused his power by using excessive force against an arrestee in his custody who was handcuffed and posed no threat. The Justice Department is committed to holding accountable officers who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people in their custody.” “Civil rights prosecutions are a priority for the Justice Department, and we work each day towards protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe for the Middle District of Louisiana. “I commend the local and federal partners who worked with our district in ensuring a fair and equitable resolution. May this serve as an example of how collaboration with the Justice Department provides justice in prosecuting the violators of our civil liberties.” “The defendant assaulted a handcuffed arrestee who posed no threat to him or to the other escorting officer,” said Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will not tolerate violation of anyone’s civil rights, regardless of incarceration status.” “We trust law enforcement officers to carry out their duties honorably and with integrity,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric R. Fehlman of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Southeast Region. “Winstead did just the opposite by using excessive force on a handcuffed arrestee. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) is committed to bringing to justice federal law enforcement agents who abuse their authority.” A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Winstead faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. DOJ-OIG and the FBI Jackson Field Office are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellison Travis for the Middle District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.


component: Civil Rights - Criminal Section


title: Four More Defendants Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Offenses

body_text: WASHINGTON – A U.S. District Court judge today sentenced four more of 10 the defendants who conspired to create a blockade at a Washington, D.C. reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly today sentenced Herb Geraghty, 27, of Pittsburgh to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Joan Bell, 76, of Montague, NY, received 27 months incarceration and three years of supervised release. Jonathan Darnel, 42, of Arlington, Va., was sentenced to 34 months and three years of supervised release. Jean Marshall, 74, of Kingston, Mass., was sentenced to 24 months and three months of supervised release. All four were convicted by a jury of civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations. Three defendants were sentenced yesterday, May 14. Lauren Handy, 30, of Alexandria, Virginia was sentenced to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. John Hinshaw, 69, of Levittown, New York, received 21 months incarceration and three years of supervised release. William Goodman, 54, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 27 months and three years of supervised release. All three were of civil rights conspiracy and FACE Act violations. Two additional defendants–Paulette Harlow, 75, Kingston, Mass., and Heather Idoni, of Linden, Mich., 59 – will be sentenced in the coming weeks. Another of the defendants, the only one to plead guilty, Jay Smith, 34, of Freeport, New York, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release in March 2023. As the evidence at trial showed, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. As part of the conspiracy, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman, traveled to Washington, D.C. from various northeast and midwestern states, to meet with Handy and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by Handy and was broadcast on Facebook. According to the evidence, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman – along with their co-conspirators – forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes. Once the blockade was established, their activities were live-streamed. The evidence also showed that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient, because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services. DEFENDANTS NAME AGE GUILTY OF SENTENCE Lauren Handy Alexandria, VA 30 Found Guilty on August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 57 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release John Hinshaw Levittown, NY 69 Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 21 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release William Goodman Bronx, NY 54 Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release Jay Smith Freeport, NY 34 Pleaded Guilty March 1, 2023, to Violating the FACE Act Sentenced Aug. 17, 2023, to 10 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release Jonathan Darnel Arlington, Va. 42 Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentenced May 15, 2024, to 34 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release Jean Marshall Kingston, Mass. 74 Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentenced May 15, 2024, to 24 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release Joan Bell Montague, NJ 76 Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentenced May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release Herb Geraghty Pittsburgh, Pa 27 Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentenced May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release Paula ‘Paulette’ Harlow Kingston, MA 75 Found Guilty Nov. 16, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentencing Scheduled for May 31, 2024 Heather Idoni Linden, Mich. 59 Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act Sentencing Scheduled for May 21, 2024 This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. It was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, and Southern District of New York; and FBI Field Offices in Newark, New York City, Boston, and Detroit provided valuable assistance.


title: Grand Jury indicts Michigan man who traveled to Washington State to sexually abuse 14-year-old

