title: U.S. Attorney Dena J. King Announces The Winners Of The 7th Annual “Do The Write Thing” Writing Challenge In Asheville

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced the winners of the 7 th Annual “Do the Write Thing” (DtWT) writing challenge, during an award ceremony held this evening in Asheville. U.S. Attorney King serves as Chair of the DtWT Committee in Asheville. The Do the Write Thing challenge is a program of the National Campaign to Stop Violence, which seeks to encourage middle school students to express the impact of violence in their lives through writing, and to empower students to become catalysts for positive change by sharing their ideas on ways to reduce youth violence. “The written word is a powerful medium for expression,” said U.S. Attorney King. “The Do the Write Thing essay challenge gives students an opportunity to use their writing skills to share their experiences, explore their thoughts and emotions, and convey the impact of violence in their young lives. It also encourages students to find solutions and ways they can help reduce violence in their communities. I congratulate the winners of the challenge, the finalists, and all the students who participated in the competition this year, and I extend a sincere thank you to the parents, guardians, teachers, and school administrators for supporting and encouraging students to express themselves through their essays.” A total of 362 essays written by middle school students attending Asheville Middle School and Buncombe County Schools were submitted for consideration. Of the finalists recognized at this evening’s ceremony, Ace Wilkins, an 8 th grader with Asheville Middle School, and Hannah-Grace Tweedie, an 8 th grader with Cane Creek Middle School, were announced as this year’s overall contest winners and were designated as National DtWT Ambassadors. As National Ambassadors, Ace and Hannah-Grace, their parents/guardians and the teachers who submitted their essays will be invited to participate in the “Do the Write Thing Challenge National Recognition Week” in Washington, D.C. During this all-expense-paid trip, Ace and Hannah-Grace will have an opportunity to visit national monuments and have their works placed in the Library of Congress. During this evening’s ceremony, U.S. Attorney King recognized the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Asheville Fire Department, the Asheville Housing Authority, Our VOICE, SPARC Foundation, and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County for partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to form the DtWT committee. U.S. Attorney King also recognized the teachers, school administrators, counselors, parents, guardians, and caregivers for their dedication to this important endeavor, and thanked them for supporting the students’ efforts. “My Office and the Justice Department are committed to implementing strategies to prevent and reduce crime in our communities. Engaging our schools and the community as critical partners is an important component to our overall success,” said U.S. Attorney King. “I am looking forward to our continued partnership with Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools and I value their commitment to fostering a positive environment that helps students realize their full potential.” U.S. Attorney King also participated in Monday’s Do the Write Thing ceremony in Charlotte, during which Aaliyah Williams-Camp from Eastway Middle School and Michael Tadi from Coulwood STEM Academy were announced as the winners of the essay competition in Charlotte. For more information on the National “Do the Write Thing Challenge” program please visit http://www.dtwt.org .


title: Louisville Man Sentenced in Federal Court to 32 Years in Prison for Multiple Carjackings and Related Charges

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced Monday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky for his involvement in a string of carjackings and firearms offenses that occurred in Louisville in October and November 2021. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. Eder Mayorga-Sanchez, 20, was sentenced to 32 years and 1 month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, three additional counts of carjacking, and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on October 26, 2021, Mayorga-Sanchez forced a victim to give him her vehicle at gunpoint while she was sitting in the vehicle at a traffic light on National Turnpike in Louisville. During this incident, Mayorga-Sanchez shot and injured the victim’s 16-year-old child. Additionally, on October 30, 2021, he attempted to force another victim to give him her vehicle at gunpoint while she was sitting in her vehicle outside Zappo’s in Louisville, but the victim was able to drive off. Further, on November 4, 2021, he forced a third victim to give him her vehicle at gunpoint, while the victim was sitting in her car eating her lunch in a Burger King parking lot in Louisville. Finally, on November 4, 2021, he forced two more victims to give him their vehicle at gunpoint while they were picking up trash as part of a concierge trash business. The case was investigated by the FBI and LMPD with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Former Buffalo County Post Office Employee Sentenced to Probation for Misappropriation of Postal Funds

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. –Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Megan Torrez, 45, Alma, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 3-years of federal probation for misappropriation of postal funds. Torrez was also ordered to pay $26,930.70 in restitution to the United States Postal Service. Torrez was employed by the U. S. Postal Service in June 2021, as a Postal Support Employee in Nelson, Wisconsin. Her assigned duties included conducting postal business with the public and performing financial accounting functions to report the sales of postage, money orders and other items. When postage and money order stock were sold, she was responsible for collecting money from those sales and remitting that money to the bank. Between August 2021 and February 2022, Torrez manipulated postal funds accessible to her in her position at the Nelson Post Office by issuing postal money orders to herself and family members and paying with personal checks that she admitted had insufficient funds to clear her bank. Postal money orders may only be purchased with cash, debit card, or traveler’s check, and no personal checks are accepted by the Postal Service. In January 2022, the Office of Inspector General received information about the checks written by Torrez to the Postal Service that were returned as “non-sufficient funds.” At the time of their investigation, thirty-two checks were outstanding for over $26,000 in postal money orders. The money orders that Torrez issued to herself and her family were used to pay for her family’s personal expenses. Torrez claimed that her decision to use postal funds to pay for her family’s bills was out of desperation when her husband lost his job during the pandemic. The charge against Torrez was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson prosecuted this case.


title: Putnam County Man Receives 20-Year Sentence For Coercion And Enticement Of Multiple Minors To Engage In Illegal Sexual Activity

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MARCELO MARIN VARGAS was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel to 20 years in prison following VARGAS’s guilty plea in September 2022 to three counts of coercion and enticement of minors to engage in illegal sexual activity. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This sentence sends a clear message to those who would coerce and entice minors to engage in illegal sexual conduct over the internet: Hiding behind a screen will not save you. We will find you and we will put an end to your victimization of children. Crimes like these cause real pain and create real victims.” According to the Information to which VARGAS pled guilty: VARGAS used a computer and the internet to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce three minor girls to send images and videos of themselves engaging in sexual activity to VARGAS over the internet. * * * In addition to the prison term, VARGAS, 45, of Putnam County, New York, was ordered to pay restitution for one of VARGAS’s victims in the amount of $3,000. Mr. Williams praised Homeland Security Investigations for their outstanding investigative work. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Gianforti is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Onslow County Man Involved In Multi-State Drug Trafficking Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Abdul Sanderlin, 29, of Onslow County, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in multiple states. According to court documents, evidence presented in court, and other documents, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office received information that Sanderlin was involved in the distribution of narcotics between New Jersey and Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. On August 27, 2020, an undercover DEA task force officer made a controlled purchased of a half an ounce of methamphetamine from Sanderlin. Law enforcement observed Sanderlin leaving his apartment in Sneads Ferry prior to him making the deal. Later law enforcement served a search warrant on the residence, and recovered 46 grams of methamphetamine, more than 2,000 bags of suspected heroin, paraphernalia associated with drug distribution and more than $17,000. On January 26, 2023, Sanderlin pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Sanderlin has previously been convicted in New Jersey state court of manufacturing or distributing a controlled dangerous substance or intent to manufacture (2012), felony unlawful possession of a handgun (2014), manufacturing or distributing a controlled dangerous substance or intent to manufacture (2018). Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Onslow County Sheriffs’ Offices investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Severo and Gabe Diaz prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-cr-00082-D.


