title: Lyons man pleads guilty to child pornography charge

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that that Randall Seeley, Jr., 45, of Lyons, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2023, the New York State Police received a report that Seeley had been involved in sexually explicit online communications with a 13 to 14-year-old minor. During an investigation, Seeley admitted knowing the minor and engaging in sexual communications, during which he solicited and received explicit images and videos of the minor. A review of the minor’s social media accounts revealed the sexually explicit communications with Seeley, going back as far as July 2022. A search warrant was executed at Seeley’s residence, during which his electronic devices were seized. A preliminary forensic analysis of the devices uncovered hundreds of images and videos of child pornography depicting the known minor and other, unknown minors. The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. Sentencing is scheduled for May 23, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa. # # # #


title: Long Island Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Over $600 Million Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud and Identity Theft Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – Mathew James was sentenced today by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 12 years in prison for a massive health care fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators, including physicians throughout the country, defrauded multiple health insurance companies out of hundreds of millions of dollars. James was sentenced to 10 years on the fraud charges and two years to be served consecutive on the aggravated ID theft charges. The Court also ordered restitution in the amount of $336,996,416.85 and forfeiture of $63,382,049.02. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nicole M. Argentieri, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence. “James went to great lengths to carry out a complex fraud scheme that caused insurance companies to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent claims,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The defendant not only falsified medical records and forged signatures, but also brazenly impersonated patients and their family members, all of which justifies a significant jail sentence to deter others from such audacious conduct.” “Today, Mathew James was justly punished with a lengthy sentence in prison for his immense and brazen health care fraud scheme. James took extreme steps to carry out his more than half-billion-dollar fraud – faking signatures, impersonating well known figures in the world of sports, and utilizing fraudulent documents,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “The FBI will continue to take the lead in investigating and holding accountable anyone attempting to illegally profit from deceptive and fraudulent health care schemes.” James operated medical billing companies to provide billing services for physicians, primarily plastic surgeons throughout the United States, and used his companies to carry out a massive scheme to defraud insurance companies. As a third-party medical biller, James submitted claims to insurance companies and when necessary, requested reconsideration or appeals of denied claims. James billed for procedures that were either more serious or entirely different than those his doctor-clients performed. For example, the government presented evidence that James impersonated Jeff Pash, the National Football League’s general counsel, and Marcus Smart, a professional basketball player then of the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association, in calls the defendant made to insurance companies in which he exaggerated medical procedures. James made thousands of impersonation calls resulting in over tens of millions of dollars in additional reimbursement to his doctor-clients and from which he received a percentage of the fraudulent proceeds. James also directed his doctor-clients to schedule elective surgeries through the emergency room so that insurance companies would reimburse at substantially higher rates. When insurance companies denied the inflated claims, James impersonated patients to demand that the insurance companies pay the outstanding balances of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine Mirabile and Antoinette N. Rangel of the Eastern District of New York, and Trial Attorney Miriam Glaser Dauermann of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha Payne of the Eastern District of New York’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters. The Defendant: MATHEW JAMES Age: 54 East Northport, Long Island E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-382 (JS)


title: Latham Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Weinbloom, age 49, of Latham, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Weinbloom admitted that on May 18, 2022, he possessed approximately 1,300 images and 1,500 videos of child pornography on a USB flash memory stick found in his residence and that two computers recovered from his residence had also been used to store and view child pornography. Sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2024. Weinbloom faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The judge may also order Weinbloom to pay restitution to the victims of his offense and forfeit the device used in the offense. Weinbloom will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Queens Man Charged with Pandemic Fraud

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Osei, a/k/a “Kyngjo,” age 29, of Jamaica, New York, has been indicted on mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges for fraudulently obtain pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. The indictment alleges that from about August 2020 through November 2020, Osei fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits worth more than $100,000 in the names of four other people. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The mail fraud charges carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Osei appeared yesterday in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, New York, and was released pending an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel that is scheduled for February 6, 2024 in Albany. This case is being investigated by USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and HSI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Salt Lake Trucking Group Owners Found Guilty in a Financial Fraud Conspiracy that Cost FedEx Ground $108M

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal jury convicted two owners of a local trucking conglomerate of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendants owned a group of trucking companies named Salt Lake Trucking Group (SLTG). According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the defendants and their coconspirators paid over $300,000 in bribes to FedEx Ground employees, which resulted in SLTG receiving $108 million from FedEx over a ten-year period. At the time of the conspiracy, the defendants, Yevgeny Felix Tuchinsky, 63, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was also a resident of San Diego, California; Konstantin Mikhaylovich Tomilin, 54, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was also a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Tuchinsky and Tomilin owned and operated several trucking companies consolidated under SLTG. At trial, the jury was presented with evidence that FedEx contracts with local trucking companies to haul FedEx packages in semitrucks. FedEx refers to these companies as contract service providers (CSPs). FedEx pays the CSPs by the mile. The defendants’ companies were among those local CSPs that picked up and delivered FedEx semitrailers full of packages at the FedEx Ground Hub in North Salt Lake. The CSPs provided the semitruck and driver that hauled the trailers to FedEx hubs and other facilities where the packages were eventually sorted for local delivery. Beginning around 2009 and continuing to 2019, the defendants bribed FedEx employees in exchange for those employees providing more business to SLTG. Instead of competing fairly against other CSPs for FedEx business, SLTG bribed FedEx employees to obtain more miles and more money from FedEx. The bribes resulted in SLTG obtaining unearned FedEx business for over a decade. The defendants and their coconspirators also engaged in deceptive practices to conceal from FedEx that they were violating several FedEx policies and contractual provisions. And they bribed FedEx employees to help deceive FedEx and cover up their violations. These deceptive practices included creating shell companies and lying to FedEx about the true ownership of the companies. This concealed from FedEx that SLTG owned and operated the shell companies and that the shell companies shared the same owners, assets, trucks, and employees. The defendants and their coconspirators also lied to FedEx about dozens of SLTG drivers’ qualifications on FedEx applications. Further, the defendants and their coconspirators failed to honestly report accidents to FedEx. As established at trial, had FedEx known about SLTG’s bribery, true size, ownership, false driver applications, and accidents, FedEx would have terminated SLTG and its subsidiaries as CSPs. The defendants’ bribery and lies resulting in SLTG receiving $108 million from FedEx. Tuchinsky personally gained $7 million and Tomilin personally gained over $4 million from the scheme. “Before they delivered packages, these men and their teammates delivered cash bribes,” said Stephen Dent, Assistant United States Attorney during trial. “Before their trucks pulled away from the hub to go on a run, they lied and they bribed to even get that run. $108 million by cheating.” Tuchinsky’s and Tomilin’s sentencing is scheduled for May 20, 2024, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Division, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG). Assistant United States Attorneys Cy H. Castle, Stephen P. Dent and Bryant L. Watson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah presented the case at trial. ###


component: U.S. Marshals Service

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Matthew Banfield, 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced February 2, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for escape from custody. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Banfield to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Banfield’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release. Banfield was sentenced to serve 37 months with a 3-year term of supervised release following his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Banfield was in custody of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) residing at Dismas Charities in Omaha, which is a Federal Residential Reentry Center (RRC). On June 13, 2023, Banfield left Dismas Charities and failed to return as required. Banfield was placed in escape status until he was located and arrested on a warrant in August 2023. Because Banfield was in the custody of the BOP at the time he left the RRC, his failing to return to the RRC was an escape from BOP custody. This case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Methamphetamine and Cocaine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jose Salvador Perez, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced February 2, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for two charges – (1) conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and (2) possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Perez to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Omaha police received information from a cooperator that co-defendant Miguel Avalos-Diaz was distributing meth and cocaine. Police used the cooperator to make three “controlled buys” from Avalos-Diaz in February and March of 2022. After the third drug deal, police searched a residence in south Omaha near Bellevue on March 30, 2022. Inside, officers encountered and arrested Avalos-Diaz and Perez. Police seized approximately 2.5 pounds of meth, more than $36,000 in cash, and a loaded .45-caliber handgun. Officers also found evidence of cocaine distribution in the residence, including six digital scales, cutting agents, a vacuum sealer, and small amounts of cocaine packaged in baggies. Review of both defendants’ Facebook messages dating back to December 2021 revealed a conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine throughout the time period of the messages. A total of $36,598 in cash has been forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. An Audi sedan, registered to Perez and driven by Avalos-Diaz to the controlled buys, has also been forfeited as property that facilitated illegal drug trafficking. Avalos-Diaz, 27, of Omaha was sentenced to 260 months’ imprisonment on November 30, 2023. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Pennsylvania Courts to Resolve Lawsuit Concerning Discrimination Against People with Opioid Use Disorder

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has secured an agreement with the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (UJS) to resolve allegations that UJS courts violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by preventing individuals under court supervision from taking lawfully prescribed medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Under the agreement, UJS courts will pay $100,000 to victims, and encourage all its component courts to adopt new policies and train personnel on the ADA’s anti-discrimination requirements regarding OUD and report on their compliance efforts. “People with opioid use disorder caught up in the criminal justice system should be supported in seeking treatments that can help them attain recovery,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under this agreement, courts that categorically restricted the use of opioid treatment medication are required to allow people with opioid use disorder to take proven medications that can put them on a path toward recovery and rehabilitation. Ensuring that courts are employing science-driven and data-informed approaches to the opioid crisis is an important priority for the Civil Rights Division. We will continue to enforce our federal civil rights laws, including the ADA, to ensure that people with disabilities are protected from discrimination.” “My office is dedicated to fighting the opioid epidemic with every tool that we have,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “That includes enforcing the ADA to remove discriminatory barriers to treatment for OUD. All too often, people taking medication to treat their OUD are subjected to discrimination based on unfounded stigma associated with these medications. It is a violation of the ADA to deny someone access to programs and services simply because they are taking medication their doctors have prescribed to get and keep their OUD in remission. My office will hold entities that violate the ADA’s anti-discrimination protections accountable.” “The battle against the opioid epidemic requires not only the vigorous prosecution of those who traffic in and profit from drugs like heroin and fentanyl, but also requires ensuring individuals with opioid use disorder can take their medically prescribed treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “This agreement with the Commonwealth will help ensure that individuals participating in Pennsylvania’s courts who have opioid use disorder will be allowed to follow their providers’ course of treatment, which may include medication that dramatically reduces opioid overdose deaths. This office will enforce the ADA to protect all individuals with disabilities, and this includes our citizens in recovery from addiction.” The settlement agreement resolves the department’s lawsuit against the UJS, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and Blair, Jefferson, Lackawanna and Northumberland County Courts of Common Pleas. The department’s complaint , filed in 2022, alleged that UJS courts in multiple counties caused significant harm through the enforcement of their discriminatory administrative policies. The department further alleged that those affected by the UJS court policies were put to an agonizing choice: take their medication and face incarceration or termination from their treatment court program or forgo their medication and suffer painful withdrawal symptoms while risking relapse, overdose and death. As a result, they suffered significant harm. The complaint alleged that the named county courts and other UJS courts had likely harmed many other individuals with OUD through the enforcement of their discriminatory policies. Under the settlement agreement, the UJS courts will compensate the victims identified in the complaint. They will train all Pennsylvania state court criminal judges and treatment court professionals on the ADA and OUD medication. Several of the named county courts will adopt a robust anti-discrimination policy related to OUD medication. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts will recommend and encourage all other county courts to adopt the same policy. Finally, the UJS courts will report on their efforts to comply with the agreement, including detailing any complaints about access to OUD medication submitted to any UJS courts during the agreement’s two-year term. The settlement agreement announced today advances the Justice Department’s efforts to combat discrimination against individuals with OUD and to remove discriminatory barriers to treatment. The department has issued public guidance and filed statements of interest on the ADA’s protections for those with OUD. It has entered into multiple settlements with jails and prisons to increase access to OUD medication, including recent agreements in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania ; Eastern Kentucky and Massachusetts . It has undertaken enforcement efforts to combat discrimination against individuals with OUD in court supervision programs in Massachusetts . It has also entered numerous settlements to address discriminatory barriers to treatment for OUD outside of the criminal justice context, including barriers related to employment , professional licensing , social services and healthcare . The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division handled this matter in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information about the Justice Department’s work to address discrimination against individuals with opioid use disorder, please visit www.ada.gov/topics/opioid-use-disorder/ . For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit ada.gov . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report .