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A federal grand jury in Seattle indicted a 30-year-old South Haven, Michigan, man for traveling with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Keith Daniel Freerksen was arrested in South Haven Township on January 31, 2024, following an investigation that stretched from western Washington to Michigan. According to records filed in the case, the 14-year-old went missing on January 5, 2024. A local police detective requested help from the FBI. An agent who specializes in Violent Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking investigations occurring in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties quickly assisted. By analyzing information on Uber rides that had been purchased for the victim by an unknown person, law enforcement was able to identify Freerksen, a registered sex offender in Michigan, as a potential suspect. Using information on Freerksen’s registered vehicle, they were able to trace his movement across the northern tier of states using license plate readers. The readers also captured Freerksen’s return trip through Idaho and Illinois in the days after the teen went missing. When the police in South Haven Township served a search warrant at the request of the FBI, they recovered the victim and arrested Freerksen. He was ultimately transported to Western Washington and is being detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac. Traveling with intent to engage in a sexual act is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charges contained in the indictment 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 Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, local police, and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.


title: Former Law Enforcement Officer Found Guilty of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned a verdict on May 14, 2024, following the trial of 49-year-old Koby Don Williams. Williams was found guilty of one count of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor. Evidence introduced at trial established that on July 23, 2022, Williams replied to a Craigslist ad as part of an undercover law enforcement operation meant to identify individuals interested in and willing to meet with minors for sex. Over the next three days, Williams chatted over text with 13-year-old “Rebecca,”, who Williams believed to be a minor. During the text conversation, Williams discussed “Rebecca’s” age; her rates she charged for sex acts, Williams’s employment as a “cop;” and arrangements to meet “Rebecca” at a hotel for sex. On July 26, 2022, Williams arrived at the Quality Inn in Othello, Washington, to meet “Rebecca.” Instead, Williams was contacted by law enforcement and arrested. Following a search of Williams and his vehicle, officers located Williams’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge, two bottles of prescription medication that included directions to take prior to sexual activity, and $4,075 in U.S. currency in a credit union envelope. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over the trial, which began on May 13, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for August 14, 2024. “No one is above the law, and, as this case demonstrates, the U.S Attorney’s Office is fully committed to vigorously prosecuting those who target the most vulnerable members of our community,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “Mr. Williams’s conduct stands in stark contrast to the trust we place in federal law enforcement to keep Eastern Washington communities safe and strong. Our Assistant United States Attorneys, including AUSA Ann Wick, who tried this case, remain committed to upholding the integrity of our mission to protect and serve.” 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 United States Attorney’s 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 This case was investigated by the FBI, DHS/OIG, and the Othello Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick.


title: Bakersfield Man Sentenced for Stealing over $160,000 in COVID-19 Relief Money

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Jaswinder Bhangoo, 51, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for stealing $163,750 in COVID-19 relief money, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between May 2020 and November 2021, Bhangoo applied for over $250,000 in COVID-19 relief loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. In the applications, Bhangoo falsely represented that he owned multiple businesses with several employees and substantial revenues. He also represented that he had not been convicted of a felony in the previous five years when, in fact, he had been convicted of insurance fraud. Based on Bhangoo’s false representations, some of his loan applications were approved, and he received approximately $163,750 in federal funds to which he was not entitled. Bhangoo was ordered to pay $163,750 in restitution as part of his sentence. This case was the product of an investigation by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany M. Gunter and Joseph Barton prosecuted the case. This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.


title: Chairman Of Multinational Investment Company And Company Consultant Convicted Of Bribery Scheme At Retrial