title: Man Who Applied for Covid-19 Relief Money for Fake Trucking Company Sentenced to Prison

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Leland, North Carolina man, Joseph Alexander Casillas, was sentenced today to six months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On February 16, 2023, Casillas pleaded guilty to the charge. As part of the judgment, Casillas was also ordered to pay $92,734 in criminal restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). According to court documents and other information presented in court, Casillas fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in March and April 2021 in furtherance of a conspiracy to defraud the government. The PPP program was created by the CARES Act in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to American small businesses that were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the PPP program, businesses could apply for forgivable loans to retain jobs and pay certain qualifying expenses. In order to obtain a PPP loan, the business was required to make certain disclosures and certifications regarding its operations and acknowledge program rules. The business was also required to provide documentation to support its alleged payroll expenses. As part of the scheme, Casillas submitted two false and fraudulent PPP loan applications, each of which requested over $20,000. In the applications, Casillas falsely stated that he was the sole proprietor of a longstanding trucking business that was incurring nearly $100,000 in annual payroll costs. Among other things, to substantiate his claims, Casillas provided the lender with a fraudulent 2019 tax record. In reality the company did not exist. Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The United States Secret Service, based in Wilmington, North Carolina, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-CR-132-D.


title: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to Two Years for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mexican national was sentenced on Friday May 5, 2023, to two years in prison for being unlawfully in the United States after having been previously removed from the country. According to court documents, on November 7, 2022, the Mobile Police Department received a report of a stolen U-Haul car trailer and an attempted theft of a U-Haul utility trailer from an authorized U-Haul dealer in Mobile, Alabama. Officers from the Mobile Police Department responded to the scene and found Ignacio Gallardo Flores nearby. Flores was arrested for attempted theft of property first degree, theft of property second degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations of Mobile investigated and determined that Flores had been previously removed from the United States on two occasions. ICE also determined that Flores had been previously convicted of two felony offenses, including burglary of a building and burglary of a habitation in violation of Texas state law. ICE verified that Flores did not have any lawful authority to be voluntarily present in the United States when he was arrested by the Mobile Police Department for theft-related charges. Flores was sentenced to a term of three years supervised release to follow his imprisonment. Upon release from imprisonment, Flores was ordered to be delivered to a duly authorized Immigration official for deportation consideration. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Kopf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Group responsible for 200 kilograms of methamphetamine sentenced to prison

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Almarud Duarte, David Garcia, Eduardo Penaloza-Pacheco, and Kevin Tello have been sentenced for their respective roles in conspiring to sell kilogram amounts of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers seized approximately 200 kilograms of methamphetamine during the investigation. “Illicit drugs devastatingly impact our communities, resulting in significant suffering by those addicted to the substances and the families who love them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We thank our law enforcement partners for their dedication to combatting the scourge of drug trafficking and helping to keep our streets safe.” “Finding, arresting and prosecuting the criminals trafficking illegal drugs greatly improves the safety of the community by preventing this poison from finding its way onto our streets,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations is one of HSI’s highest priorities and we are proud of the work that we and our partners are doing.” “I’m pleased to see these offenders will spend time behind bars for their crimes,” said Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch. “As you can see from this case, and so many others now under investigation, it takes teamwork to get these dangerous narcotics off of our streets. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the fight against illegal drugs pouring into our communities.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: From May 2021 to August 2021, the defendants conspired to, and did, distribute kilogram amounts of methamphetamine. Kevin Tello and David Garcia supplied the drugs to Almarud Duarte, who then sold the methamphetamine. Additionally, on June 28, 2021, Eduardo Penaloza-Pacheco sold a kilogram of methamphetamine supplied to him by Tello. Law enforcement officers then seized approximately 200 kilograms of methamphetamine during a search of Garcia’s residence. Duarte, Garcia, and Tello pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Penaloza-Pacheco pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story sentenced the defendants as follows: Almarud Duarte, 27, of Oakwood, Georgia, pleaded guilty on January 23, 2023, and was sentenced to nine years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. David Garcia, 42, of Duluth, Georgia, pleaded guilty on June 1, 2022, and was sentenced to 14 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Eduardo Penaloza-Pacheco, 38, of Gainesville, Georgia, pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022, and was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Kevin Tello, 27, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, pleaded guilty on May 1, 2022, and was sentenced to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the Hall County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Gwinnett County Metro Task Force, and the Georgia State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Atlanta Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Mylin Murel, 20 years old, of Atlanta, GA, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to stealing firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Murel was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in June 2021, Murel broke into a federal firearms licensed dealer’s store and stole 15 handguns, a shotgun, 2 sound suppressors, and ammunition. In the days following the burglary, Murel spoke with other individuals about buying/selling firearms. As part of these conversations, Murel exchanged a photo of numerous guns he had stolen. Murel sold one of the stolen firearms to an individual for $650. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Jerome W. McKeever. 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: Houston area man sent to prison for smuggling 20 in locked Fedex trailer

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 33-year-old Humble man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of smuggling 20 non-U.S. citizens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Vince Ruiz III pleaded guilty July 6, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Ruiz to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard that in the event of an emergency or accident, the smuggled individuals would not have been able to extricate themselves from the inside of the trailer. In discussing the factors impacting the sentence, the court remarked on Ruiz’s use of his commercial driver’s license as a special skill in committing the offense. On Oct. 5, 2021, Ruiz drove a white Freightliner tractor pulling two trailers marked “FedEx Ground” into the primary inspection lane at the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located near Falfurrias. At that time, Ruiz possessed a valid commercial driver’s license. During inspection, a K-9 alerted authorities to one of the trailers. A subsequent search of the trailer revealed 20 undocumented individuals inside behind a locked door, including a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor. Law enforcement also discovered 15 grams of marijuana and five grams of cocaine. At the time of his plea, Ruiz admitted he drove to Edinburg to pick up the trailer and return to Cypress. During the trip, he pulled over to the side of the road in a secluded area where the undocumented individuals were then loaded into the trailer. They were later determined to be illegally present in the country. Ruiz has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case. AUSA Tyler Foster handled the sentencing.


