title: Two Nashville Men Charged with Drug and Gun Offenses

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NASHVILLE – A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging two individuals for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute approximately five pounds of methamphetamine in Nashville, Tennessee, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. The indictment charges Brian Antonio Dotson, 45, and Lavantrez Zarqua Johnson, 28, both of Nashville, with conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Johnson is also charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and Dotson is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On May 4, 2023, Dotson and Johnson were arrested in an operation by the Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. MNPD detectives arranged to purchase five pounds of methamphetamine from Dotson. Dotson met with Johnson prior to the sale to obtain the methamphetamine. The defendants then drove separately to the neighborhood where the methamphetamine purchase would occur. Officers arrested Dotson at that time and a search of his car led to the recovery of five pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms. After arresting Dotson, officers attempted to detain Johnson who fled in his car. Although officers deployed a spike strip that punctured his car’s tires, Johnson was able to escape. While fleeing, Johnson threw a bag out his car. When officers recovered the bag, they found three plastic bags containing a substance later confirmed to be cocaine. Officers apprehended Johnson a few miles away and discovered a four-year-old child in his car. Both defendants are detained in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Herbert L. Bunton III is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # # # #


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Non-Prosecution Agreement With International Bus Parts Supplier CBM

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Christopher A. Scharf, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General (“DOT-OIG”); and Daniel Cort, the Inspector General of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA-IG”), announced that international bus parts supplier CBM entered into a non-prosecution agreement (the “NPA”) with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under the NPA, CBM agreed to pay significant monetary penalties for engaging in a scheme to defraud U.S. transit authority customers through false and misleading statements about the sources of contracted-for bus parts during the period from approximately 2010 to April 2021. Specifically, the NPA requires CBM to forfeit $463,243.41 to the United States, representing its profits from the scheme, and pay a fine of $1,500,000. In addition, CBM has agreed to pay restitution to victims who submit claims and to revert unclaimed funds up to $438,859.52 to the Crime Victims Fund, administered by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. The NPA also requires that for at least two years from the date of the agreement, CBM will further cooperate with the United States, self-report any future violations of U.S. law, and continue its ongoing efforts to implement and maintain an adequate compliance program. In the event that CBM violates the NPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office may prosecute CBM for any newly discovered criminal activity and for the conduct that gives rise to the NPA. This corporate action reflects a careful weighing of factors relevant to the appropriate corporate resolution. The NPA recognizes that, although CBM’s serious misconduct was reported to the U.S. Attorney’s Office before CBM self-disclosed it, (i) CBM US cooperated extensively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including through detailed disclosures and accountings of conduct not already known when CBM’s cooperation began; (ii) the most serious wrongdoing at CBM was limited to two individuals, though they were at the highest levels of the company; (iii) CBM has no history of criminal conduct, including any resolved through prior NPAs or deferred prosecution agreements; (iv) CBM has undertaken extensive remedial measures to ensure that similar conduct does not occur or go undetected in the future; and (v) CBM has taken full responsibility and agreed to make full restitution to all victims that seek compensation. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “CBM, primarily through the actions of a limited number of managers outside of the United States, represented to U.S. transit authorities that CBM was providing bus parts from specific suppliers and under specific brand names. Fortunately, none of the transactions at issue involved parts that bear on the safety of any affected buses. Since this Office’s investigation came to CBM’s attention, the company has cooperated fully and taken significant and commendable steps to remediate the institutional failures that allowed this situation to occur in the first place. But this NPA also ensures that CBM is held financially accountable for its conduct and that victims will be made whole. It should serve as a reminder to all companies that it will lose its profits, and then some, when this Office becomes aware of business practices like CBM’s in this case.” DOT-OIG Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Scharf said: “This NPA is an important step in remedying the harm caused by CBM when it misled U.S. transit authority customers. DOT OIG remains committed to holding transportation industry suppliers accountable for their actions that compromise the integrity of contracted goods and services.” MTA Inspector General Daniel Cort said: "The MTA must have faith in the integrity of its supply chain, and any breach of that trust is unacceptable. I thank our federal partners for holding vendors accountable for deceptive behavior." As part of the NPA, CBM agreed to a statement of facts describing its conduct and the remedial measures that it took in response to learning of that conduct. * * * Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DOT-OIG and thanked the MTA-IG for its assistance. This matter is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Balsamello is in charge of the matter.


title: Bradenton Felon Convicted Of Drug Trafficking And Gun Charges

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Andre Adams, Jr. (43, Bradenton) guilty of possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Adams faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to forty years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2024. Adams was indicted on January 23, 2023. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) began investigating an unknown individual in Bradenton for selling fentanyl and using Cash App for payment after a complaint from a concerned citizen. Investigators were able to determine the identity of the individual as Andre Adams. Jr. Over the next several months, investigators surveilled Adams’ residence and observed frequent visitors to the residence briefly meeting with Adams and appearing to make exchanges with him. Adams’s Cash App records showed that tens of thousands of dollars had been paid to him over a short period of time. Many of the senders had known drug addiction issues and used coded drug language such as “Scooby snacks,” a street term for heroin or fentanyl. On August 4, 2022, detectives with MCSO executed a search warrant at Adams’ residence. They discovered a loaded handgun, scales, drug cutting agents, a money counter, Kilo press, $22,000 in cash, 55 grams of methamphetamine, 400 grams of cocaine, and 80 grams of fentanyl. Later that same day, investigators executed a search warrant at Adams’ storage unit. There they discovered two kilograms of cocaine, more than 350 grams of methamphetamine, drug cutting agents, and a digital scale. They also discovered three additional firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, and several dozen rounds of ammunition. Prior to Adams’ conduct on August 4, 2022, he had been convicted of trafficking in cocaine and spent 15 years in Florida state prison. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Adams agreed to forfeit all firearms and ammunition found in this case. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. 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: Savannah roundtable showcases agency collaboration to combat sexual harassment in housing

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG) hosted a Savannah roundtable for community members and organizations as part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. “Sexual harassment or abuse by a landlord is never acceptable,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Our office will continue to vigorously pursue justice and compensation for vulnerable tenants who endure such predatory behavior.” “Everyone deserves to live in a safe environment without fear of being sexually harassed or assaulted by their landlord or anyone in a position of power over their housing,” said HUD Inspector General Oliver Davis. “I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Steinberg for hosting this summit today. My office remains committed to working with her to hold accountable those who would prey on vulnerable tenants and housing applicants.” Held at the Chatham County Library on Bull Street, the roundtable’s participants included representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and HUD OIG, and representatives from fair housing organizations and related service providers. The Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act. Sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, and others with power over housing often affects the most vulnerable populations – single parents, individuals who have financial difficulties, and people who have suffered sexual violence in the past. These individuals often do not know where to turn for assistance. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing. The Justice Department’s initiative seeks to identify barriers to reporting sexual harassment in housing, increase awareness of its enforcement efforts – both among survivors and those they may report to – and collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to increase reporting and help survivors quickly and easily connect with federal resources. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia collaborates with the Civil Rights Division to raise awareness of the options that are available to help individuals experiencing sexual harassment in housing. Community organizations, such as legal services offices, fair housing organizations, domestic violence advocates, shelters, and transitional housing providers, can identify the misconduct and recommend reporting to the Justice Department, HUD and HUD OIG. The Justice Department brings cases each year involving egregious conduct, including allegations that defendants have exposed themselves sexually to current or prospective tenants, requested sexual favors in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, made unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, and evicted tenants who resisted their sexual overtures. To date, the Justice Department has filed 42 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $17 million for victims of such harassment through the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. Earlier this year, the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia secured a $600,000 settlement with a Savannah-area landlord to resolve allegations that he sexually harassed and retaliated against his female tenants for more than 15 years. If you or someone you know has information about or has been a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation in housing – even if the events occurred years ago – report it to the HUD Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-347-3735 or visit the website at www.hudoig.gov/hotline . You may also file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint . Additionally, you can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by calling 912-652-4422 or emailing USGAS.Civil.Rights@usdoj.gov ; or the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division by calling 844-380-6178 or emailing fairhousing@usdoj.gov . More information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt .


title: Marion County Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing Methamphetamine And Fentanyl With Intent To Distribute

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Terrance Maurice Washington (41, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to six counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine and fentanyl) with the intent to distribute. Washington faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on the five counts involving methamphetamine. On the remaining fentanyl offense, Washington faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 18, 2024. According to court documents, on multiple occasions between October 2023 and January 2024, Washington distributed methamphetamine and/or fentanyl to a confidential source who was cooperating with law enforcement. The drugs provided by Washington during the transactions ranged from gram quantities to upwards of a pound or more of methamphetamine. Washington bragged that the type of fentanyl he distributed was “dropping people.” Once law enforcement arrested Washington, a search at his residence revealed another two pounds of methamphetamine intended for distribution. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.


title: Memphis Man Sentenced for SNAP Fraud and Identity Theft

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Willie Williams, Jr. , also known as Willie Gary, 56 , of Memphis, was sentenced to 104 months in federal prison in connection with a years-long scheme of filing false applications for SNAP benefits and then selling them to members of the community. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, from May 2020 through July 2023, Williams used the personally identifiable information of over 100 people to fraudulently obtain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low and middle income families buy food, thus reducing hunger. Williams previously entered a guilty plea to Aggravated Identity Theft and Food Stamp Fraud. As a part of the sentence imposed, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman also ordered Williams to pay $626,906 in restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture - Food and Nutrition Services and serve a three-year term of supervision after release from custody. This case was jointly investigated by the Special Investigations Unit of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General; and the United States Postal Inspection Service. United States Attorney Ritz said: “This defendant used other people’s identities to commit fraud on an important federal program. I deeply appreciate our federal and state partners for their work on this important prosecution. Our office will continue to use all the tools available to us to bring fraudsters to justice.” “We are grateful for the partnerships with USDA/OIG, U.S. Postal Inspectors, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their guidance and assistance in pursuing prosecution of this SNAP Fraud case. TDHS-OIG continues to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in our public assistance programs, so that eligible recipients are protected,” said Richard Carr, Program Integrity Director for the TDHS’s Office of Inspector General. “The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, actively investigates allegations of fraud in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). This investigation serves as a warning to all individuals that SNAP Fraud and Identity Theft will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted by the USDA-OIG, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all its federal, state, and local partners that have a stake in ensuring that fraud is eliminated from taxpayer-funded programs,” said Miles Davis, Special Agent-in-Charge for USDA’s Office of Inspector General. “This defendant used the U.S. Mail to take advantage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is a program developed to help families in need. This sentence will send a message that these crimes are serious and that our agency will continue to work to ensure these criminals are held accountable for their actions,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge for the United States Postal Inspection Service, Atlanta Division. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Carroll L. André III and former Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Lewis, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Two Additional Romanian Men Sentenced To Federal Prison For Stealing Bank Card Numbers

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Zamfir Nitu, 48, and Irinel Irimia, 42, both of Romania, were sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal bank card numbers, and possession of bank card numbers. Each defendant was ordered to serve a term of 1-year supervised release following their prison sentence and will face deportation. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “These cases demonstrate the success of cooperative investigations by federal and local agencies working to identify and arrest those attempting to profit from fraud and theft,’” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The protection of our citizens’ financial information is paramount, and with the help of our law enforcement partners, we will hold criminals accountable, no matter their national origin.” In April of 2023, the Eglin Federal Credit Union discovered that Nitu and Irimia had installed skimming devices at two of its ATMs and skimmed several hundred bank card numbers. The defendants then used the skimmed numbers to create fake bank cards and withdraw money from multiple ATMs in the area. They successfully obtained approximately $17,000 and were denied on attempts to withdraw another $35,000. “This case underscores the importance of investigators from both local and federal law enforcement agencies working together to protect the financial well-being of our good, hardworking citizens,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudulent activity compromising victims’ financial safety and security.” “Crimes that steal people’s identities and threaten to destabilize their financial security and wellbeing of unsuspecting victims will not be tolerated,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Alongside every state and local law enforcement partner, HSI vows to investigate criminals who pick the digital pockets of U.S. citizens by hiding behind the virtual anonymity of the internet.” This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. Additionally, the assistance of Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Fraud Investigation Division was critical in gathering the necessary evidence. Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Bastrop Man to Spend 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – A Bastrop man was sentenced in federal court to 300 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. According to court documents, Stuart Mitchell Pieper, 41, was a member of a private chat group on a social networking application. In July and August 2023, Pieper used the account to post multiple images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Pieper also discussed, in the group chat and in direct messages, how he was “grooming” female children for sexual activity. A search warrant executed on Aug. 12, 2023 resulted in the seizure of phones and laptops. A preliminary search of Pieper’s cell phone revealed images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Pieper was arrested that day by state authorities in Bastrop County and was transferred into federal custody on Nov. 13, 2023. He was indicted for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and pleaded guilty to the charge on April 18, 2024. The FBI and Bastrop County Sheriff's Office investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Franklin County District Attorney's Office and the New Albany Police Department in Ohio. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Cohen prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty To International Money Laundering Conspiracy Involving More Than $8,500,000 In Fraud Scheme Funds

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Jon Briceno, age 42, of Katy, Texas, pleaded guilty Friday, July 19, 2024, to conspiracy to commit money laundering, relating to his laundering of more than $8,751,523.07 in proceeds of various frauds, such as romance schemes and business email compromise schemes. The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Christina Bentham of the United States Secret Service (USSS), Baltimore Field Office; and Sheriff Matt Crisafulli of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. According to the plea agreement, beginning around June 2020, at the latest, and continuing through the date of his arrest by federal law enforcement on February 20, 2024, Briceno entered into an illegal agreement with the individuals referred to as Person A and Person B in the Indictment and numerous other co-conspirators to conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce that constituted the fraud schemes. The conspiracy involved the use of numerous shell companies formed by Briceno and his co-conspirators, as well as the opening of multiple bank accounts in the name of the shell companies that concealed his receipt and transfer of fraud proceeds. These shell companies assisted the conspiracy by allowing Briceno to receive and transfer fraud proceeds while concealing Briceno’s identity and that of his co-conspirators. In connection with the scheme, Briceno and his co-conspirators each took a percentage of the proceeds from schemes, with the Briceno often taking 10-25% of the fraud proceeds. Briceno was an organizer or leader of the money laundering conspiracy, which involved multiple participants around the nation. Indeed, the Briceno routinely directed co-conspirators across the county in connection with the scheme, including by (1) recruiting them to open bank accounts in their names or in the names of various purported businesses (shell companies) to launder the fraud proceeds; (2) informing them when proceeds of schemes of defraud were deposited into bank accounts they controlled; (3) directing the co-conspirators regarding the intermediate accounts to which the proceeds were to be transferred; and (4) directing the co-conspirators to provide confirmation to him that the co-conspirators had in fact received and then transferred the proceeds as requested, including (a) photographs of online bank statements and online wire transfer confirmations; (b) mobile device screenshots of confirmations of transfers of funds via Zelle; and (c) mobile device screenshots of online bank statements. Among the financial transactions Briceno directed with his co-conspirators was their receipt of funds from a victim, the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office in Worcester County, Maryland—referred to as Victim 1 in the Indictment—on 12 separate instances beginning on November 20, 2020 and ending on January 21, 2021 in amounts ranging in size from $16.60 to $41,471.94. In total, Worcester County was fraudulently convinced to provide $167,745.18 in funds to a bank account controlled by Briceno as a result of a business email compromise scheme in which an accounting manager employed by Worcester County received fraudulent emails directing that payments be made in response to a bill be made to the account controlled by Briceno. Moreover, during the broader timeframe of June 2020 to February 20, 2024, Briceno and his co-conspirators, used numerous accounts opened by Briceno and co-conspirators throughout the United States) to launder fraud proceeds obtained by numerous victims across the United States (including victims from California, Illinois, Virginia, Iowa, North Carolina, Texas, Missouri, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Indiana, South Carolina, Ohio, Alabama), as well as international victims Australia, Singapore, Luxembourg, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Thailand. In total, Briceno laundered at least $8,751,523.07 in funds that were proceeds of wire fraud, and he personally received in excess of $1,250,000 as his share of the fraudulently obtained funds. Mr. Briceno used the fraudulently obtained funds he received to purchase, among other things, numerous pieces of jewelry from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and others, numerous luxury items from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, and Christian Louboutin, and at least nine Rolex watches (valued at more than $10,000 each). He invested in crypto-currency using the funds and likewise frequently gambled with large amounts of it. Moreover, Briceno use the funds to lease office space, which he used as a space for running a poker room in Texas. On June 15, 2022, Briceno’s residence, at the time located in Katy, Texas, was searched pursuant to a federal search warrant. During the search, law enforcement identified and seized numerous bank records, money order receipts, pawn shop receipts, several bankcards and articles of incorporation documents for various shell businesses used in connection with money laundering conspiracy, along with various electronic devices. One of these devices contained numerous WhatsApp messages and audio recordings of evidentiary value, including messages with co-conspirators concerning the money laundering conspiracy and numerous bank accounts used by Briceno, Person A, Person B, and others to launder fraud scheme funds, and numerous shell entities that were founded and used in connection with the conspiracy. On February 20, 2024, law enforcement executed another search warrant at Briceno’s new home, also located in Katy, Texas, and Briceno was arrested. Numerous items of evidentiary value were seized during the search, including electronic devices with content reflecting the money laundering conspiracy with Person A, Person B, and others. Briceno faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox has scheduled sentencing for October 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the USSS and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley leads the prosecution of this federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Armed Robbery of Mail Carrier Lands Two Men in Federal Prison for More Than 12 Years Combined

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – TARYAN NABOND PRINCE-SADLER , 20, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for the armed robbery of a U.S. mail carrier and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On May 16, 2023, Prince-Sadler was charged by Indictment with two counts of armed robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, two counts of unauthorized possession of a postal key, one count of possession of stolen mail, and one count of theft of mail. Prince-Sadler’s co-defendant, Rijae Varnell Luster , 23, was charged with aiding and abetting armed robbery of property of the United States. According to public record, between August 2022 and March 2023, four separate United States postal carriers reported being robbed while delivering mail. On two of the occasions, once in Edmond (February 1, 2023) and once in Stillwater (March 4, 2023), the suspect pointed a firearm at the carrier , and then forcefully took the carrier’s “Arrow Key,” which opens postal boxes. During the Stillwater robbery, surveillance cameras spotted a white vehicle following the mail carrier before and after the robbery. An investigation of this vehicle led authorities to Luster, who has admitted to the court he drove Prince-Sadler to the Stillwater location to carry out the robbery. In the early hours of April 17, 2023, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspectors tracked Prince-Sadler to a post office in Edmond and observed him unlocking mailboxes, removing U.S. mail, and placing the mail in a trash bag before attempting to get away. USPIS Inspectors immediately arrested Prince-Sadler and discovered a firearm, binoculars, stolen mail, and the Arrow Key from the February 1, 2023, armed postal robbery inside his vehicle. USPIS has identified at least 505 victims of Prince-Sadler and Luster’s mail theft, and over $500,000 in actual losses associated with the stolen mail. On October 16, 2023, Prince-Sadler pleaded guilty to a two-count Superseding Information. As part of his plea, Prince-Sadler admitted to forcefully taking a United States Arrow Key from a U.S. mail carrier, putting the carrier’s life in jeopardy by using a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. At the sentencing hearing on July 17, 2024, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Prince-Sadler to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the serious nature of the crime. On June 25, 2024, Luster was sentenced to serve 30 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting armed robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States. This case is the result of an investigation by the USPIS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilson D. McGarry and Danielle London prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Self-Proclaimed “Wolf Of Airbnb” Sentenced To 51 Months In Prison In Connection With Ppp And Real Estate Fraud Scheme

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KONRAD BICHER was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield to 51 months in prison in connection with his fraudulent operation of real estate businesses, including by entering into lease agreements for residential apartment units in Manhattan on false and fraudulent pretenses and by making false statements to obtain loans guaranteed by the U.S. government. BICHER previously pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Bicher schemed to defraud New York City landlords and the U.S. Government. Bicher enriched himself by abusing Government programs and tenant protections intended to benefit people and businesses in need during one of the worst economic and public health crises in history. He bragged about his schemes to his friends and the media, proudly referring to himself as the ‘Wolf of Airbnb,’ but as today’s sentence underscores, those who partake in such callous and fraudulent conduct will answer for their crimes, no matter their self-given title.” According to the allegations in the Complaint, Indictment, other court documents, and statements made in Court: Beginning in at least February 2019, BICHER and/or individuals working in concert with BICHER, began renting apartment units (the “Units”) in Manhattan. The Units were leased pursuant to lease agreements which required that the lessee make monthly rental payments and also included clauses that prohibited the lessee from renting the Units to third parties on a short-term basis and/or included clauses that prohibited the lessee from subletting the Units to third parties without written consent of the owner. Despite the requirement to make monthly rental payments, BICHER failed to make payments as required by the lease agreements. For many of the Units, BICHER also refused to vacate the Units after the expiration of the lease agreements. During the period of time that BICHER failed to make required rental payments, including the period of time after a lease agreement expired and the premises had not been vacated, BICHER derived income by renting the Units on a short-term basis, including by posting the Units for rent on various online marketplaces, including Airbnb, Inc. (“Airbnb”). Between in or about July 2019, and in or about April 2022, BICHER and his associates failed to make more than $1,000,000 in payments pursuant to the Lease Agreements or, for the period of time after the expiration of the Lease Agreements, based on the estimated fair market value for the Units. During this period, BICHER caused the Units to be listed for short-term rent on Airbnb and at least one other online marketplace for short-term rentals, resulting in at least $1,170,000 in rental income to BICHER and his associates. Throughout the course of this scheme, the lessors of the Units made numerous efforts to recover rental payments from BICHER and/or to stop BICHER from continuing to rent the Units on a short-term basis, including by initiating civil litigation against BICHER. BICHER relied on legal protections intended to benefit tenants, including tenant protections adopted in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to oppose the lawsuits. Despite relying on tenant protections for New Yorkers in need, BICHER continued to generate revenue by renting certain Units on a short-term basis. In addition, between at least in or about April 2021, until in or about July 2021, BICHER obtained Government-guaranteed loans through a loan program of the U.S. Small Business Administration designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). In furtherance of this scheme, BICHER submitted at least four applications for PPP loans on behalf of at least three entities and obtained over $565,000 in loan proceeds. These PPP applications contained fraudulent documents and false information. For example, in connection with the PPP applications, BICHER submitted tax documents which were purportedly filed with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). These documents were falsified, in that the entities seeking PPP loans had not actually filed the purported tax returns with the IRS, and BICHER had not otherwise reported the purported income to the IRS. During the course of the scheme, BICHER referred to himself as the “Wolf of Airbnb” and explained to media outlets that this nickname referred to the fact that he was “hungry and ruthless enough to get on top of the financial ladder” and had the “ferocity…of a wolf, because wolves are territorial, vicious, and show no mercy when provoked.” * * * In addition to the prison term, BICHER, 32, of Hialeah, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. He was additionally ordered to forfeit $1,740,407.12 and pay restitution in the amount of $2,227,371.58. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weinberg is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Oklahoma Doctor Convicted after Stealing Controlled Substances from Hospital

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted John Nedza, 35, of Edmond, of 18 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by deceit or subterfuge, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Nedza with 18 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by deceit or subterfuge. On July 11, a federal jury found Dr. Nedza guilty on all counts. Dr. Nedza worked as a contract anesthesiologist at an Oklahoma City based hospital through March 2022. Testimony presented at trial indicated that Dr. Nedza had exploited his role at the hospital to divert controlled substances, including fentanyl, ketamine, dilaudid, and midazolam, over a long period of time. Evidence presented at trial proved that, on at least six different occasions in early March 2022, Dr. Nedza pulled out large amounts of controlled substances by claiming the drugs were for patient surgeries. However, Dr. Nedza was not scheduled to perform—and did not perform—those surgeries. Instead, he claimed to dispose of the drugs, but kept them for his own personal purposes. Following his conviction, Nedza faces up to four years in federal prison per count for a total possible sentence of 72 years in federal prison. This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas B. Snyder and Elizabeth M. Bagwell are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Leader of $200 Million Ponzi Scheme Pleads Guilty to Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Faces 20 Years’ Imprisonment

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Johanna Michely Garcia, 41, from Broward County, Fla., was the former Chief Executive Officer of MJ Capital Funding, LLC. On July 16, Garcia pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349, 1343, and 1341. The conspiracy involved Garcia leading others, including Pavel Ramon Ruiz Hernandez, in an investment Ponzi fraud scheme totaling approximately $190,700,000. According to court records, Garcia’s MJ Capital Funding was purportedly engaged in providing merchant cash advances, or MCAs, a type of short-term financing typically used by small businesses. Beginning in October 2020, and continuing through August 2021, Garcia conspired with others to fraudulently solicit money from investors to fund MJ Capital Funding’s MCAs. Garcia and her co-conspirators recruited other people to solicit investors for MJ Capital Funding’s investment offering and paid those recruiters commissions. Court records state that Garcia and her co-conspirators, directly and indirectly, made false statements and fraudulent representations to investors concerning the nature of the MJ Capital Funding investment and the use of investor funds. Garcia and others falsely told investors that their money would be used to fund MCAs and that investor returns would be paid from the profits of MJ Capital Funding’s MCA business. However, the company made few loans and failed to earn anywhere near the profits it needed to pay the investors the promised returns. As a result, Garcia paid investors by running a large Ponzi fraud scheme, paying existing investors using new investor funds while misappropriating millions of dollars for her own personal benefit. Of the nearly $200 million raised, investors lost nearly $90 million. According to Court records, after the FBI and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) effectively shut down MJ Capital Funding, in the fall of 2021, Garcia, Ruiz Hernandez, and others began operating a new Ponzi scheme that was identical to the MJ Capital Funding criminal enterprise. Garcia led this new scheme from its inception, up until her arrest, and after, while in Bureau of Prisons custody. The entities utilized by Garcia and her co-conspirators for the new fraud scheme included New Beginning Global Funding LLC, New Beginning Capital Funding LLC, Lion Heart Capital Group L.L.C., GMR Remodeling LLC, and Group Management LLC. Similar to the MJ Capital Funding fraud, Garcia and her partners told victims that their money would be used to fund commercial loans. In truth, the money raised was used to pay off previous investors, and fund Garcia and her coconspirators' lifestyles. Garcia’s sentencing hearing is currently set for Sept. 20, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez will determine Garcia's sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Ruiz Hernandez was charged in August 2022, pled guilty in April 2023, and was sentenced in September 2023 to 110 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri, FBI Miami, made the announcement. FBI Miami investigated this case. SEC’s Miami Regional Office and Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation provided invaluable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Cruz is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20350. ###


title: Lawton Man Sentenced to Serve 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Drugs and Firearm

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – SKYLER LEE PASLEY , 35, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 132 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 6, 2023, Pasley was charged by Superseding Information with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. An affidavit in previously filed criminal complaint alleges that on September 15, 2022, officers with the Lawton Police Department observed a vehicle driving recklessly. A state-certified K-9 was deployed during a traffic stop on the vehicle and alerted to the presence of drugs inside. During a subsequent search of his person, Pasley, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, was found to have a firearm in his waistband, methamphetamine in his sock, and various other drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, wrapped in his hair. Public record reflects that Pasley has a previous felony conviction for embezzlement in Comanche County District Court case number CF-2006-609. He was also convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, interference with commerce by robbery, and carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in Western District of Oklahoma District Court case number CR-08-289-R. On September 15, 2023, Pasley pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information, admitting to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm despite his felony convictions. At the sentencing hearing on July 17, 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Pasley to serve 132 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the need to deter similar conduct and to protect the public. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Indian Country leads to 40-Month Sentence in Federal Prison for Stephens County Man

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – KADEN SANNER RODEN , 25, of Duncan, has been sentenced to serve 40 months in federal prison for an assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On November 7, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Roden with assault with a dangerous weapon. According to public record, in March 2023, Roden was involved in an argument with another individual over an alleged debt that was owed. When the victim attempted to drive away, Roden shot at the victim’s vehicle several times, striking the driver’s side of the car once. The victim was not injured. This case is in federal court because Roden is a member of the Choctaw Nation and the crime took place within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation. On January 8, 2024, Roden pleaded guilty, and admitted to firing multiple shots at a vehicle being driven by the victim. At the sentencing hearing on July 12, 2024, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Roden to serve 40 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted that the circumstances in this case were particularly dangerous and could have resulted in significantly increased harm. This case is the result of an investigation by the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, in collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation Office of Tribal Justice Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 15 Years in Federal Prison following Two Armed Robberies in Two Days

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – ZACHARY SCOTT , JR. , 33, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison for carrying out two armed robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 3, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment against Scott, charging him with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to public record, in August 2023, Scott attempted two armed robberies in the span of two days. In both robberies, Scott threatened employees with his firearm, telling one such employee he would kill them if they didn’t give him cash from the register. Scott was arrested by Oklahoma City Police on August 16, 2023, and officers located a loaded handgun in the vehicle he was driving. On December 1, 2023, Scott pleaded guilty to the two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and admitted he carried out the robberies by force using a firearm. At the sentencing hearing on July 16, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Scott to serve 180 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Dishman noted that Scott had committed the robberies just a couple months after discharging a sentence for similar offenses of robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-14-8050. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 25 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – LAMMON RUSSELL BLONNER , 27, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 300 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to traffic over 46 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to an affidavit in a previously filed criminal complaint, in July 2023, law enforcement intercepted a shipment of fentanyl-laced pills which was en-route to Oklahoma City. Authorities coordinated a controlled delivery with fake “fentanyl pills,” which were picked up by an individual and taken to an Oklahoma City residence. When law enforcement knocked on the door, Blonner attempted to flee out of a back window of the home before he was arrested. At the residence, law enforcement found fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, cocaine, and four firearms. According to public record, while in custody, Blonner harassed, threatened, and lied to police officers. Public record also reflects that Blonner has a previous felony conviction for robbery with a dangerous weapon in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2013-7880. Blonner had been out of prison less than a year when he was arrested in this case. On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an eight-count Indictment against Blonner, charging him with drug conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of firearms, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute where a minor is present. On October 5, 2023, Blonner pleaded guilty to Counts 1 & 6 of the Indictment, and admitted to conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl, and to possessing a firearm despite his previous felony conviction. At the sentencing hearing on July 18, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Blonner to serve 300 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Dishman noted Blonner’s serious criminal history and the fact that he began trafficking fentanyl less than one year after his release from state prison. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Leverett prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Four People Sentenced to Serve 25 Years in Federal Prison Collectively after More Than 120 Pounds of Methamphetamine is Recovered from Vehicle

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – CHRISTOPHER WARREN DAVIS , 45, of Springfield, Illinois, has been sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison for his part in trafficking more than one hundred pounds of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On February 21, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Davis and three other co-defendants, charging them with a drug conspiracy and with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. According to public record, on February 5, 2023, members of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Criminal Oklahoma Interdiction of Central Oklahoma (CITCO) unit stopped two vehicles, both registered out of state and traveling together in a suspicious manner, and located approximately 123 pounds of methamphetamine in one of the vehicles. On August 9, 2023, Davis pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment and admitted to possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. At the sentencing hearing on July 18, 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Davis to serve 180 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The three other defendants charged in this case also pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and have been sentenced as follows: - Kanesha L. Gladney , 28, was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. - Tatyanna Marie Johnson , 26, was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. - Anthony Allison , 42, was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Oklahoma City Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle M. Connolly and Travis Leverett prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Capitol Heights Man Sentenced To 53 Months In Federal Prison For Wire Fraud And Illegal Possession Of A Firearm

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – On July 18, 2024, U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Stephawn Watson, also known as “O Dawg,” age 28, of Capitol Heights, Maryland to 53 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for charges related to a Maryland and California unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme totaling more than $1.5 million, as well as Illegal Possession of a Firearm. Judge Hurson also ordered Wason to forfeit over $90,000 and to pay restitution of $2,094,319. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Ajay Lall of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”); Chief Amal E. Awad of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (MSP); Chief Charles H. Hinnant of the Cumberland Police Department, and Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division. Financial assistance offered through the CARES Act included expanded eligibility for Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) benefits and increased UI benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (“PUA”), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”), and the Lost Wages Assistance Program (“LWAP”). According to his plea agreement, from March 2020 to October 2021, Watson and his co-conspirators impersonated victims to submit fraudulent claims for pandemic-related UI benefits in Maryland and in California. As part of the scheme, Watson and his co-conspirators obtained the birthdates, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information (“PII”) of numerous victims which they used to prepare and submit fraudulent applications for UI benefits. The applications contained false information, including the victims’ contact information, states of residence, and availability for work. These fraudulent applications caused financial institutions to load UI benefits onto debit cards and mail the cars to physical addresses provided and monitored by co-conspirators. Once Watson and his co-conspirators received fraudulently obtained benefits on the debit cards, they used them for cash withdrawals and other transactions for their own benefits. A search of Watson’s residence in February, 2021, recovered 11 UI debit cards in the names of 9 victims as well as a fraudulent account created in Watson’s name. The investigation also revealed numerous text messages between Watson and his co-conspirators exchanging PII of victims and discussing the execution of the UI fraud scheme. In all, Watson and his co-conspirators submitted more than 200 fraudulent UI claims using the names and PII of victims, resulting in more than $1.6 million in losses. Watson was also sentenced for his Illegal Possession of a Firearm based on his arrest in January 2022 by the Cumberland Police Department. At the time of his arrest, Watson was wanted for three different warrants in three different jurisdictions for firearms related offenses. The firearm was later determined to be stolen. The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Barron commended the USPIS, HSI, DOL-OIG, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, MSP, the Cumberland Police Department, and the ATF for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who prosecuted the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Keystone Heights Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced To 5 Years For Possessing Ammunition

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Allen Tereal Grimes (34, Keystone Heights) to 5 years in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Grimes was also ordered to forfeit the ammunition, which was traceable to his offense. Grimes made his initial appearance in federal court on March 4, 2024, and the court ordered him detained. Grimes entered a guilty plea on April 10, 2024. According to court records, on August 11, 2023, Grimes was in possession of Winchester 9mm ammunition, among other ammunition. At the time of the incident, Grimes had seven prior felony convictions, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, fleeing and eluding a police officer, felony battery, and assault with intent to commit to a felony. As a previously convicted felon, Grimes is prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin C. Frein and Kirwinn Mike. 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: Lee County Woman Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Role In Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Trafficking Scheme

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Christi Lynn Bien Aime (31, Alva) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Bien Aime entered a guilty plea on March 27, 2024. According to court records, in May 2021, Bien Aime solicited an acquaintance to receive a drug-laden package in the mail for her in exchange for cash. The package—which was shipped from California to Cape Coral, Florida, and addressed to a fake name—was intercepted in transit by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) before reaching its final destination. The package contained approximately 3½ kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 1½ kilograms of methamphetamine, and approximately one kilogram of p-Fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue). DEA agents arranged to conduct a “controlled delivery” of the package and deliver it—after it was emptied of any real controlled substances—as it was originally intended to be delivered. After an undercover DEA agent delivered the package to the residence in Cape Coral, Bien Aime’s acquaintance accepted the package and delivered it to a nearby gas station as she was instructed by Bien Aime. At the gas station, Bien Aime paid her acquaintance and opened the package, before being approached and detained by DEA agents. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.


title: Dade City Babysitter Gets Maximum Sentence For Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Olejuwan Lamar Steele (30, Zephyrhills) to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Steele to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim and register as a sex offender. Steele entered a guilty plea on April 17, 2024. According to court documents, Steele was a babysitter in the Dade City community in Pasco County. On one occasion in 2022, while babysitting a two-year-old child, Steele created videos of child sexual abuse material of the victim and shared them on the internet via live-video. “This babysitter exploited the innocence of a child in his care, betrayed the trust placed in him, and violated the sanctity of childhood itself,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “Through HSI’s law enforcement partnership with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, this predator will now be held accountable for his vile actions against a child.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations—Tampa with substantial assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was 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 .


title: Arizona Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution in New Hampshire

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – An Arizona man distributing methamphetamine shipped through the United State Postal Service (USPS) into New Hampshire was sentenced today in federal court in Concord to 90 months’ imprisonment, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Michael Bowling, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 90 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 11, 2024, Bowling pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal investigative partners have dedicated significant resources to stopping the flow of drugs into to New Hampshire through the mail,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The lengthy prison sentence imposed today by the Court reflects the seriousness of using federal assets to aid in illegal drug distribution. Anyone transporting poisonous drugs using USPS should think again. Law enforcement is watching and poised to take action.” “As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge, Stephen P. Belleau, DEA New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Bowling accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to bring this poison to the Granite State. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” “Today’s sentencing should send a clear message that using the U.S. Mail to facilitate drug trafficking activities will not be tolerated,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “This successful investigation is a result of strong partnerships both within the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and with our local and federal law enforcement partners.” In 2021, the defendant mailed packages of methamphetamine from Arizona into New Hampshire, using fictitious return addresses to thwart law enforcement from identifying him as the supplier. Despite his efforts, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized three packages of methamphetamine sent by the defendant to his Lakes Region co-conspirators, containing over 600 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement arrested the defendant in his Arizona home, where he admitted to mailing the methamphetamine to New Hampshire. The New Hampshire USPIS and DEA Manchester District Office led the drug investigation, in partnership with the USPIS Phoenix Division and DEA Phoenix Field Division I. The Meredith Police Department, Belknap County Drug Task Force, New Hampshire State Police, and the USPIS Denver, Washington, and Fort Worth Divisions provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case. ###


title: Kentucky Man Charged with Federal Hate Crime and Firearm Offenses for Threats Against Palestinian American

body_text: A Kentucky man was arrested today and charged with federal hate crime and firearms offenses for threatening a Palestinian American man with a loaded gun. According to the indictment that was unsealed this morning, on or about March 28, Melvin P. Litteral III used force or the threat of force to intimidate and interfere with the victim – a Palestinian American man and practicing Muslim identified in the indictment by the initials O.S. – because of O.S.’s race, color, religion and/or national origin, and because O.S. was enjoying the goods, services and facilities of a local restaurant. The indictment also includes a weapons charge, alleging that the defendant brandished a firearm during the offense. If convicted of the hate crime offense, Litteral faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the firearms charge, Litteral faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison, to run consecutively to any sentence imposed for the hate crime offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Louisville Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Katherine G. DeVar of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mississippi Man Indicted for Impersonating Deputy United States Marshal

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILLIAM GILCHRIST (“ GILCHRIST”) , a resident of Greenville, Mississippi was indicted on July 19, 2024 for impersonating a deputy United States Marshal, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912. According to the indictment, on or about June 19, 2024, GILCHRIST falsely assumed and pretended to be a Fugitive Task Force Officer with the United States Marshals Service. GILCHRIST faces a sentence of up to 3 years imprisonment, up to 1 year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Kingsport Man Sentenced To Over 21 Years In Prison After Jury Trial Conviction

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

body_text: GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On July 22, 2024, Eric Eugene Robinson, 55, of Kingsport, Tennessee, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville. Following his incarceration, Robinson will be on supervised release for a period of five years. Robinson was convicted by a federal jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1), following a two-day trial in April 2024. The evidence and testimony presented during the trial showed that in early September 2020, surveillance was conducted at the Dorothy Street residence, which determined that Robinson, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm. A search warrant was executed at the residence by the Kingsport Police Department and, during the search, a 9mm pistol, with a loaded magazine, was located beneath a couch in the living room of the residence. An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) testified that the firearm was manufactured in Brazil and imported into Bainbridge, Georgia, before ultimately arriving in Tennessee. United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. Kingsport Police Department officer Mike Slater, formerly a Task Force Officer assigned to the ATF, led the investigation with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the ATF. Assistant United States Attorney B. Todd Martin and Special Assistant United States Attorney AnCharlene Davis represented the United States at trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options for prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crimes face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community face. ###


title: Fake Concert Promoter Sentenced to 57 months in Prison for Nearly $3 million Fraud Scheme Involving Identity Theft and Bogus Music Concerts

body_text: MIAMI – On July 17, Terronce Morris, 42, the leader of a two-man fraud scheme, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison on conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges. Morris, of Missouri City, Tex., pled guilty on Feb. 13 to conspiring with Blake Kelly, 37, of Los Angeles, Calif., in a fraud scheme involving bogus music concerts with famous artists, including J.B., B.E., and P.M. Kelly had previously pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy, on Jan. 9. Morris and Kelly also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft for forging the signature and using the identity of music artist J.B. on false and fraudulent concert contracts. According to the factual proffer and other court documents, between December 2019 and March 2020, Morris and Kelly fraudulently obtained approximately $1,350,000 from victim J.R. Morris and Kelly persuaded the victim to give them the money for the purportedly production of a music festival, featuring J.B., P.M., B.E., and other music recording artists. Morris and Kelly created several false and fraudulent concert performance contracts forging the signatures of the music recording artists. Morris also created false and fraudulent email accounts that he used to pose as if the music recording artists themselves had sent the signed contracts to Kelly and himself. Additionally, during a video call with the victim, Morris and Kelly had an accomplice pose as J.B. to trick the victim into believing that J.B. had agreed to perform at the concert series. Morris continued his fraud scheme after receiving several cease and desist letters from the recording artists' attorneys. Just a few months after stealing victim J.R.’s $1,350,000, in October 2020, Morris used more fake and forged J.B. contracts that he created to trick another victim, A.M., out of $500,000. On Nov. 19, 2020, Morris sent victim A.M. a false, fake, and fraudulent B.E. contract from his email account. Relying on these bogus contracts, victim A.M. sent Morris a $250,000 check for the anticipated performance, and Morris quickly deposited those funds and as in the case of victim J.R., Morris used those funds on himself and not for a concert featuring musical artists. After stealing victim A.M.'s money, in May 2021, to as late as December 2023 (post-arrest), Morris stole an additional $850,000 from two more victims, W.P. and S.H. On July 27, 2021, Morris sent victim W.P. an email with another forged and bogus J.B. contract, this time claiming that Morris secured the musical artist's signature in person. Morris wrote in the email, "I told you I was going to get it done!!!!" And just like victim J.R., victim W.P., drawing upon his and victim S.H.'s money, sent Morris a check made payable to "J.B.," in the amount of $250,000. Morris, without any authority, signed the back of the check, deposited it in his own checking account, and spent it on himself. Morris, free on bond, met with victim W.P. in December 2023 (post-arrest) and promised him that the J.B. concert would go on someday in the near future. In yet another separate, yet related instance, in November 2021, Morris met with victim M.P and received a $350,000 cashier’s check in the name of J.B on behalf of victims N.V. and J. F. Morris again claimed that he represented artist J.B. and that the $350,000 was to procure his performance on a live streaming event during the Covid-19 pandemic. Morris then committed the aggravated identity theft of a second J.B., in that in December 2021, he opened a bank account in Texas, using the personal identifying information of a victim named J.B., who shares the same name as the musical artist, J.B. The total fraud loss from Morris’ musical artist fraud scheme is close to $3,000,000. Morris and Kelly used the fraudulently obtained money to enrich themselves and finance a lavish lifestyle for themselves and their accomplices, which included traveling, purchasing luxury goods, paying for luxurious services, and dining at high-priced restaurants. On March 13, Kelly was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger Cruz and Joan Silverstein prosecuted it. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/ or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-60118. ###


title: Westfield Woman Sentenced for Making Hoax Bomb Threat Against Boston Children's Hospital

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Westfield woman was sentenced on July 18, 2024 in federal court in Boston for calling in a hoax bomb threat against Boston Children’s Hospital. Catherine Leavy, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to three years’ probation. In September 2023, Leavy pleaded guilty to one count of making a false bomb threat and one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information that a bomb was on the way to Boston Children’s Hospital. In August 2022, law enforcement began monitoring threats made against Boston Children’s Hospital and its employees. Among the wide range of healthcare services it provides, Boston Children’s Hospital is home to the Gender Multispecialty Service (GeMS) program – a healthcare program focused on gender-diverse and transgender adolescents. On Aug. 30, 2022, Boston Children’s Hospital received a telephonic bomb threat in which the caller said, “There is a bomb on the way to the hospital, you better evacuate everybody you sickos.” As a result of the call, the hospital and surrounding area was placed on lockdown status and a bomb squad was dispatched. An investigation determined that there were no explosive devices located at the hospital. Subscriber and call detail records and location information for the phone number that called in the threat determined that the phone number was subscribed in Leavy’s name. In addition, cell tower data indicated the phone was nearby Leavy’s residence at the time the bomb threat was made. During a search of Leavy’s residence on Sept. 15, 2022, the phone used to make the threat was recovered. According to court records, in an on-scene interview with law enforcement, Leavy expressed disapproval of Boston Children’s Hospital on multiple occasions. Leavy also admitted that she called in the threat to Boston Children’s Hospital on Aug. 30, 2022, but stated that she had no plan or intention to actually bomb the hospital. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Westfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Dolan, Deputy Chief of the National Security Unit, prosecuted the case.


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Who Smuggled Fake Oxycodone from LAX to Dulles in Laundry Product Bottles Sentenced to 10+ Years

body_text: WASHINGTON – Andre Malik Edmond, 23, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was sentenced today to 130 months in prison for participating in a massive fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that shipped hundreds of thousands of fake oxycodone pills from Southern California to destinations throughout the United States, including the District. Edmond, aka “Draco,” was one of 24 co-defendants arrested over the course of 2023 in D.C., Virginia, Maryland, San Diego, and Los Angeles and charged in the conspiracy. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon Wood of the US Postal Inspection Service Washington Division (USPIS), Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Edmond pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on February 28 to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered Edmond to serve five years of supervised release. The DEA launched the investigation after a young woman in Washington, D.C., Diamond Lynch, took one pill and died as a result of acute fentanyl intoxication. In addition to investigating and prosecuting the death resulting case, [1] law enforcement followed the evidence and uncovered a vast network of traffickers who transported fentanyl from Mexico to Los Angeles to the District of Columbia. Since then, investigators have seized more than 450,000 fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms. According to court documents, Edmond and his co-conspirators smuggled the pills on flights to the DMV in luggage and personal carry-on items, or by shipping them through the mail using the U.S. mail or commercial carriers. In one instance, Edmond informed his Los Angeles-based supplier he wanted to purchase 75,000 fentanyl pills at 39 cents per pill. Edmonds flew to Southern California to complete the deal in January 2023. On January 30, 2023, DEA agents conducted an interdiction of a checked bag at Dulles International Airport that had just arrived on a flight from LAX. Edmond and his traveling companion, a minor, were both passengers on the flight. The bag was checked in the traveling companion’s name and was searched upon arriving at the baggage carousel. Packed in the bag were six Downy Unstopables containers—all of which were filled with fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills, totaling more than 70,000 pills and weighing about 8.2 kilograms. As agents searched the bag, Edmond attempted to flee before law enforcement apprehended him in a parking lot. Then, before being charged in this case, while Edmond was on pretrial release for state charges in Maryland, he continued to traffic drugs. On June 1, 2023, federal law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Edmond’s home and recovered about 1.6 kilograms of fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills. The majority of the pills were found inside a Downy Unstopables container, with the remainder packaged in several baggies. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Today’s sentencing comes after the following resolutions by other co-defendants in this case. DEFENDANT AGE LOCATION CHARGES/SENTENCE Raymond Nava, Jr. 20 Bell Gardens, California Pleaded guilty 5-9-24, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Ulises Aldaz 28 Bell Gardens, California Sentenced 6-28-24, to 95 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Marvin Anthony Bussie, aka “Money Marr” 21 Washington, D.C. Sentenced 6-28-24 to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Marcus Orlando Brown 28 Washington, D.C. Pleaded guilty 3-11-24 to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Columbian Thomas, aka "Cruddy Murda” 26 Washington, D.C. Pleaded guilty 6-4-24 to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Wayne Rodell Carr-Maiden 29 Washington, D.C. Sentenced 4-29-24 to 45 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Andre Malik Edmond, aka “Draco” 23 Temple Hills, Maryland Sentenced 7-22-24, to 130 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Treyveon James Johnson, aka “Treyski” 20 Alexandria, Virginia Pleaded guilty 4-19-24 to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Paul Alejandro Felix 25 Glendale, California Pleaded guilty 7-1-24 to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Raul Pacheco Ramirez 30 Long Beach, California Pleaded guilty 7-19-24 to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the DEA Washington Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional support from the DEA Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Solomon S. Eppel, and Iris McCranie, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section. 23cr73 [1] https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/brother-and-sister-sentenced-drug-conspiracy-involving-fentanyl-sales


title: Columbus, Ohio man pleads guilty to exploiting minor via videos of rape

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Arturo Navarrete-Juarez, 29, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexually exploiting a minor. Navarrete-Juarez faces a potential sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. According to court documents, between October 2021 and December 2022, Navarrete-Juarez sexually abused at least one minor and created child pornography of the abuse. Specifically, the defendant raped a 6-year-old girl. In March of 2023, the FBI investigated child sexual abuse material on a Tor network that featured Navarrete-Juarez. The defendant’s face was visible in the videos. Investigators also linked Navarrete-Juarez’s identity to the videos by distinctive tattoos on his hands, arms and chest and by the apartment depicted in the background of the videos. Navarrete-Juarez was charged federally by a criminal complaint in March 2023. He will be sentenced at a future hearing. Congress sets the minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Topeka man charged with embezzlement

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man made his initial appearance before a judge after a federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging him with financial fraud. Matthew Waits, 39, of Topeka is charged with one count of thefts concerning a program receiving federal funds. According to court documents, between January 2023 and December 2023, Waits is accused of using his position as program manager and director of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s Diabetes Prevention Program to embezzle $5,000 or more in federal grant money. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Last Defendant Pleads Guilty in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Targeting Capital Region Credit Union

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Evan Cutler, age 25, of Queensbury, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. In a plea before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, Cutler admitted that between February and October 2022, he organized a conspiracy to defraud SEFCU by, among other things, applying for loans using stolen identities of other people, and withdrawing the loaned money in cash. Cutler admitted he and other members of the conspiracy applied for loans in other people’s names using fake New York driver licenses with their photographs but bearing the names and dates of birth of other people, and the proceeds were given to co-conspirator Allahson Allah. The conspirators also obtained customer account information from Caeshara Cannon, of Albany, a former Member Service Manager at SEFCU, and used that information to create counterfeit checks, which were presented for negotiation at SEFCU branches in the Northern District of New York. Cutler further admitted that the conspiracy netted $113,800 in fraudulent cash withdrawals. Cutler was previously charged by an indictment, along with Allahson Allah, Davon Parson, and Dnauticah Taylor-Sterman, all of Albany. Cutler is the last defendant in the conspiracy to plead guilty. Cannon has pled guilty as well. At sentencing on November 19, 2024, Cutler faces at least 2 years and up to 32 years in prison, a fine of up to $1.25 million, and a supervised release term of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. HSI investigated the case, with assistance from the Bethlehem Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.