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte convicted the founder and chairman of a multinational investment company and a company consultant today after a retrial for orchestrating a bribery scheme involving independent expenditure accounts and improper campaign contributions, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from April 2017 to August 2018, Greg E. Lindberg, 53, of Durham, North Carolina, the founder and chairman of Eli Global LLC and the owner of Global Bankers Insurance Group (GBIG), and Lindberg’s consultant, John D. Gray, 73, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, engaged in a bribery scheme involving independent expenditure committees and improper campaign contributions for the purpose of causing the Commissioner of Insurance (Commissioner) of the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) to take official action favorable to Lindberg’s company, GBIG. Lindberg and Gray gave, offered, and promised the Commissioner millions of dollars in campaign contributions and other things of value in exchange for the removal of NCDOI’s Senior Deputy Commissioner, who was responsible for overseeing the regulation and the periodic examination of GBIG. Lindberg, Gray, and the Commissioner held numerous in-person meetings at different locations and had telephonic and other communications with each other, their codefendant, Robert Cannon Hayes, 78, of Concord, North Carolina, and others to discuss Lindberg’s request for the personnel change in exchange for millions of dollars, and to devise a plan on how to funnel campaign contributions to the Commissioner anonymously. To conceal the bribery scheme, at the direction of Lindberg, two corporate entities were set up to form independent expenditure committees with the purpose of supporting the Commissioner’s re-election campaign, and Lindberg funded the entities with $1.5 million as promised to the Commissioner. In addition, at Lindberg’s and Gray’s direction, Hayes caused the transfer of $250,000 from monies Lindberg had previously contributed to a North Carolina state party, of which Hayes was chairman, to the Commissioner’s re-election campaign. “The defendants planned and executed an intricate scheme involving substantial campaign contributions to an elected official in exchange for favorable treatment. This was not a lapse in judgment. It was a calculated bribery attempt and a blatant violation of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Public corruption erodes our trust in the people we elect to protect the greater good and lessens our faith in the fundamental principles upon which our society is built. My office will continue to root out public corruption schemes and hold accountable individuals who engage in this unethical and illegal conduct.” “Greg Lindberg and John Gray knowingly ignored the difference between legal political donations and felonious bribery,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. “They thought they could buy changes to North Carolina Department of Insurance personnel to benefit Lindberg’s businesses. The FBI will work tirelessly to root out any and all forms of public corruption.” The jury convicted Lindberg and Gray of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. A sentencing date has not been set. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hayes pleaded guilty in October 2019 to making false statements to the FBI. The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lawrence Cameron and Dana Washington for the Western District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney William Gullotta of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.


title: United States Attorney Carla Freedman Recognizes Police Week and Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York Carla Freedman recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. The week will be observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024. “As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.” “Police Week provides time to reflect on the difficult, dangerous, and absolutely vital work that federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers do 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. They serve to make us safe and free despite the inherent risks they face when they report for duty,” said Carla Freedman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. “This year we especially acknowledge their courage and sacrifice as we still grieve the deaths of Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, who died on April 14 th exchanging fire with a gunman in Salina, New York. Their loss reminds us that upholding the law, protecting our communities, and seeking justice are not abstract ideals, but real things that the men and women of law enforcement dedicate themselves to every day and night.” In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/ . To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org .


title: Former Schenectady Nightclub Owners Sentenced for Defrauding COVID-19 Relief Programs

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Deborah Budhraj, age 52, and her husband Adesh Budhraj, age 54, of Ballston Lake, New York, were sentenced today to time served, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiring with each other to defraud loan programs meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn also ordered the defendants to each pay a $5,000 fine, and to pay $558,514 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) (which they paid prior to sentencing). Deborah and Adesh Budhraj had co-owned a combination restaurant, bar and nightclub in Schenectady, New York (called “Establishment A” in court documents). In February 2020, they contractually agreed to sell this business to another couple (“Couple A”), and received most of the purchase money – $265,720 – from Couple A the following month. Although the sale was not finalized until August 2021, Couple A became the managers of Establishment A as of about March 2020, and assumed day-to-day responsibility for its payroll and other ordinary expenses, such as lease and utilities payments. In previously pleading guilty, Deborah and Adesh Budhraj admitted that without Couple A’s knowledge, they applied for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans issued by banks and one Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) issued by the SBA, between April 2020 and June 2021; the loans totaled $558,514 and were meant to support Establishment A and its employees during the pandemic. Deborah and Adesh Budhraj each admitted that they never had any intention of using the loans for Establishment A’s expenses, and to instead using the loaned funds for impermissible purposes, including on real estate transactions and personal expenses. Deborah also fraudulently obtained forgiveness of the two PPP loans by falsely certifying that the loaned funds were spent in accordance with PPP rules. The FBI investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted 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. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Long Island Resident Convicted at Trial of Transporting Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Omar Mera-Marquez, age 46, of Medford, New York, was convicted today following a jury trial of transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement. The trial evidence demonstrated that on October 3, 2023, Mera-Marquez and an accomplice, Jose Calva-Cruz, agreed to drive from Long Island to Fort Covington, New York, near the U.S.-Canadian border, to pick up three men from Mexico who had recently crossed into the United States illegally, in exchange for $1,500. At 3 a.m. on October 4, 2023, Mera-Marquez and Calva-Cruz arrived at the pickup location, which was a motel parking lot just a mile from the border. Mera-Marquez, who was driving a dark SUV with Kansas license plates, stopped in the parking lot just long enough for the three men to run up to the vehicle and jump in. All of this was observed by an agent from U.S. Border Patrol, who was watching the parking lot that evening. Border Patrol agents pulled over the vehicle and everyone was arrested. Calva-Cruz previously pled guilty for his role in the offense and was subsequently deported. The charge for which Mera-Marquez was convicted today carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 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. The defendant will be sentenced on September 17, 2024, by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, who presided over the trial. United States Border Patrol investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Melissa O. Rothbart are prosecuting the case.