title: United States Attorney Announces 26 Charged in Series of Federal Indictments

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs announced today that 26 individuals, many of them associates of a significant narcotics trafficking organization, have been indicted on a wide variety of charges—including conspiracy, drug trafficking, illegal use and possession of firearms, wire fraud, and money laundering—after a series of investigations in South Carolina. The investigation and arrests were announced in a joint press conference held at the North Charleston City Hall by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Secret Service (USSS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), and nine state and local law enforcement agency partners. A portion of the investigation focused on a drug trafficking organization based primarily out of North Charleston. It was led by the FBI and is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The 13 defendants charged in that portion of the investigation are: Monta Peatro Harley , 34, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, Cocaine, and Marijuana; Possessing Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; Xzayvier Vanyon Harley, 25, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, Cocaine and Marijuana; Trevion Swansea Wigfall, 25, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin; Possessing Fentanyl and Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; Ariana Donnise Hamilton , 26, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl; Luther Antonio Smith , 22, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl; DeAndre Malik Horry , 25, of Mount Pleasant, charged with Fentanyl; Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; Davonte Durrell Reid , 28, of Ladson, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl; Damon Christopher Heyward , 25, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl; Davion LaPrince Anderson , 23, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl; Eurie Gerard Richardson , 30, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl; Scotty Orlando Simmons , 25, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine Base; Zavie London Jefferson , 28, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; and Dexter Deandre Ferguson-Fuller , 24, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Cocaine Base; Possessing Cocaine and Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Another portion of the investigation focused on individuals in the Charleston area conspiring to illegally obtain firearms through the use of straw purchasers. It was led by the ATF and is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was also made possible in part by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin . The five individuals charged in this portion of the case are: Bernard Freeman Scott, Jr. , 24, of Ladson, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms; Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms; and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; Andre Moore , 24, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; Nykobie Bryant Fleming , 26, of Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms; Jedarius Tyewon Haynes Dessausure , 26, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms; and Jasmine Lasha Smalls , 27, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Make False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms and Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms. The third portion of the investigation focused on individuals in Summerville and North Charleston conspiring to commit wire fraud. One individual was also charged with money laundering. This portion of the investigation was led by the FBI, Secret Service, IRS, and SBA. The eight individuals charged in this portion of the case are: Staci Harley , 41, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud; Roberta Harley , 61, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; Wire Fraud; and Money Laundering; Anthony Harley , 40, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud; Zyaisha Blue , 22, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud; Benjamin Blue , 42, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud; Antanasia Harley , 20, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud; Anthony Pinckney , 40, of Summerville, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud; Sheniqua Mitchell , 37, of North Charleston, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud. In addition to the FBI, ATF, Secret Service, IRS, and SBA, these cases were investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Charleston Police Department, North Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Summerville Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, and Charleston Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Whit Sowards and Amy Bower are prosecuting the cases with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section. U.S. Attorney Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictments are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. ###


title: Meriden Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine through the Mail

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BIMAEL ACEVEDO-ROMAN, 29, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine into Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force revealed that Acevedo-Roman was coordinating the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in Meriden, New Britain and Bristol, and the shipment of parcels of cash back to Puerto Rico. Acevedo-Roman and others picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Acevedo-Roman’s Meriden residence. During the investigation, investigators intercepted and seized mail parcels containing more than five kilograms of cocaine and $179,300 in cash, and identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine and bulk currency. Acevedo-Roman was arrested on May 18, 2022. On February 15, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Acevedo-Roman, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 12. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which 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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Stephanie Levick.


title: Several charged with stealing vehicles and taking them into Mexico

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A total of eight San Antonio residents are now in custody following the return of a 12-count indictment related to the theft and exportation of motor vehicles, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Law enforcement took all into custody in law enforcement actions this week - Guadalupe Alex Armendariz-Delgadillo, 46, Ivan Pacheco, 36, Julio Escamilla, 26, Derrick Ramirez, 28, Richard Joseph, 29, Michael Martinez, 20, Enrique Moreno, 23, and Leonardo Santillan, 21. They are expected to make their initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate judge in the Western District of Texas before transportation to Laredo to face further proceedings. A federal grand jury returned the indictment under seal May 2 which was unsealed upon each of their arrests. Between June 6, 2021, and Feb. 12, 2022, each of the eight either exported or attempted to export and aided in the export or attempted export of a motor vehicle they knew was stolen, according to the charges. Armendariz-Delgadillo, Pacheco and Joseph are also charged in separate counts of unlawfully transporting one of those stolen vehicles from the United States to Mexico from Aug. 6 - Dec. 4, 2021. If convicted, each faces up to 10 years imprisonment as well as a maximum $250,000 possible fine, upon conviction. The FBI conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Black Echo with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, police departments in Laredo and San Antonio and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sturgis and Brian Bajew are prosecuting the case. The investigation was brought as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Black Echo. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. Its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States through prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task forces that leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: New York Man Admits Credit Card Fraud

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A New York man today admitted spending hundreds of thousands of dollars using credit cards he fraudulently opened using the identities of others, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Robert Lourenco, 52, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to one count of an indictment charging him with access device fraud. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: During 2015, Lourenco opened 23 credit cards using the identities of three victims he had befriended, two of whom were senior citizens. Lourenco’s victims did not know he was using their identities to obtain the credit cards, nor did they authorize Lourenco to obtain the credit cards. Lourenco used the 23 credit cards to make more than $423,000 in unauthorized purchases. He also used the debit card for a joint bank account belonging to two of the victims to make an additional $57,000 in unauthorized charges. Lourenco admitted that he knew at least one of his victims was a vulnerable victim when he used the victim’s identity to commit his crime. The charge of access device fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to the greatest of $250,000, twice the gross pecuniary gain derived from the offense, or twice the gross pecuniary loss sustained by any victims of the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2023. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office for its role in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. lourenco.indictment.pdf


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing 7,000 Pills Containing Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogue

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to drug distribution offense involving fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue known as para-fluorofentanyl. Melvin Cordero, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 30, 2023. On March 15, 2022, Cordero delivered 7,000 pills containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to an individual who was cooperating with federal law enforcement. The buy was part of a broader federal investigation into a drug-trafficking organization based in the Dominican Republic. Cordero delivered the pills to the cooperator in Boston’s South End. Cordero was arrested and charged in November 2022. Following Cordero’s arrest, law enforcement seized from him a machine used for manufacturing counterfeit pills that he had attempted to sell to an undercover officer. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the DEA New York Field Office, the Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Alexandria Man Sentenced for Fatal Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl that resulted in the death of a young woman. According to court documents, from around July 2020 through June 2021, Reza Hashemi, 34, distributed over 400 grams of fentanyl in Northern Virginia. Hashemi was identified following the October 24, 2020, overdose death of a 22-year-old male, J.V., in Vienna. Hashemi admitted to distributing pressed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl to J.V. During the course of the investigation into J.V.’s death, law enforcement approached Hashemi and informed him of the death, but he continued to distribute fentanyl. On May 28, 2021, in Alexandria, Hashemi distributed an approximate 1-gram quantity of powder fentanyl to J.F., which caused J.F.’s death by accidental fentanyl poisoning. J.F. was 26 years old at the time. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Call and Bibeane Metsch prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-1.


title: Six Members of St. Louis Drug Ring Linked to Murders Plead Guilty

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Six members of a St. Louis drug ring linked to two murders have pleaded guilty in the last eight days. In all, 17 defendants were charged in the case, and all have now pleaded guilty. One of the leaders, Maurice Herbert Lee II, 35, pleaded guilty May 2 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Lee obtained bulk fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine from Juan Jose Francisco Gonzalez in Arizona via Darryl Lennell Moore II. Lee would then dilute the fentanyl and supply it to co-conspirators who at the height of the conspiracy were selling over 20,000 doses per week. Lee supplied the methamphetamine to another person who then redistributed it. Lee admitted being responsible for between 4 and 12 kilograms of fentanyl and between 500 grams and 1.5 kilos of methamphetamine. Lee’s "runners," who dealt fentanyl for him, were Christopher Jerrin Warlick Jr., Norris Douglas Jr., Mikell Rayford, Sherod Jacolby Tucker, Jerry O. Streeter Jr., Jerome Lamont Fisher Jr., Maricus Davon Futrell and Delvin Bost, according to Lee’s plea agreement. Some runners were considered to be “muscle,” and would use firearms and violence to protect themselves, the drugs and the money and to intimidate rival gangs and drug distributors. Lee conspired to possess firearms to help protect his operation. His plea says it was well known that there was a bounty of between $5,000 and $15,000 for the murder of any rival gang members or drug dealers. Ramico Darez James Adams also helped to keep track of the drugs sold and money due and Jalisa Shatavia Johnson would resupply runners and collect money at the end of the day. Lee admitted two fatal shootings occurred in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. Lee paid Silas, Warlick and Fisher after Silas and Fischer fatally shot Alexander Noodel on May 8, 2017, Lee’s plea agreement says. The men fired over 100 rounds. Fisher disposed of his weapon but Silas kept his rifle. That rifle was seized by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in January of 2018 after a high-speed chase. Investigators also found records showing group texts in which they planned the murder. A witness identified Michael Johnson as the person who fired 25 shots and killed Kevin Davis Jr., 24, on June 30, 2017 in the 1900 block of Belt Avenue in St. Louis after chasing him down the street. Earlier that day, Bost called Lee to confirm that a bounty for Davis was still being offered. Bost later claimed credit, received $10,000 from Lee and then paid Johnson, plea agreements by Lee and Bost say. Lee faces 10 years to life in prison for each of the drug conspiracy charges and up to 20 years for each of the gun charges at his August 2 sentencing. Johnson, 30, pleaded guilty May 4 to one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He admitted in his plea agreement that Davis was fatally shot and that he discharged a firearm in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced August 1. Fisher pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime resulting in death. He acknowledged Noodel’s death and admitted participating in text messages as the co-conspirators searched for Noodel. He also admitted that the discharge of firearms was committed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Warlick, 27, also pleaded guilty Monday, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He admitted being primarily responsible for diluting the fentanyl for sale and for acting as armed security for the fentanyl dealers. On Nov. 29, 2017, he was armed with a Glock pistol and drove two others, Streeter and Rayford, to a market in Moline Acres. There, Streeter and Rayford opened fire with assault rifles, seriously wounding three people. Warlick is scheduled to be sentenced August 10 and faces up to 20 years in prison on the drug count and at least seven on the gun charge that must run consecutive to the drug charge. Bost pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He admitted accepting the murder bounty, selling drugs on Facebook and being caught with methamphetamine on Feb. 11, 2019. Charles Daniel Guice pleaded guilty Wednesday to receiving guns while under indictment and is scheduled to be sentenced August 10. Tremayne Silas, 30, of St. Louis, was sentenced in February to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty in November to a charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime resulting in death. Gonzalez’s sentencing is set for June 7. Moore was sentenced in 2021 to 98 months in prison. Weaver was sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in prison. Tucker was sentenced in 2021 to 80 months in prison. Futrell was sentenced in 2022 to 11 months in prison. The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul D’Agrosa and Mohsen Pasha are prosecuting the case.


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison

body_text: FORT WAYNE –Adam Meekin, 26 years old, of Huntington, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after his plea of guilty to engaging in the business of dealing and manufacturing firearms and the unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Meekin was sentenced to 54 months in prison to be followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in 2018, ATF observed that Meekin was advertising firearms for sale on social media. In 2017 and 2018, completed rifles were seized in investigations involving homicides, attempted homicides, robberies, and other criminal gang activity in Detroit, Chicago, and Fort Wayne. Eleven of these crime guns were traced to AR-15 style lower receivers purchased by a Meekin family member. The investigation revealed that Meekin’s family members completed paperwork and purchased at least 122 lower receivers on his behalf. In the summer of 2018, ATF agents performed a series of undercover operations from Meekin which involved purchasing completed rifles and ordering an illegal and unregistered firearm, which was a non-serialized, short-barreled fully automatic rifle, referred to as a “ghost gun”. During recorded conversations, Meekin admitted to being in business for several years and said that he could build any firearm. “Gun violence is a problem plaguing our communities,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “The flow of illegally purchased firearms, especially “ghost guns”, must stop. As this case shows, often the source of trafficked firearms is a person, like Mr. Meekin, who illegally manufactures and illegally sells them to violent criminals. With the assistance of the ATF and other law enforcement partners, my office will continue to prosecute, to the full extent that federal law allows, any person who illegally engages in the business of dealing and manufacturing firearms.” “When privately made firearms end up in the hands of prohibited people, it threatens the safety of the community,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “We will continue to investigate these important cases alongside our prosecutorial partners at the United States Attorney’s Office.” This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller. 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: Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Danny Merriweather, also known as “D,” 35, of Toledo, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 5, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a 10th Avenue residence where Merriweather was living and seized a Smith & Wesson .38 SPL Airweight revolver and quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Merriweather admitted to possessing the firearm. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Merriweather knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for distribution of a quantity of cocaine base in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 22, 2012. Merriweather is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-47. ###


title: Seattle-area man arrested six times for armed drug dealing sentenced to ten years in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A Seattle-area man who was arrested for drug trafficking by multiple law enforcement agencies six times over a two-year period was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Steven Eric Strauss, 56, was charged federally on May 5, 2022, with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said Strauss “has the potential to return to what has been a life of crime…. I need to protect the community from that.” According to records filed in the case, between January 2020 and March 2022, Strauss was investigated and arrested for drug trafficking by multiple law enforcement agencies. Those arrests and seizures include: January 2020: Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office searched Strauss’ Everett residence after he sold narcotics to a person working with law enforcement. Seized methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, 9mm handgun and more than$14,000 in cash. March 2021: Washington State Patrol (WSP) stopped him in Seattle and seized methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, a rifle, and more than $27,000 in cash. April 2021: Strauss sold heroin and methamphetamine to a person working with law enforcement. Bellevue Police searched his car and seized a stolen pistol and a second handgun, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and more than $34,000 in cash. October 2021: Seattle Police arrested Strauss in a stolen travel trailer and seized two firearms, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and more than $9,000 in currency. November 2021: Lynnwood Police arrested Strauss for having a stolen disabled parking placard in his car. He had a short barrel rifle, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and more than $31,000 in cash. March 2022: Seattle Police arrested Strauss after seeing him engage in hand-to-hand drug deals. From his car officers seized methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, two pistols, and more than $20,000 in cash. In asking for the ten-year sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson noted that Strauss has failed to reform following state prison sentences. “The defendant’s prior encounters with the criminal system also failed to deter or dissuade him from selling drugs and carrying firearms. A review of the defendant’s criminal history establishes that from the age of eighteen, the defendant has been in a revolving door of crime commission to prison admission,” AUSA Gregson wrote in her sentencing memo. The case was investigated by the Washington State Patrol with assistance from the Seattle Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Lynnwood Police, and Bellevue Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.


title: Man Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Violating Supervised Release

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL CAY, 35, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for violating the conditions of his supervised release. According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 9, 2014, Cay was sentenced in the Western District of New York to 120 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The investigation revealed that Cay was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in March 2006 of sexual assault of a minor in the second degree, and was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment and 10 years of probation for that offense. After he was released from state prison, Cay relocated to New York, but failed to register as a sex offender. In 2013, forensic analysis of a tablet computer used by Cay reveled several hundred images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Cay was released from federal prison on March 25, 2022, and resided in Bristol, Connecticut. Nine days after his release, U.S. Probation officers found Cay in possession of three unauthorized internet-capable devices, including a laptop. Forensic analysis of the laptop revealed multiple images of child pornography, evidence of internet searches for child pornography, and an internet search for “How to remove Bureau of Prisons firmware on a Sandisk Mp3 player.” Cay has been detained since May 11, 2022. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Kent County Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Of A Child

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced that Terrence Clay, age 39, of Kent County, has been indicted in federal court for sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and distribution of child pornography. “These sexual exploitation and child pornography allegations are extremely disturbing and very serious,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “My office is committed to protecting our children as our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.” Clay was previously charged in state court for related offenses including human trafficking, child sexually abusive activity, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, and two counts of possession of child sexually abusive material. Clay’s state charges were dismissed due to his federal prosecution. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan; county prosecutor’s offices; HSI; Michigan State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force; the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX); and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Anyone with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Childhood in West Michigan, including resources for children and parents, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/project-safe-childhood . The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. ### Please note: A copy of the indictment is attached. Click here.


title: Kanawha County Man Sentenced for Federal Fraud and Theft Crimes

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ernest Lee Alexander III, 38, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to one year and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for bank fraud and possession of stolen mail matter. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 13, 2021, Alexander led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase throughout western Kanawha County after they attempted a traffic stop of his vehicle in South Charleston. The chase ended when Alexander exited Interstate 77 at Tuppers Creek, lost control of his vehicle, and crashed. Officers arrested Alexander and found stolen mail and a bank receipt in the vehicle. Alexander admitted that earlier that same day, he had used the identification information of the owner of the stolen mail to deposit a fraudulent check into the individual’s bank account and then withdraw $450 from the account. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the South Charleston Police Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-201. ###


title: Putnam County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Glock Switch

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Stephen Simmons, 40, of Nitro, pleaded guilty today to possession of an unregistered machinegun. According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 3, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Simmons’ 32nd Street residence in Nitro. Officers seized a Ruger, model 10/22, .22-caliber rifle, two Glock switches, two drop-in auto sears, and six firearm silencers. Glock switches are devices designed solely to convert semiautomatic Glock pistols into fully automatic machineguns, and are machineguns as defined by federal law. Drop-in auto sears are devices designed solely to convert semiautomatic AR-type firearms into fully automatic machineguns, and are machineguns as defined by federal law. Firearm silencers are designed to silence, muffle or diminish the report of a portable firearm, and are firearms as defined by federal law. Simmons admitted that he possessed a Glock switch and further admitted that he did not register the Glock switch in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law. Simmons is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Troy D. Adams and Negar M. Kordestani are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-21. ###


title: Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Travis Devon Woods, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2022, law enforcement officers visited Woods’ Livingston Avenue residence in Charleston to speak with him. Before opening his door for the officers, Woods tossed a Sig Sauer, model P250, .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol out a back window of his residence. Officers recovered the firearm. Woods admitted that he possessed the firearm and tossed it out the window because he knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Woods knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on July 1, 2015, and first-degree robbery in Kanawha County Circuit Court on March 19, 2009. Woods is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-229. ###


title: Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gary F. Fridley II, 41, of Cross Lanes, pleaded guilty today to embezzlement of labor union assets. According to court documents and statements made in court, from about December 20, 2018, until about June 12, 2019, Fridley was a union officer in Nitro while employed by American Electric Power (AEP). As the union’s elected financial secretary, Fridley was the union’s chief financial officer and was responsible for preparing and co-signing union checks and maintaining financial records. Fridley was one of three signatories on the union’s checking account at Huntington National Bank in Nitro. As financial secretary, Fridley was entitled to an officer’s salary as well as reimbursement for lost time or wages lost from his employment when he took off from work for union business. On about June 12, 2019, Fridley received a check for $1,321.55 as reimbursement for lost time. Fridley admitted that he had not lost any time with AEP during that pay period. Fridley submitted a false voucher to receive an unauthorized lost time payment and forged the signature of another union official in order to cash the check for the fictitious lost time. Fridley further admitted that he improperly received $19,732.88 through his wrongful actions as the union’s financial secretary. Fridley submitted additional false vouchers to receive unauthorized lost time payments from the union and forged the signatures of other union officials to cash the union checks he wrote payable to himself for the fictitious lost time payments. Fridley is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Fridley also owes $19,732.88 in restitution. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Holly Wilson, Kathleen Robeson, and Andrew J. Tessman are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-138. ###


title: Former Employee Of Technology Company Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Stealing Confidential Data And Extorting Company For Ransom

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NICKOLAS SHARP, a former employee of a public New York-based technology company (“Company‑1”) was sentenced today to six years in prison. In December 2020, SHARP secretly stole gigabytes of Company-1’s data. While purportedly working to remediate the security breach he created, SHARP extorted the company, as an anonymous hacker, for nearly $2 million for the return of the files and the identification of a remaining purported vulnerability. SHARP subsequently re-victimized his employer by causing the publication of misleading news articles as a purported anonymous whistleblower about the company’s handling of the breach that he perpetrated, which were followed by the loss of over $4 billion in Company-1’s market capitalization. SHARP previously pled guilty to intentionally damaging a protected computer, wire fraud, and making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Nickolas Sharp was paid close to a quarter million dollars a year to help keep his employer safe. He abused that trust by stealing a massive amount of sensitive data, attempting to implicate innocent employees in his attack, extorting his employer for ransom, obstructing law enforcement, and spreading false news stories that harmed the company and anyone who invested into the company. Sharp now faces serious penalties for his callous crimes.” According to the Indictment, court filings, and statements made in court: At all times relevant to the Indictment, Company-1 was a technology company headquartered in New York that manufactured and sold wireless communications products and whose shares were traded on the New York Stock Exchange. SHARP was employed by Company-1 from in or about August 2018 through on or about April 1, 2021. SHARP was a senior developer who had access to credentials for Company-1’s Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) and GitHub Inc. (“GitHub”) servers. In about December 2020, while interviewing for a position at another company, SHARP repeatedly misused his administrative access to download gigabytes of confidential data from his employer. During the course of this cybersecurity incident (the “Incident”), SHARP caused damage to Company-1’s computer systems by altering log retention policies and other files in order to conceal his unauthorized activity on the network. SHARP modified session file names to attempt to make it appear as if other coworkers were responsible for his malicious sessions. In or about January 2021, while working on a team remediating the effects of the Incident, SHARP sent a ransom note to Company-1, posing as an anonymous attacker who claimed to have obtained unauthorized access to Company-1’s computer networks. The ransom note sought 50 Bitcoin — which was the equivalent of approximately $1.9 million, based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time — in exchange for the return of the stolen data and the identification of a purported “backdoor,” or vulnerability, to Company-1’s computer systems. After Company-1 refused the demand, SHARP published a portion of the stolen files on a publicly accessible online platform. On or about March 24, 2021, FBI agents executed a search warrant at SHARP’s residence in Portland, Oregon, and seized certain electronic devices belonging to SHARP, including a laptop SHARP had used to steal Company-1’s data. During the execution of that search, SHARP made numerous false statements to FBI agents. Several days after the FBI executed the search warrant at SHARP’s residence, SHARP caused false news stories to be published about the Incident and Company-1’s response to the Incident. In those stories, SHARP identified himself as an anonymous whistleblower within Company-1 who had worked on remediating the Incident and falsely claimed that Company-1 had been hacked by an unidentified perpetrator who maliciously acquired root administrator access to Company-1’s AWS accounts. In fact, as SHARP well knew, SHARP himself had taken Company-1’s data using credentials to which he had access, and SHARP had used that data in a failed attempt to extort Company-1 for millions of dollars. Following the publication of these articles, between approximately March 30, 2021, and March 31, 2021, Company-1’s stock price fell approximately 20%, losing over $4 billion in market capitalization. SHARP also attempted to cause domestic and foreign regulators to investigate Company-1 based on his false allegations about the security breach he secretly caused. * * * SHARP, 37, of Portland, Oregon, pled guilty on February 2, 2023, to one count of transmitting a program to a protected computer that intentionally caused damage, one count of wire fraud, and one count of making false statements to the FBI. In addition to the prison sentence, SHARP was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $1,590,487 and to forfeit personal property used or intended to be used in connection with these offenses. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vladislav Vainberg and Andrew K. Chan are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Man Indicted for Drug and Firearms Offenses on Menominee Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that a on May 9, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Gerald B. Diamond II (age 25) with controlled substance and firearms offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment charges Diamond, who most recently lived in the Hayward (Wisconsin) area, with the following counts: COUNT CHARGE PENALTY One Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) Up to 20 years in prison Two Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 5 years, up to life in prison Three Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) Up to 15 years in prison Diamond also faces a period of supervised release, possible fines, and a special assessment for each count if convicted. According to filed court documents, on or about March 6, 2023, Boyd possessed methamphetamine and a firearm in furtherance of the intended distribution of the methamphetamine. Due to previous felony convictions, Diamond was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the offense. The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute. The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700


title: Former Louisville Metro Police Department Officer Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force During 2020 Protest

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: A former Louisville Metro Police Department officer pleaded guilty to violating an individual’s rights by using excessive force while acting as a police officer. During the plea hearing, Richard Ross Wiedo, 37, admitted that on or about May 30, 2020, while working as a police officer with the Louisville Metro Police Department, he deployed a foam round from his 40mm direct impact munition into a crowd of protestors after a bottle was thrown from the back of the crowd. The foam round struck an individual at the front of the crowd in the face. Wiedo admitted he had not identified who had thrown the bottle and was not deploying his 40mm direct impact munition at anyone who was being actively aggressive. Wiedo pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of using unreasonable force. Wiedo’s guilty plea carries a maximum fine of $100,000. As part of the plea agreement, if it is accepted by the court, Wiedo will forfeit his Kentucky law enforcement certification and agree not to seek any future law enforcement employment. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Louisville Field Office and the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Public Integrity Unit investigated the case through the Louisville Public Corruption Civil Rights Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda E. Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. x x x


title: Keshena Man Indicted for Aggravated Assault on Menominee Indian Reservation

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that a on May 9, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Edmund Broeffle (age 29), a Keshena resident and enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(6) and 1153(a). According to filed court documents, on or about March 12, 2023, Broeffle punched another person and caused serious bodily injury, including broken teeth, bleeding on the brain, and lacerations requiring medical attention. If convicted of this offense, Broeffle faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute. The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700


title: Attempted "Straw" Firearm Purchaser Sentenced to One Year in Prison

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Taylor A. Kratochwill-Loomis, 22, DeForest, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one year and one day in prison for making false statements while attempting to purchase a firearm for a prohibited person. This is commonly known as a “straw purchase.” Kratochwill-Loomis pled guilty to this offense on January 18, 2023. On November 30, 2021, Kratochwill-Loomis entered Top Pack Defense, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and attempted to purchase a Glock handgun for Deontrae McIntosh, who was prohibited from purchasing a handgun because of his age and the fact that he was facing felony charges in Wisconsin State court. Her attempted transaction was video recorded through the store’s surveillance system. On the required purchase forms, Kratochwill-Loomis falsely stated that she was purchasing the firearm for herself and not for another person. McIntosh also pled guilty to attempting to obtain a firearm using false statements—through Kratochwill-Loomis—and was sentenced to five years of probation on March 22, 2023. Top Pack Defense Staff refused to sell the firearm, correctly suspecting that Kratochwill-Loomis was attempting to purchase the handgun for another person. Immediately following that failed attempt, Kratochwill-Loomis and McIntosh, who was waiting in a car outside, went to the Cabela’s store in Sun Prairie, where Kratochwill-Loomis again tried to purchase a Glock handgun for McIntosh. Sun Prairie police investigators interrupted the second purchase attempt at Cabela’s, interviewing and ultimately arresting Kratochwill-Loomis and McIntosh. In sentencing Kratochwill-Loomis, Judge Conley stated, “Gun violence is out of control. Straw purchasers fuel the problem by placing firearms in the hands of prohibited persons.” U.S. Attorney O’Shea said, “Each week we learn anew—over and over and over—about the danger guns pose when they fall into the wrong hands. Straw purchasers, those who lie to obtain firearms for others, are part of the problem. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with our law enforcement partners and in cooperation with licensed firearm dealers, has zero tolerance for straw purchasers who buy or attempt to buy firearms for people who cannot legally purchase them.” The charges against Kratochwill-Loomis and McIntosh were the result of an investigation conducted by Sun Prairie Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. Attorney O’Shea prosecuted this case.


title: Thirty Individuals Associated with Milwaukee Street Gang Charged With Federal Offenses Ranging from Fraud to Murder for Hire

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that 30 individuals – all alleged to be members and affiliates of a Milwaukee street gang known as the “Wild 100s,” the “Shark Gang,” or “SNG” – had been charged in a 43-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. The charges include mail fraud conspiracy (Count 1), mail fraud (Counts 2 through 26), murder for hire (Count 27), discharging a firearm during a crime of violence (Count 28), conspiracy to commit offenses related to the possession and sale of firearms (Count 29), unlawful possession of firearms by felons (Counts 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 39, 42, & 43), possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (Counts 33 & 40); possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (Counts 34 & 41), possession of a machinegun (Count 37), and possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice (Count 38). The indictment has been unsealed as to the following twenty-seven defendants, while the charges against three other defendants remain sealed pending their arrests: Name Age Counts RONNELL BOWMAN 29 1, 2, 27, 28, 29 MICHAEL ANDERSON 26 1, 3, 29, 38 JOEL BLAKE 24 1, 4 BYRON CLAYPOOL 24 1, 5 JAVONTE COTTON 28 1, 7, 29, 32, 33, 34 LADARIUS DAVIS-HUGHES 22 1, 8 LARRY ECHOLS 24 1, 10 DEMETRIUS EXUM 22 1, 11, 29 LARRY HAMILTON 31 1, 12, 29 VERNELL HAMILTON 29 1, 13 AKEEM HUDSON 32 1, 14 RONNIE JACKSON 23 1, 27, 28, 29 CALVIN KIDD 28 1, 15 MARCUS MALBRO 28 1, 7 DEAUTRIS MATTISON 26 1, 16 QUEVON MCKINNIE 25 1, 29, 42 CHASE NANEZ 22 1, 17 ANDREW PORTIS 30 1, 18 MAURICE RITTMAN 30 1, 19, 29, 30 RAMON SAVAGE 27 1, 20, 29, 35 TIMOTHY SCOTT 30 1, 21 KEORIE SMITH 26 1, 22, 29, 36, 43 KEJUAUN THOMAS 22 1, 29 LAWRENCE TURNER 29 1, 23 CHAZZ WHITE 32 1, 24, 29, 39, 40, 41 JALEN WILLIAMS 23 1, 25, 29 JAQUAN WRIGHT 22 1, 26, 29, 31 Regarding the mail fraud conspiracy charged in Count One, the indictment alleges that the named defendants conspired to defraud the Department of Labor through the submission of false and fraudulent applications for benefits under programs such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program and other unemployment insurance programs. The indictment alleges that the conspirators wrongfully obtained millions of federal dollars through their fraudulent activities and used the funds to purchase, among other things, firearms, controlled substances, jewelry, and vacations, and to solicit murder for hire. Counts Two through Twenty-Six allege substantive mail fraud offenses relating to specific mailings of debit cards related to the fraudulent applications. Counts One through Twenty-Six each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Regarding the alleged murder for hire, Count Twenty-Seven alleges that between on or about March 15, 2021, and April 5, 2021, Ronnell Bowman and Ronnie Jackson used facilities in interstate commerce to arrange the murder of N.B. in exchange for the payment of money. Count Twenty-Eight alleges that on or about April 5, 2021, these same two defendants used, carried, and discharged a firearm in furtherance of the murder for hire, resulting in the death of N.B. As charged, Counts Twenty-Seven and Twenty-Eight each carry a maximum penalty of up to life in prison, and Count Twenty-Eight carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years. Regarding the conspiracy charged in Count Twenty-Nine, the indictment alleges that between approximately July 2020 and April 21, 2023, the fifteen defendants named in that count conspired to: (1) sell and dispose of firearms to prohibited persons (such as felons); (2) transfer firearms knowing that the firearms would be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime; (3) possess and transfer machine guns; and (4) possess firearms as prohibited persons. This offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years. With the exception of Counts Thirty-Four and Forty-One, which allege offenses punishable by a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, the remaining counts carry maximum penalties of up to 5 or 10 years depending on the specific offense charged. Multiple defendants named in the indictment in this case were arrested earlier today as a result of law enforcement operations in Milwaukee, Houston, and elsewhere. “Every resident of the Eastern District of Wisconsin deserves to live in a safe and secure neighborhood, free from groups which engage in violent offenses and other crimes involving firearms and free from individuals who seek to defraud programs designed to help others simply to enrich themselves and fund other crimes,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “Today’s charges are the direct result of hard work and excellent collaboration between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, all of whom are dedicated to making the City of Milwaukee and the entire Eastern District a safer and better place in which to live and work.” “The arrests today are outstanding examples of the sustained and successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat both significant violent and financial crime in Milwaukee,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “Additionally, the charges represent the commitment of the government to hold those accountable who steal the money of law-abiding taxpayers for personal gain and for use in committing acts of violent crime. The FBI’s Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force along with our partners will continue to identify and disrupt criminal organizations which threaten the safety of our communities with the goal to make Milwaukee a safer place for everyone.” “Law enforcement partnerships among agencies at the local, state, and federal level proved effective in both investigating and charging these individuals responsible for these violent and senseless crimes,” commented ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the United States Attorney’s office for their leadership and commitment to the community of Milwaukee, the victims of these tragedies.” “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to unemployment insurance programs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of allegations,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. “The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to working with our community, local, state and federal partners to combat violent crime. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work of the members of MPD, FBI, ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the other law enforcement agencies that collaborated to arrest and indict several members of the Wild 100’s on very serious criminal charges. Our city is much safer due to the all the efforts of everyone involved,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. The defendants were charged based on joint investigation by law enforcement officers from FBI, ATF, Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Kwaterski and Peter Smyczek. Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in the arrests and execution of search warrants related to the case, including FBI, ATF, DOL-OIG, MPD, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, Cudahy Police Department, Oak Creek Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Brown Deer Police Department, West Allis Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Houston (Texas) Police Department, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Department, and the Harris County (Texas) Sheriff’s Department. The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a charge and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700


title: East Glacier man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for murder of man shot after birthday party on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS — An East Glacier man was sentenced today to 11 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he admitted to murdering a man by shooting him after a birthday party on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Dillon James Wippert, 27, pleaded guilty in December 2022 to second degree murder. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. In court documents and in court, the government alleged that on May 19, 2020, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services officers responded to a residence in the Bear Paw community, where family members had found the body of the 19-year-old victim, identified as John Doe, in his bedroom. Investigators determined that Wippert, friends and the victim had gathered at the victim’s residence on May 17, 2020 to celebrate Wippert’s birthday. As the party was ending and the attendees were coming down from the drugs they had consumed, Wippert pointed a firearm at another friend, scaring him. Wippert then argued with the victim over the incident. Eventually, everyone left, while the victim and Wippert remained. Sometime later, Wippert took a firearm and shot the victim in the arm and then in the back of the head. The government further alleged that after his arrest, Wippert told law enforcement he had a panther in him and described himself as a weapon. When pushed for a motive for the killing, Wippert’s only explanation was that he held ill feelings and that the victim had given him an “evil smile” and given off “death threat energy.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah A. Paisley, Lori Harper Suek and Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, with assistance from the Cut Bank Police Department, Glacier County Sheriff's Office, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service, conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Browning woman admits sexual abuse of minor boy

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman today admitted to sexually abusing a boy on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Brittany Lynn Gervais, 26, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. Gervais faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 4. Gervais was detained pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2021, a relative of the victim, identified as John Doe, was outside her residence visiting with a neighbor when she saw John Doe approach, with Gervais trailing. John Doe was 13 years old and has developmental delays. The relative saw blood on John Doe’s clothing and called an ambulance. The investigation determined that Gervais offered John Doe money to walk with her. At some point, Gervais sexually assaulted him. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah A. Paisley and Wendy A. Johnson are prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Service conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Prior Felon Arrested On New Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cameron Stroke, 42, of Depew, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2020, Stroke was sentenced in Federal Court to five years’ probation for possession of child pornography and placed under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office. On May 2, 2023, law enforcement began investigating Stroke after learning he might be in possession of child pornography. On that day, probation officers made a visit to Stroke’s Depew residence and seized two cell phones. One of the phones contained no child pornography, but the second phone contained multiple files of child pornography, including images of pre-pubescent girls. Stroke made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing on May 19, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Former Postal Worker Convicted of Mail Fraud

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City , Utah – A federal jury convicted a Salt Lake City woman and former Express Mail Clerk with the United States Postal Service (USPS) for delaying and destroying immigration mail that was intended for delivery. According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, Diana K. Molyneux, was working at a USPS plant known as the Processing and Delivery Center (P&DC) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Working the nightshift, Molyneux sorted and processed Express and Priority Mail intended to be delivered locally or dispatched to Reno, Nevada. A number of immigration mailers from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had gone missing in the fall of 2017. Other mail clerks reported to supervisors that they had found USCIS mail in places that were either outside the normal delivery stream, tampered with, or placed at a location for shredding. As a result of these reports, a criminal investigation was initiated. Between April 2018 and June 2018 Molyneux was captured on camera digging through areas of pre-sorted mail. Camera footage shows Molyneux retrieving and setting aside priority immigration mail, which was never returned to its proper location for dispatch. Between August and September 2018, agents witnessed Molyneux again removing pre-sorted mail that was later identified as USCIS immigration mail. During the September surveillance, Molyneux buried six pieces of priority immigration mail deep in a shred bin that is used to destroy and recycle undeliverable bulk mail. The defendant was suspended from her position and placed on unpaid leave. The complaints to the USPS about lost USCIS type mail from USPS’ Processing and Delivery Center immediately ceased after her termination. USPS-OIG Molyneux was found guilty of destruction of mail. Sentencing is scheduled for August 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in courtroom 3.4 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse. “Ms. Molyneux used her position as a U.S. Postal employee to interfere with the delivery of mail. The fact that she targeted immigration mail makes this offense more egregious,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “We will continue to work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases where public servants abuse their position to discriminate and cause harm to our community.” “This successful resolution of this case not only confirms that mail theft committed by Postal Service personnel is completely unacceptable, but it also demonstrates the steadfast commitment of U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General Special Agents in maintaining the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service,” said U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Western Pacific Area Field Office, Acting Executive Special Agent-in-Charge Kenneth Bulle. “The USPS-OIG values our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other Postal Service partners in holding Postal Service personnel accountable for their actions when they violate a position of trust.” The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Drew Yeates and Sam Pead are prosecuting the case.