title: Indiana Woman Charged with Federal Hate Crime for Racially Motivated Attack Against a Woman of Chinese Descent

body_text: A federal grand jury in Evansville, Indiana, returned a single-count indictment charging a woman with committing a hate crime for her racially motivated attack on a woman of Chinese descent. The indictment returned by a federal grand jury alleges that on Jan. 11, Billie Davis, 56, willfully caused bodily injury to the victim and attempted to do so using a knife, because of the victim’s race and national origin. The indictment also alleges that the offense included an attempt to kill the victim. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana and Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Bloomington Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Oklahoma City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a Stolen United States Postal Service Key and Theft of Stolen Mail

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY — Earlier this week, TARYAN NABOND PRINCE-SADLER , 18, of Oklahoma City was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a stolen United States Postal Service (USPS) arrow key and theft of stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. Public records reflect that on April 17, 2023, Prince-Sadler was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a stolen USPS arrow key and one count of theft of stolen mail. Arrow keys are universal keys USPS uses to access collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, cluster box units, and apartment panels. An affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint alleges that the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) received numerous complaints from customers reporting that mail items containing checks placed into USPS collection boxes were stolen and later altered, forged, or counterfeited. The affidavit further alleges that victims reported the checks cleared through their financial institutions, often through mobile deposit/electronic banking methods. According to the affidavit, USPIS conducted a law enforcement operation on Monday, April 17, 2023, that identified Prince-Sadler who was then arrested. On April 18, 2023, Prince-Sadler had his initial appearance on the complaint in federal court in Oklahoma City. He was released on bond pending further proceedings in the case. If found guilty of unlawful possession of a stolen USPS arrow key, the defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and a special assessment of $100. If found guilty of theft of stolen mail, the defendant faces up to 5 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and a special assessment of $100. The defendant would also be required to serve a term of supervised release of up to three years for each count. The public is reminded that these charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle London is prosecuting the case.


title: Disbarred Attorney Arrested For Involvement In Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the arrest today of GERALD SHAW, a convicted felon and disbarred attorney, in connection with his involvement in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. SHAW is accused of serving as the purported “Chief Compliance Officer” for a purported financial institution, Dominion Bank and Trust Company Limited (“Dominion Bank”), which claimed to be able to extend financing for small businesses but, in fact, operated an advance fee fraud scheme. SHAW was arrested this morning in Claremont, California, and will be presented later today in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Gerald Shaw served as the supposed ‘Chief Compliance Officer’ for Dominion Bank, which held itself out as a legitimate financial institution that could extend or facilitate millions of dollars in financing for small businesses. But in fact, Dominion Bank was also a fraud. In his role, Shaw, a disbarred attorney and convicted felon, drafted financial instruments that were worthless. Shaw knew that Dominion Bank was a fraud, but he continued to draft these financial instruments anyway. Shaw now faces serious charges for his alleged crimes.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “The defendant is alleged to have participated in a scheme which defrauded clients of millions of dollars through the promise of financing in exchange for an advance fee. Complex financial frauds of this nature damage faith in our financial systems and institutions, and they can cause untold harm to the victims of the fraud. The FBI is dedicated to investigating individuals who operate unscrupulous businesses and ensuring that their crimes are answered for in the criminal justice system.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “As Dominion Bank and Trust’s purported Chief Compliance Officer, Gerald Shaw is alleged to have participated in a conspiracy that defrauded investors of millions of dollars through the issuance of fraudulent financial instruments. These types of crimes have devastating effects on the victims and can erode trust in the financial system. HSI will aggressively pursue individuals and organizations that perpetrate these fraudulent schemes to bring justice to the victims and restore faith in our financial institutions. I am especially grateful for the dedication and investigative acumen of HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force and HSI Los Angeles for their support in this investigation.” According to the allegations in the Complaint: [1] From its formation in or about late 2015 until in or about July 2020, Dominion Bank (along with its affiliates) was a purported financial institution that claimed to be able to extend and facilitate financing for small businesses in exchange for an advanced fee or deposit. In fact, Dominion Bank operated an advance fee fraud scheme (the “Scheme”). As part of the fraud, Scheme members instructed victims to wire tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to Dominion Bank as a deposit or servicing fee for future financing or credit based on representations that Dominion Bank could provide such services. Those representations were false. In fact, no financing existed; the victims did not receive the promised credit; and the victims were generally unable to get their money back, as Dominion Bank typically did not return funds to victims but, instead, kept victims’ money and, in some instances, even responded to refund requests by sending invoices for additional amounts. Dominion Bank defrauded at least approximately 60 victims in total (individual and corporate) out of more than approximately $4 million. One way that Dominion Bank defrauded victims was by issuing them worthless financial instruments — such as a standby letter of credit (“SBLC”) — in exchange for large upfront payments. An SBLC is a legal document between a bank and its client, in which the bank vouches for the client’s creditworthiness and also becomes the guarantor, i.e. , the bank promises that, if its client cannot meet its obligations, the bank will do so. Among other things, Dominion Bank lacked the assets necessary to issue such financial instruments. According to several victims of the Scheme, other financial institutions have described SBLCs issued by Dominion Bank as being worthless. As one victim explained, a potential counterparty described Dominion Bank’s SBLC as a “worthless piece of paper.” Another individual explained that a potential counterparty described Dominion Bank’s $4 million SBLC as not “worth the paper it’s printed on.” From at least in or about October 2016 through in or about April 2020, Dominion Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer was SHAW. In that role, SHAW’s responsibilities included drafting various documents, including SBLCs, that were sent to victims in exchange for payments from the victims. In June 2018, SHAW sent an email to two Dominion Bank officers in which SHAW acknowledged that Dominion Bank lacked funds. SHAW wrote that Dominion Bank was “20 weeks behind” in paying SHAW’s “$500 a week salary,” and SHAW added that, “On several occasions, I have indicated to you that I know Dominion does not have the money to pay my $500 a week [salary].” Nonetheless, SHAW continued his involvement in the Scheme thereafter, despite his awareness that Dominion Bank was selling worthless financial instruments because it lacked the assets and ability to back up its representations. For instance, in December 2018, SHAW was involved in Dominion Bank’s issuance or sale of an approximately $50 million financial instrument and an approximately $25 million financial instrument. In each instance, Dominion Bank represented, as guarantor, that it had assets sufficient to cover each financial instrument when it did not. * * * SHAW, 75, of Claremont, California, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carry a maximum potential prison sentence of 20 years. The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and HSI. He also thanked FBI Los Angeles, HSI Los Angeles, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance. Mr. Williams also noted that the investigation is ongoing. If you believe you have information about the defendant, this case, or if you believe you are a victim of any crimes related to Dominion Bank, please email : USANYS.DominionBankCase@usdoj.gov. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Neff and Sheb Swett are in charge of the prosecution. The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Business Owner Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Defrauding Medicare Of $8 Million Through Claims For Durable Medical Equipment

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MATTHEW TAYLOR WITKOWSKI was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud by fraudulently trafficking in orders for durable medical equipment such as back, knee, and elbow braces. WITKOWSKI previously pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and was sentenced today before United States District Judge Denise L. Cote. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today, Matthew Taylor Witkowski faced justice for illegally selling orders for durable medical equipment and thus bilking Medicare out of more than $8 million. This sort of fraud substantially harms the Medicare program — and will not be tolerated.” According to statements made in court and publicly filed documents in this case: From at least August 2019 through the date of his arrest in July 2022, WITKOWSKI and his co-defendant, Christopher Margait, engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare by illegally obtaining and selling fraudulent written orders for goods and services paid for by Medicare, particularly including for durable medical equipment (“DME”). Using a business that he jointly owned and operated with Margait, and a call center that WITKOWSKI owned and operated in the Dominican Republic, WITKOWSKI illegally generated and purchased fraudulent written orders for DME and then sold those fraudulent orders to pharmacies and DME suppliers, including suppliers in New York City. Those pharmacies and DME suppliers then used those fraudulent orders as the basis for more than $8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare. Many of these fraudulent orders used names and personal health information of actual Medicare beneficiaries, without the beneficiaries’ authorization or prior knowledge. Many of these fraudulent orders also contained professional information of doctors and other healthcare providers enrolled in the Medicare program, as well as the purported electronic signatures of these providers, which were falsified and created without the authorization or knowledge of these providers. During the course of the scheme, WITKOWSKI and Margait received more than $4 million in illegal kickbacks from DME suppliers, who made these payments to True Prospects Marketing, Inc., a company controlled by WITKOWSKI and Margait, and to Sales Drive Marketing LLC, a company owned and controlled by WITKOWSKI. * * * WITKOWSKI, 38, a U.S. citizen who resided in the Dominican Republic, pled guilty on January 19, 2023, to a single count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In addition to the prison sentence, WITKOWSKI was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $4,065,995 and restitution of $8,131,990 to the Medicare program. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Raymond Lewis is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Justice Department Announces Nationwide Coordinated Law Enforcement Action to Combat COVID-19 Health Care Fraud

component: Criminal Division

body_text: The Department of Justice today announced criminal charges against 18 defendants in nine federal districts across the United States for their alleged participation in various fraud schemes involving health care services that exploited the COVID-19 pandemic and allegedly resulted in over $490 million in COVID-19 related false billings to federal programs and theft from federally funded pandemic programs. In connection with the enforcement action, the department seized over $16 million in cash and other fraud proceeds. The Center for Program Integrity of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CPI/CMS) separately announced today that it took adverse administrative actions in the last year against 28 medical providers for their alleged involvement in COVID-19 schemes. “The Justice Department will not tolerate those who exploited the pandemic for personal gain and stole taxpayer dollars,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This unprecedented enforcement action against defendants across the country makes clear that the Department is using every available resource to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud and safeguard the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs.” “Today’s announcement marks the largest-ever coordinated law enforcement action in the United States targeting health care fraud schemes that exploit the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit and our partners are committed to rooting out pandemic-related fraud and holding accountable anyone seeking to profit from a public health emergency.” Today’s announcement builds on the successes of the April 2022 COVID-19 Enforcement Action and the May 2021 COVID-19 Enforcement Action and involves the prosecution of various COVID-19 health care fraud schemes. “The charges announced today demonstrate the FBI’s, along with its partner’s, commitment to ensuring that COVID-19 health care fraud does not go unpunished,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “During the Covid pandemic, programs were put in place to help the American people, and we will continue to ensure that the individuals that took advantage of those programs face justice.” In one of the most significant types of COVID-19 health care fraud schemes announced today, multiple defendants were charged with defrauding the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program. The Uninsured Program was designed to prevent the further spread of the pandemic by providing access to uninsured patients for testing and treatment. The Uninsured Program was also designed to provide financial support to health care providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic by reimbursing them for services provided to uninsured individuals. The Uninsured Program ultimately ceased operating due to the exhaustion of funding. “Exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and viewing the public health emergency as an opportunity to steal money and resources from federal health care programs shows a clear disregard for the well-being and safety of those who rely on government-funded health care services,” said Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As today’s enforcement action demonstrates, HHS-OIG and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting critical public health measures from fraud.” In the Central District of California, a lab owner was charged for allegedly submitting over $358 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, HRSA, and a private insurance company for laboratory testing. The indictment alleges that the defendant’s lab performed COVID-19 screening testing for nursing homes and other facilities with vulnerable elderly populations, as well as primary and secondary schools. But to increase its reimbursements, the defendant allegedly fraudulently added claims for respiratory pathogen panel tests even though ordering providers and facility administrators did not want or need them. Also in the Central District of California, a medical doctor was charged for allegedly orchestrating an approximately $230 million fraud on the Uninsured Program. The doctor was the second highest biller in the country to the Uninsured Program, and he allegedly submitted fraudulent claims for treatment of patients who were insured, billed for services that were not rendered, and billed for services that were not medically necessary. He allegedly used over $100 million in fraud proceeds for high-risk options trading. The doctor is also charged with two other individuals for allegedly submitting over 70 fraudulent loan applications through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program and fraudulently obtaining over $3 million in loan funds. “I am proud of the successful partnership of the CMS, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “It is particularly offensive to discover individuals who took advantage of the pandemic to defraud the government. CMS will continue to aggressively investigate COVID-19-related fraud and has already taken actions against 28 providers to protect the sustainability of the Medicare program.” The announcement also includes first-of-their-kind charges against suppliers of COVID-19 over-the-counter tests, which Medicare began to cover in April 2022 for beneficiaries who requested them. These kits were provided to the public to slow the spread of the deadly disease, but wrongdoers allegedly sought to exploit the program by repeatedly supplying patients or, in some instances, deceased patients, with dozens of COVID-19 tests that they did not want or need. In the Middle District of Florida, a doctor and a marketer were charged for allegedly unlawfully purchasing Medicare beneficiary identification numbers and shipping over-the-counter tests to beneficiaries throughout the country who did not request the tests, causing over $8.4 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare. Charges were also brought under the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Initiative. The PRF is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal law enacted in March 2020 that provided financial assistance to medical providers to deliver needed medical care to Americans suffering from COVID-19. In the Eastern District of Louisiana, the operator of a primary care clinic and purported spa was charged with allegedly submitting fraudulent loan agreements, attestations, and other documentation from which she received over $1.1 million in PRF and EIDL funds that were used to purchase real estate, luxury vehicles, a boat, a trailer, a time share, and luxury vacations, among other expenditures. In total, 12 defendants have been charged with crimes related to misappropriating funds intended for frontline medical providers, and seven have pleaded guilty. The law enforcement action also includes charges against manufacturers and distributors of fake COVID-19 vaccination record cards, who intentionally sought to obstruct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their efforts to administer the nationwide vaccination program and provide Americans with accurate proof of vaccination. In the Eastern District of New York, three medical professionals who worked at a small midwife practice were charged for allegedly distributing nearly 2,700 forged COVID-19 vaccination record cards to individuals who were not vaccinated. Instead of administering the COVID-19 vaccine, the defendants allegedly destroyed vials of COVID-19 vaccines that were intended to be used to inoculate patients. Despite being a small midwife practice, it was one of the busiest vaccination sites in New York State, outpacing large, state-run vaccination sites. In the District of Utah, two individuals were charged for allegedly manufacturing and selling online approximately 120,000 counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination record cards across the country, especially in areas that were subject to more stringent COVID-19 vaccine restrictions. Today’s enforcement action was led and coordinated by Assistant Chiefs Justin M. Woodard and Debra Jaroslawicz and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Strike Forces in Brooklyn, the Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, and Tampa; the National Rapid Response Strike Force; and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Central District of California, Middle District of Florida, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana, Eastern District of New York, District of Puerto Rico, District of Utah, and Western District of Washington are prosecuting these cases, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the department’s website at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit/2023-case-summaries. In addition to the FBI and HHS-OIG, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, AMTRAK Office of Inspector General, California Department of Health Care Services, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies participated in the law enforcement action. The Health Care Fraud Strike Force is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to prevent and deter health care fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. In the past three years, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force has rooted out health care fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, 53 defendants have been charged in nationwide COVID-19 Health Care Fraud Enforcement Actions for causing over $784 million in loss associated with the pandemic, and 20 defendants have been convicted. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. An indictment, complaint, or information is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: North Country Drug Enforcement Operation Results in Arrests of 31 Individuals

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – 31 individuals have been arrested as part of a coordinated drug enforcement operation in Coos and Grafton counties, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. The operation, which took place this week, was a coordinated effort by federal, state, and local partners to focus on drug trafficking in Coos and Grafton counties. The enforcement effort targeted the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, which resulted in federal charges against 5 individuals for federal drug offenses and an additional 26 for state drug offenses. Over the course of the investigations, law enforcement seized more than 14 lbs of suspected fentanyl, more than 2 lbs of suspected methamphetamine, 183 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 93 grams of suspected powder cocaine, and $131,397 in U.S. currency. The enforcement effort brought together 9 law enforcement agencies to target individuals distributing drugs in communities throughout Coos and Grafton counties. The arrests resulted in the removal of individuals allegedly operating in the following New Hampshire communities: Berlin; Colebrook; Gorham; Groveton; Lancaster; Littleton; Stratford; and Whitefield. The following defendants were arrested on federal charges: John King, age 33, of Berlin, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. King made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 19, 2023 and is detained. Rose Hand, age 39, of Berlin, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Hand made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 19, 2023 and is temporarily detained. Clarisa C. Haas, 26, of Berlin, for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, fentanyl. Haas made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 20, 2023 and is detained. Kimberly Supernois, 27, of Norton, VT for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. An initial appearance for Supernois has not been scheduled. Alec Supernois, age 28, of Norton, VT for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. An initial appearance for Supernois has not been scheduled. The charges provide for a maximum term of 20 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a minimum of three years of supervised release. The Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; the New Hampshire State Police; and the New Hampshire Drug Task Force led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Colebrook Police Department; the Berlin Police Department; the Coos County Sheriff’s Department; the Whitefield Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Lancaster Police Department; and the United States Border Patrol. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Tennessee County Official Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Seven Women He Supervised in a County Facility

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former county commissioner and director of the Solid Waste Department in Cumberland County, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 17 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for sexually assaulting seven women who worked under his supervision at the Cumberland County Recycling Center. Michael Harvel, 61, was previously convicted on nine counts of committing sexual assault. According to evidence introduced at trial – including testimony from 13 women who described Harvel’s sexual abuse – Harvel abused his authority as a county official to sexually assault women who worked under his control at the recycling center. Many of Harvel’s victims were sent to the recycling center to serve court-ordered community service, were required to keep a job as a term of their probation or were otherwise vulnerable because they struggled with substance abuse, were impoverished, or were sole caregivers for their dependents. The jury convicted Harvel of four counts of sexual assault that included kidnapping and three counts that included aggravated sexual abuse. According to witness testimony at trial, Harvel told one victim to stop by his office at the end of the day, purportedly to discuss a job opportunity, then locked the door to his office and orally raped the woman. He falsely told a second victim that he needed her help with a county work project, then drove her to an isolated landfill in the woods and raped her in a guard shack. The jury also heard evidence that Harvel covered up his pattern of behavior by threatening his victims and other employees so that they would not report his crimes. “The defendant abused his official position and authority to deprive the victims of their constitutionally-protected right to bodily integrity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “While this sentence can’t undo the extraordinary pain and suffering the defendant caused these women, it should send a clear message to public officials they are not above the law and will be held accountable when they sexually assault and abuse people subject to their authority.” “Michael Harvel is a predator who used his position of authority to victimize vulnerable women,” said U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “I am extremely proud of the work our office did, alongside our partners at the Civil Rights Division and FBI, to hold him accountable and to stand up for the rights of the victims.” “This sentencing should send a clear message that the FBI makes it a priority to bring to justice anyone who violates the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “The FBI is committed to protecting the civil rights of all people and will continue to vigorously investigate these kinds of cases alongside our local, state and federal partners.” The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Schiferle for the Middle District of Tennessee and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. In 2021, in a separate civil action, the Justice Department secured $1.1 million from Cumberland County to resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged, among other things, that Cumberland County failed to take adequate precautions to prevent Harvel, as the director of the county’s Solid Waste Department, from sexually harassing women he supervised. According to the complaint, Harvel regularly subjected the women to unwanted sexual contact, including kissing and groping, and to unwelcome sexual advances.


title: Maryland MS-13 Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday, to a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha clique of the MS-13 gang. Torres admitted that he was the clique’s “First Word” or leader. On March 24, 2023, co-defendants and MS-13 members and associates Brian Samir Zelaya Mejia, a/k/a “Chispa,” age 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland and Jorge Isaac Argueta Chica, a/k/a “Timido,” age 22, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, also pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy, including extortion and accessory after the fact of first degree murder. The guilty pleas were announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department. According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in Maryland and throughout the United States. In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rival gangs. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position. As detailed in the plea agreements, from at least August 2018 through July 2021, Torres was the “First Word” or leader of Weedams Locos Salvatrucha, (WLS), an MS-13 clique operating primarily in Adelphi, Maryland. Zelaya Mejia and Argueta Chica were members of the WLS clique from at least March 2019 through July 2021. On August 8, 2020, Torres and other WLS members, including co-defendant Franklyn Sanchez, were gathered at a park in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where they agreed to murder Victim 4, who was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and to whom Sanchez owed a debt. Sanchez was armed with a revolver and Torres handed a second revolver to another MS-13 member, instructing that person to shoot first when Victim 4 arrived. Sanchez and the other WLS member each fired multiple shots at Victim 4, who fell to the ground. Sanchez then pistol-whipped Victim 4 and stabbed him with a knife. Torres then walked over and stabbed Victim 4 with a screwdriver. Torres and other WLS members dragged Victim 4’s body to a stream and left it there. As he was leaving the woods, Sanchez noticed he was bleeding and was concerned that his DNA may have been left on the body. To prevent the discovery of DNA or other evidence and to hinder the investigation and prosecution of Victim 4’s murder, Torres called other WLS members, including Zelaya Mejia, Argueta Chica and co-defendant Agustino Eugenio Rivas Rodriguez, and ordered them to bring shovels to the wooded area, where they dug a hole and buried Victim 4’s body. Victim 4’s body was later recovered with a bullet wound to the head. On June 5, 2020, Torres also conspired with other MS-13 members to kidnap and kill a female member of the rival 18 th Street gang. Torres and Rivas Rodriguez ordered subordinate members of the gang to gather at a house with firearms in preparation for the murder, while another MS-13 associate was at a separate location with Victim 5. The group of MS-13 subordinates gathered with guns and were preparing to follow their orders, when police arrived on scene and interrupted the plan. Torres admitted that he directed the collection of extortion payments, or “rents,” from at least two extortion victims on behalf of WLS. Torres, Zelaya Mejia, Argueta Chica, Rivas Rodriguez, co-defendant Hernan Yanes-Rivera and others collected the rents, knowing that the victims making extortion payments did so under the threat of death or bodily injury by members of WLS. For example, gang members used baseball bats to impose rents and sometimes collected rent while flashing firearms or otherwise making it known that they were carrying weapons. Finally, Torres participated in money laundering by transferring gang funds obtained through its extortion activities to MS-13 members and associates in El Salvador. As detailed in the plea agreement, Torres also accepted a delivery of rent payments that had just been collected from three brothels by a WLS member, with the intent to use the funds to promote MS-13’s illegal activities, including extortion. The government and the defendants have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea, Torres will be sentenced to 28 years in federal prison and Zelaya Mejia and Argueta Chica will each be sentenced to six years in federal prison. Torres will also be required to pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 4’s estate. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for Torres on August 31, 2023; and for Zelaya Mejia and Argueta Chica on July 11, 2023 and July 21, 2023, respectively. Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, a/k/a “Delinquente,” age 26, of Adelphi, Maryland; Hernan Yanes-Rivera, a/k/a “Recio,” age 22, of Adelphi, Maryland; and Agustino Eugenio Rivas Rodriguez, a/k/a “Terrible,” age 25, of Silver Spring, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering conspiracy. If the Court accepts the guilty pleas, Sanchez will be sentenced to 28 years in federal prison, Yanes-Rivera will be sentenced to 22 years in federal prison and Rivas Rodriguez will be sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Judge Xinis has scheduled sentencing for Sanchez on May 19, 2023, for Rivas Rodriguez on July 21, 2028, and for Yanes-Rivera on July 28, 2023. Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. United States Attorney Barron and Assistant Attorney General Polite commended the FBI, HSI and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Montgomery County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo, and Trial Attorneys Brendan Woods and Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, who are prosecuting 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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn . # # #


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison for Purchasing and Distributing Drugs Through the Darkweb

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Vishesh Aragam Guruprasad, age 31, of Boyds, Maryland yesterday to 42 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for a drug distribution conspiracy involving the purchase and sale of drugs through darkweb marketplaces, and money laundering. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”) Washington, D.C. Field Office; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department. According to his guilty plea, between at least July 2016 and February 2019, Aragam conspired to distribute and possessed with the intent to distribute over two kilograms of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as MDMA. Specifically, Aragam admitted that he bought and sold illegal narcotics, including MDMA and marijuana, on various darkweb marketplaces. For example, between July 15, 2016 and June 13, 2017, Aragam sold over two kilograms of MDMA on one darkweb marketplace and from October 2018 to April 2019, Aragam completed over 1,000 transactions selling MDMA, heroin, or marijuana through another darkweb marketplace. Aragam’s darkweb customers paid for the narcotics in Bitcoin, which the darkweb marketplace would maintain until Aragam transferred to Bitcoin to a virtual currency wallet Aragam maintained. Aragam used a virtual currency exchange to broker the exchange of Bitcoin to cash. Aragam admitted that he obtained distribution quantities of MDMA from the United Kingdom, which he sold to drug customers throughout the United States over the darkweb. Aragam had the MDMA shipped from the United Kingdom to the post office boxes of co-conspirators, who would then deliver the drugs to Aragam. As detailed in the plea agreement, Aragam also sold drugs from his residence. As stated in his plea agreement, Aragam routed the proceeds from his sale of illegal narcotics through several accounts and converted the proceeds from Bitcoins to U.S. dollars to conceal the nature and source of the proceeds. For example, on June 30, 2017, Aragam transferred 18 Bitcoins from a darkweb marketplace to his virtual currency account at Exchange A, and a few days later, exchanged the 18 Bitcoins into U.S. dollars. Aragam transferred $41,822.05, the value of the 18 Bitcoins as of that date, to Aragam’s virtual wallet spend account at his bank, then, in a series of transactions, moved the money into other accounts Aragam controlled. A search warrant executed at Aragam’s residence on April 4, 2019, recovered four rifles and a shotgun, more than 1,100 rounds of ammunition, 92.83 grams of MDMA, marijuana, and one gram of a mixture containing phenylethyl and fentanyl. This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA, HSI, the IRS-CI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the ATF, and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher M. Sarma and Leah B. Grossi, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Former West Virginia Parole Officer Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Parolee

body_text: A former West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole officer was sentenced today in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia to 15 years of imprisonment, five years of supervised release and registration as a sex offender under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act for violating the civil rights of a female parolee by sexually assaulting her while he was serving as her parole officer. According to court documents, Anthony DeMetro, 44, admitted that on or about April 16, 2021, he used physical force and his position, authority and status as a state parole officer to force a female parolee to perform oral sex on him against her will. At the time, the parolee was attempting to complete residential drug and alcohol treatment as a condition of her parole. DeMetro admitted that he knew that the parolee did not want to have sex with him but that he coerced and forced her into doing so anyway, for his own sexual gratification. “We thank the survivor for having the courage and strength to come forward to tell her story,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable public officials who exploit their power and authority to sexually assault and harm vulnerable people.” “This office will continue to hold people accountable who use their position of power to sexually assault vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Will Thompson for the Southern District of West Virginia. “I want to thank the victim again for being brave enough to come forward, even though she was putting her personal safety and freedom at risk.” “Mr. DeMetro was in a position of power and authority,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “He used that authority to take advantage of and prey on a vulnerable woman. This behavior was in violation of the oath he took and cannot be tolerated. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate color of law abuses by public officials.” The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Kathryn E. Gilbert and Daniel E. Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Coleman and Nowles Heinrich for the Southern District of West Virginia are prosecuting the case.


title: Local Dentist and Hygienist Charged With Offenses Related to Healthcare Fraud and False Claims to D.C. Medicaid

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON– A local dentist and dental hygienist, at a dental clinic in the District of Columbia, are charged in an indictment with conspiracy and other charges related to health care fraud. Dr. Steven A. Price, 66, of the District of Columbia, and Keidi C. Moore, 37, of Temple Hills, Maryland, were presented yesterday after the indictment was unsealed charging them with conspiracy, health care fraud, false statements related to a health care fraud matter, and wire fraud. The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation seeking all proceeds of the alleged crimes. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs, of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia, and Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. According to the indictment, Price operated a dental practice, The Washington Smile Center, in the District of Columbia, where Moore was employed as a dental hygienist. The indictment alleges that, beginning on or about January 1, 2017, and continuing through on or about March 22, 2022, Price and Moore conspired to defraud D.C. Medicaid by filing or causing to be filed false claims for dental services that were not provided to D.C. Medicaid beneficiaries. As part of the scheme, according to the indictment, Price and Moore caused multiple claims for two CDT codes (clinical crown lengthening and space maintainers) to be submitted to D.C. Medicaid, totaling more than $4 million, In some instances, patients were alleged to have been provided more than 30 clinical crown lengthening procedures and more than 20 space maintainers during the relevant period. Conspiracy and wire fraud charges carry statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. The health care fraud charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison, and the charge of false statements relating to a health care matter carries a statutory maximum of five years. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Office of the Inspector General for the District of Columbia - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne McNamara. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: Indianapolis- A federal grand jury in Evansville, Indiana, returned a single-count indictment charging Billie Davis, 56, with committing a hate crime for her racially motivated attack on a woman of Chinese descent. The indictment returned by a federal grand jury alleges that on Jan. 11, Davis willfully caused bodily injury to the victim and attempted to do so through the use of a knife, because of the victim’s race and national origin. The indictment also alleges that the offense included an attempt to kill the victim. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers made the announcement. The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Bloomington Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Clairton Drug User Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Tyrieke Hammonds, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in May of 2021, the Allegheny County Police were assisting the Clairton Police in an attempt to stop some of the shootings in that area that attributable to gang violence. On May 13, 2021, Allegheny County Police detective were patrolling in Clairton after a shooting earlier that day when they approached the defendant’s vehicle, which was also occupied by three other individuals, including Jamiel Green, who had two outstanding active warrants for his arrest. As the detectives approached Hammonds’ vehicle to arrest Green, Green got of the vehicle and began to run. A detective tased him and found a gun on his person. At that time Green had two prior felony convictions, including an illegal gun possession conviction. When the detectives went back to Hammonds’ vehicle, the detectives smelled marijuana and observed that each of the three remaining occupants had a loaded firearm. A later search revealed three loaded firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, marijuana, and approximately 13 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and cocaine. Hammonds later admitted to possession of a firearm and that he was an unlawful user of marijuana. Federal law prohibits unlawful users of marijuana from possessing firearms. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 23, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Allegheny County Police, with assistance from the Clairton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hammonds. 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: Federal Jury Convicts Seminole Resident Of First-Degree Murder In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Coker Dean Barker, age 36, of Seminole, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of First-Degree Murder in Indian Country, one count of Use, Carry, Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and one count of Causing Death with a Firearm. The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, April 3, 2023, and concluded on Monday, April 10, 2023, with the guilty verdicts. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that in April of 2019, Barker brutally attacked and killed a 43-year-old Seminole man. During the fatal attack, Barker stabbed and beat the victim, and fired multiple rounds into his body. Autopsy results revealed the victim sustained 18 broken ribs, two punctured lungs, and bullet wounds from multiple firearms. After killing the victim, Barker burned the evidence to evade prosecution, and attempted to flee to Mexico. U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended Barker before he crossed the border and returned him to Oklahoma for prosecution. After his indictment in 2021, the defendant escaped from jail, but was captured by U.S. Marshals and returned to custody. The guilty verdicts were the result of investigations by the Seminole Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Texas Rangers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the Defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation Reservation of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. The defendant will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshals until sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and Zachary Parsons represented the United States.


title: Man Who Lured Children Into Sex Via Snapchat Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A San Angelo man who used Snapchat to lure teenage girls into sexual encounters was sentenced to 33 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Esiah Cruz Castillo, 23, was indicted in October 2022. He pleaded guilty in December to enticement of minors and was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who ordered the defendant be subject to 30 years of supervised release following his 30 year sentence. “HSI will spare no resource in protecting children from sexual predators,” said Lester R. Hayes Jr., Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “A deviant can no longer lurk behind social media applications seeking new victims once he is behind bars.” In plea papers, Mr. Castillo admitted that he used Snapchat to connect with a 14-year-old child and convince her to sneak out of the house. He admitted that on Sept. 15, 2021, he took her to a remote storage facility, plied her with alcohol, and sexually assaulted her. After the sexual assault, Homeland Security Investigations agents assumed the child’s identity on Snapchat and continued the correspondence with Mr. Castillo, who used the handle “Mik_Chap.” A few weeks later, Mr. Castillo once again urged the child to leave school and meet him at a gas station for sex, warning her that it might hurt. Agents, posing as the child, agreed. The arrested Mr. Castillo at the agreed-upon gas station. En route to the processing facility, Mr. Castillo spontaneously stated that he was “really sorry.” He asked if “anyone was going to find out about this” and whether he could “delete” his social media. In an interview with law enforcement, he admitted to sexually assaulting at least four other children under the age of 15, including a 13-year-old. He stated he had sex with minor females because it was “easy.” Agents interviewed the children, who corroborated Mr. Castillo’s account. At his sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed that law enforcement had identified a total of seven minor victims. Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office and the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office in San Angelo conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Tusing prosecuted the case.


title: Massillon Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Kidnapping of 5-Year-Old Child and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: YOUNGSTOWN – Jonathan L. Stinnett, 37, of Massillon, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, to 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson after he pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 5-year-old child and possessing child pornography. Once released from prison, Stinnett will be under court supervision for life. According to court documents, on November 11, 2021, Stinnett, the boyfriend of the child’s babysitter, took the child during an outing with his girlfriend and the child in Massillon, Ohio. Stinnett left Massillon with the child in his vehicle, disabled his cellular phone, and avoided attempts by his girlfriend and law enforcement to contact him. Court documents state that more than 24 hours later, law enforcement in McLean County, Illinois, received a call reporting a suspicious vehicle parked on a rural road. Sheriff’s deputies responded and found Stinnett and the child asleep in Stinnett’s vehicle. Stinnett was arrested and the child was returned to her family. During interviews with investigators from the McLean County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stinnett admitted taking the child without her mother’s knowledge or consent. Prior to the kidnapping, Stinnett had purchased a new cellular phone and camping equipment that he planned to use as they traveled. Court documents also show that a search of Stinnett’s vehicle revealed numerous electronic storage devices. One of those devices contained approximately 229 images of child pornography. Stinnett admitted possessing and viewing those images. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jackson Township Police Department, and the McLean County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Aaron P. Howell.


title: Former Vice President of Discovery Tours Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Fraud and Money Laundering

body_text: CLEVELAND – Joseph A. Cipolletti, 48, of Hudson, Ohio, was sentenced on Thursday, April 20, 2023, to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after he pleaded guilty to an 18-count indictment that charged him with wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud and false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. “This defendant abused his position of trust by embezzling from $550,000 and $1.5 million from his family’s student travel company for his personal use,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Student trips to Washington, D.C. were canceled for dozens of schools across Ohio and more than 5,000 families lost the money they had previously paid for trip fees. Today’s five-year prison sentence reflects his reprehensible conduct.” “Bilking customers in any line of business is appalling, and more so, as a business executive entrusted to provide memorable educational experiences for children and teens,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “Today’s sentence reflects the comprehensive investigative work of the FBI, and together with our federal, state, and local partners, highlights our commitment to uncover corrupt business dealings.” According to court documents, Cipolletti was employed as Vice President of Discovery Tours, Inc., a business that offered educational trips for students to destinations such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, Illinois, New York City, New York, Columbus, Ohio, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Court documents state that as Vice President, Cipolletti managed the organization’s finances, general ledger entries, accounts payable and accounts receivable. Cipolletti also had signature authority on Discovery Tours’ business bank accounts. Court documents state that from June 2014 to May 2018, Cipolletti, as Vice President, devised a scheme to defraud parents and other student trip purchasers by diverting payments intended for these trips to his own personal use on items such as home renovations and vehicles. As a result of Cipolletti’s actions and subsequent attempts to cover up the scheme, in May 2018, Discovery Tours abruptly ended operations and filed for bankruptcy. In addition, on December 10, 2018, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Cipolletti knowingly made statements under oath in and in relation to his organization’s bankruptcy status. Cipolletti claimed that he did not owe his business any money when, in fact, and as he then knew, he had embezzled from his place of business and made false entries in the general ledger. This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough.


title: 18 Individuals Involved in Drug Trafficking Organization in Wayne County and Cleveland Indicted

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CLEVELAND – Federal, county and local law enforcement officials today announced that 18 individuals were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that involved the distribution of fentanyl in Cleveland and the Wayne County area. Some were arrested during an early morning operation and transported to federal court in Cleveland. This announcement is made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tom Gergye, and Director Joshua Hunt of the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency. “While so many of us have been working tirelessly to make our communities a safer and better place to live, the defendants charged in these indictments have been doing otherwise,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “Today’s indictments and arrests reflect the resolve of law enforcement at all levels to hold drug traffickers accountable and return our neighborhoods to a better tomorrow.” “Possession and distribution of illegal narcotics and the illegal possession of firearms will not be tolerated in our communities or by the good citizens who live there,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tom Gergye. “Likewise, the DEA will continue its targeted, exhaustive, and collaborative efforts with our local, state and federal partners to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that bring poison and violence into our neighborhoods.” “Our unending commitment to this community is to work relentlessly in collaboration with our law enforcement partners at every level, bringing every combined resource to bear with the unified mission to deliver those persons to justice who contribute to this deadly scourge” said Director Joshua Hunt of the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency located in Wayne County, Ohio. “I'm immensely proud of the collective achievements born from this 2-year investigation, while I also remain dedicated to ensuring that this important work continues well into the future.” The following is a breakdown of the charges: Charged in a 36-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and use of a communications facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense are: Charles Daniels, 45, State of Ohio Custody; Deandre Wilson, 46, Federal Custody; Jason Johnson, 46, State of Ohio Custody; Blaze Cody Mclaughlin, 32, Federal Custody; Anthony Ray Lies, 40, Rittman, Ohio; Nicholas Knapik, 39, State of Ohio Custody; Jordan Jarvis, 34, State of Ohio Custody; David Stark, 45, State of Ohio Custody; Roger Stark, 44, Wooster, Ohio; Sebastian Yeagley, 32, Wooster, Ohio; Cody Smith, 28, Wooster, Ohio; John Harig, Jr. 43, Wooster, Ohio; Caleb Smith 30, State of Ohio Custody; Elijah Goshen 31, Cleveland, Ohio; Cassandra Vojacek, 40, Perry, Ohio; Chad Anderson, 38, Columbus, Ohio; Blake Nowak, 45, Burton, Ohio. According to the indictments, between as early as on or about October, 1, 2020, and continuing through on or about February 28, 2023, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire with each other to distribute and possess with the intention to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Johnson was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of a firearm and U.S. Currency. Charles Daniels recruited drug dealers from Wayne County, Ohio, to purchase fentanyl from sources designated by him, including but not limited to Deandre Wilson and Jason Johnson for further distribution throughout the Northern District of Ohio. Daniels contacted Wilson and Johnson and arranged for them to sell fentanyl to the Wayne County drug dealers at a discounted price per gram. Daniels provided the Wayne County drug dealers with the contact information for Wilson and Johnson for the purpose of obtaining fentanyl for distribution. Charged in a 2-count indictment with distribution of a controlled substance containing methamphetamine is Markus Ellison of Wooster, Ohio, State of Ohio Custody. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum. The investigation preceding the indictments was conducted by the DEA, Medway Drug Enforcement Agency, the Wooster Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Patrol, Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and the Ohio National Guard Intelligence Analysts. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian.


title: 1st Adult & Pediatrics Healthcare to Pay $3 Million to  Settle False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: LYNCHBURG, Va. –1 st Adult & Pediatrics Healthcare Services, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, has agreed to pay $3,000,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by engaging in fraudulent billing activities between January 2017 and May 2021 with regards to pediatric in-home health, personal care, and related services. From 2017 and continuing through May 2021, 1 st Adult & Pediatrics billed Virginia Medicaid for reimbursements for in-home health care services for pediatric patients who were actually hospitalized at the time the in-home services were billed. In addition, 1 st Adult & Pediatrics routinely billed Virginian Medicaid for home health services that were not actually provided. “The Medicaid and Medicare systems are important safety nets for many in our communities, especially vulnerable patients, like the seriously ill children involved in this case. We must do our part to keep them free of waste, fraud, and abuse,” Principal Deputy United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. “I am grateful for our partnership with the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Department of Health and Human Services in resolving this matter.” “Those who take advantage of Virginians during some of their most vulnerable times must be held accountable. Thanks to the excellent work done by my office and our federal partners, this organization will have to answer for its illegitimate billing methods that exploited hospitalized pediatric patients,” Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said today. “Providers that submit false Medicaid claims disregard their legal requirement to bill for services legitimately and, simultaneously, cheat the program on which their patients greatly rely,” stated Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “In collaboration with fellow agencies, HHS-OIG is committed to preventing and detecting fraud in taxpayer-funded health care programs.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against 1 st Adult & Pediatrics. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement if the government takes over the case and reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. In this case, the United States and Commonwealth of Virginia intervened in the whistleblower’s case and obtained default prior to settlement. The case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Patterson & Williams v. 1st Adult & Pediatrics Healthcare Services, Inc. , Civil Action No. 6:19-cv-68. The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, the Office of the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lugar and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Division investigated the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for a Firearm Offense

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

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced today, April 18, 2023, to 48 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. On February 27, 2022, Jake Campbell, 38, was stopped driving a vehicle that was reported stolen. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded Smith and Wesson firearm under the driver’s seat, along with other items belonging to Campbell. The firearm was reported stolen. Campbell was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had a prior felony conviction, and he was a methamphetamine user. Campbell must serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice 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: Sisseton Man Indicted for Murder

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sisseton, South Dakota, man for First Degree Murder. Jay Adams, Jr., age 57, was indicted in April of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on April 17, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The Indictment alleges that on or about September 4, 1992, in Roberts County, Adams killed a minor victim by inflicting fatal blunt force trauma. The charge is merely an accusation and Adams is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case. Adams was released on conditions pending trial. A trial date has not been set.


title: Pinedale Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Sheldon Livingston pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact of a child under 12 in Indian Country. Livingston, 23, of Pinedale, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, during December 2020, Livingston engaged in a sexual act with a child who had not attained the age of 12. The assault took place in McKinley County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Under the terms of his agreement, Livingston can be sentenced to between 10 and 20 years in prison and must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.


title: Businessman Jeff Jafari pleads guilty to bribing City of Atlanta and DeKalb County officials to obtain contracts

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Lohrasb “Jeff” Jafari, the former Executive Vice President of PRAD Group, Inc., has pleaded guilty to paying bribe money to two City of Atlanta officials in exchange for steering city business worth millions of dollars to his company, to paying bribes to a former Dekalb County official in an attempt to obtain county contracts, and to evading more than $1.5 million in taxes. “Contractors and the public deserve a fair and impartial government procurement process,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “For years, Jeff Jafari corrupted, and attempted to corrupt, those processes in the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County by paying tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments to several high-ranking government officials. Not surprisingly, after illegally obtaining city contracts he never paid a dime of personal income tax on millions of dollars he earned.” “Jafari tried to buy his way around a process that is meant to be fair to all contract applicants, and in doing so contributed to the public’s distrust in government,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Today's plea is the direct result of the FBI and our partners continuous hard work and commitment to end public corruption in the city of Atlanta” “Jafari bribed city government officials to avoid fair competition in bidding for government contracts,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Greed consumed Mr. Jafari, after being awarded the government contracts, he willfully failed to file tax returns reporting the income and pay the appropriate taxes undermining the American tax system.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: From 1984 to 2018, PRAD Group was an architectural, design, and construction management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that performed services for the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County, Georgia. Jafari served as PRAD Group’s Executive Vice President and oversaw PRAD Group’s finances. From January 2003 to February 2017, Adam Smith served as the Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Atlanta. From that position, Smith supervised the City of Atlanta’s purchasing activities and its expenditure of billions of dollars of public money. From April 2011 to May 2016, Jo Ann Macrina served as the City of Atlanta’s Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management. As Watershed’s Commissioner, Macrina held a cabinet-level position from which she managed the City’s drinking water and wastewater systems and was responsible for an annual budget exceeding $500 million. Jafari gave Smith and Macrina cash and other items of value to obtain business with the City of Atlanta. In exchange for those payments, Smith and Macrina conspired with Jafari to ensure that PRAD Group received City business worth millions of dollars, including conspiring to replace two evaluators on the selection team for the City’s Architectural and Engineering contract and to re-score an evaluation so that Jafari’s company would be awarded a contract. During Smith’s tenure as the Chief Procurement Officer, the City of Atlanta awarded contracts worth millions of dollars to PRAD Group and joint venture projects of which PRAD Group was a partner. For years, Jafari met privately with Smith on multiple occasions, frequently at local restaurants. During these meetings, Jafari and Smith discussed City of Atlanta procurement projects, bids, and solicitations. Often at the time of these meetings, Jafari was actively seeking additional work and/or assistance with ongoing City projects. Jafari paid Smith $1,000 in cash in the bathroom of the restaurant after most of the meetings. In return for these bribe payments, Jafari expected Smith to use his position and power to assist Jafari with contracting/procurement with the City of Atlanta. From at least 2014 to January 2017, Jafari paid Smith more than $40,000 in cash with the intent to influence Smith in his role as the City of Atlanta’s Chief Procurement Officer. In February 2017, Jafari became aware of the federal investigation into his bribe payments to Smith and confronted Smith at City Hall. Jafari insisted that Smith lie to the FBI by denying that Smith took bribe money from him. From at least 2013 through May 2016, Macrina met with Jafari to discuss City of Atlanta procurement projects, bids, and solicitations. Often at the time of these meetings, Jafari was actively seeking contracts, projects, and work with the City of Atlanta. To obtain city work, Jafari promised Macrina a lucrative job with PRAD Group and, directly or through a PRAD Group employee, gave Macrina $10,000 in cash, jewelry, a room at a luxury hotel in Dubai, a luxury shopping trip in Dubai, and landscaping work at her home. Shortly after the City of Atlanta fired her, Macrina began working for Jafari and PRAD Group. Between June and September 2016, Jafari and/or PRAD Group paid Macrina $30,000 in four separate payments. On April 8 and August 21, 2014, the FBI conducted undercover operations using a confidential source (who at the time was a high-ranking DeKalb County official). During two surreptitiously recorded meetings, the confidential source met with Jafari at local restaurants, where Jafari sought assistance from the confidential source to obtain work in DeKalb County. After the meetings, Jafari directed the confidential source to the bathroom of the restaurants where Jafari paid the confidential source between $1,000 and $1,500 in cash. From 2014 to 2016, Jafari neither filed personal tax returns, nor paid any income taxes to the IRS. During those years, Jafari withdrew large amounts of cash from corporate bank accounts and used money from the PRAD Group’s accounts to pay for various personal expenses, including several luxury vehicles. Jafari evaded the payment of at least $1.5 million in taxes. Lohrasb “Jeff” Jafari, 72, of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiratorial bribery, substantive bribery, and tax evasion. Sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Davis and Nathan P. Kitchens, Trial Attorney Jolee Porter of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, and Trial Attorney Todd Ellinwood of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Spokane Police Department Announce Spring Take Back Day

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration has announced the date of its 24 th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, April 22, DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide . What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day When: Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Who: United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Spokane Police Department Where: NorthTown Mall, 4750 North Division Spokane, WA 99207 (Northwest parking area) In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. “The United States is committed to reducing tragic drug overdose deaths. By participating in events like Prescription Drug Take Back Day, federal, state, local, and tribal community leaders help remove expired narcotics from our communities, prevent medication misuse, and make Eastern Washington safer and stronger,” U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated. “Drug take back events are one way our community can positively impact the opioid crisis and protect loved ones. Prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths do not discriminate – they can impact individuals of any age, race, gender or demographic.” “The DEA is committed to protecting our communities,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “One way we do this is with our National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. By removing unused and unwanted prescription drugs we eliminate the first step that leads to misuse and drug addiction.” “We have a critical drug use issue in our community. From the open use of dangerous drugs like fentanyl by those stuck in addiction, to the misuse of prescription drugs, overdose deaths are all too common in Spokane,” stated Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl. He continued, “From February 2022 through February 2023, the Medical Examiner reported 185 overdose deaths in Spokane County. Our officers see the heartbreak and expense of drug related crimes – property and violent crimes – every day. Drug Take Back Day is one tangible way community members can step in and help address the drug crisis in a positive way.” For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com .


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for a Drug Distribution Offense

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – An Omaha man was sentenced yesterday, April 18, 2023, to 168 months in prison following his plea of guilty to distribution of a controlled substance. On January 12, 2021, the Council Bluffs Police and Council Bluffs Fire Departments were dispatched to a motel to provide medical treatment to an unresponsive victim, who ultimately died from a fentanyl overdose. Jason D. Hartzell, 22, distributed fentanyl pressed pills to the victim. Officers linked Hartzell to the fentanyl overdose death after reviewing phone information, social media information, surveillance footage, and conducting witness interviews. Hartzell must serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department, Omaha Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill .


title: North Liberty Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, IA – A North Liberty man was sentenced on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, to 60 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. According to court documents, on May 20, 2021, Ronald Lee Robi, 71, entered a retail store in Coralville, browsed the firearm section, and selected two pistols to purchase. Robi paid for the pistols but told the sales associate he would come back later with his firearms permit and other documents to complete the paperwork. On June 1, 2021, Robi returned to the same retail store, convinced a different sales associate he had already provided the necessary documentation when he paid for the pistols, and took possession of the firearms. Robi has multiple prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms. On June 7, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Robi’s residence in North Liberty. During the search, law enforcement recovered a third firearm. At the time of his offense in the Southern District of Iowa, Robi had been indicted in the Southern District of Texas for being a felon in possession of firearms. He was granted the privilege of pretrial release. As a result of this offense, his pretrial release was revoked. He was sentenced for his crime in the Southern District of Texas on June 10, 2022. His sentence will be served consecutively to the sentence for the Texas firearms conviction. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Coralville Police Department and North Liberty Police Department investigated the case.


title: California Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking Violations in East Texas

body_text: TYLER, Texas - A Bakersfield, CA man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today. Pablo Antonio Sandoval, 24, pleaded guilty on August 8, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on April 18, 2023. According to information presented in court, in October 2021, Sandoval supplied more than 500 grams of methamphetamine to drug dealers in Cherokee County, Texas, which he sourced from suppliers in California. Sandoval was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas in April 2022. This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Jacksonville Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek. # # #


title: Springfield Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Leading Meth Conspiracy, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two men have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in the Springfield, Mo., area. Christian Roman, 39, of Springfield, and Nathan Bay, 49, of Bois D’Arc, Mo., were sentenced in separate hearings before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Tuesday, April 18. Roman was sentenced to 21 years and eight months in federal prison without parole and ordered to forfeit to the government $143,000, which represents his proceeds from the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Bay was sentenced to 13 years and four months in federal prison without parole and ordered to forfeit to the government $42,291, which represents his proceeds from the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Roman pleaded guilty on Oct. 4, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Bay pleaded guilty on Sept. 6, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine. During the federal investigation, law enforcement seized multiple kilograms of methamphetamine from various members of the drug-trafficking organization. Roman distributed multiple pounds of methamphetamine at a time to others below him in the drug hierarchy and collected drug proceeds. According to court documents, Roman supplied Bay with methamphetamine to distribute. Roman also orchestrated sending large amounts of methamphetamine through the mail from California for distribution in Missouri. Roman admitted that he coordinated with a law enforcement confidential source to arrange for a package that contained more than 1.3 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, concealed inside a fire extinguisher, to be mailed to that source’s residence. According to court documents, Roman also coordinated the distribution of, and payment for, multiple illegal drug sales across the United States, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. In February 2021, law enforcement intercepted communications wherein Roman coordinated the distribution of approximately 1,428 pounds of marijuana to a man in Wisconsin. That marijuana was seized by law enforcement. Roman admitted that he participated in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from Oct. 1, 2019, to Feb. 19, 2021. Roman also admitted, during that time, that he participated in a conspiracy to transfer funds from the United States to Mexico to promote the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Roman admitted that he made multiple large cash deposits into his checking account, which involved proceeds from the drug-trafficking conspiracy, then sent several wire transfers to Mexico. Roman, who was on probation at the time of this offense, admitted that he was in possession of a Colt .38-caliber handgun on Feb. 19, 2021. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Roman has a prior felony conviction for importing marijuana after he smuggled 38 kilograms of marijuana from Mexico into the United States. Roman also has prior felony convictions for concealing a firearm in a vehicle and taking a vehicle without consent. On Feb. 19, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Roman’s residence. Officers found numerous unused U.S. Postal Service boxes piled in the hallway closet. In the master bedroom, officers found a safe that contained expensive jewelry, $4,640 in cash, and the Colt handgun. The firearm’s handgrips were covered in white stones with an emblem of two stacked traffic cones designed out of black, orange, and white stones. The emblem matched a tattoo of two stacked traffic cones on the right side of Roman’s face. Officers also seized a Romarm/Cugir 7.62-caliber rifle, a German Sports Gun 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Grand Power 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and some ammunition from a storage unit. Roman and Bay are among 11 defendants who have been sentenced in this case. Two co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: New London Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement and Theft of Labor Union Assets

body_text: DAVENPORT, IA – A New London man was sentenced on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, to 24 months in prison for embezzlement and theft of labor union assets. According to court records, James Darin Boatman, 53, the former president of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 617 Union, embezzled and stole union funds for his personal use. UFCW Local 617 members include production workers and skilled trade workers at the Conagra plant located in Fort Madison. Investigation revealed that Boatman, the president of the Union from 2010 until 2019, set up a credit card in the Union’s name, without authorization, and from at least May 2017 to August 2019 used the card for personal expenses, including vacations to Florida, large repairs on his personal vehicle, and to pay for attorney representation for an unrelated matter. Additionally, Boatman wrote checks from the Union funds to cover personal expenses and to pay himself for unauthorized lost time for periods of time Boatman claimed he was conducting Union business. Boatman pled guilty and agreed to pay $74,231.34 in restitution to the Union. Following his prison term, Boatman was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The United States Department of Labor and Office of Labor-Management Standards investigated the case.