title: Convicted Felon from D.C. Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Possession of a Machinegun

body_text: WASHINGTON – Tarell Shoemaker, 21, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Shoemaker, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty on January 10, 2024, in U.S. District Court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon and possession of a machine gun. In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Richard J. Leon ordered Shoemaker to serve three years of supervised release on completion of his prison sentence. According to court documents, on September 8, 2023, agents from the FBI and investigators from the MPD executed a federal search warrant at an apartment on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. The residence consisted of four bedrooms, and nine individuals were found inside, including Shoemaker. In Shoemaker’s bedroom, FBI agents discovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol inside of a Louis Vuitton bag stashed behind the bed; one box of 20-count “Fort Scott Munitions,” 40 S&W TUI ammunition on a shelf inside the bedroom closet; and a 9mm ammunition drum in the bedroom closet. The Glock pistol had an obliterated serial number and was equipped with an extended magazine containing 24 rounds of ammunition with one round in the chamber. The Glock also was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, also known as a “giggle switch” or a “Glock switch,” designed to convert the pistol into a weapon which shoots automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Shoemaker subsequently acknowledged that the recovered firearm was his, and that he owned the Louis Vuitton bag in which it was found. In addition, at the time Shoemaker possessed the firearm, he was aware that he previously was convicted of an offense carrying a term of imprisonment in excess of one year. That conviction was also firearm related. At the time of the arrest for the current offenses, Shoemaker was still on probation for the Maryland conviction. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force and the MPD. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Coley, with valuable assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin, of the Violence Reduction & Trafficking Offenses Section.


title: Middletown man sentenced to 5 years in prison for possessing firearm as part of drug trafficking

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Christopher Lawrence Spicer, 23, of Middletown, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 60 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Spicer led local officers on a high-speed chase in spring 2023 before being arrested. According to court documents, on March 16, 2023, Spicer was approached by law enforcement while driving a stolen Ford F-150 in a Middletown business parking lot. Spicer backed into a police cruiser and fled throughout Middletown at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. While fleeing, Spicer ran a red light at the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Jackson Lane. Spicer collided with another vehicle, rendering his own vehicle disabled. He was arrested at that time. When officers searched Spicer’s truck, they discovered a loaded Romarm/Cugir Micro Draco 7.62x39mm pistol and more than 200 fentanyl pills. Spicer was charged federally in September 2023 and pleaded guilty in January 2024. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Middletown Police Chief David Birk announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Proprietário, Gerente e Segurança do Tolland Strip Club Acusados em Denúncia de 12 Crimes

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, Procuradora dos Estados Unidos para o Distrito de Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, Agente Especial de Investigações Encarregado da Divisão de Investigações da Agência de Segurança Nacional (HSI, na sigla em inglês), New England, Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Agente Especial Encarregado da Divisão de Investigações Criminais do IRS (Receita Federal dos Estados Unidos) em New England, e o Policial Estadual de Connecticut, Coronel Daniel Loughman anunciaram hoje que o grande júri federal de Hartford pronunciou, KENNETH DENNING , 67, de Holland, Massachusetts, JOSHUA BAKER , 41, de Willimantic, Connecticut, e WILLIAM MAYO , 41, de Manchester, Connecticut, acusando-os de 12 crimes denunciados que derivaram da operação do clube de strip Electric Blue, em Tolland, Connecticut. A pronúncia foi proferida ontem, e Denning, Baker e Mayo foram presos hoje. Conforme alegado na denúncia, Denning era o proprietário e supervisionava as operações do clube de strip Electric Blue, as quais incluiam a contratação empregatícia de dançarinas que se apresentavam para danças nuas e danças do colo aos clientes. Baker era gerente e contador do clube, e Mayo trabalhava como segurança, sendo sua responsabilidade principal a de contratar dançarinas, muitas das quais não estavam legalmente autorizadas a morar ou trabalhar nos estados Unidos. A denúncia alega que Electric Blue tinha "sala semiprivada para dança do colo" e "salas VIP" onde as dançarinas regularmente realizavam atos sexuais aos clientes. O pagamento pelos atos sexuais comerciais era feito por meio de uma taxa de entrada que os clientes pagavam para usar a sala de danças do colo ou uma das salas VIP, e depois eles pagavam uma taxa adicional diretamente à dançarina. Além disso, o clube cobrava, na porta e em espécie, taxas de admissão e taxas pagas para a apresentação das dançarinas no clube. Baker ou outro funcionário do clube coletava o dinheiro recebido pelo clube, colocava-o em envelopes, anotava a sua procedência, e depois o guardava em um cofre no escritório de Denning. Os réus referiam-se a esse dinheiro como "o dinheiro do Kenny", e o usavam para pagar as despesas da firma e financiar os gastos pessoais do Denning, inclusive de viagens a casinos, onde Denning gastava grandes quantidades do dinheiro. A denúncia também alega que Denning e Baker forneceram informações falsas à pessoa que fez a as declarações de imposto de renda em 2020, 2021 e 2022, informando valores de renda bruta inferiores aos da renda bruta do clube e excluindo renda derivada de atos sexuais comerciais. Aproximadamente US$5.7 milhões foram deixados incógnitos ao IRS, gerando um pagamento de impostos a menor no valor de mais de US$2 milhões. Um valor aproximado de US$5.7 milhões de recibos comerciais não foram reportados ao IRS, gerando um pagamento a menor em mais de US$2 milhões. A denúncia alega ainda que Denning cometeu fraude ao solicitar e receber Empréstimo por Catástrofe Econômica (EIDL, em inglês) durante o período da pandemia do COVID-19, certificando que o estabelecimento não “fez apresentações de natureza sexual lasciva ao vivo”. Denning recebeu um empréstimo de aproximadamente US$150,000 em julho de 2020. A denúncia acusa Denning, Baker, e Mayo de associação criminosa para usar uma instalação interestadual para promover ou facilitar prostituição, delito que prevê um período máximo de cinco anos de prisão, e a contratação ilegal de estrangeiros, delito que prevê um período máximo de seis meses de prisão. Denning e Baker são acusados de associação criminosa para fazer declaração de imposto de renda falsa, que prevê um período máximo de cinco anos de prisão, e de associação criminosa para cometer lavagem de dinheiro promocional e ocultacional, que prevê um período máximo 20 anos de prisão. Denning é acusado de envolvimento em transação monetária com rendimentos de procedência prostitucional, crime que prevê pena máxima de 10 anos de prisão, comprovado por depósito em dinheiro no valor aproximado de US$21,700 no Casino Mohegan. Ele também é acusado de participar da prática de delito penal em sua falsa declaração de imposto de renda pessoal para o ano de 2020, que prevê sentença máxima de três anos de prisão, e de ter, deliberadamente, deixado de declarar impostos para o ano de 2021, delito que prevê sentença máxima de um ano de prisão. É ainda acusado de fraude no que toca ao seu recebimento de empréstimo EIDL (concedido a vítimas de calamidade pública), que prevê sentença máxima de 20 anos de prisão. A Procuradora dos E.U.A., Avery, salientou que denúncia não é prova de culpa. Acusações são apenas alegações, e cada réu é considerado inocente a menos que, e até que, sua culpa seja provada acima de qualquer dúvida razoável. Este caso está sendo investigado pela Agência de Investigações de Segurança Nacional dos EUA (HSI), pela Receita Federal dos EUA - Divisão de Investigações Criminais, pela Polícia Estadual de Connecticut, pelo Departamento de Proteção ao Consumidor de Connecticut – Divisão de Controle de Bebidas Alcólicas, e pela Polícia Estadual de Massachusetts, com a assistência do Departamento Policial de Willimantic. O processo está sendo executado pelos Promotores de Justiça Assistentes dos EUA, Ross Weingarten e Robert S. Dearington. Se qualquer funcionário(a)/dançarina do Electric Blue for vítima dos atos ilegais descritos nesta denúncia, favor contatar a Defensoria de Vítimas na Procuradoria dos EUA pelo endereço eletrônico usact.vns@usdoj.gov or telefone Nr. 203-696-3039.


title: El propietario del club de striptease de Tolland, el gerente y el portero acusados de 12 cargos

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, Agente Especial a Cargo de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI), Nueva Inglaterra, Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Agente Especial a Cargo de la Investigación Criminal del IRS y el coronel de la policía estatal de Nueva Inglaterra y Connecticut, Daniel Loughman, anunció hoy que un gran jurado federal en Hartford emitió una acusación formal de 12 cargos acusando a KENNETH DENNING, de 67 años, de Holland, Massachusetts, a JOSHUA BAKER, de 41 años, de Willimantic, Connecticut, y a WILLIAM MAYO, de 41 años, de Manchester, Connecticut, de delitos relacionados con la operación del club de striptease Electric Blue en Tolland, Connecticut. La acusación fue emitida ayer y Denning, Baker y Mayo fueron arrestados hoy. Como se alega en la acusación, Denning era el propietario y supervisaba el funcionamiento del club de striptease Electric Blue, que incluía el empleo de bailarinas que realizaban bailes desnudos y bailes eróticos para los clientes. Baker era el gerente y contable del club, y Mayo trabajaba en el club como portero y era el principal responsable de contratar las bailarinas, muchos de las cuales no estaban legalmente autorizadas para vivir ni trabajar en los Estados Unidos. La acusación formal alega que Electric Blue tenía una “sala de bailes eróticos” semiprivada y “salas VIP” donde las bailarinas regularmente realizaban actos sexuales comerciales para los clientes. Como pago por los actos sexuales comerciales, los clientes normalmente pagaban al club una tarifa de entrada por el uso de la sala de baile erótico o una de las salas VIP y luego pagaban una tarifa adicional directamente a la bailarina. Además, el club cobraba efectivo a través de los gastos de cobertura pagados en la puerta y los honorarios pagados por las bailarinas para realizar sus actos en el club. Baker u otro empleado del club cobraban el efectivo recibido por el club, lo colocaban en sobres indicando el origen del efectivo y luego colocaban los sobres en una caja fuerte en la oficina de Denning. Los acusados se referían a ese efectivo como “dinero de Kenny” y utilizaban ese dinero para pagar gastos comerciales y financiar los gastos personales de Denning, incluidos viajes a casinos donde Denning gastaba grandes sumas de dinero. La acusación también alega que Denning y Baker proporcionaron información falsa al preparador de declaraciones de impuestos del club en 2020, 2021 y 2022 al no declarar los ingresos brutos del club y excluir los ingresos derivados de actos sexuales comerciales. Aproximadamente 5.7 millones de dólares en ingresos comerciales no fueron declarados al IRS, lo que produjo un pago de impuestos insuficiente de más de 2 millones de dólares. La acusación formal alega además que Denning cometió fraude al solicitar y recibir un Préstamo por Desastre por Daños Económicos ("EIDL") durante la pandemia del COVID-19 al certificar que la empresa no "presentaba actuaciones de naturaleza sexual lasciva en vivo". Denning recibió un préstamo de aproximadamente $150,000 en julio de 2020. La acusación formal acusa a Denning, a Baker y a Mayo de conspiración para utilizar una instalación interestatal para promover o facilitar la prostitución, un delito que conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de cinco años, y de empleo ilegal de extranjeros, un delito que conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de seis meses. A Denning y a Baker se les acusa de conspiración para presentar declaraciones de impuestos falsas, lo cual conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de cinco años, y de conspiración para cometer lavado de dinero con fines de promoción y encubrimiento, que conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de 20 años. A Denning se le acusa de participar en una transacción monetaria con ganancias derivadas de la prostitución, un delito que conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de 10 años, relacionado con un depósito en efectivo de aproximadamente $21,700 en el casino Mohegan Sun. También se le acusa de complicidad en la presentación de una declaración de impuestos falsa relacionada con su declaración de impuestos personal para el año fiscal 2020, un delito que conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de tres años, y de no presentar intencionalmente su declaración de impuestos personal para el año fiscal 2021, delito que conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de un año. También se le acusa de fraude electrónico en relación con la recepción del préstamo EIDL, que conlleva una pena máxima de prisión de 20 años. El fiscal federal Avery destacó que una acusación no es prueba de culpabilidad. Los cargos son sólo acusaciones, y se presume que cada acusado es inocente a menos y hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad más allá de toda duda razonable. Este caso está siendo investigado por Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI), el Servicio de Impuestos Internos – División de Investigación Criminal, la Policía Estatal de Connecticut, el Departamento de Protección al Consumidor de Connecticut - División de Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas y la Policía Estatal de Massachusetts, con la ayuda del Departamento de Policía de Willimantic y el Departamento de Policía de Manchester. El caso está siendo procesado por los fiscales federales auxiliares Ross Weingarten y Robert S. Dearington. Si algún empleado/bailarina de Electric Blue ha sido víctima de los actos ilegales descritos en la acusación, comuníquese con el Defensor de Víctimas de la Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos en usact.vns@usdoj.gov o al 203-696-3039.


title: Gainesville Man Charged with Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Overdose Death

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: GAINESVILLE, Ga.- Bobby Joe Holloman has been arraigned on federal charges for distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. “Holloman’s alleged fentanyl distribution led to two overdoses, resulting in the death of one victim,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug that too often leads to overdosing or death when used in even miniscule amounts. We are committed to prosecuting those who callously peddle this dangerous drug in our communities.” “Holloman plagued our communities with fentanyl, fueling the deadliest drug epidemic our country has ever seen, and for that he will be held accountable,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This indictment demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work diligently along with our partners to investigate and remove these dangerous drug dealers from our streets.” “The dangers of fentanyl are more evident than ever as we see innocent lives being taken by this drug every day,” said Chris Hosey, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “This case is a warning to those who seek to ruthlessly poison our Georgia communities with deadly drugs such as fentanyl, that we will stand with our law enforcement partners to combat this issue and save lives. We will continue to investigate drug related cases and work to hold drug distributors and traffickers accountable for their actions.” “I am grateful for the hard work of our local, state, and federal partners who have worked tirelessly to help remove dangerous drugs like fentanyl from our community,” said Jay Parrish, Chief of Police, Gainesville Police Department. “This case exemplifies how these partnerships work to make our city safer.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Bobby Joe Holloman allegedly sold fentanyl, which resulted in two victims suffering an overdose. One victim survived after paramedics used Narcan to revive him; however, the other victim died. About a month later, Holloman was on the scene during the investigation of another overdose death when a gun was found that belonged to him. At that time, Holloman had been previously convicted in February 2021, of the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and a felon in possession of a firearm. Bobby Joe Holloman, 50, of Gainesville, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Clay Fuller on May 13, 2024. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 7, 2024. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .