title: Twenty-Three Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Drug Trafficking, and Firearm Charges

body_text: A 12-count indictment was unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia charging 23 defendants – all alleged Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang members and associates – with crimes including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. According to court documents, SMM is a subset of The Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The SMM subset has spread from the Bronx and New York to areas across the East Coast, including Georgia, where it operates inside and outside prisons and jails. The indictment alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM members, including inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC), orchestrated numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, attempted arson, drug trafficking within and outside of GDOC facilities, and wire and bank fraud. Eleven of the defendants were in prison when they allegedly committed or ordered the charged crimes. “The defendants and their criminal associates are alleged to have committed murder, engaged in stabbings and attempted murder, and distributed thousands of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs inside and outside the Georgia prison system, all to enhance the power and prestige of their gang, the Sex Money Murder set of The Bloods,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “With this RICO indictment, the Criminal Division, along with our federal, state, and local partners, again shows its commitment to hold accountable and bring to justice violent gang members who terrorize our communities and attempt to control our country’s prison systems.” “Gang activity poses a grave risk of harm to our communities as well as to many of our institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “The defendants charged in this case allegedly perpetrated numerous violent and other criminal offenses, including multiple murders, brutal assaults, and drug trafficking crimes, on behalf of the gang Sex Money Murder. For more than a decade, these gang members and their associates allegedly orchestrated a criminal enterprise within and outside of multiple prisons to earn money for, boost their status in, and impose discipline required by the gang. This indictment is the culmination of a lengthy and carefully coordinated federal and state law enforcement investigation aimed at dismantling this violent group.” “The FBI and its partners will not stand by as members of an elaborate criminal enterprise engage in acts that endanger our communities,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “There are consequences for partaking in illegal activity, and this does not change when some of the bad actors are already behind bars. We will continue to ensure that members of the Sex Money Murder gang face justice for their alleged misconduct, which includes drug trafficking, firearms violations, and egregious violence.” “It’s alarming to think that these criminals were brazen enough to distribute dangerous drugs and commit heinous crimes while behind bars,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division. “They must now face the consequences.” The indictment alleges that the defendants or other SMM members committed multiple acts of violence in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy, including storming a home and shooting multiple rounds of ammunition into a bathroom, killing a 9-month-old boy; on multiple occasions, incarcerated SMM members murdering, stabbing, or beating other inmates for disrespecting SMM leadership or violating SMM rules; and shooting and killing another SMM member on belief that the member had cooperated with law enforcement. The following defendants have been charged in the indictment for conduct related to their alleged roles in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy and related crimes: Ryan Brandt, aka Street Life and Robert Kraft, 44, of Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiring, aiding, and abetting, and possessing a controlled substance and a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute; Kyle Oree, aka Nasty Nu, 52, of Washington State Prison in Davisboro, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute; Chase Pinckney, aka Chase Pickney, Three Shots, Noriega, and Sinatra, 38, of Ware State Prison in Waycross, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Elton Jackson, aka 2gz and John Madden, 41, of Telfair State Prison in Helena, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Sean Carr, aka Nut and Nutkase, 51, of FCI Talladega in Talladega, Alabama, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Lavorsia Jones, aka Shitbag, 23, of Dacula, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring, attempting, and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possessing a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute; Danielle Ford, 49, of Ellenwood, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiring to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possessing a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute; Charlton King, aka Hell’s Militant Camp, 23, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy; Demarco Draughn, aka Shoota B, 28, of Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy; Richard Smith, aka Alleyway and Brett Favre, 36, of Ware State Prison in Waycross, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Rontavious Fowler, aka Lil Hot, 26, of Hancock State Prison in Sparta, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy; Shavon Thomas, aka Shavon Edwards, 55, of Decatur, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Lionel Edwards, aka Tony, Tyson, and Python, 41, of USP Florence in Florence, Colorado, is charged with RICO conspiracy; Anthony Jernigan, aka Hell Raiser, 36, of Hays State Prison in Trion, is charged with RICO conspiracy; Cedric Pierre, aka Flip, 23, of Robert A. Deyton Correctional Facility in Lovejoy, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Ricardo Sanchez, 40, of Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Troy McCraine, 57, of Tennessee, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Qawwee Mitchell, 36, of Gainesville, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Sherri Gandy-Torres, 56, of Lakeland, Florida, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Nyla Blacknell, 43, of Duluth, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Tracey Wise, 46, of Milledgeville, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; Shounnette Wooten, 50, of Gray, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute; and Kierra Williams, 31, of Milledgeville, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance and possessing a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute. If convicted, the defendants face penalties including up to life in prison for the racketeering conspiracy, 10 years to life in prison for the narcotics conspiracy and drug trafficking charges, and five years to life in prison for the firearms offenses. The FBI, the Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, the DEA, and the Georgia Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia State Patrol, the Brookhaven Police Department, the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the DeKalb County Police Department, the Douglasville Police Department, the East Point Police Department, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Marietta Police Department, the Riverdale Police Department, the Sandy Springs Police Department, and the South Fulton Police Department. Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VICAR) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case, and former VICAR Trial Attorney Rebecca R. Dunnan previously prosecuted the case. The indictment is a result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. OCDETF synchronizes and incentivizes prosecutors and agents to lead smart, creative investigations targeting the command-and-control networks of organized criminal groups and the illicit financiers that support them. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Leader Of Georgian Crime Syndicate And Associates Charged With Extortion Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging VAZHA GABADADZE, a/k/a “Natan Yusupov,” KAKHA KATSADZE, TEIMURAZ TAVBERIDZE, a/k/a “Tava,” and DAVIT TIKARADZE, a/k/a “Dato,” with extortion offenses. GABADADZE, KATSADZE, TAVBERIDZE, and TIKARADZE were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the indictment, Gabadadze, a leader within an international criminal syndicate, and his associates threatened their victim with physical violence in order to extract money. Thanks to the dedication of the FBI and the prosecutors of this Office, all four defendants now face federal charges.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Forcing a victim to pay money using intimidation and threats of violence is illegal and not how business is conducted in our city. This illicit behavior is exactly what these defendants are alleged to have conspired to carry out over several months. The FBI will not stand idly by while organized crime members take part in violence and extortion, instead we will hold them accountable in the criminal justice system.” As alleged in the Indictment: [1] From about September 2022 through about August 2023, GABADADZE, KATSADZE, TAVBERIDZE, and TIKARADZE engaged in a scheme of extortion. GABADADZE is a leader within an organized criminal group. He holds the title of “vor v zakone” or “vor,” which are Russian phrases translated roughly as “Thief-in-Law” or “Thief,” and which refer to an order of elite criminals from the former Soviet Union who receive tribute from other criminals, offer protection, and use their recognized status as “vor” to adjudicate disputes among lower-level criminals. As part of the organized criminal group, GABADADZE and his associates, KATSADZE, TAVBERIDZE, and TIKARADZE, induced their victim to make monetary payments through the use of threatened force and fear. * * * GABADADZE, 41, KATSADZE, 45, TAVBERIDZE, 54 and TIKARADZE, 53, all of Kutaisi, Georgia, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit extortion and one count of extortion. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the New York City Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises and General Crimes Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anden Chow and Chelsea Scism are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Providence Man Found in Possession of $200,000 in Stolen Checks Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft, Violating the Terms of Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man who was found to be in possession of nearly $200,000 in stolen and fraudulent checks while serving a term of federal supervised release for an unrelated bank fraud conviction, pleaded guilty in federal court today to a charge of possession of stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. According to charging documents and information presented to the court, on February 2, 2023, during his arrest on an unrelated state narcotics charge, Edmilson Rodrigues, 25, was found to be in possession of ninety-one legitimate checks totaling approximately $170,758.26 and eight fraudulent checks totaling approximately $22,838.01. Also seized was blank check-paper stock used for creating fraudulent checks. An investigation by agents with the United States Postal Inspection Service determined that the legitimate checks seized from Rodrigues’ residence had been mailed out by various businesses, but were never received by the intended recipients. Combined with the fraudulent checks, the intended loss totals $193,596.27. At the time of his arrest on a state drug charge, Rodrigues was serving a term of federal supervised release that followed a sentence of twenty-four months incarceration imposed by a federal judge in September 2020 as a result of his conviction on bank fraud charges. Rodrigues is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2024, on the stolen mail charge and for violating the terms of his federal supervised release. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ly T. Chin The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Providence Police Department. ###


title: U.S. Army Maintenance Worker Pleads Guilty to Theft Scheme

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Tyrone Norman Dais, 54, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today in Superior Court to one count of First-Degree Theft for using a federal government fuel credit card to make more than $33,000 worth of unauthorized private gasoline purchases. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Acting Inspector General Robert C. Erickson Jr. for the General Services Administration made the announcement. According to court documents, Dais, who was employed by the United States Army as a civilian maintenance worker at the Fort Lesley J. McNair Department of Public Works, repeatedly purchased gasoline for private vehicles using a General Services Administration fuel credit card meant solely for a designated maintenance van on the Fort McNair grounds. Investigators found that from April to October of 2023, Dais frequently arranged to meet private vehicles at area gas stations and used his General Services Administration credit card to purchase their gas. In total, Dais made more than 400 unauthorized purchases totaling at least $33,868.21. As part of the plea agreement, Dais agreed to pay full restitution. The Honorable Lynn Leibovitz accepted Dais’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2024. This case was investigated by the General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Bluming.


title: Meridian Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for  Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man was sentenced to 87 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on July 15, 2022, agents from the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, utilized a confidential source to purchase approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine from Reginald Franklin, 53. After the controlled purchase, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Franklin’s residence and located four firearms, one of which was reported stolen, approximately 68 grams of methamphetamine, 308 dosage units of ecstasy, 4 grams of crack cocaine, and 35 grams of marijuana. Through the investigation, law enforcement determined that Franklin was a convicted felon having previously been convicted for aggravated assault. As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Franklin to possess any firearm. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. The East Mississippi Drug Task Force and the ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart prosecuted the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime .


title: Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robberies

body_text: Jackson, Miss. - A Meridian man pled guilty to three counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to court documents, Matthew Byrd, 42, committed four armed robberies of local businesses across Mississippi, between April 20, 2022, and May 15, 2022. During each robbery, Byrd displayed a firearm to intimidate the clerk and steal merchandise and cash from the business. Through the investigation, law enforcement was able to determine that Byrd was a convicted felon, previously being convicted of Possession of Methamphetamine and Residential Burglary. As a convicted felon it is contrary to federal law for Byrd to possess any firearm. Byrd is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, East Mississippi Drug Task Force, Meridian Police Department, Clinton Police Department, Newton County Sherriff’s Department, and the ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart is prosecuting the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Minors

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court to producing visual depictions of four different minor survivors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Chad Lawlor, 48 pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for February 29, 2024. Lawlor was charged on October 12, 2021. Lawlor was identified during an online undercover investigation as being the administrator of an online chat group that was devoted to the exchange of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Lawlor used the chat group to both send and receive images of CSAM with other users. Lawlor is a registered sex offender based on a 2005 Massachusetts conviction for indecent assault and battery on a person over 14. In April 2021, federal agents seized and examined two cell phones belonging to Lawlor, one of which contained numerous videos Lawlor created while engaged in online video chats with minors. During the chats, Lawlor directed the minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct while livestreaming the video feed. Lawlor used the screen recording function of his cell phone to create videos of the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct from the livestream video chats. Lawlor pled guilty to charges relating to four identified minor survivors ranging in age from 8 to 13 years old. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, a minimum of 5 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and other monetary assessments, including restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing with Intent to Distribute More Than 2 Pounds of Cocaine

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute a kilogram of cocaine in New Hampshire, First Assistant Jay McCormack announces. Michael Francis, 36, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2024. The defendant was charged by superseding indictment on December 13, 2021. On September 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a search of the defendant’s vehicle and found a gift bag containing a brick of cocaine that weighed 1000.5 grams and $10,000 in cash. The defendant intended to distribute the cocaine for profit. The charging statute provides a sentence of no less than 5 years and no greater than 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of no greater than $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande, Charlie Rombeau, and Jarad Hodes prosecuted the case. ###


title: Middlesex County Man Sentenced To 15 Months In Prison For Communicating Threats To Attack Synagogue

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for transmitting via the internet a manifesto containing threats to attack a synagogue and Jewish people, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Omar Alkattoul, 19, of Sayreville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce on or about Nov. 1, 2022. U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court. “This defendant admitted using social media to send a manifesto containing a threat to attack a synagogue based on his hatred of Jews. This prompted a state-wide alert and put the community on edge. No one should be targeted for violence or with acts of hate because of how they worship. Protecting our communities of faith and places of worship is at the heart of this office’s mission. The sentence that was imposed today holds this defendant accountable for his hateful words.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Threatening someone's life because of who they are or what they believe is simply unacceptable in civilized society,” FBI -Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Alkattoul admitted to breaking the laws we enforce to protect our communities from hate and threats of violence. Now more than ever, the FBI and our law enforcement partners need the public's help reporting anything they see, so the threats don't turn into physical attacks.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Nov. 1, 2022, Alkattoul used a social media application to send an individual a link to a document entitled “When Swords Collide” and admitted to this individual that he wrote the document. He admitted targeting a synagogue. He stated in the document: “It’s in the context of an attack on Jews.” According to a second individual, Alkattoul also sent the document to at least five other people using another social media application. In addition to the prison term, Judge O’Hearn sentenced Alkattoul to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers with the Newark FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked agents of the FBI Field Office in Tampa, Florida, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge David Walker; the FBI Field Office in New York, under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge James Smith; and the FBI Washington Field Office, under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg; as well as the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, under the direction of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin; the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone; and officers of the Sayreville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Plumacker. The government is represented by Christopher Amore, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s General Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.


title: Woman Ordered to Pay Over $38,000 in Restitution for Interference with Flight Crew on Hawaii-Bound Flight

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Cayla Farris, 29, of Hawaii, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to a time-served sentence of 3.6 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. During her term of supervised release, Farris will not be permitted to travel by commercial aircraft without prior approval. Farris was ordered to pay $38,952.00 in restitution to American Airlines for delay-related costs due to her actions. Farris pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to Interference with a Flight Crew Member. On February 13, 2022, Farris boarded an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu, Hawaii. During the flight, Farris used profanity and threatened the flight crew and passengers onboard. As a result of her behavior, the flight crew was unable to continue their duties. The captain ultimately decided to turn the plane back to Phoenix. For passengers onboard, this disturbance caused several flights to be re-routed to Hawaii. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01393-PHX-SMB RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-176_Farris # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Sex Trafficking Offenses

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A South Carolina man pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. According to court documents, Aaron T. Simmons, 26, of Greenville, used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel one adult victim into engaging in commercial sex acts in the Greenville area between August 2019 and August 2020. The defendant also caused a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts in the Greenville area between August 2019 and November 2019. “Sex trafficking is a pernicious crime that preys upon vulnerable victims, including minors, and causes them grave harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department remains committed to prosecuting human traffickers and standing up for the defenseless people they exploit.” “Today’s plea sends a message to those who harm others in this vile way: you will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “Crimes of this nature can create lifelong trauma for survivors. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly prosecute trafficking cases.” “The FBI and its partners are committed in our resolve to topple human trafficking operations and providing a path towards healing for survivors,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “This guilty plea is a crucial step towards justice for the victims, who are suffering lasting trauma from the defendant’s heinous crimes.” A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Simmons faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Columbia Field Office, Greenville Resident Agency and the Greenville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Nonfungible Token (NFT) Developer Pleads Guilty to an International Scheme to Defraud NFT Purchasers

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, Aurelien Michel, a French national who had been residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), pled guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York to conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with defrauding purchasers of “Mutant Ape Planet” NFTs, a type of digital asset. Today’s proceeding took place before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. When sentenced, Michel faces up to five years in prison. Michel has also agreed to pay $1.4 million in forfeiture. Michel was charged in January 2023. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI) announced the guilty plea. “With today’s guilty plea, Michel has admitted that he conspired with others to defraud consumers eager to participate in a new digital asset market,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “Our Office is acutely aware that criminal actors are taking advantage of the constant pace of innovation in the digital asset space and the investing public’s desire to become involved in cryptocurrency to perpetrate large-scale frauds. Holding these criminal actors accountable and protecting the public is, and will remain, a priority of this Office.” Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the New York Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police, and Nassau County Sheriff’s Department. “Aurelien Michel enticed investors with promises of capitalizing on the NFT trend, only to abandon the project after amassing nearly $3 million in what’s described as a ‘rug-pull scheme.’ The defendant, accused of misleading the Mutant Ape NFT community, claimed innocence and even labeled victims as ‘too toxic.’ However, these attempts to evade responsibility came to a conclusion with today’s plea,” stated Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New York. “In the face of evolving investment landscapes, HSI remains vigilant, utilizing cutting-edge tools to safeguard individuals from unscrupulous actors and their attempts to exploit well-meaning investors.” “While Michel purported to sell dream NFTs backed with rewards and benefits, he defrauded investors, turning their dream into a nightmare of deception and losses. There is no excusing this kind of greed, and today’s guilty plea brings Michel one step closer to realizing his own nightmare—behind bars,” said Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York. According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, Michel and his co-conspirators marketed the NFTs to purchasers by falsely promising them numerous rewards and benefits designed to increase demand for, and the value of, their newly acquired NFTs. But Michel and his co-conspirators intentionally failed to deliver on these promises, diverting millions of dollars’ worth of proceeds for their personal benefit while continuing to represent that the benefits would be forthcoming. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Drew G. Rolle and Dylan A. Stern of the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section with assistance from Paralegal Specialist William Daniels. If you believe that you have been a victim of this crime, please call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423. The Defendant : AURELIEN MICHEL Age: 25 Dubai, United Arab Emirates E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-418 (MKB)


title: Eleven Individuals Involved in International Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Organization Indicted

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: Federal, state, local, and Italian law enforcement officials today announced that 11 individuals were charged for their roles in an international drug trafficking conspiracy that involved the importation of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and synthetic cannabinoids into the United States, and the distribution of those drugs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, and elsewhere domestically. Several charged defendants were arrested earlier this morning and transported to federal court in Cleveland, while the others are in custody elsewhere, including Italy. “As alleged in today’s indictment, the defendants orchestrated an international conspiracy to peddle fentanyl and other deadly drugs across the Ohio Valley, with complete disregard for the lives of their victims,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Alongside our law enforcement partners across the country and around the world, the Justice Department will relentlessly pursue all those who seek to profit from poisoning Americans – including when they try to exploit international boundaries and digital currencies to disguise their illicit trade.” “From the confines of the Ohio Penitentiary, Brian Lumbus led an international and interstate drug trafficking organization that brought fentanyl and other, more potent synthetic drugs from overseas factories to the streets of our region,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Several others, both in the United States and outside it, acted in concert with Lumbus to do what he physically could not: obtain, assemble, and repackage those drugs, then mail or deliver them to other conspirators for further distribution. As this indictment reflects, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue its collaborative efforts with federal, state, local, and international partners to identify, target, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, whether the suppliers of such poisons are in the Northern District of Ohio or a continent away. I thank our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and the Italian government for their tireless efforts to identify and apprehend significant players in the illegal drug trade.” “Brian Lumbus led an elaborate drug trafficking network that imported dangerous synthetic drugs and other substances from foreign-based suppliers to then distribute to customers throughout the region,” said Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene of the DEA Detroit Field Division. “The outstanding assistance and support DEA received from our foreign and domestic counterparts led to the successful apprehension of Lumbus and his co-conspirators. Today’s actions send a clear message that law enforcement will work locally, and even across international borders, to seek justice against criminal organizations." The following defendants are charged in the 34-count indictment: Brian Lumbus Jr., aka B, 43, of Cleveland; Giancarlo Miserotti, aka Karl, 51, of Italy; Brianna Lumbus, 22, of Cleveland; Kayla S. Goudlock, 25, of North Royalton, Ohio; Jennifer Robinson, 38, of Tennessee; Latasha Harris, 40, of Toledo, Ohio; Dominique Hammond, 37, of Pittsburgh; Wanda Ward, 46, of Johnson City, Tennessee; Marchello Lumbus, aka Chello, 42, of Cleveland; Jessica Cochran, 28, of Lorain, Ohio; and Braisia Lumbus, 23, of Cleveland. The defendants were all charged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, six defendants were charged with substantive possession with intent to distribute controlled substances offenses. Nine defendants were charged with interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and eight were charged in an international money laundering conspiracy. Finally, nine of the defendants were charged with using a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense. According to the indictment, between as early as April 28, 2016, and continuing through Nov. 1 of this year, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire with each other to distribute and possess with the intention to distribute mixtures and substances containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance; as well as Isotonitazene, Metonitazene, Alpha-PiHP, and ADB-BUTINACA, all Schedule I synthetic opioid or cannabinoid controlled substances. While incarcerated in an Ohio state prison, Brian Lumbus Jr. orchestrated the operation, ordering significant quantities of these drugs from Giancarlo Miserotti, an Italian citizen and resident. Miserotti arranged for kilogram quantities of these controlled substances to be exported from several foreign countries first to Italy, then to the United States, for redistribution by conspiracy members. Investigators with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction discovered evidence of the criminal activity of this group in the institution and they immediately alerted the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the DEA for further investigation. It was determined that U.S.-based conspirators received the foreign shipments, cut and mixed the drugs, and redistributed them. Other members of the conspiracy used Bitcoin cryptocurrency to pay Miserotti for the drugs. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The DEA, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen Egan and Robert J. Kolansky for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts 23 MS-13 Members and Associates  for Alleged Widespread Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Federal and local law enforcement officials this morning announced the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment charging 23 members and associates of the Mara Salvatrucha-13 (MS-13) transnational street gang who allegedly trafficked pound quantities of methamphetamine and illegally possessed ammunition found in a “ghost gun.” Today’s takedown resulted in the arrests of 17 MS-13 members and associates who are expected to be arraigned on the 36-count indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Four of the federal defendants were already in state custody, and authorities continue to search for two defendants named in the indictment. As part of this morning’s takedown, law enforcement seized multiple pounds of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. Authorities this morning also seized nine firearms and approximately $94,000 in cash – with about $50,000 seized from one residence. “MS-13, one of the largest and most violent gangs in North America, perpetuates a cycle of violence and destruction, the victims of which are most often immigrants from Central America and Mexico and other Latinos,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The widespread methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy we have charged reveals that drug-trafficking is the primary method MS-13 uses to finance its modus operandi of murder and mayhem.” “MS-13 members, allegedly at the direction of an incarcerated Mexican Mafia member, were able to wreak havoc on communities in Los Angeles,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This case is just the latest joint operation targeting MS-13’s transnational criminal enterprise as we continue to make an impact on their ability to intimidate and threaten law abiding citizens in and around Los Angeles.” “The Los Angeles Police Department appreciates the partnership, commitment and dedication from our partner law enforcement agencies,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore. “These arrests will have a meaningful and lasting impact on crime in Los Angeles by taking the leadership and the most violent of these gang members off the street.” “These street gangs use the sales of illicit drugs to further their criminal enterprise and victimize our communities,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “Through our collaboration with our federal and local law enforcement partners, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was able to assist in the takedown of several violent MS-13 gang members and associates that use fear and intimidation to threaten public safety.” “Transnational street tangs that prey on our communities with drugs and violence will always be a priority of HSI and their partners,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “This collaborative takedown shows the resolve of the law enforcement community to make our streets safer.” Mara Salvatrucha was formed in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s, and the street gang is now comprised of tens of thousands of individuals in at least 10 states and several Central American countries, notably El Salvador. In the mid-1990s, Mara Salvatrucha became associated with the Mexican Mafia and added the number 13 to its name (“M” is the 13th letter of the Spanish and English alphabets). This case focuses on MS-13 in Los Angeles and its efforts to traffic methamphetamine in their “territory.” The indictment returned November 8 and unsealed today alleges that an imprisoned MS-13 member who also was a member of the Mexican Mafia controlled MS-13 Los Angeles by imposing a rule on all the gang’s Los Angeles-area cliques that required them to buy methamphetamine from Herlyn Barrientos, 46, a.k.a. “Doctorazo,” of Huntington Park, and others. Once the various cliques redistributed the methamphetamine, some profits from that distribution flowed to the imprisoned MS-13 member. During the period of July 2021 to August 2023, the MS-13 inmate allegedly first designated Pavel Hurtado, 36, a.k.a. “Temper,” of Oxnard, and, later, Eli Grijalva, 34, a.k.a. “Skinny,” of South Los Angeles, to be the overall shot caller for MS-13 Los Angeles. In this role, Hurtado and Grijalva – the indictment’s top two defendants – allegedly oversaw MS-13’s drug trafficking activities and communicated with the MS-13 inmate to coordinate drug trafficking activities for the gang. MS-13 members used violence and intimidation to control narcotics trafficking in territories controlled by the gang and narcotics sales comprised most of the revenue generated by MS-13. To sell narcotics within MS-13’s territory, one must either be an MS-13 member, an associate, or otherwise have permission from – and pay extortionate rent payments to – MS-13. Each MS-13 member and associate, along with wholesale narcotics suppliers and street drug dealers, would receive authorization from the shot callers to sell drugs within individual clique territories, and in return, would be required to pay a portion of the drug proceeds, known as a “tax,” to his or her respective MS-13 shot caller for the areas in which narcotics were trafficked. Agustín Aquino-Martínez, 46, a.k.a. “Chino,” of Lancaster, allegedly acted as treasurer for MS-13 Los Angeles, coordinated the collection of the drug proceeds and “taxes” from each MS-13 Los Angeles clique and was responsible for forwarding those profits and taxes to the MS-13 inmate. The indictment charges all 23 defendants with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Thirty-four of the indictment’s 36 counts charge individual MS-13 members and associates – including Hurtado, Grijalva and Barrientos – with distribution of methamphetamine. One of the indictment’s counts accuses an individual gang member of being a felon unlawfully possessing ammunition inside a “ghost gun.” An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, each defendant charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The distribution of methamphetamine count is punishable by a statutory maximum of life in federal prison. The illegal possession of ammunition count carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs is investigating this matter. This task force is comprised of the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. IRS Criminal Investigation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn T. Andrews of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Hava Mirell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case. 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 .


title: Man Accused Of Kidnapping Resulting In Death Dies Awaiting Trial

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Gerald Bennett, 63, from Detroit, Michigan, died in the hospital on November 13 due to medical complications while awaiting trial. Bennett was charged with (1) conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death, (2) kidnapping resulting in death, (3) kidnapping of a minor victim, and (4) solicitation to commit a crime of violence. If convicted of count one or two, Bennett could have been sentenced to a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dismissing the pending case now that the defendant is deceased. “The allegations in this case were heinous and I deeply regret we will never present the evidence against Mr. Bennett in open court,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “At best, our efforts can secure only a measure of justice. We can’t bring Mujey back. But the truth-telling role of a conviction matters. I am grateful for the investigators who worked for years to secure justice and my heart remains with her family as they mourn the loss of one they dearly loved.” "I commend the dedicated men and women of the investigative and prosecutorial teams for their continued pursuance of justice for the victims and their families in this case," stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "While the defendant's case will not be brought before the court due to his untimely passing, the FBI, alongside our local and state law enforcement partners remain committed in using our collective resources to hold those individuals responsible who conspire or commit violent acts in our communities." In 2017, a high-school student named Mujey Dumbuya accused Grand Rapids resident Quinn James of sexually assaulting her when she was 15 years old. Upon learning of the criminal complaint, James hired Bennett to help him kidnap and murder Dumbuya, who was then 16 years old. James and Bennett communicated for several weeks before abducting Dumbuya from a bus stop on January 24, 2018. Her body was found days later in a wooded area in Kalamazoo. James and Bennett were both charged in state court for her murder. James was convicted after trial and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Bennett, however, convinced the state court he was not competent to stand trial. In March 2022, Bennett’s state case was dismissed. Federal and state investigators remained convinced that Bennett was competent and presented the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In June 2022, Bennett was arrested on a federal criminal complaint that alleged Bennett worked with James to kidnap the 16-year-old girl who had accused James of sexually assaulting her. A federal grand jury reviewed evidence against Bennett in August of 2022 and returned an indictment formalizing the charge of kidnapping a minor. Bennett was then transported to a special Federal Bureau of Prisons facility for a competency evaluation by a forensic psychologist. The evaluation report concluded that Bennett was not only competent but malingering, that is, faking his incompetency. While Bennett was in custody awaiting his competency hearing, he allegedly solicited another murder for hire in an effort to silence a key witness. Bennett also allegedly admitted to inmates in the jail that he was faking his incompetency. On April 18 of this year, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent reviewed the evaluation and ruled that Bennett was competent to stand trial. Afterwards, a grand jury considered additional evidence and added charges accusing Bennett of conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death. The grand jury also included a fourth charge for solicitation to commit a crime of violence for Bennett’s efforts to hire someone to murder a witness in his case. Jury selection for trial was scheduled to begin on February 26, 2024. On November 7, Bennett was admitted to the hospital for cancer treatment. The next day his health declined substantially and he was placed on life support. On November 13, Bennett died. Bennett was the sole defendant in the federal case and with his death, prosecution is no longer possible. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Mekaru and Austin Hakes. The investigation of Bennett was an inter-agency effort led by the Grand Rapids Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and the Michigan State Police, with the assistance and cooperation of the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office. Click here to view the Motion to Dismiss # # # MEDIA NOTE : Previous press releases concerning this case are included below. Further Charges Added Against Detroit Man Held in Murder-For-Hire Plan Among Additional Charges, Defendant Allegedly Plotted to Kill a Witness Against Him Alleged Kidnapper Competent to Stand Trial Evidence Shows Defendant Faking Incompetency


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Possession With The Intent To Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that O’Neil Clifton Gordon (24, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Gordon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on March 10, 2022, law enforcement officers observed what they believed to be a drug exchange between Gordon and one of his known associates. As Gordon left the exchange, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) turned on their vehicles’ lights and sirens and attempted to stop Gordon. Instead of stopping, Gordon fled in his vehicle and eventually escaped. The next day, a felony arrest warrant was issued. On April 28, 2022, OSCO deputies observed Gordon drive down Colonial Drive in Orlando, realized he had an active warrant, and conducted surveillance. Gordon parked outside a barbershop. While in the parking lot, OCSO observed what they believed to be a hand-to-hand drug exchange. Gordon eventually left the parking lot, got in his car, and drove away. OCSO deputies followed Gordon until he pulled into his neighborhood. The deputies turned on their lights and sirens and attempted to arrest Gordon. Gordon exited his vehicle and began running. OCSO eventually caught up to Gordon and arrested him. They recovered $830 cash from his pockets. Inside Gordon’s vehicle, OCSO officers located a Glock firearm, extended magazine, and 21 rounds of ammunition. They also recovered a backpack containing narcotics, including 14.46 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, and plastic baggies from the front passenger seat. OCSO got a warrant to search Gordon’s room where they recovered additional ammunition, narcotics, and a pill press. OCSO also obtained a warrant to search Gordon’s Instagram account where they located photographs of him with a firearm and conversations regarding the sale of cocaine, pills, and marijuana. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.


title: Fort Myers Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm As A Convicted Felon

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Steven Dewayne Barnes, Jr. (26, Fort Myers) to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The court also ordered Barnes to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Barnes had been found guilty following a bench trial on July 12, 2023. According to court records, during the afternoon of November 14, 2022, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department encountered Barnes walking along Washington Avenue in Fort Myers and engaged him in conversation. During their conversation, the officers made serval observations which led them to believe that Barnes was concealing a weapon on his person. As a result, the officers conducted a pat down of Barnes and found a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun concealed under his clothing and tucked into his waistband. An inspection of the firearm revealed that its serial number had been scratched out. As a convicted felon who had previously served prison time, Barnes is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Forensic ballistics analysis later linked the firearm retrieved from Barnes to two recent drive-by shootings in Fort Myers. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.


title: Felon Who Fired Pistol in Residential Neighborhood Convicted on Federal Charges for Unlawfully Possessing Firearm

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, VA – A federal jury convicted a Roanoke man for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Robert Overstreet II, 31, was previously convicted for malicious wounding, attempted burglary, and distribution of methamphetamine. Overstreet also had a disqualifying misdemeanor conviction for assault and battery on a family member. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on December 14, 2022, a detective with the City of Roanoke Police Department saw Overstreet fire a pistol from an SUV parked in the 1200 block of Hanover Avenue NW. Police stopped the SUV and found a pistol in the driver’s lap. Forensic analysis revealed gunshot residue on both of Overstreet’s hands. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Washington Field Division, made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Roanoke Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Andrew Bassford, Lee S. Brett and Drew O. Inman 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.


component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: WASHINGTON – A South Carolina man pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. According to court documents, Aaron T. Simmons, 26, of Greenville, used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel one adult victim into engaging in commercial sex acts in the Greenville area between Aug. 2019 and Aug. 2020. The defendant also caused a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts in the Greenville area between Aug. 2019 and Nov. 2019. “Sex trafficking is a pernicious crime that preys upon vulnerable victims, including minors, and causes them grave harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department remains committed to prosecuting human traffickers and standing up for the defenseless people they exploit.” “Today’s plea sends a message to those who harm others in this vile way: you will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “Crimes of this nature can create lifelong trauma for survivors. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly prosecute trafficking cases.” “The FBI and its partners are committed in our resolve to topple human trafficking operations and providing a path towards healing for survivors,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “This guilty plea is a crucial step towards justice for the victims, who are suffering lasting trauma from the defendant’s heinous crimes.” A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Simmons faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Columbia Field Office, Greenville Resident Agency and the Greenville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . ###


title: Congressional Campaign Staffer Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A congressional campaign staffer pleaded guilty today to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain political contributions. According to court documents, Samuel Miele, 27, of New York, worked as a fundraiser for a candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives (Candidate #1). As part of the scheme, Miele impersonated a high-ranking aide to a member of House leadership while soliciting funds for Candidate #1’s campaign. Miele also admitted that he committed access device fraud by charging credit cards without authorization for contributions to Candidate #1’s and other candidates’ campaigns, as well as for Miele’s personal use. Miele is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Trial Attorneys Jacob Steiner and John Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman.


title: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on U.S. Funds to International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland following today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of State that the United States will provide $1 million to the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA), which was established in The Hague at Eurojust with the support of the European Commission: “The United States stands in steadfast and unwavering support for the people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy against the brutal and unjust war being waged by the Russian regime. That is why, earlier this year, I traveled to The Hague to announce the appointment of the first U.S. prosecutor in nearly 80 years to be engaged in efforts to build cases on the crime of aggression, Jessica Kim. As the U.S. Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression, Jessica has been and will continue to work closely with the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine, which was established at Eurojust with the support of the European Commission. The resources announced today by the State Department will build on this important work. This announcement, and the Justice Department’s continued work alongside our Ukrainian and international partners make clear that we are not waiting for the hostilities to end before pursuing justice and accountability. We are gathering evidence and building cases so that when the time comes, the United States and our partners will be ready to ensure accountability for Russia’s war of aggression.”


title: Two Men Sentenced in Relation to Two Robberies of Businesses in Cabarrus County in 2021

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: WINSTON SALEM - A judge in federal district court sentenced two Stanly County men, MALIQ RAEKWON PARKER and SEAN CHRISTIAN PARKER, today in relation to two armed robberies of businesses in Cabarrus County in 2021, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina. MALIQ PARKER, 20, of Albemarle, was sentenced for his role in both the armed robbery of an AT&T Store in Harrisburg, and the attempted armed robbery of Mount Pleasant Sporting Goods and Pawn, Inc. in Mount Pleasant. MALIQ PARKER was sentenced to 210 months in prison. His codefendant, SEAN PARKER, 23, of Badin, was sentenced for his role in only the attempted armed robbery. SEAN PARKER was sentenced to 148 months in prison. According to court documents, on October 28, 2021, MALIQ PARKER robbed an AT&T Store in Harrisburg of cell phones using a Glock 9mm pistol. During the robbery, store employees were forced into a rear office at gunpoint where the merchandise was then taken. MALIQ PARKER discharged his firearm once while in the rear office. According to court documents, on November 4, 2021, an attempted robbery occurred at Mount Pleasant Sporting Goods and Pawn, Inc., in Mount Pleasant where two males attempted to steal a firearm at gunpoint, shooting a store owner six times in the process. After initially being shot, the victim crawled to a nearby counter and obtained a firearm that he used to fend off the robbers. The robbers were later determined to be MALIQ PARKER and SEAN PARKER. Both men were armed with handguns and discharged their firearms during the attempted robbery. MALIQ PARKER shot the victim at very close range with the same Glock 9mm pistol used in the AT&T Store robbery. SEAN PARKER discharged a .40 caliber pistol once, before both men ran out of the store. As the defendants fled, an off-duty Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw the armed men running to their vehicle and engaged them. When SEAN PARKER refused commands to drop the gun, the off-duty deputy shot him, but he still got in the car, and they drove away. The off-duty deputy assisted the victim until paramedics arrived, and the victim survived despite gunshot wounds to his arms, legs, and torso. SEAN PARKER was dropped off at the hospital where he was treated for his own injuries and was apprehended by police. MALIQ PARKER was apprehended shortly after by officers looking for the grey Ford Focus that was used during the attempted robbery and was later seen on hospital security cameras when SEAN PARKER was dropped off at the hospital. After a search of the vehicle, officers located items previously stolen from the AT&T Store. United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder sentenced MALIQ PARKER to a 210-month term of imprisonment, followed by a 3-year term of federal supervised release. He pled guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery on July 6, 2023, in case number 1:23CR62-1. SEAN PARKER was also sentenced to a 148-month term of imprisonment, followed by a 3-year term of federal supervised release. He pled guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery on July 6, 2023, in case number 1:23CR62-2. The case was investigated Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff's Department, the Albemarle Police Department, and the Stanly County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Principe. 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: Camp Verde Woman Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Embezzlement of $670,000 from Yavapai-Apache Nation

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Savannah Sandoval, 36, of Camp Verde, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan to 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Sandoval also was ordered to pay over $650,000 in restitution. Sandoval pleaded guilty on August 9, 2023, to Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. Between August 2017 and May 2022, Sandoval, the former Comptroller and Executive Director of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Housing Department, embezzled $670,908 from the Yavapai-Apache Nation, including over $133,000 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Indian Housing Block Grant Funds. As Comptroller and Executive Director, Sandoval was the supervisor of the accounting department and oversaw day-to-day activities and financial transactions. As such, she had access to Housing Department credit cards and knowledge of its vendor accounts. In 2022, it was discovered that there had been hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases via Tribal credit cards. On at least 184 occasions funds were fraudulently transferred by Sandoval into her personal accounts. “Indian Tribal Organizations have historically been vulnerable to theft and embezzlement,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “The theft here meant that roofs and floors and appliances in houses on the Nation could not be repaired or replaced. The Court’s sentence sends a strong deterrent message to those who steal from Native American communities.” “HUD OIG is committed to protecting the integrity of funds meant to assist with housing on Native lands,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Kaminsky with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who would misuse federal tax dollars for personal gain.” “Financial crimes have long been at the forefront of the FBI’s efforts, and we will continue to meticulously investigate any and all fraudsters in pursuit of our mission of protecting the American people,” said Akil Davis, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix field office. The Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of this case, with assistance from the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-08089-PCT-SPL RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-177_Sandoval # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Franklin County Man Sentenced to 280 Months for the Receipt of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Frankfort man, Richard Benson, 49, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 280 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, following his conviction for receipt of child pornography. Benson faced an enhanced penalty because he was previously convicted of a qualifying sexual offense involving a minor. According to Benson’s plea agreement, law enforcement received information that Benson was uploading child pornography images utilizing his Google storage account. On April 18, 2022, law enforcement interviewed Benson and he admitted to receiving, accessing, and viewing child pornography. A search warrant revealed Benson’s devices contained at least 17 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Benson further admitted that he was previously convicted in Wisconsin of one count of Sexual Assault 2 nd degree and one count of Sexual Assault 3 rd degree, in 1995. Under federal law, Benson 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 25 years. Benson was additionally ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP), jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting 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: St. Paul Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty for the possession of a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents on July 23, 2021, Ember Shawndale White, 23, was found in possession of a Beretta APX 9x19mm pistol. Because White has multiple prior felony convictions in Ramsey, Hennepin, and Dakota Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. White pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon in U.S. District Court before Judge Joan N. Ericksen. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the case.


title: Cicero Man Sentenced to Thirty Years in Federal Prison After Sexually Exploiting Children He Lured by Offering Vape Pens on Snapchat

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Jacob Glenn, 26, of Cicero, Indiana, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of a child. According to court documents, Jacob Glenn used Snapchat to communicate with girls between 13- and 15-years-old, falsely claiming to be a teen boy and offering to purchase nicotine or vape pens in exchange for sex. Glenn’s Snapchat username, “theplugfogshyde” was intended to indicate that he could obtain vape pens for others he met online. On two occasions in 2021, Glenn coerced and enticed a girl between 12- and 15-years-old, to sneak out of her home after midnight to get vapes from him, including on Christmas Eve. Glenn picked the child up and drove her to a nearby truck stop where he told her that he would not accept cash for the vapes. Instead, Glenn stated that they could work out a “deal” where she could pay him with sex. Glenn picked up the same child again on January 17, 2022, and coerced and enticed her to engage in sex acts in exchange for vape pens. He used his phone to record the sexual conduct he engaged in with the child and instructed her to not tell anyone about his abuse. Glenn later used Snapchat to send a copy of the child sexual abuse video to two other minor girls. Glenn engaged in a similar course of criminal conduct with another minor girl he met on Snapchat between December 2021 and January 2022. The second victim was less than 14-years-old. On January 9, 2022, after a conversation via Snapchat, Glenn picked the second victim up near her home, drove her to a nearby truck stop, and engaged in sexual conduct in exchange for vape pens. Glenn also attempted to convince a child who was a friend of the second victim to engage in sex in exchange for vapes, but they did not meet in person. A law enforcement review of Glenn’s Snapchat account found conversations between Glenn and multiple other girls between thirteen and fifteen years old. In some of these conversations, Glenn offered nicotine or alcohol in exchange for sex or nude images. Glenn has a history of engaging in unlawful sex acts with children. In October 2020, Glenn engaged in sex with a girl who was between 14- and 15-years-old. Glenn was 23-years-old at the time. On October 19, 2020, Glenn was arrested and charged in Madison County for crimes related to this abuse. Glenn admitted to law enforcement that he engaged in sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl on multiple occasions, and that he knew her true age during at least some of the time he was engaging in sex acts with the child. Glenn was out on bond for these charges at the time he exploited the two children in December 2021 and January 2022. “These heinous crimes are one of a family’s worst nightmares. The sad truth is that applications like Snapchat not always safe spaces, they are often hunting grounds for predators who seek gratification from their sexual abuse of our children,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana “The federal prison sentence imposed here ensures that the public will be protected from this criminal for decades to come. Other online predators should take notice that the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the FBI, IMPD, and our federal prosecutors, will work tirelessly to hold them accountable and make our children safer from abuse.” The FBI and IMPD investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Chesterfield Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Glenn be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa, who prosecuted this case. This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multi-agency task force led by the Indiana State Police, charged with the prevention, interdiction, investigation, and prosecution of individuals who use the Internet to exploit children. The Indiana ICAC seeks to combat crimes against children through the Internet by vigorously investigating and prosecuting offenders. The task force aims to educate children and parents on Internet safety and responsibility through community outreach. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/ to learn more about their efforts. 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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. ###


body_text: CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – Earlier today, Samuel Miele pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Central Islip to wire fraud committed while he was working as a fundraiser for a candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives (Candidate #1). Miele agreed to pay $109,171 in restitution, $69,136 in forfeiture, and a separate stipulated payment of $470,000 to a contributor. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nicole M. Argentieri, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Anne T. Donnelly, District Attorney, Nassau County, announced the guilty plea. "The defendant used fraud and deceit to steal more than one hundred thousand dollars from his victims, funneling this money into the campaign committees of candidates for the House, and into his own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Defrauding potential political contributors undermines our democracy, and we will vigorously prosecute such conduct.” “Today, Samuel Miele admitted to engaging in multiple frauds designed to improperly raise election campaign funds and for his own personal benefit. Miele now rightly faces punishment in the criminal justice system for his criminal acts. The FBI is committed to enforcing the laws that protect the integrity of electoral process – the hallmark of our democracy,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “This defendant misrepresented himself as a high-ranking congressional aide to deceived political donors and used their money to pad his own pocket and the coffers of a candidate,” District Attorney Donnelly stated. “The integrity of fundraising practices is essential for fair elections. We stand alongside our federal partners to protect our electoral institutions and are proud to assist in this prosecution.” As part of the scheme, Miele impersonated a high-ranking aide to a member of House leadership while soliciting funds for Candidate #1’s campaign. As part of his plea, Miele also admitted that he committed access device fraud by charging credit cards without authorization for contributions to the campaigns of Candidate #1 and other candidates, as well as for Miele’s personal use. When sentenced, he faces up to 20 years in prison. The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Integrity Section and Long Island Criminal Division, and the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise, along with Trial Attorneys John Taddei and Jacob Steiner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman. The Defendant : SAMUEL MIELE Age: 27 New York, NY E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-327 (JS)