title: Three Defendants Pleaded Guilty in US Coast Guard Hoax Call Case

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Three defendants pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Communicate a False Distress Signal and False Statements in US Coast Guard hoax call case. Pursuant to court filings, on June 28, 2022, Harold Carrión Butter, while trying to evade local authorities regarding a domestic violence case, purposefully hid himself in an attempt to make it seem like he was swept out to sea at La Poza Del Obispo in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Carrión Butter called his mother, Justinita Butter who, after several phone conversations with her son, called local 9-1-1. She falsely reported that her son had not been answering his phone and was missing from the beach at Poza Del Obispo in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Her 9-1-1 call was transferred to United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Juan, which immediately began to coordinate a search and rescue operation for Carrión Butter. Throughout that night and following two days, through multiple phone calls with Coast Guard Officers, Justinita Butter and Miriam Delgado-Serrano, made multiple false claims that Carrión Butter did not have a phone, must have been swept out to sea, and that there was no other place he could be. All these claims were made while they were both in continuous and surreptitious communication with Carrión Butter through multiple phone calls and text messages. On July 1, 2022, Carrion Butter was discovered by local Puerto Rico police, in a location near his family home. The USCG subsequently ended its search and rescue operation, after having diverted multiple ships, boats, and aircraft from other potential search and rescue missions and criminal-interdictions, and after having expended over $1,000,000 in assets and resources in the search. Defendant #1 Harold Carrión Butter plead guilty to Count One of the Indictment, Conspiracy to Communicate a False Distress Signal. He was sentenced in December 2023 to time served; approximately 18 months of imprisonment served. He is currently incarcerated at the state level and facing other charges. Justintia Butter, who was scheduled for trial beginning February 5, 2024, plead guilty on Friday, January 26. She plead guilty to Count Four which was Making a False Statement. Specifically, when USCG personnel were speaking on the phone with Ms. Butter on the morning of June 29, 2022, they asked Ms. Butter for Harold’s phone number. She told CG personnel that Harold didn’t have a phone and did not provide his number. The sentencing is scheduled for April 26, 2024. Defendant #3 Miriam Delgado Serrano also plead guilty to Count One of the Indictment. Her sentencing is scheduled for March 1, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “Federal, state and local authorities take all threat-to-life matters very seriously,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “However, when individuals make false reports to law enforcement, endangering first responders, other citizens, and wasting resources, they will be prosecuted and held accountable for their criminal conduct.” “I commend the efforts of all interagency responders who did their utmost to find Mr. Butters as well as the efforts and diligence from all the investigative authorities that led to three arrests and justice being served in this case,” said Capt. José E. Díaz, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander. “Hoax search and rescues cases are extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated, the consequences could be deadly, as first responders and valuable assets are placed at risk to search for survivors during a false distress alert. A prolonged hoax search and rescue situation, like the one in this case, could easily prevent people from receiving critical emergency response and lifesaving assistance that may be required to save lives in a real emergency.” The US Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case. USCG Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena B. Daniel from the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To 46 Months In Prison For Possession Of A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Desha Cooper (32, Ocoee) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Cooper entered a guilty plea on October 24, 2023. According to court records, on the night of February 3, 2023, an officer from the Orlando Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that Cooper was driving. The officer observed a loaded firearm on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle, and Cooper fled on foot. The United States Marshals Service later located and arrested Cooper. At the time of his arrest, Cooper, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of a second loaded firearm. As a convicted felon who previously served time in federal prison for a firearm offense, Cooper is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance from the Orlando Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: U.S. Attorney Highlights Recent Prosecutions Of True Threats And Hate Crimes Cases, Will Continue To Pursue These Cases In Federal Court

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results of the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat the disturbing spike in threats against public officials, religious institutions, and individuals in our community, as well as crimes motivated by hate-based ideologies. Over approximately the past year and half, federal prosecutors across the District have prosecuted more than 27 defendants for threats, stalking, harassment, interference with the exercise of civil rights, and other hate-based crimes. The defendants charged in these cases committed federal offenses on the internet, over the phone, in voicemails, on commercial aircraft, and in person. The attached chart details the threat and hate-crimes prosecutions that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has handled in the last year and a half. The threats of violence, threatening conduct, and actions charged in the listed cases have caused serious harm to individual and organizational victims. Often these crimes create major disruptions in the continuity of operation of schools, retail establishments, medical facilities, houses of worship, and government offices. As the attached chart illustrates, federal judges have imposed substantial sentences on defendants charged with threat-related offenses in the Middle District of Florida. For example, the Court sentenced seven of these defendants to terms of imprisonment of more than a year. In some cases, the Court imposed sentences of five years’ imprisonment. The Middle District of Florida’s pursuit of threat crimes is consistent with its overall strategy of reducing violent crime and sending the message to the community that threats of violence will also be taken seriously. “If you threaten somebody with violence, law enforcement will take you at your word,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “And if you commit a crime based on hate, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those crimes, too. Law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors will act quickly to disrupt true threats and hate-based crimes by charging you in federal court.” “Thanks to our strong law enforcement partnerships, we have the people, resources, and technology to identify and arrest those making violent or hate-based threats,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “While the FBI does not and will not police ideology, we take threats to life seriously, and so should anyone thinking about making one.” “FDLE takes every threat seriously. We will work with our law enforcement partners and exhaust our investigative resources to apprehend anyone who dares to incite harm on Florida’s citizens,” says FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson. “Safeguarding Florida’s faith-based communities is paramount.” Many of the cases that have been prosecuted involved threats directed at victims based on their race, religion, color, national original, or sexual orientation. Significant cases prosecuted in the past year include: In Jacksonville in July 2023, Frederick Eugene Pierallini III (27, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to two federal hate crimes related to intimidating two Black women and interfering with their enjoyment of federally protected activities because of their race and color. According to court documents, on September 10, 2022, Pierallini directed racial slurs at a store cashier. He then threatened the clerk by brandishing and cocking a shotgun. Two days later, Pierallini approached a woman on a public sidewalk, directed racial slurs at her, and threatened to kill her. Pierallini then left, returned with a shotgun, and fired a single shot. Pierallini is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for each count. The FBI Jacksonville Field Office and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Washington and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. In Orlando in January 2024, Jeziah Guagno (24, Boynton Beach) was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications to a federal judge. According to court documents, in May 2021, a federal judge in the Middle District of Florida received a threatening letter from M.S.—an inmate at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution. The letter included violent threats to murder the judge and his wife. When interviewed, M.S. denied making the threats. Guagno, however, was also serving time in the same Florida prison as M.S. Subsequent DNA and fingerprint analysis by the FBI determined that Guagno’s DNA was on the envelope and his palmprint was on the letter. Further investigation revealed that the federal judge who had been threatened in the letter had previously dismissed a civil case filed by Guagno. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and the Florida Department of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Crockett. In Tampa in January 2024, Alexander Lightner (26, Venice) was charged by indictment with interstate transmission of a threat to injure and unlawful possession of a silencer. According to court filings, on December 29, 2023, Lightner made several online posts indicating his intent to carry out a mass shooting. Federal law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Lightner’s residence and located an unregistered firearm silencer, ammunition, and multiple firearms in his bedroom. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with valuable assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt. Threat cases prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida were investigated by the Anaheim Police Department, the Carbondale Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Hialeah Police Department, the Hollywood Police Department, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City Police Department, the Miami Dade Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pinellas Park Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Supreme Court of the United States Police Department, the Tampa Police Department, the Temple Terrace Police Department, the Transportation Security Administration, the United States Capitol Police, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and other state and local partners. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Risha Asokan, Tyrie Boyer, Erin Favorit, Carlton Gammons, William Hamilton, Stacie Harris, Abigail King, Kirwinn Mike, Brooke Padgett, Candace Rich, Lindsey Schmidt, Ilyssa Spergel, Karyna Valdes, Ashley Washington, and Kara Wick, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler. For more information about other threat cases prosecuted by the Middle District of Florida, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr . In addition to bringing federal prosecutions arising from this conduct, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has engaged in community efforts aimed at deescalating hate speech and encouraging tolerance and understanding. The Office recently implemented the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative, which seeks to teach the community how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes and to build trust between law enforcement and communities. To provide information about some of the federal resources and programs that are available for identifying, reporting, and preventing hate crimes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has set up a dedicated webpage ( www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/unitedagainsthate ). Defendant (Age, Residence) Charge(s) Maximum Terms of Imprisonment Status Sean Albert (20, Winter Park) Transmission of interstate threat to injure Sentenced to time served (approximately 8.5 months) on September 14, 2023. Christopher Au- Young (36, California) Interstate stalking (6 counts) Sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on November 1, 2023. Michael Basaman (45, Temple Terrace) Transmission of interstate threat to injure (2 counts) Maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on April 5, 2024. Mario Bentley (39, Jacksonville) Interstate stalking (2 counts) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Charged by indictment on January 23, 2024. Curtis Brown (35, Indian River) Threatening to kill a United States judge Sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on June 27, 2023. Michael Dambrosia (61, Ocala) Transmission of interstate threat to injure, making false statement in connection with the attempted purchase of a firearm Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on March 4, 2024. Caleb Hunter Freestone (28, Miami) Gabriella Oropesa (25, Cooper City) Anarella Rivera (47, Hialeah) Amber Smith-Stewart (24, Okeechobee) Conspiracy Against Rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (2 counts) Maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. Charged by superseding indictment, scheduled for trial in March 2024. Jeziah Guagno (24, Boynton Beach) Mailing a threat to injure Sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on January 9, 2024. David Hannon (67, Sarasota) Threatening to kill a United States congresswoman Sentenced to 36 months of federal probation on July 6, 2022. Robert Dewayne Lashley (52, Citrus Springs) Hate Crime Acts Sentenced to 26 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on January 25, 2023. Roy Lamar Lashley (56, Citrus Springs) Hate Crime Acts Sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on January 25, 2023. Jordan Patrick Leahy (29, Seminole) Interference with federally protective activities based on race (2 counts) Sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on November 7, 2022. Alexander Lightner (26, Sarasota) Transmission of interstate threat to injure, possession of unregistered silencer Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on March 4, 2024. Deep Alpesh Kumar Patel (21, Sarasota) Transmission of interstate threat to injure Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Pleaded guilty, scheduled for sentencing on March 14, 2024. Frederick Eugene Pierallini III (27, Jacksonville) Interference with federally protective activities based on race (2 counts) Maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Pleaded guilty, scheduled for sentencing in April 2024. Justin Rancourt (35, St. Petersburg) Transmission of interstate threat to injure Sentenced on July 11, 2023, to time served (approximately 10 months in federal prison) to be followed by 120 months of supervised release. Neal Sidhwaney (43, Fernandina Beach) Transmission of interstate threat to injure Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Pleaded guilty, scheduled for sentencing on April 1, 2024. Evan Sims (41, Rhode Island) False information and threats regarding the possession of an explosive on an airplane Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Charged by complaint on December 6, 2023. Aaron Thompson (43, Raiford) Mailing a threat to injure Sentenced to 41 months in federal prison on October 23, 2023. Stephen Thorn (65, Pensacola) Transmission of interstate threat to injure, making telephone calls without disclosing identity to abuse, threaten, and harass Maximum penalty of 7 years in federal prison Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial in June 2024. Robert Trout (19, St. Petersburg) Transmission of interstate threat to injure Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on February 5, 2024. *Sealed cases and certain other cases are not listed in this chart.


title: Union Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Creating Child Sex Abuse Materials

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: GREENVILLE, S.C. — Britney Sheppard Campbell, 36, of Union, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to production of child sex abuse materials. Evidence presented to the court showed that from January 2014 to 2016, at the request of her boyfriend, Campbell agreed to create child sex abuse materials. In the course of a babysitting job, Campbell performed sexual acts on an infant, filmed the acts, and provided the images to her boyfriend. She also agreed to perform and record sex acts with an Alzheimer’s patient for whom she provided care. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the boyfriend’s home based on information that he was receiving and sending child sex abuse materials. With the seizure of his computer, law enforcement discovered the images of Campbell and the victim. Campbell admitted to the production of the materials. Her boyfriend died before the investigation was complete. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Campbell to 300 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Jury Convicts “Biggest Pill Dealer In Chambersburg” For Causing Overdose Death

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal jury convicted two Chambersburg men for their roles in a drug trafficking ring that distributed fentanyl, oxycodone, and cocaine. A delivery of fentanyl killed one of the customers and sickened others. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the jury convicted Bruce David Darby, age 45, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, of drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering charges. Darby was also convicted of delivering pills that killed one of his customers in August of 2019. The jury also convicted Malik Bonds, age 42, of Chambersburg, of being a part of Darby’s conspiracy and with delivering cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner presided over the trial. The jury heard evidence of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s investigation of Darby and his drug trafficking crew. Darby brought oxycodone pills from New York City and resold them in the Chambersburg area from 2018 to 2019. The jury heard evidence that police monitored Darby’s telephone calls, during which Darby described himself as “the biggest pill dealer in Chambersburg.” “These two defendants prioritized monetary profits over the lives of everyone they distributed to,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “The jury was told about a loss of life and a serious injury directly caused by this trafficking operation, but we may never know the full scope of devastation caused by these predatory dealers. The collaborative work of law enforcement was essential to stop the flow of deadly substances that put this community at grave risk.” “The FBI remains committed to keeping our communities safe from predators like Bruce David Darby and Malik Bonds,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, FBI Philadelphia's Special Agent in Charge. Darby’s actions and that of his co-conspirator are particularly heinous given that they trafficked in dangerous narcotics and lethal fentanyl. Today’s conviction sends the message to drug organizations and gang members that if you traffic in illegal drugs, the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will bring you to justice." The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smulktis and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and fentanyl traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. As a result of his conviction, Darby faces a mandatory sentence of at least 25 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Bonds faces a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Man Who Manufactured and Trafficked Kilos of Fentanyl Pills Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A man from the Dominican Republic, who resides in the Boston area, was sentenced yesterday for running a wide-ranging fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that trafficked multiple kilograms of counterfeit pills, including pills that contained fentanyl, through the mail. Quenty Ogando, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Ogando pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Between September 2022 and November 2022, Ogando ran a large-scale pill press operation that manufactured, sold and mailed counterfeit pills, including pills containing fentanyl, among other drugs. Many of the packages were seized and found to contain counterfeit fentanyl pills. In total, nearly two kilograms of counterfeit fentanyl pills were seized from packages over the course of the investigation. In November 2022, a search of Ogando’s apartment revealed over 20 kilograms of pills in various colors, over 20 kilograms of loose powder, numerous packages and mailing labels and three industrial grade pill presses. In total, over 11 kilograms of fentanyl was recovered from the apartment as well as amounts of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; United States Customs and Border Protection; Drug Enforcement Administration; and U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane and Jennifer Zacks of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Providence Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Postal Service Carrier

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A federal judge on Wednesday imposed a nearly two-year term of incarceration on a Providence man who admitted to assaulting a U.S. Postal Service employee in November 2021, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Branley Ferreras-Severino, 23, who has been detained in state custody since his arrest on unrelated state drug trafficking charges on January 6, 2022, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2023, to a charge of assault of a U.S. Postal Service carrier. He was sentenced on Wednesday to 21 months of incarceration, and three years of federal supervised release. Ferreras-Severino previously admitted to the court that he was the driver of a vehicle that had stopped on a narrow South Providence street that was only wide enough to allow one vehicle to pass at a time. As a postal driver maneuvered a mail delivery truck past Ferreras-Severino’s BMW, the postman smiled at the car’s driver in acknowledgement of the brief awkwardness. A short time later, when the letter carrier returned to his truck after delivering a package, he was met by Ferreras-Severino who uttered, “You think it’s funny? You almost hit me. You wanna get popped?” He then struck the letter carrier with his fists. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ly T. Chin. The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. United States Attorney Cunha acknowledges the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force for their assistance in the investigation of this matter. ###


title: Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to PPP Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware announced today that a Bear, DE man pleaded guilty to bank fraud in connection with obtaining a Payroll Protection Plan (“PPP”) loan. According to court documents, Michael Coleman, 43, a former Sergeant with the Wilmington Police Department, pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining a $150,000 PPP loan from the Small Business Administration in 2021 for a personal business he purportedly operated. The Small Business Administration funded loans to small businesses as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Mr. Coleman was a public servant who took federal funds from a public program that was meant to provide financial support to struggling businesses during a global pandemic when he did not qualify for those funds. My office, in partnership with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue to identify and prosecute individuals who illegally obtained CARES Act funding.” “These assistance programs may have ended, but our commitment to seeking out those who defrauded them has not,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI'S Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI and our partners remain focused on making sure stolen funds are returned to taxpayers, and individuals involved in this type of criminal behavior are held responsible for their actions.” Coleman faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington Resident Agency with assistance from the Delaware Department of Justice and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ibrahim. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-cr-083.


title: U.K. Citizen Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to  Export U.S. Technology to Iran

body_text: WASHINGTON – Saber Fakih, 48, of the United Kingdom, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison for violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. The announcement was issued by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Dugan of the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement; FBI Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski, of the Baltimore Field Office; and FBI Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division; and Homeland Security and Investigation’s Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of HSI’s Baltimore Field Office. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Saber Fakih to serve three years of supervised release. According to his plea agreement, Saber Fakih conspired with Bader Fakih, 43, of Canada, Altaf Faquih, 72, of the United Arab Emirates, and Alireza Taghavi, 48, of Iran, to export and attempt to export an Industrial Microwave System (IMS) and counter-drone system from the United States to Iran, without first obtaining the requisite license from the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Saber Fakih’s co-conspirators held themselves out as procurement agents of Rayan Roshd, which has since been sanctioned by the U.S. Government for its procurement activities related to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Another co-conspirator, Iranian national Jalal Rohollahnejad, 46, has also been charged with smuggling, wire fraud and related offenses arising from the same scheme. Rohollahnejad previously was added to the Department of Commerce’s, Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List in March 2020, for acting contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests by procuring goods on behalf of a Specially Designated National (SDN). According to the government’s evidence, in 2017 and 2018, Fakih and his co-conspirators attempted to export to Iran items that had potential civil and military uses. Potential military uses of the industrial microwave system (IMS) (with some modification) include high-power microwave-based Directed-Energy Weapon systems. The counter-drone system, which has both commercial and military uses, can be used to stop, identify, redirect, land or take total control of a target unmanned aerial vehicle. Saber Fakih admitted in his statement of offense that he was the primary liaison between the Iranian purchaser and the U.S.-based seller of the IMS. He placed a bid with the Massachusetts vendor, coordinated an inspection of the machine, and generally corresponded with the vendor on Taghavi’s behalf, knowing it was ultimately destined for Iran. Rohollahnejad caused the equivalent of $450,000 to be sent from Iran to the UAE, where Altaf Faquih picked it up and converted it from Emirati currency to U.S. dollars. Faquih then transferred the money to Bader Fakih in Canada via three separate wire transfers. Bader Fakih then transferred the money to the U.S. company for the purchase of the IMS. In addition to the IMS, Saber Fakih and Bader Fakih conspired to purchase two counter-drone systems worth nearly $1 million from a Maryland-based company on behalf of Taghavi. Saber Fakih was arrested in the United Kingdom pursuant to a U.S. Extradition Request on or about February 10, 2021. On January 25, 2022, he entered a plea of guilty to count two of the indictment in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, HSI’s Baltimore Field Office, and the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterespionage and Export Control Section.


title: New Haven Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASHON SPEARMAN, also known as “J ” and “Deuce,” 35, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven area drug trafficking ring operating in the West Hills neighborhood of New Haven. According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating Spearman and others for the distribution of fentanyl, heroin crack and cocaine in and around the West Hills neighborhood, including the McConaughy Terrace housing complex located on South Genesee Street in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, fixed video surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Spearman was receiving fentanyl and heroin from James Hillard, of New York, and shipments of kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico, which were arranged by Jean Mangual-Castro, also known as “Mangui,” of West Haven. Spearman then distributed the drugs to others, several of whom processed, packaged, and sold fentanyl and crack at the McConaughy Terrace housing complex. On February 4, 2022, investigators arrested Spearman and Hillard after they met in the Bronx and a search of Hillard’s car revealed more than 7,000 folds of heroin/fentanyl and approximately $30,000 in cash. On February 8, 2022, investigators executed court-authorized search warrants at several locations, including a residence on Ward Street in New Haven where Spearman distributed narcotics, and vehicles in which Spearman was suspected of storing narcotics. A search of a minivan revealed approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine; a search of a vehicle registered to Spearman revealed $750,400 in cash, assorted jewelry valued at over $112,000, and fentanyl, crack, and heroin; and a search of the Ward Street residence revealed additional cash, several money counters, and numerous cellphones. Investigators also seized five firearms during the searches. On February 15, 2022, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Spearman, Hilliard and six co-defendants with narcotics trafficking offenses. On April 19, 2022, Spearman, Mangual-Castro, and two others were charged in a separate indictment with offenses related to the trafficking of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico. Spearman has been detained since his arrest. On June 30, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin. Judge Nagala ordered Spearman to forfeit the seized cash, jewelry, firearms, and three vehicles. All 11 defendants charged during this investigation pleaded guilty. On May 11, 2023, Mangual-Castro was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. On December 12, 2023, Hillard was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force includes participants from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Foreign National Charged for International Money Laundering Conspiracy and Role in Operation of Unlicensed Digital Currency Exchange BTC-e

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An indictment was unsealed on Tuesday charging a Belarusian and Cypriot national with money laundering conspiracy and operation of an unlicensed money services business. According to the indictment, between 2011 and July 2017, Aliaksandr Klimenka, 42, allegedly controlled BTC-e, a digital currency exchange, with Alexander Vinnik and others. Klimenka also allegedly controlled Soft-FX, a technology services company, and FX Open, a financial company. The indictment alleges BTC-e was a significant cybercrime and online money laundering entity that allowed its users to trade in bitcoin with high levels of anonymity and developed a customer base heavily reliant on criminal activity. BTC-e allegedly facilitated transactions for cybercriminals worldwide and received criminal proceeds from numerous computer intrusions and hacking incidents, ransomware scams, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics distribution rings, and allegedly was used to facilitate crimes ranging from computer hacking to fraud, identity theft, tax refund fraud schemes, public corruption, and drug trafficking. BTC-e’s servers, maintained in the United States, were allegedly one of the primary ways in which BTC-e and its operators effectuated their scheme. Those servers were allegedly leased to and maintained by Klimenka and Soft-FX. Despite doing substantial business in the United States, BTC-e allegedly was not registered as a money services business with the U.S. Department of Treasury, had no anti-money laundering process, no system for appropriate “know your customer” or “KYC” verification, and no anti-money laundering program as required by federal law. Klimenka was arrested in Latvia on Dec. 21, 2023, at the request of the United States and made his initial appearance in San Francisco yesterday. He is currently being held in custody. If convicted, Klimenka faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California, Special Agent in Charge William Mancino of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Criminal Investigative Division, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Chief Jim Lee of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI), and Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco made the announcement. The USSS; FBI; IRS:CI Oakland Field Office and Cyber Crime Unit in Washington, D.C.; and HSI are investigating the case. Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia Quiroz for the Northern District of California, both members of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Latvian government to secure the arrest of Klimenka. The NCET was established to combat the growing illicit use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Within the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the NCET conducts and supports investigations into individuals and entities that are enabling the use of digital assets to commit and facilitate a variety of crimes, with a particular focus on virtual currency exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and infrastructure providers. The NCET also works to set strategic priorities regarding digital asset technologies, identify areas for increased investigative and prosecutorial focus, and lead the department’s efforts to collaborate with domestic and foreign government agencies as well as the private sector to aggressively investigate and prosecute crimes involving cryptocurrency and digital assets. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $2.2 Billion In Civil And Criminal Actions In Fiscal Year 2023

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the Southern District of New York collected $2,249,716,748.68 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $550,594,893.86 was collected in criminal actions, $63,979,949.82 was collected in civil actions, and $1,632,141,905 was collected in asset forfeiture actions. Additionally, the Southern District of New York worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $2,379,785.90 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $81,164.56 was collected in criminal actions, and $2,298,261.34 was collected in civil actions. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As advocates for the victims of criminal and civil wrongdoing, this Office has perennially been the nation’s leader in securing forfeiture, restitution, and other financial penalties – this year collecting over $2.2 billion. I could not be prouder of the career prosecutors of this Office who work tirelessly to hold bad actors accountable and return property to those who have been victimized.” A highlight of the Office’s work this year includes the July 2023 sentencing of Allianz Global Investors U.S. (“AGI”). AGI was sentenced in connection with a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme involving a series of private investment funds managed by AGI after pleading guilty to securities fraud. AGI was sentenced to financial penalties comprised of over $463 million in forfeiture, over $2.32 billion in restitution, and over $2.33 billion in fines. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state compensation and victim assistance programs. In addition, forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.


title: Three New Jersey Men Indicted for a Violent Kidnapping and Extortion Attempt in Astoria, Queens

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a superseding indictment was unsealed charging Aasim Boone, Jarrett Bruce and Lesly Valentin with one count of kidnapping conspiracy and Valentin with one count of transmission of interstate communications with intent to extort. The charged crimes arise from the December 2022 abduction and attack on a victim from the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York. Valentin was previously arrested and charged in the underlying indictment with transmission of interstate communications with intent to extort and is currently in custody. Boone was arrested yesterday, and Bruce was arrested today. Both will be arraigned on the superseding indictment this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy. Valentin was previously arrested and is being held in custody pending trial. Valentin will be arraigned on the superseding indictment at a later date. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and charges. “As alleged, the crimes in this case are very disturbing. The defendants targeted an unsuspecting victim, abducted him outside of his home and subjected him to unimaginable cruelty—all in their efforts for financial gain,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My office will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the victim here receives justice and that our community is safe from these senseless acts of violence.” Mr. Peace thanked the Joint Violent Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD, for their assistance with the investigation. “A victim subjected to kidnapping, brutal beatings, inhumane torture, and cash demands – this not a plot from a movie – these three defendants allegedly conspired and carried out these despicable acts on their target. The alleged actions of Boone, Bruce, and Valentin are disturbing and will not be tolerated. FBI New York is determined to ensure brazen individuals willing to use inconceivable violence for financial gain are brought to justice,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. As set forth in court filings, Boone, Bruce and Valentin conspired to kidnap the victim on December 9, 2022. The victim was seized from outside of his apartment complex in Astoria. After forcing the victim at gunpoint into a vehicle, the assailants drove the victim to New Jersey, subjected him to escalating forms of torture, and held him for nearly five hours. Among other things, the assailants beat the victim with a gun, poured bleach on him, burned his back and legs with a blowtoch, and also sliced the victim’s ear with a knife. The victim was ultimately released on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. A few days after the kidnapping, one of the defendants—Valentin—sent text messages to the victim, threatening further harm to him and his family if he failed to pay the defendants $150,000 in cash and 50 lbs. of marijuana. All three defendants have extensive criminal histories, and are believed to have participated in a series of residential burglaries committed by a violent street gang operating out of New Jersey. Valentin had also previously pled guilty in New Jersey state court to aggravated assault in connection with a prior kidnapping. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of kidnapping conspiracy, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua B. Dugan and Lorena Michelen. The Defendants : AASIM BOONE Age: 41 Englewood, New Jersey JARRETT BRUCE (also known as “Inf,” “Infinite” and “Infamous”) Age: 40 Englewood, New Jersey LESLY VALENTIN Age: 38 Asbury Park, New Jersey E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-292 (S-1) (RPK)


title: KC Man Implicated in Murder Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking and Illegal Firearms, including Machine Guns

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man implicated in a Westport murder has been sentenced in federal court for fentanyl trafficking, illegally possessing firearms, and illegally possessing a machine gun. Yesterday afternoon, Ban N. To, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, Jan. 31, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. This sentence reflects the government’s request for a significant upward variance from the federal sentencing guidelines range. On June 21, 2023, To pleaded guilty to one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of carrying firearms during and related to a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a machine gun. Beyond those crimes, however, evidence and testimony were introduced during yesterday’s sentencing hearing regarding To’s involvement in an April 15, 2023, shooting murder in the Westport Entertainment District for which he has not been charged, including surveillance video that showed To carrying out the homicide with another suspect. In imposing the upward variance to a 240-month sentence, Judge Kays made a finding of fact that, based on the evidence presented at the hearing, To committed the murder on April 15, 2023. This investigation began in April 2023, when the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department placed a felony vehicle alert on a red Toyota Highlander due to its association with a homicide that occurred on April 15, 2023. The vehicle had been caught on surveillance video pulling into a parking lot near West 40 th Terrace and Pennsylvania Avenue in the Westport area. Two occupants of the vehicle began walking to the northeast end of the parking lot when they exchanged gunfire with another person. The firefight continued to the intersection of West 40 th Street and Washington Street where the two suspects surrounded the victim, shooting him multiple times. The victim was shortly thereafter confirmed deceased. The two suspects ran away but eventually returned to the vehicle and drove away. Multiple spent shell casings were recovered in the area of the homicide. Kansas City police officers stopped the red Toyota Highlander, which was being driven by To, on April 21, 2023. Officers searched the Toyota Highlander and found a loaded Taurus .45-caliber handgun, which had been reported stolen, under the driver’s seat. They also found a zip lock bag that contained 75 fentanyl pills near the steering wheel. Officers found three additional firearms inside the locked glove compartment – a Glock 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen, a Polymer80 9mm handgun without a serial number, and a Glock .40-caliber handgun equipped with a Glock switch to make it fully automatic. Kansas City police detectives also were able to recover nine more firearms associated with To while he was being detained in the Jackson County Detention Center. To, in a monitored telephone call, asked his girlfriend to go to his storage locker and remove some bags. Detectives were able to track down those bags, which contained a Mossberg .22-caliber rifle, a Romarm/Cugir Mini-Draco 7.62x39mm pistol, a Radical Firearms 7.62x39mm rifle, a Sigarms .357-caliber pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, two Glock .357-caliber pistols, and two Glock .40-caliber pistols equipped with Glock switches to make them fully automatic. Ballistics analysis confirmed the above-noted Romarm/Cugir Mini-Draco 7.62x39mm pistol fired the shell casings recovered from the scene of the April 15, 2023, homicide. Further lab analysis revealed To’s DNA on the trigger of that firearm. According to court documents, To is a known associate of the Money Gang, an active violent gang in the metropolitan area. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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: Mcconnellsburg Man Sentenced To 20 Years’ Imprisonment For Production Of Images Containing The Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

body_text: HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenneth W. Harr, age 54, formerly of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to serve 20 years’ imprisonment, 15 years of supervised released, and to pay $5,100 in financial penalties based upon his previously entered guilty plea to producing images containing the sexual exploitation of a child. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in June 2021, the victim disclosed to her pastor that Harr had been sexually abusing her since 2016, when she was 14 years old. The abuse was reported to law enforcement authorities and the investigation corroborated the allegations and numerous images of child sexual abuse were found on Harr’s cellphone. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas. # # #


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced To 16 Months’ Imprisonment For Passing Over $2,600 In Counterfeit Currency At Stores In Lackawanna, Lycoming, And Columbia Counties

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brandon Williams, age 35, of Mercer County, New Jersey, was sentenced on January 31, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to 16 months’ imprisonment on the charge of passing counterfeit federal reserve notes. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Williams previously pleaded guilty and admitted to passing $1,400 in counterfeit bills at the Michaels store in Dickson City, on April 20, 2022, and to passing $750 in counterfeit bills later that same day at the CVS Pharmacy located on Green Ridge Street in Scranton. On April 23, 2022, Williams passed $280 in counterfeit bills at the Walmart in Montoursville, $160 in counterfeit bills at the Weis Market in Montoursville and attempted to pass additional counterfeit bills at the Dollar Tree in Bloomsburg but was unsuccessful. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Dickson City Police Department, the Scranton Police Department, the Montoursville Police Department, and the Hemlock Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Political Organizer and Former President of City Council of Atlantic City Charged with Submitting Fraudulent Mail-In Ballots

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for his role in procuring, casting, and tabulating fraudulent mail-in ballots submitted in the Nov. 8, 2022, general election, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Craig Callaway, 64, a former member and president of the City Council of Atlantic City and a political organizer who assisted campaigns for elected offices in New Jersey, is charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today with one count of depriving, defrauding, and attempting to deprive and defraud the residents of the state of New Jersey of a fair and impartially conducted election process by the fraudulent procurement, casting, and tabulation of ballots. Callaway is scheduled to make his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court. “Holding free and fair elections is a bedrock principle of our democracy. As alleged in the complaint, the defendant attempted to deprive New Jersey residents of a fair election by fraudulently procuring and casting ballots. Today’s charges reflect our office’s commitment to hold to account those who try to undermine the electoral process.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Voter fraud at any level chips away at the faith people have in our system,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “We’re unable as American citizens to hold our government accountable if our votes are compromised. The FBI and our law enforcement partners understand the gravity of protecting the process and will bring those criminals who break the law to justice.” According to the documents filed in this case: Approximately one month before the Nov. 8, 2022, general election, Callaway and others working at Callaway’s direction approached numerous individuals in Atlantic City promising to pay them $30 to $50 to act as purported authorized messengers for voters who supposedly wished to vote by mail. After receiving Vote-By-Mail Applications from Callaway or his subordinates, these purported messengers entered the Atlantic County clerk’s office carrying anywhere from one to four completed Vote-By-Mail Applications. As instructed by Callaway or his subordinates, these individuals provided county clerk’s office personnel proof of identification and signed the Vote-By-Mail Applications in the authorized messenger portion before handing those signed applications to office personnel. The purported messengers waited while office personnel processed the applications and, if the applications were approved, provided to the purported messengers mail-in ballots for the voters listed on the applications. Under New Jersey law, a messenger is required to deliver any mail-in ballot they received directly to the voter who requested the ballots, and certify that they would do so. However, after receiving mail-in ballots, these purported messengers left the county clerk’s office and instead handed the ballots to Callaway or his subordinates. Many of the mail-in ballots collected by Callaway or his subordinates were ultimately cast in the names of people who have confirmed that they did not vote in the 2022 General Election – either in person or by submitting a mail-in ballot – and that they did not authorize Callaway, his subordinates, or anyone else, to cast ballots for them. Many of these mail-in ballots were counted towards in the election. The charge of the procuring, casting, and tabulating fraudulent ballots carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy; the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency's Public Corruption Task Force, including the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Reynolds; the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Officer in Charge Chief James A. Sarkos; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; as well as special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone; the Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins; and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, with the investigation leading to the charge. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden, Attorney in Charge of the Trenton Branch Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James H. Graham of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit, under the supervision of the Special Prosecutions Division. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. callaway.complaint.pdf


title: FCI Schuylkill Inmate Sentenced To Six Months In Prison For Possession Of A Weapon

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tyrell Lockhart, age 26, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for his of possession of contraband in prison. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in July of 2023, a corrections officer observed inmate Lockhart in his cell where, pursuant to a search, the officer discovered that Lockhart was concealing a homemade knife, commonly referred to as a “shank.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: SCR gang leader sentenced for racketeering conspiracy

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

body_text: Oxford, MS – A Mississippi man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Simon City Royals (SCR) gang. According to court documents, from 2016 until 2022, Allen Posey, 49, of Hazlehurst, Mississippi oversaw all of the criminal activities of the Simon City Royals, a violent national prison gang operating primarily in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, but with members and associates acting on their behalf outside of prisons throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and elsewhere. Through an alliance with the violent Gangster Disciples gang and with a sophisticated structure, the Simon City Royals engaged in a host of criminal activities, including murder, attempted murder, assault, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, witness tampering, money laundering, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, large-scale drug trafficking, and fraud. Court records reflect that Posey personally ordered the murders of rival gang leaders and was involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. The Simon City Royals engaged in widespread drug trafficking, including smuggling large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana and synthetic marijuana, heroin, and benzodiazepines into dozens of Mississippi state prison facilities. The gang distributed these dangerous substances, including nearly 100% pure crystal methamphetamine, to inmates throughout the prison system. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Posey and other Simon City Royals members and associates carried out financial transactions in furtherance of the gang’s activities; these included the collection of dues, the pooling of criminal proceeds, and the clandestine distribution of funds to incarcerated members, as well as a system of “investment” loans whereby members could borrow money for revenue-generating purposes such as purchasing a supply of narcotics. The Simon City Royals engaged in a complex and sophisticated money laundering and fraud operation. Members committed their money laundering and fraud activities using contraband cellular telephones and encrypted applications like Telegram and Protonmail. On October 3, 2023, Posey pled guilty to Count One of an indictment which charged him with RICO Conspiracy. During a sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills called the gang a “diabolical organization” and sentenced Posey to 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. “This defendant was responsible for countless crimes, and now he will spend functionally the rest of his life in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Safeguarding our communities from violent gangs will always be a top priority for our office, and we commend the state/federal investigative partnership that made this case possible.” “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent gangs like the Simon City Royals,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today is another example of our commitment to seek the maximum prosecution for criminals who have posed such grave danger to our neighborhoods.” “Nothing matters more than the safety of our communities,” declared Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “This repeat offender’s conviction exemplifies DEA’s tireless partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking rings that endanger Mississippians and citizens across the country.” This case has been investigated by ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, FBI Jackson Field Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, and dozens of local law enforcement agencies across multiple states. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow from the Northern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Ben Tonkin of the DOJ’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. 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 Forces (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.


title: Members of U.S. Attorney's Office Honored at Attorney General's Awards in Washington D.C.

body_text: BOSTON –Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts were recognized yesterday by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at the 70th and 71st Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. for their extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. Award recipients from both 2022 and 2023 were selected from a group of more than 800 Justice Department employees nominated from across the country. “Each of today’s recipients has served with distinction, and in so doing, they have enabled the Justice Department to advance its work on behalf of the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “Their exceptional leadership, heroism, and dedication have benefited people and communities across the country.” The following individuals were presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the Department’s second highest award for employee performance, for their investigation and prosecution in a Higher Education Admissions Fraud Case : Stephen E. Frank, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Kristen A. Kearney, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Leslie A. Wright, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Ian J. Stearns, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Kriss R. Basil, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Alexia R. DeVincentis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Carol E. Head, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Justin D. O’Connell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Lauren M. George, Financial Investigator, U.S. Attorney’s Office; Laura C. Smith, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Kaitlyn A. Cedrone, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Keith T. Brown, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Chris Gianakura, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Elizabeth A. Keating, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Mark G. Deckett, Special Agent, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, Boston Field Office. “This outstanding team of individuals worked tirelessly to investigate, prosecute and hold accountable dozens of individuals who sought to cheat the college admissions process. From the outset, this case has stood for the principle that we do not have a two-tiered system of justice in this country and that everyone – regardless of wealth, power or fame – must operate under the same set of rules. This case reaffirmed that principle,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case resulted in concrete changes to make the college admissions process more fair. We are deeply proud of this team, and of the lasting and far-reaching impact their extraordinary work has had.” In March 2019 , dozens of individuals from across the country were arrested and charged for their involvement in a nationwide conspiracy, led by William “Rick” Singer, that facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and the admission of students to elite universities as purported athletic recruits. Hector Radhames Gonzalez, an Information Technology Specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was honored posthumously with the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Administrative Support. This distinguished award recognizes Justice Department employees who have demonstrated outstanding administrative or managerial achievements. Mr. Gonzalez’s wife and oldest son attended the ceremony and received the award on Mr. Gonzalez’s behalf. “Hector’s expertise and knowledge as well as his friendly and comforting manner of providing confident support allowed our Office to focus on their own areas of expertise. His approach to his responsibilities embodied excellence – both as an Information Technology professional and as a public servant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “Hector Gonzalez was an exceptional colleague who made a difference in our lives on a daily basis. His collegiality, friendship and technical skills touched each of us and made us all better.”