title: Two Members of Violent Gang Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering and Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Two members of the violent Boston-area gang, Cameron Street, were sentenced to prison yesterday for their roles as drug traffickers operating on behalf of the criminal enterprise. During the investigation, 21 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were allegedly seized from 11 of the defendants. James Rodrigues, a/k/a “Bummy,” 34, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 42 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. On Jan. 16, 2025 , Rodrigues pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy) and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine). Judge Young also sentenced Devante Lopes, a/k/a “D-Lopes,” 31, of Boston and Quincy, to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2024 , Lopes pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute marijuana; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Over the course of a two-year investigation, Rodrigues and Lopes were identified as Cameron Street members who were primarily involved in drug trafficking. Specifically, Rodrigues worked with other Cameron Street members to distribute hundreds of grams of cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine) from a stash house in Somerville. During the investigation, law enforcement made a series of controlled purchases from Rodrigues and other Cameron Street members. This included two separate occasions in which Rodrigues sold 48 grams of crack cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, respectively, to a cooperating witness. During a search of the Somerville stash house in April 2022, 398 grams of cocaine along with packaging materials, two hydraulic presses, a digital scale, a cell phone and $14,986 in U.S. currency were seized. Lopes was a significant drug trafficker who, from 2019 through 2020, regularly used the mail to import large quantities of marijuana from California to Boston and neighboring cities. In exchange, Lopes shipped packages containing between $40,000 to $50,000 in cash. One of the packages intended for Lopes was intercepted by law enforcement and found to contain 2.6 kilograms (2,637 grams) of marijuana. Over the course of the investigation, a total of 24 packages of similar size were tracked as having been shipped from various address in California to Lopes. As a result, it is estimated that Lopes received 56.6 kilograms of marijuana. During a search of Lopes’ residence in April 2022, 800 grams of cocaine was seized from inside a bench by his bed along with digital scales, plastic bags commonly used for street-level sales, a bag of pink pills, a money counter, an empty Glock firearm box and a round of ammunition next to Lopes’ bed. During the search of Lopes’ apartment, remote cameras were discovered inside each room as well as two hidden compartments. One of the hidden compartments was concealed inside a shelf and contained approximately $5,000 in cash, a box of ammunition and foam cut-outs for a firearm. The second hidden compartment was found inside a mirror and contained a foam insert: A subsequent examination of Lopes’ cellphone revealed messages, images and videos connecting Lopes to members of Cameron Street, unlawful firearm possession and drug trafficking proceeds: According to court documents, the Cameron Street gang is a violent criminal enterprise whose members and associates are involved in a variety of criminal activities – including murders, attempted murders, armed robberies, carjackings, home invasions, human trafficking, as well as drug and firearms trafficking, among other offenses – in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and surrounding areas. It is alleged that Cameron Street members use violence against rival gangs and witnesses, typically with the use of firearms, to maintain and enhance their status and the overall reputation of the gang, as well as to protect the gang’s power, reputation and territory. Members engage in drug trafficking activity and distributed kilograms of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine), oxycodone and marijuana throughout Massachusetts. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the cases. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Hazard Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Hazard, Ky., man, Clifton Plowman, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 181 months, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, following a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Plowman, law enforcement recovered multiple bags from the vehicle, containing 22 grams of methamphetamine and two sets of digital scales. On his person, they found $2,065 in cash and 50 grams of methamphetamine. Under federal law, Plowman must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Hazard, Ky., man, Herbert Allen, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 126 months, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, on May 30, 2023, Allen knowingly possessed with the intent to distribute a kilogram of methamphetamine. Specifically, based on an investigation, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Allen’s residence. Upon their arrival, Allen was in his vehicle. When approached, Allen admitted to police that a backpack containing a large amount of methamphetamine was in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1,084 grams of methamphetamine, plastic baggies, and a large quantity of cash. Under federal law, Allen must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon Allen’s release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Former Middle School Teacher and Basketball Coach Sentenced for Online Enticement of a Minor

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – An Antioch, Tennessee, man, and former South Laurel Middle School teacher and basketball coach, William Goodson, 32, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 246 months, for online enticement of a minor. According to his plea agreement, from August 2023 through February 23, 2024, while he was a teacher at the Middle School, Goodson persuaded a minor to engage in sexual activity. Specifically, Goodson communicated many sexually explicit messages with the victim, through text messages and Snapchat. When questioned, Goodson told police that his relationship with the minor was like that of a boyfriend, and he further admitted to buying the victim gifts and communicating daily, via Snapchat. Ultimately, Goodson convinced the minor victim to engage in sexual contact, on multiple occasions, within his classroom. Under federal law, Goodson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon Goodson’s release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Jerry Hollon, London Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and London Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . — END —


title: Edmonton, Kentucky Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Handgun

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – An Edmonton, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement. According to court documents, Aaron Dale McKinney, 48, was sentenced to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On February 23, 2023, McKinney possessed a Springfield Armory (HS Produkt), model XD-45, 45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and ammunition. He was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On May 25, 2021, in Metcalfe Circuit Court, McKinney was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, first degree, third or more offense (methamphetamine). On September 26, 2017, in Metcalfe Circuit Court, McKinney was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Guatemalan National Charged With Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Pedro Alberto Martin-Xon (24, Guatemala) with illegal reentry by a deported alien. If convicted, Martin-Xon faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. Martin-Xon will be arraigned on February 6, 2025. According to the indictment, Martin-Xon was previously deported from the United States on January 3, 2019. Following his previous removal, he did not receive the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. On January 26, 2025, Martin-Xon was found to be voluntarily in the United States in St. Johns County. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Over $39 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman announced today that the Northern District of New York’s Asset Recovery Unit collected $39,262,324 in civil, criminal and forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $14,085,025 was collected in criminal actions, $15,874,944 was collected in civil actions, and $9,302,354 was collected in asset forfeiture actions . The Northern District of New York also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $18,995,733 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $39,092 was collected in criminal actions and $18,956,641 was collected in civil actions. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Additionally, forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund can be used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. In Fiscal Year 2024, $8,330,553 of the funds forfeited in prior years through criminal and civil judicial forfeiture actions in the Northern District of New York were applied to victim compensation. United States Attorney Carla Freedman stated: “These are great results – every recovery of funds strikes a blow for justice. I created the Asset Recovery Unit shortly after I took office in 2021, and I am incredibly proud of its efforts to make sure that crime does not pay, that crime victims are compensated as much as possible, and that companies pay appropriately steep penalties when they defraud the government.” In May, $11.3 million was recovered as part of a civil settlement in United States ex rel. Elevation 33, LLC v. Guidehouse, Inc. and Nan McKay and Associates, for violations of the False Claims Act, for failing to meet cybersecurity requirements in a federally funded contract intended to ensure a secure online environment for low-income New Yorkers to apply for federal rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidehouse and its subcontractor, Nan McKay and Associates, admitted as part of a settlement agreement that neither satisfied their obligation to complete the required testing of the web site used to house applicants’ information, and the site was shut down within 12 hours after certain applicants’ personally identifiable information had been compromised. In February, the Northern District of New York restored $4,950,440 in funds forfeited from Richard J. Sherwood and Thomas K. Lagan , who were sentenced to both federal and state prison for stealing approximately $11.8 million from the estates of three sisters who died. These funds were initially forfeited by the government through its criminal prosecutions of Sherwood and Lagan, and were restored in 2024 to the victims of the fraud by the Attorney General and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the United States Department of Justice. The victims include churches, Ukrainian-American civic organizations, a local hospital and a local university scholarship fund. In September, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recovered $1 million from Derek R. Schwartz , who was sentenced this summer to 72 months in prison for conspiring with former ValueWise CEO Michael T. Mann to defraud companies that loaned millions of dollars to ValueWise subsidiaries. These funds will be distributed to two financing companies that were victims of a sophisticated, years-long scheme. The Asset Recovery Unit is an initiative that works to deprive criminals of the proceeds of crimes, recovers property that may be used toward restitution, and enforces collection of criminal and civil debts owed to the United States or to victims of federal crimes. The Asset Recovery Unit is comprised of Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa Fletcher, Elizabeth Conger and Melissa Rothbart, Paralegals Joshua Goodfriend, Marianne Meigs, Carly Clay, Erin Hyatt, Jiselle Cabezas, and Teilor Kaiser Clarey, and Investigative Analyst Jason Babiarz.


title: Guatemalan National Sentenced for Conspiracy and Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A twice-deported Guatemalan national, described in court documents as being “the most consistent member” of an organized group of individuals that repeatedly stole high-end construction equipment, building supplies, and clothing from national retailer’s stores has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, after which he will be deported, having been convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and illegal re-entry into the United States, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. As described in court proceedings, Marvin Estuardo Morales De Paz, 30, of Cranston, was one of as many as a dozen members of a Rhode Island-based conspiracy of individuals who traveled to home improvement and clothing stores in at least five states to commit thefts, then transported the stolen merchandise to Rhode Island to sell. Morales was present for nearly every theft and set prices for, and directed sales of, the stolen items. According to information presented to the court, the ring was involved in at least 35 documented thefts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It is estimated that members of the conspiracy stole more than $280,000 worth of merchandise. Tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen goods was recovered from Morales’s residence when he was arrested on April 11, 2024. Morales was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Senior Judge William E. Smith to 30 months of incarceration to be followed by one year of supervised release. Morales will be turned over to ICE and faces deportation upon completion of his term of incarceration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations agents in Providence, with the assistance of HSI agents in Boston, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the Providence, Coventry, Warwick, Smithfield, and Johnston, RI Police Departments; Boston, Norwood, Bellingham, Marlboro, Seekonk, Avon, Auburn, MA Police Departments; Montville and Fairfield, CT Police Departments; and the Parkesburg, Downingtown, Lebanon, Wyomissing, and Reading, PA, Police Departments; Nashua, NH Police Department; and Marlboro, NJ Police Department. ###


title: Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of Multiple Women

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on January 30, 2025, to 25 years in prison for his conviction of sex trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Eric Jefferson, 41. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2019 to in and around April 2022, Jefferson coerced and forced at least four women to perform commercial sex work for his monetary gain. Jefferson provided the women with drugs for meeting clients and would withhold the drugs if the women—who were addicted to narcotics and could become ill with withdrawal symptoms—refused to meet with clients. Jefferson also used violence and threats of violence to coerce and force the women to engage in commercial sex work. “Eric Jefferson forced these women to earn money on his behalf, controlling the victims both through physical force and exploiting their dependence upon narcotics,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively prosecute human traffickers such as Jefferson in order to protect and rescue the most vulnerable victims in our district.” “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community will always be among the highest priorities for the FBI,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The message this sentencing sends is clear: the FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue criminals who think they can prey on others.” Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan heard from the victims of the charged crimes and stressed the heinousness of Jefferson’s conduct and its devastating impacts upon the victims. Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr Moulton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jefferson. This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation across agencies and service providers, thereby enhancing the office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures 15-Year Sentence for Deadly 2022 DWI Crash that Killed Three People

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Laguna man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a fatal DWI crash on the Laguna Pueblo in 2022 that killed three members of the same family. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on August 7, 2022, Cody Allen Charlie , 38, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, was driving intoxicated at 116 miles per hour while using his cell phone when he crashed into another vehicle on Interstate 40, near mile marker 130. The impact caused the other vehicle to veer off the interstate and onto the shoulder, where it rolled over. All three occupants of that vehicle were killed in the crash. Instead of providing help to his victims, Charlie left his wrecked vehicle and ran from the scene. Upon his release from prison, Charlie will be subject to five years of supervised release. He must also make full monetary restitution to the victims of his crimes. As part of his supervised release, Charlie will be subject to alcohol and substance-abuse monitoring, and he must also complete mental-health and substance-abuse programs. As a convicted felon, Charlie is no longer permitted to own or possess a firearm. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Zachary C. Jones are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Local man arrested for failing to pay employment taxes

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a local company owner for failing to file employment tax returns and failing to pay over taxes his company withheld from employee paychecks, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Criminal Matters Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. Joseth Limon is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 2 p.m. According to the indictment, Limon allegedly owned Platinum Employment Group Inc., a company that supplied laborers to businesses in the Houston area. The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2018, Platinum paid its employees over $3.5 million and withheld over $450,000 from their paychecks. During that period, however, Limon allegedly failed to pay to the IRS the employment taxes that Platinum withheld from its employees’ paychecks and failed to file any employment tax returns on behalf of Platinum. If convicted, Limon faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and up to a $250,000 possible fine. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh and Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Houston Man Indicted for Employment Tax Crimes

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in Houston returned an indictment today charging a Texas man with not paying to the IRS taxes that his company withheld from employees’ paychecks. According to the indictment, Joseth Limon, of Harris County, allegedly owned Platinum Employment Group Inc., a company that supplied laborers to businesses in the Houston area. The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2018, Platinum paid its employees over $3.5 million in wages and withheld over $450,000 in taxes from their paychecks. During that period, however, Limon allegedly did not pay the IRS those withheld taxes and did not file any employment tax returns, as required by law. If convicted, Limon faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Guilty Verdict in Cook County Armed Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Trial

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: VALDOSTA, Ga. – The head of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) based out of Cook County, Georgia, and two co-conspirators were found guilty this week of numerous federal charges following a two-and-a-half-week trial in Valdosta. Calvin James Smith, Sr., aka “Rollo,” 56, of Adel, Georgia, was found guilty of all 23 counts he was charged with in the 44-count indictment: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; 14 counts of distribution of methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Smith is facing a maximum of life in prison. Bobby Leon Kaiser, 54, of Adel, was found guilty of nine of 12 counts he was charged with: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; two counts of distribution of methamphetamine; five counts of distribution of cocaine base; and one count of distribution of cocaine. Kaiser is facing a maximum of life in prison. Vernardo Henley, 44, of Valdosta, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Henley is facing a maximum of life in prison. The trial began on Monday, Jan. 13, and concluded on Wednesday evening, Jan. 29. Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over the cases. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Federal, state and local law enforcement marshaled significant resources to stop the distribution of a large amount of deadly illegal drugs from a small town in South Georgia. Our dedicated trial team worked tirelessly to hold the leader and his co-conspirators accountable for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Armed drug trafficking organizations have no place in our communities, and we will continue working together to make Middle Georgia safer for everyone.” “The success of this large-scale investigation and the arrests of these drug dealers demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction and destroying communities,” said FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Rich Bilson. "Today’s verdict sends a clear message that criminal organizations operating in Georgia, especially those trafficking in dangerous drugs and using firearms to further their operations, will be held accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This conviction is a testament to the tireless work of our law enforcement partners, who have dedicated countless hours to ensuring that those who threaten our communities with violence and illegal substances will face justice.” "Investigations and prosecutions like this one are great examples of the ongoing effort between local agencies and our federal partners to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics into our communities,” said Hahira Police Chief Stryde Jones. “We are thankful to see this effort come to a close successfully.” According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the FBI undertook a significant investigation beginning as early as December 2020 of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Smith and centered in Adel, a small town in South Georgia. During the course of the investigation, agents determined that Smith and Kaiser were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, as well as marijuana, working with several associates. Kaiser and others were operating an open drug market at Kaiser’s gazebo and storage shed in Adel, where Smith was a major seller. Henley was released from federal prison on Jan. 20, 2022, and was heard over wiretap trying to locate Smith and purchase up to four kilograms of methamphetamine and sell the drugs. Beginning in Oct. 2021 and continuing through Nov. 10, 2022, agents developed confidential sources (CS) who provided information regarding drug activity at the gazebo and storage shed and conducted more than 25 controlled evidence purchases of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. As part of a wiretap, agents discovered 13 locations used by the DTO. Search warrants were executed at these locations on Nov. 10, 2022, and methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and 15 handguns and rifles were seized. Agents recovered more than five kilograms of pure methamphetamine, more than ten pounds of marijuana and several hundred grams of crack cocaine and cocaine. Smith was recorded hundreds of times discussing purchases and sales of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and directing others to distribute the drugs. Smith has a lengthy criminal history including aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and controlled substance distribution. Henley has many prior convictions including a 2015 conviction in the Middle District of Georgia for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kaiser has prior felony convictions, including false imprisonment and drug possession. This case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), the Hahira Police Department, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Adel Police Department and the Moultrie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Grove Man Sentenced After Stealing Identity of Deceased Friend

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Terry Ross Killion, 43, for committing Aggravated Identity Theft. Judge Heil ordered Killion to serve 24 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Additionally, Judge Heil ordered Killion to pay $116,763 in restitution. In 2019, Killion obtained the identifiers of his deceased friend, Kelly Davis, and began impersonating him. Killion set up several accounts in Davis’s name and contacted the Social Security Administration, claiming to be Kelly Davis. Killion then fraudulently diverted the payments to himself. Killion will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General – Dallas Kansas City Field Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang prosecuted the case.


title: Multiple Defendants Indicted or Sentenced on Federal Immigration Charges

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Recently, the federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama has indicted several people for illegal reentry after deportation and/or being an alien in possession of a firearm. Others have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal immigration-connected charges. “Keeping our communities safe is our top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “My office is focused on prosecuting individuals who are in our country illegally, especially those who engage in federal crimes. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.” “The charges and sentences announced today highlight the importance of pursuing criminals who violate our nation’s immigration laws and threaten public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta that covers Alabama and Georgia. “HSI and our partners remain steadfast in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting illegal aliens who engage in criminal activity, unlawfully possess firearms or commit violence across our communities.” Those indicted in November, December, and January include: Elbio Byron Cuz-Chub , 22, of Guatemala, who was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm; Edgar Bayardo Madriz-Morales , 64, of Nicaragua, who was charged with illegal reentry after deportation; Jorge Campos-Xochihua , 31, of Mexico, who was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm; and Abraham Lopez-Ramirez , 48, of Mexico, who was charged with illegal reentry after deportation. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Several other defendants recently have been adjudicated on federal immigration-related charges. Those include: Juan Manuel Salas-Sanchez , 43, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 135 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being an alien in possession of a firearm; Marvin Ernesto Clemente , 38, of El Salvador, who was sentenced to 36 months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation; Raul Edgardo Jimenez-Cruz , 38, of Honduras, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and illegal reentry after deportation; Jesus Daniel Bibiano-Ruiz , 28, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to being an alien in possession of a firearm; Alvaro Amezcua-Gonzalez , 48, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to being an alien in possession of a firearm; and Clemente Aguilera-Castaneda , 55, of Mexico, who pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after deportation. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2025. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern District of Alabama will provide regular training to attorneys, federal agents, and state and local law enforcement partners to assist them in investigating and prosecuting immigration offenses in federal court.


title: Three Mexican Nationals Sentenced for $4.7 Million Meth, Heroin Conspiracy

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three Mexican nationals were sentenced in federal court this week for their roles in a $4.7 million conspiracy to distribute more than 335 kilograms of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms of heroin. Jesus Morales-Garcia, also known as “Don Jesus,” 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips on Wednesday, Jan. 29, to 18 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Santiago Raul Mendieta-Sanchez, 43, also was sentenced to seven years in federal prison without parole. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, co-defendant Baltazar Flores-Norzagaray, 53, was sentenced to 16 years and three months in federal prison without parole. On Aug. 28, 2024, Morales-Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of participating in a continuing criminal enterprise, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and one count of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. Mendieta-Sanchez and Flores-Norzagaray also have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy that continued from Feb. 28, 2020, to Sept. 20, 2022. Flores-Norzagaray also pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Morales-Garcia admitted that he was a chief local operative of a drug-trafficking organization that distributed hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs sourced from Mexico into the Kansas City region. Morales-Garcia also admitted that he was found in the United States after having been deported twice in 2016. Flores-Norzagaray also admitted that he was in possession of a Hammerli .22-LRcaliber rifle, a Taurus 9mm handgun, and a Taurus .38-caliber revolver when he was arrested on Oct. 7, 2021. Flores-Norzagaray sold hundreds of grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on at least four separate occasions. The conspiracy involved the distribution of more than 335.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an average street price of $300 per ounce, and more than 22.1 kilograms of heroin, with an average street price of $1,500 per ounce. On June 8, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led an operation that involved 140 officers and agents from 14 state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. On the day of the takedown, officers executed 16 search warrants and seized 84.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, 10.4 kilograms of fentanyl, 7.6 kilograms of cocaine, 10.5 kilograms of marijuana, 687 Xanax pills, 3.1 kilograms of unknown pills, a quantity of bulk cash, five firearms, a 3D printer with manufactured ghost gun parts, and a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab. With these sentencings, 24 defendants have now been sentenced in this case in which 44 defendants were indicted. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Olmsted County, Minn., Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the FBI, the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. KC Metro Strike Force This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.


title: Local man pleads guilty to filing false tax returns

body_text: HOUSTON – A clothing business owner has admitted he made fraudulent and false statements on his federal tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Philip Ogbeide made his initial appearance and immediately pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan. Ogbeide signed false U.S. individual income tax 1040 forms from 2018 through 2022 to receive inflated refunds to which he was not entitled. Ogbeide’s tax returns included false entries claiming fraudulent itemized deductions and credits for which he was not entitled. He also omitted income from his clothing business and from the proceeds of a fraud scheme. Ogbeide admitted that because of the false deductions and unreported income, he owes the U.S. Treasury $166,929 for tax years 2018 through 2022. Sentencing has been set for April 15 before U.S. District Judge George Hanks. At that time, Ogbeide faces up to three years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. The FBI - Bryan Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Thomas Carter are prosecuting the case.


title: Columbus man sentenced to 17 years in prison for 4 armed robberies of postal carriers

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 204 months in prison for four armed robberies of Postal carriers. Thierno S. Bah, 22, of Columbus, used firearms and robbed postal carriers of their U.S. Postal Service keys on four occasions between December 2022 and May 2023. He was arrested in August 2023. “Seventeen years in federal prison is a serious consequence in line with the seriousness of this type of violent crime. We have held numerous individuals accountable in the Southern District of Ohio in recent years for their crimes against United States Postal Service carriers who are simply doing their jobs. As a result of our focused efforts and the vigorous investigations by our federal law enforcement partners, we’ve seen a decrease in new assaults,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. Bah, who is also known as “Wopo” and “Wopoonese,” worked with others to steal service keys, which are then used to steal mail from USPS receptacles (a process known as “fishing”). Individuals then “cook” the mail by washing personal and business checks and other financial instruments to reflect new payees and new payment amounts. Bah and others would then recruit third parties to deposit the newly washed checks in their own accounts and split the profit. The thefts occurred in Central Ohio on: Dec. 29, 2022 Jan. 3, 2023 (two separate robberies on this date) May 11, 2023 Bah pleaded guilty in November 2023 and admitted to using a handgun to rob a postal carrier in German Village on Dec. 29, 2022. Bah pointed the handgun at the victim’s stomach and demanded his vehicle and service keys. On Jan. 3, 2023, Bah pushed a postal carrier into her mail truck while she was sorting mail in the back of the truck on East Columbus Street. He then pushed a gun into the victim’s side before stealing her keys. Later that day, Bah committed another armed postal robbery, this time in Whitehall. Bah approached the victim and pushed the handgun into her stomach before stealing her personal car keys and the USPS service keys. On May 11, 2023, Bah robbed a Postal worker at the Post Office Retail Store on West Broad Street. Bah approached the victim while she was outside on a break. Bah asked the victim for her keys, and when she asked, “What keys?” he pistol-whipped her in the head with his handgun. Bah forcibly accompanied the victim into the post office to retrieve her service keys. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler; and Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Federal Jury Convicts Getaway Driver in Four Robberies of Suburban Chicago Financial Institutions

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted the getaway driver in the robberies of three banks and a credit union in the Chicago suburbs. TARANDLE LEE served as the driver while his friend, CHARLES LAWLER, entered the financial institutions and presented demand notes. Together the pair robbed three banks and a credit union, while Lawler also robbed an additional bank by himself. The robberies were as follows: Sept. 22, 2021: Lawler robbed BMO Harris Bank in Naperville, Ill. Sept. 28, 2021: Lawler and Lee robbed Old Second Bank in Lisle, Ill. Oct. 6, 2021: Lawler and Lee robbed Bank Financial in Westmont, Ill. Jan. 3, 2022: Lawler and Lee robbed BMO Harris Bank in Woodridge, Ill. April 14, 2022: Lawler and Lee robbed DuPage Credit Union in Downers Grove, Ill. After a week-long trial in federal court in Chicago, the jury on Wednesday convicted Lee, 45, of Bolingbrook, Ill., on all four robbery counts against him. Lawler, 54, of Villa Park, Ill., pleaded guilty prior to trial to the first three robberies and stipulated to his role in the final two. Lee faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the four robberies he committed, while Lawler faces up to 20 years for each of the three robberies to which he pleaded guilty. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman has not yet set Lee’s sentencing date. Lawler is set to be sentenced on March 11, 2025. The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Downers Grove, Ill. Police Department, Bellwood, Ill. Police Department, Woodridge, Ill. Police Department, and Villa Park, Ill. Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro G. Ortega and Jonathan L. Shih.


title: LiveCare Inc. Agrees To Pay Up To $4.9 Million To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

body_text: United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today that LiveCare Inc., located in Venice, Florida, has agreed to a settlement of up to $4.9 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act by unlawfully paying a marketing service for referrals of Medicare beneficiaries. LiveCare provides remote patient monitoring (“RPM”) services to patients with Type 2 diabetes. “Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute undermine the integrity of our healthcare system,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida will hold providers participating in the federal health care system accountable for these violations in order to preserve program funds and ensure the provision of appropriate services to patients.” “Kickback schemes waste valuable Medicare funds and undermine the integrity of medical decision-making,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricardo M. Carcas of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency will continue to thoroughly investigate health care fraud, including the emerging area of allegations related to remote patient monitoring.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought by private individuals, on behalf of the United States, under the qui tam (commonly known as “whistleblower”) provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery if the government takes over the case and obtains judgment against or reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Keefe. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Culver City Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Recklessly Crashing Drone into Super Scooper Firefighting Aircraft During Palisades Fire

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Culver City man agreed to plead guilty to recklessly operating a drone that crashed into and damaged a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft fighting the Palisades Fire earlier this month, the Justice Department announced today. Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft. This morning federal prosecutors filed a criminal information charging Akemann with the misdemeanor offense that carries a prison sentence of up to one year in federal prison. In a plea agreement also filed this morning, Akemann agreed to plead guilty to the criminal offense and admitted to his reckless and illegal conduct in flying the drone that posed an imminent safety hazard to the Super Scooper crew. As a result of the drone collision, the firefighting aircraft was taken out of service for a period of time and was not able to continue its firefighting mission. As part of the plea agreement, Akemann agreed to pay full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which supplied the plane, and an aircraft repair company that repaired the plane. Akemann also agreed to complete 150 hours of community service in support of the 2025 Southern California wildfire relief effort. “This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives in an attempt to protect lives and property,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “This damage caused to the Super Scooper is a stark reminder that flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people and compromises the overall ability of police and fire to conduct operations. As this case demonstrates, we will track down drone operators who violate the law and interfere with the critical work of our first responders.” “Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Please respect the law, respect the FAA’s rules and respect our firefighters and the residents they are protecting by keeping your drone at home during wildfires.” Akemann is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. According to the plea agreement, while the wildfire was burning in and around Pacific Palisades on January 9, Akemann drove to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and parked his vehicle on the top floor of the parking structure. He then launched a drone and flew it towards Pacific Palisades to observe damage caused by the Palisades Fire. Akemann flew the drone at least 2,500 meters (more than 1.5 miles) toward the fire and lost sight of the drone. As Akemann was flying the drone, it collided with a Government of Quebec Super Scooper carrying two crewmembers attempting to fight the blaze. The impact caused an approximately 3-inch-by-6-inch hole in the left wing. After landing, maintenance personnel identified the damage and took the aircraft out of service for repairs. At the time of the collision, the Federal Aviation Administration had issued temporary flight restrictions that prohibited drone operations near the Los Angeles County wildfires that erupted earlier this month. As a result of the collision, the Government of Quebec and an aircraft repair company incurred costs of at least $65,169 to repair the plane. The FBI investigated this matter. The Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Kedar S. Bhatia and Ian V. Yanniello of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Sumter County Man Arrested For Obscene Visual Representations Of Child Sexual Abuse

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Corey Wilkerson (30, Lake Panasoffkee) on an indictment charging him with possession of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. If convicted, Wilkerson faces up to 20 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, between October 20, 2023, and July 10, 2024, Wilkerson possessed an obscene visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Specifically, Wilkerson possessed animated images depicting the sexual abuse of infants and young girls. An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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: Jacksonville Man Indicted For Attempting To Entice And Meet An 11-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Noel Daniel Simonca (47, Jacksonville) with attempting to entice a minor child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Simonca faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Simonca was arrested on January 19, 2025. According to court documents, on December 10, 2024, an undercover FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation to identify adult individuals who were seeking to make contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted a short message in a public chatroom of a particular online social messaging app. A short time later, an individual using the app name “mdesase” contacted the UC using a private text messaging feature of the app. User “mdesase” confirmed that he would “love to see [the 11-year-old child],” and indicated that he had a preference for children aged “8-13.” On December 11, 2024, the UC and user “mdesase,” who was subsequently identified as Simonca, discussed meeting to have a “play date” and “trade [daughters].” Between December 12, 2024, and January 19, 2025, there were more online text conversations between the UC and Simonca during which they discussed meeting in person. On December 26, 2024, Simonca texted the UC and described the sexual activity that he intended to engage in with UC’s “child.” Simonca and the UC ultimately agreed to meet at a specific location in Jacksonville Beach so that Simonca could meet the “child” and take photos of “her.” On the afternoon of January 19, 2025, Simonca drove to the agreed meeting location where he was arrested by FBI agents. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Honduran National Sentenced To 46 Months In Federal Prison For Illegally Reentering The United States

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Elmer Edin Chavarria-Morales (32, Honduras) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Chavarria-Morales entered a guilty plea on August 28, 2024. According to court records, Chavarria-Morales, a citizen of Honduras, was convicted of rape in Indiana state court on June 26, 2018, and was deported from the United States on September 21, 2018. Chavarria-Morales reentered the United States and was convicted of illegal reentry after deportation in the Southern District of Texas on February 22, 2021, and was deported from the United States a second time on November 11, 2022. Following his two deportations, Chavarria-Morales was arrested on April 2, 2024, by the Daytona Beach Police Department and was subsequently convicted of assault (domestic violence) on April 16, 2024. After his arrest, law enforcement learned that Chavarria-Morales was illegally present in the United States. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.


title: Armored Truck Robber Sentenced To More Than 11 Years

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jorge Serrano Espinoza (20, Clearwater) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery. Espinoza was convicted at trial on September 11, 2024. According to evidence presented at trial, on the morning of June 9, 2023, Espinoza, James Battle, and Carlos Keanu Smith met for the purposes of robbing an armored truck. They followed the armored truck along its route from Pinellas County to eastern Hillsborough County before reaching a gas station in Ellenton. Florida Department of Transportation toll records showed the vehicle following seconds behind the targeted armored truck that morning. Surveillance video showed the vehicle also following the armored truck to other locations before conducting the robbery at the gas station in Ellenton. As the driver returned to the armored truck, Battle and Smith approached pointing pistols at the victim, forcing him to the ground. Espinoza served as the lookout. The trio stole more than $150,000 from the armored truck. Battle was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Smith was previously sentenced to 9 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. 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: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly $3M for Taxpayers and Victims in 2024

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee collected $2,932,631.57 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of that amount, $2,635,982.75 was collected in criminal actions and $296,648. 82 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the Western District of Tennessee worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $23,145.23 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. “The federal government has a responsibility to collect restitution for victims of crime. Our Criminal and Civil Divisions, including the Financial Litigation Program, work diligently to ensure that this mission is met,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tennessee’s Western District, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $2,688,743 in asset forfeiture actions in fiscal year 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. Several cases generated significant collection efforts in fiscal year 2024, including: U.S. v. Rosemary Covey and Morgan Stanley , 06-cr-20408 and 24-cv-2257. Covey was convicted of Bank Fraud and Access device fraud and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,034,105.49. After years of minimal restitution payments, the USAO learned of a retirement account at Morgan Stanley. The USAO filed a Writ of Garnishment on defendant’s IRA and received $73,843.54 in proceeds that were applied to the restitution. U.S. v. Teresa T. Parsley, 07-cr-20035. Parsley was convicted of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. As a result, she was ordered to pay $3,829,605.29 in restitution. After she made only minimal payments, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recovered $143,845 from the proceeds of the sale of her home, which was applied to her restitution. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty To Illegal Reentry

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Oscar Manuel Inda-Duenas (36, Mexico) has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. Inda-Duenas faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Inda-Duenas was previously removed from the United States in September 2016. Following that, he did not receive the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. On December 4, 2024, Inda-Duenas was arrested in the Middle District of Florida on state charges of aggravated battery and obstruction of justice by hindering witness communication with law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, Inda-Duenas was found to be voluntarily back in the United States. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.


title: Buchanan Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A Buchanan, Virginia, man, who exposed the genitals of a minor female during a party at his residence and took pictures of the victim on his cellphone, pled guilty last week to related federal charges. Christopher Buono, 45, pled guilty to one count of child sexual exploitation and one count of possession of child pornography. According to court documents, in January 2024 a party was hosted the defendant’s home in Buchanan, Virginia. At one point in the evening, Buono and a minor female, who was approximately six-years-old at the time, went to Buono’s game room, and either the minor victim or Buono pulled down her pants and underwear, exposing her genitals. Buono then used his cellphone to take sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim. Later that night, Buono used a messaging application to send one of these photos to another individual with a sexual interest in minors. At sentencing, Buono faces a maximum of forty years in federal prison. Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee announced the guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security with assistance from the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Scheff is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .


title: Sin City Deciples Member Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison

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

body_text: HAMMOND- Yesterday, Brandon Romand Parks “Baywatch,” age 46, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after being found guilty of racketeering conspiracy following an 18-day jury trial, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Parks was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the Sin City Deciples, originally formed in 1967 in Gary, Indiana, is an outlaw motorcycle organization in which its members and associates engaged in acts of violence, extortion, and narcotics distribution in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere. Parks served as a National President of the entire club and was involved in the conspiracy to commit acts of racketeering activity between 2016-2018. As National President, Parks was 2 nd in command behind the founder of the club. The agencies involved in this prosecution were: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents, the Merrillville Police Department, the Munster Police Department, and the Schererville Police Department. Also providing assistance were the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of Indiana, the Western District of Kentucky, and the Western District of Pennsylvania. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Michael J. Toth. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was also 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: St. Johns Man Sentenced To Over Eleven Years In Federal Prison For Traveling To Meet A Minor For Sex

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Chad Michael Sadlowski (34, St. Johns) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Sadlowski was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty in October 2024. According to court records, from April 25 through April 28, 2024, an undercover detective with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office posed online on a messaging application as the uncle of an eight-year-old female “child.” Sadlowski engaged the undercover in a variety of sexually explicit messages and expressed a desire to have sex with the “child.” Sadlowski agreed to meet up at a local gas station to engage in sex prior to him going to work as a respiratory therapist at a local hospital. Sadlowski was arrested as he was traveling to the gas station and was in his hospital scrubs when he was taken into custody. After his arrest, Sadlowski admitted to traveling to meet the eight-year-old “child” for sex. In addition, he also admitted to talking to minors on the application by asking them for sexually explicit photos and videos. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators searched Sadlowski’s phone and found additional child exploitation materials in his possession. “This investigation highlights the ever-present threat for children online, and this predator’s reprehensible actions demonstrate a coldhearted disregard for the life and well-being of a child,” said Tim Hemker, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “HSI, alongside our partners with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the rest of Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force are committed to protecting our children from harm.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. This case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute 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: Fort Wayne Man Convicted at Trial of Firearm and Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Late Yesterday, Detric L. Cummings, 42 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was found guilty of firearm and drug trafficking offenses following a four-day jury trial, presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Cummings was charged in an indictment with a total of eight counts, and prior to the start of the trial, he entered a plea of guilty to five counts of distributing controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl. Cummings went to trial on the remaining counts, and a jury found him guilty of those remaining counts, which included possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The jury also found Cummings to have previously committed three violent felonies on occasions different from one another, making him an armed career criminal under federal law. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled on a later date on all counts. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Auburn Police Department The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley J. Miller Lowery and Justin C. Sheridan. This case was also 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: Northern District of Indiana USAO Collects Over $5,219,650  in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: Hammond, Indiana - Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana collected $5,219,650 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $2,667,519 was collected in criminal actions and $2,552,131 was collected in civil actions . The Northern District of Indiana also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,925,938 from cases pursued jointly. Of this amount, $2,200 was collected in criminal actions and $1,923,738 was collected in civil actions. For example, one of the civil cases handled in conjunction with the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Department of Justice, resulted in the recovery of $1,018,433 as part of a settlement agreement reached in the matter of United States v. Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor, LLC . The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victims, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Additionally, the Northern District of Indiana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $855,895 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.


title: Poplar Bluff Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Recording His Rape of Minor

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Friday sentenced a man who recorded his rape of a minor with an intellectual disability to 30 years in prison. In March of 2024, the 17-year-old victim’s mother contacted the Poplar Bluff Police Department about Jason R. Hicks-Simpson. The victim told investigators that Hicks-Simpson had been sexually abusing her since she was five, his plea agreement says. She also said Hicks-Simpson threatened to kill her and her kittens if she did not keep the secret. Hicks-Simpson told police that it had only happened once several months earlier. Investigators found videos dating back to May of 2023 on his phone, the plea agreement says. Hicks-Simpson, of Poplar, Bluff, 46, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in October to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Hicks-Simpson will now be transferred to state court to face charges there. The Poplar Bluff Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge 56 Defendants With Illegal Reentry During First Quarter Of 2025

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that federal prosecutors charged 56 defendants with illegal reentry into the United States during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending on December 31, 2024 . During this same period, more than 50 additional defendants were sentenced for charges relating to or including illegal reentry. “This effort continues my office’s long-standing commitment to enforcing the laws setting forth requirements for entry into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “Over the past three fiscal years, we have increased our number of immigration prosecutions by 69%. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and federally prosecute anyone who illegally enters our borders.” Q1 FY 2025 Case Highlights United States v. Rodriguez-Acevedo In October 2024, Juan Rodriguez-Acevedo was sentenced to three years and ten months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal following a conviction for committing an aggravated felony. According to court documents, Rodriguez-Acevedo is a native and citizen of Mexico. In 2007, he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Due to his conviction for an aggravated felony, Rodriguez-Acevedo received a permanent ban from the United States and was deported to Mexico in 2018 after his release from federal prison. In 2019, Rodriguez-Acevedo was encountered by law enforcement in Texas. He had crossed the border illegally and was prosecuted for illegal reentry following his removal after a conviction for commission of an aggravated felony. He was again deported to Mexico in 2021 after his release from federal prison. In March 2024, law enforcement officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Rodriguez-Acevedo during enforcement activities in Lake City. Rodriguez-Acevedo admitted to law enforcement that he had again unlawfully reentered the United States in June 2023. United States v. German Altamirano-Hernandez In October 2024, German Altamirano-Hernandez was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. According to court documents, Altamirano-Hernandez is a native and citizen of Mexico who had been granted voluntary removal from the United States 10 times between 1999 and 2002 after it was determined he was illegally in the United States. In 2005, he was encountered by law enforcement in New Mexico and was prosecuted for illegal entry into the United States, then was deported to Mexico later that year. In 2013, he was encountered by law enforcement in Florida and was convicted of illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. He was deported to Mexico in 2015 after his release from federal prison. In 2019, Altamirano-Hernandez was encountered by law enforcement in Arizona, after having crossed the border illegally, and was prosecuted a third time for illegal reentry into the United States. He was again deported to Mexico in 2020 after his release from federal prison. In March 2024, Altamirano-Hernandez was encountered by deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office when they conducted a traffic stop on the car he was driving. During the stop, Altamirano-Hernandez provided deputies with a false name and a fraudulent identification card. During a search of his car, deputies found multiple forms of fraudulent identification. After confirming Altamirano-Hernandez’s identity, he was arrested. Altamirano-Hernandez admitted to law enforcement that he had again unlawfully reentered the United States. United States v. Ochoa In October 2024, Ramon Ochoa was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after deportation, consecutive to another sentence he is serving in the Florida Department of Corrections. According to court documents, Ochoa is a Mexican citizen who entered the United States illegally in 2008 and again in 2014. He was removed from the United States on both occasions, most recently in May 2014. In 2017, Ochoa again entered the United States without permission from appropriate government officials, and he remained until he was arrested in Polk County in May 2019. United States Customs and Border Protection officials were alerted to the fact that Ochoa was in custody in the Polk County Jail under the name Samuel Santana-Ortuno and was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine. Ochoa admitted to a Border Patrol agent that his true name is Ramon Ochoa and he did not have any documents allowing him to enter the United States. Ochoa was later sentenced in state court to seven years’ imprisonment for his state drug-trafficking offense. United States v. Hernandez-Casiano In November 2024, Daniel Hernandez-Casiano was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien. According to court documents, Hernandez-Casiano was found in the United States on January 9, 2024, after being arrested and convicted on state charges for possession of fentanyl and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. Hernandez-Casiano was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on three separate occasions. United States v. Ramirez-Ramirez In December 2024, Gustavo De Jesus Ramirez-Ramirez was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. According to court documents, Ramirez-Ramirez was arrested on November 11, 2022, in Jacksonville after he rappelled from a hole in the ceiling of a business and then drilled through three adjacent business walls and into a jewelry store. He later pleaded guilty in state court to burglary of a dwelling with damage and burglary of a structure. After his arrest, it was also discovered that Ramirez-Ramirez was present in the United States illegally. Ramirez-Ramirez has two previous deportations, one of which followed a prior conviction for illegal reentry into the United States in October 2014.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Collects $22,332,003.82 In Criminal And Civil Actions, And $5,043,741 In Asset Forfeiture Actions In Fiscal Year 2024

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III announced today that the Eastern District of Tennessee collected $22,332,003.83 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $10,674,477.21 was collected in criminal actions and $11,657,526.62 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee , working with partner agencies, collected $5,043,741 in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2024. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. ###


title: Armed Career Criminal Convicted At Trial

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Ataire Carl Ray (30, Tampa) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The jury further found that Ray is an Armed Career Criminal after having committed at least three prior serious violent or drug offenses. Ray faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to evidence presented at trial, on April 1, 2022, Ray got into an argument during which he waived around a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine, while making various threats. Officers from the Tampa Police Department were called to the scene and approached Ray, who ran and threw the loaded firearm into a neighboring property, where it was quickly recovered. Ray was apprehended about a block away from where he had thrown the firearm. At the time, Ray had multiple prior felony convicts and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. 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: Tampa Man Charged With Distributing Methamphetamine

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Oscar Adalid Ortez Lopez (56, Tampa) with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Ortez Lopez faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. According to statements made by prosecutors during Ortez Lopez’s detention hearing, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Ortez Lopez using an undercover detective. In total, law enforcement purchased over half a kilogram of methamphetamine from Ortez Lopez. Ortez Lopez was arrested in coordination with the execution of a search warrant on a residence that he used, in part, to store his methamphetamine. During that search, law enforcement located over half a kilogram of methamphetamine. A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.


title: Former Senior Adviser for the Federal Reserve Indicted on Charges of Economic Espionage

body_text: WASHINGTON – John Harold Rogers, 63, of Vienna, Virginia, a former Senior Adviser for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (FRB), was arrested today on charges that he conspired to steal Federal Reserve trade secrets for the benefit of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In furtherance of the conspiracy, Rogers allegedly made false statements to the Federal Reserve Board Office of Inspector General, and those false statements had a material impact on its investigation. The indictment, unsealed today, was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Supervisory Official Devin DeBacker of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office, and John T. Perez, Special Agent in Charge, Headquarters Operations, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-CFPB OIG). “President Trump tasks us with protecting our fellow Americans from all enemies, foreign and domestic. As alleged in the indictment, this defendant leveraged his position within the Federal Reserve to pass sensitive financial information to the Chinese government, a designated foreign adversary,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “Let this indictment serve as a warning to all who seek to betray or exploit the United States: law enforcement will find you and hold you accountable.” “As alleged, the defendant violated the trust placed in him by the Federal Reserve Bank by putting U.S. trade secrets in the hands of his PRC co-conspirators, knowing full well that such information would benefit the PRC Government and PRC instrumentalities,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to disrupt economic espionage and protect our national security.” “The Chinese Communist Party has expanded its economic espionage campaign to target U.S. government financial policies and trade secrets in an effort to undermine the U.S. and become the sole superpower,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg. “Today's indictment represents the FBI's unwavering commitment to protect U.S. national security interests and U.S. jobs and to bring to justice those who are willing to betray their country for personal gain.” “This indictment sends a clear message that those who deliberately misuse sensitive Federal Reserve information for their own personal gain and lie about it to investigators will be held accountable for their actions,” said John T. Perez, Special Agent in Charge of Headquarters Operations FRB-CFPB OIG. According to the indictment, Rogers, a U.S. citizen with a Ph.D. in Economics, worked as a Senior Adviser in the Division of International Finance of the FRB from 2010 until 2021, where he was entrusted with confidential FRB information. The confidential information that Rogers allegedly shared with his Chinese co-conspirators, who worked for the intelligence and security apparatus of China and who posed as graduate students at a PRC university, is economically valuable when secret. China holds a large amount of U.S. foreign debt (approximately $816 billion as of October 2024). The data Rogers shared with his co-conspirators could allow China to manipulate the U.S. market, in a manner similar to insider trading. Gaining advance knowledge of U.S. economic policy, including advance knowledge of changes to the federal funds rate, could provide China with an advantage when selling or buying U.S. bonds or securities. The indictment alleges that from at least 2018, Rogers allegedly exploited his employment with the FRB by soliciting trade-secret information regarding proprietary economic data sets, deliberations about tariffs targeting China, briefing books for designated governors, and sensitive information about Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) deliberations and forthcoming announcements. He passed that information electronically to his personal email account, in violation of FRB policy, or printed it prior to traveling to China, in preparation for meetings with his co-conspirators. Under the guise of teaching “classes,” Rogers met with his co-conspirators in hotel rooms in China where he conveyed sensitive, trade-secret information that belonged to the FRB and the FOMC. In 2023, Rogers was paid approximately $450,000 USD as a part-time professor at a Chinese university. On February 4, 2020, in response to questioning by the Office of the Inspector General for the Federal Reserve Board, Rogers lied about his accessing and passage of sensitive information and his associations with his co-conspirators. Rogers is charged with conspiracy to commit economic espionage and with making false statements. Conspiracy to commit economic espionage carries a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. Making false statements carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Federal Reserve Board Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Trial Attorneys Nicholas Hunter and Stephen Marzen of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Section. A criminal indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 25cr33 ##