title: Founder of Medical Charity in St. Joseph Pleads Guilty to $8 Million Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The founder of a so-called Christian health care sharing ministry in St. Joseph, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to leading an $8 million wire fraud conspiracy that cheated hundreds of members, and to making false statements on a personal tax return. Craig Anthony Reynolds, 61, of St. Joseph, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making false statements on a tax return. Reynolds incorporated and ran Medical Cost Sharing, a tax-exempt organization, as its president and chief executive officer from 2014 through December 2022. By pleading guilty today, Reynolds admitted that he and his co-conspirators used false and fraudulent promises to market Medical Cost Sharing as a “Health Care Sharing Ministry” to defraud hundreds of “ministry members.” Reynolds and his co-conspirators collected more than $8 million in member “contributions,” yet paid only 3.1 percent in health care claims so that they could personally profit and take most of the members’ contributions for themselves. The co-conspirators included an executive vice president and chairman of Medical Cost Sharing, who ran the organization with Reynolds. This co-conspirator, identified in court documents as “CC1,” has not been charged. Reynolds marketed Medical Cost Sharing as a “Christian Health Care Sharing Ministry” through insurance brokers, radio stations, social media, and its website. Medical Cost Sharing sales materials promoted its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation, advertising that it was different from for profit health insurance. The Medical Cost Sharing website claimed, “while we are not an insurance company, many think of us as a Christian Health Insurance, or Christian Medical Insurance because, like conventional insurance plans, we help you pay your healthcare costs. We help you protect your family. But unlike these corporate, profit based plans, we are a healthcare sharing ministry … your healthcare costs are shared with other Christians enrolled in our medical sharing plans.” Medical Cost Sharing promised its member that if they paid monthly “contributions,” Medical Cost Sharing would pay claims after the members’ “personal responsibility” (deductible) was met. In reality, Reynolds admitted today, Medical Cost Sharing rarely paid members’ health care claims. Sometimes Medical Cost Sharing would pay a part of a claim if the member filed a complaint with their state attorney general and/or hired an attorney to represent them against Medical Cost Sharing. Non-profit organizations file IRS Forms 990, which are accessible to the public. Medical Cost Sharing filed false Forms 990 for tax years 2016 through 2019 that understated Reynolds’s and CC1’s compensation. Medical Cost Sharing filed no tax returns for tax years 2020 – 2022. According to today’s plea agreement, Medical Cost Sharing collected more than $8,035,544 in member contributions from 2015 through 2022. During that time, Medical Cost Sharing paid no more than $245,982 in claims, which constitutes only 3.1 percent of the member contributions collected. The $245,982 includes payments to members who filed complaints with their state attorney general and/or hired legal counsel to represent them against Medical Cost Sharing. Medical Cost Sharing paid no claims at all from Feb. 22, 2021, through December 2022, although it collected a total of nearly $1.2 million in dues in 2021 and 2022. Reynolds admitted that he and CC1 pocketed at least $5,168,268 from the member contributions from December 2015 through December 2022. Reynolds and CC1 took at least 64 percent of total member contributions for their personal profit. On Dec. 13, 2022, federal agents served search warrants on the Medical Cost Sharing business location and Reynolds’s residence and seized property generated from Medical Cost Sharing proceeds. Medical Cost Sharing continued to try to collect membership dues after the search and seizure warrants. On Dec. 27, 2022, the court entered a temporary restraining order that prohibited Medical Cost Sharing, Reynolds, and CC1 from continuing to perpetrate a fraudulent scheme and from processing Medical Cost Sharing member payments, among other actions. In addition to the wire fraud conspiracy, Reynolds also pleaded guilty to making false statements on a personal tax return. Reynolds admitted that he filed a return that claimed he had no taxable income in 2019. Reynolds actually received at least $354,292 in taxable income in 2019. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Reynolds must forfeit his gain from Medical Cost Sharing as well as any property obtained from his criminal activity, including two residences in St. Joseph, the contents of his bank account, and a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle. He must also pay $167,799 in restitution to the government. Under federal statutes, Reynolds is subject to a sentence of up to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen D. Mahoney, Patrick Daly, and John Constance. It was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation. FBI Website for Victims of Medical Cost Sharing Fraud Those who believe they are victims of this fraud and wish to receive restitution for any losses suffered as a result may provide their information through the MCS Victim Information Page that has been established by the FBI. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/mcs-victim-information-page


title: California Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Leading Meth Conspiracy

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Bakersfield, California, man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a significant drug trafficking organization operating in Missouri and Oklahoma that distributed hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine. William D. Johnson, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 22 years in federal prison without parole. On Feb. 22, 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from May 20, 2019, to Jan. 28, 2021, in Newton, Laclede, Lawrence, and Greene Counties. According to court documents, Johnson utilized a storage unit that was found to contain 231 pounds of methamphetamine, two rifles, and nearly $500,000 in cash. He also maintained two separate residences where law enforcement officers executed search warrants and seized a quarter of a pound of methamphetamine, three handguns, and more than $40,000 in cash. Johnson was stopped by Joplin, Mo., police officers on June 12, 2019, while he was in possession of 90.63 grams of methamphetamine and $16,327 in cash. Lebanon, Mo., police officers searched Johnson’s black 2013 GMC 2500 Duramax after he had left the vehicle on May 1, 2020, and found two items that contained drug residue and a Diamond Back 9mm pistol. While searching for Johnson, officers found a backpack he had been seen carrying, which contained approximately 180 grams of methamphetamine, a stolen Ruger .380-caliber firearm, and $33,234 in cash. When Johnson was arrested on Jan. 28, 2021, he was in possession of a smoking device with methamphetamine residue, two cell phones, and $11,375 in cash. Johnson is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Douglas S. Ward, 35, of Lebanon, Mo., was sentenced on Oct. 17, 2022, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Rita M Glasgow, 33, of Joplin, Mo., was sentenced on June 8, 2023, to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Joshua T. Davenport, 42, of Miami, Oklahoma, was sentenced on June 12, 2023, to five years and nine months in federal prison without parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Apache County, Arizona, Sheriff’s Department, the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI. 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.


title: Dual Brazilian/U.S. Citizen Indicted For Producing, Distributing, Receiving, And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Octavio Nogueira Pessoa (31, Largo) with three counts of production, one count of distribution, one count of receipt, and one count of possession of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Pessoa faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each possession count, and up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the remaining counts. Pessoa has been ordered detained pending trial. According to the indictment and evidence presented in open court, in December 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Pessoa’s residence after receiving a tip related to child sexual abuse material. During the search, law enforcement discovered that Pessoa was in a romantic relationship with his adult cousin who lived in Brazil. As part of that relationship, the couple openly discussed sexually abusing children in their family and recording those acts. On occasion, Pessoa directed his cousin to sexually abuse children and record the explicit conduct, including conduct involving an 8-year-old victim. In addition to these conversations, during the search warrant, law enforcement discovered thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on Pessoa’s devices. 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 Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, with substantial assistance from the Largo Police Department and the Brazilian Department of Federal Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .