title: Seven Sinaloa Cartel members and associates sentenced to prison for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Seven members and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The sentences come after the defendants had previously pleaded guilty in this matter. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Threat Assessment , the Sinaloa Cartel is at the heart of the fentanyl crisis. The cartel has developed global supply chain networks and operate clandestine labs in Mexico where they manufacture these drugs and then utilize their vast distribution networks to transport the drugs into the United States. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, killing 38,000 Americans in the first six months of 2023 alone. Just one fentanyl pill can kill. Two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially fatal dose and laboratory testing indicates seven out of 10 pills seized by the DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. “When you consider the quantity of drugs being trafficked and the deleterious impact illicit narcotics have on our community, it is readily apparent that these defendants sold drugs for the sole purpose of profiting off a public health crisis – addiction,” stated U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “The fentanyl epidemic, to include here in south Florida, has caused a deafening silence as thousands of people have overdosed and died. We commend our partner agencies, as we work collectively to prosecute the members and associates of cartels that fuel the drug poisoning crisis and traffic in firearms.” “The significant sentences imposed by the court reflect the deadly nature of the crimes committed by Mexican cartel members in flooding our communities with fentanyl and other lethal drugs,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Our law enforcement officers work across the U.S. and around the globe to combat the cartels’ firearms and drug trafficking, which wreak so much violence and devastation in our communities.” “Guns and drugs are often linked, particularly when it comes to the cartels,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “ATF is committed to working with all our partners to hold accountable those who spread poison in our streets and arm those who supply that poison. This case exemplifies the incredible work going on every day by ATF agents and analysts around the country to protect the American public from dangerous criminals.” “This investigation is a testament to the combined efforts of multiple Field Divisions of ATF in collaboration, conjunction, and synthesis with our federal, state, and local partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the ATF, Miami Field Division. “Combating violent crime is one of ATF’s core missions, and this case demonstrates how this relationship works to collectively keep American communities and the communities of our neighbors to the south safe from one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in the world.” Hector Alejandro Apodaca-Alvarez, 53, of Somerton, Arizona; Mark Anthony Roque Bustamante, 33, of Yuma, Arizona; Jorge Moreno, 28, of San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico; Jonathan Nicholas Chavez, 25, of Brawley, California; Luis Tejada Velasquez, 37, of San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico; Austin Toma Grupee, 43, of Providence, Rhode Island; and Jose Chavez Zaragoza, 38, of Yuma, Arizona, participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute the controlled substances. The defendants were arrested in the United States. From June 2022 through May 2023, Apodaca-Alvarez, who was previously convicted of narcotics trafficking-related offenses in three federal districts prior to his arrest in this case, used the U.S. mail and his own trucking business to send tens of thousands of pressed fentanyl pills and kilogram-quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to an undercover agent based in South Florida. The undercover agent also conducted narcotic and monetary transactions with Apodaca-Alvarez and codefendants in California, Arizona, and Massachusetts. Apodaca-Alvarez told the undercover agent he was coordinating directly with members of the Sinaloa Cartel to facilitate the large-scale distribution of narcotics and stated that the potency of the pressed fentanyl pills that he sold “was dropping people everywhere.” Apodaca-Alvarez worked directly with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia , a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. During the conspiracy, Apodaca-Alvarez coordinated with the remaining codefendants to assist in distributing the controlled substances throughout the United States, to include Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia. Law enforcement officers identified Roque Bustamante, nicknamed the “Skittles Man” due to his distribution of rainbow-colored fentanyl pills, as Apodaca-Alvarez’s primary source of supply. In recorded conversations, Apodaca-Alvarez and Roque Bustamante inquired if the undercover agent would supply them with firearms, including .50 caliber high powered rifles to be smuggled into Mexico. Apodaca-Alvarez was ultimately arrested in South Florida while delivering 16 kilograms of fentanyl and 2 kilograms of cocaine to the undercover agent during an undercover operation. Moreno was present with Apodaca-Alvarez during the arrest operation. In total, law enforcement seized approximately twenty-one kilograms of pure fentanyl; seventy thousand rainbow-colored, pressed fentanyl pills; three thousand M30 pressed fentanyl pills, blue in color; two hundred and forty-three pounds of crystal methamphetamine; two kilograms of cocaine; and twenty-four firearms (to include eighteen rifles and six pistols) related to this conspiracy. Photo is of seized rainbow-colored, pressed fentanyl pills. Photo was introduced into the court record during Tejada Velasquez’s sentencing hearing on May 15. Tejada Velasquez was sentenced yesterday to 242 months in prison. On May 2, Roque Bustamante was sentenced to life in prison, Grupee was sentenced to 262 months in prison and Chavez was sentenced to 57 months in prison. On March 21, Apodaca-Alvarez was sentenced to life in prison, Moreno was sentenced to 121 months in prison and Zaragoza was sentenced to 47 months in prison. In addition, Apodaca-Alvarez agreed to the forfeiture of his entire trucking business and Arizona-based residence. ATF Fort Lauderdale investigated the case with assistance from DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), ATF Yuma, U. S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ajay J. Alexander, M. Catherine Koontz, and Brooke Latta of the Southern District of Florida, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen of the District of Arizona, 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 . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-60111. ###


title: Justice Department Submits Proposed Regulation to Reschedule Marijuana

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department today announced that the Attorney General has submitted to the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking initiating a formal rulemaking process to consider moving marijuana from a schedule I to schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Marijuana has been classified as a schedule I drug since Congress enacted the CSA in 1970. On Oct. 6, 2022, President Biden asked the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to launch a scientific review of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. After receiving HHS’s recommendations last August, the Attorney General sought the legal advice of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) on questions relevant to this rulemaking. In light of HHS’ medical and scientific determinations, and OLC’s legal advice, the Attorney General exercised his authority under the law to initiate the rulemaking process to transfer marijuana to schedule III. The rescheduling of a controlled substance follows a formal rulemaking procedure that requires notice to the public, and an opportunity for comment and an administrative hearing. This proposal starts the process, where the Drug Enforcement Administration will gather and consider information and views submitted by the public, in order to make a determination about the appropriate schedule. During that process, and until a final rule is published, marijuana remains a schedule I controlled substance. The notice of proposed rulemaking submitted by the Department can be viewed here , and the OLC memorandum regarding questions related to the potential rescheduling of marijuana can be found here . Learn more about the rulemaking process here .


title: Avonmore Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Avonmore, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of possession and production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The four-count Indictment, returned on May 14 and unsealed today, named Kenneth Bee, 53, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, over a several year period, Bee produced images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further, in and around September 2022, Bee possessed images of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. Other agencies involved include the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office. This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Texas man sentenced prison after traveling to Virginia for sex with a minor

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Texas man was sentenced today to 17 years and six months in prison after he was caught traveling to Virginia to have sex with a minor. According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2023, Elisha Jason Albert, 25, of Garland, Texas, began communicating with a 15-year-old victim through Snapchat. The communications began with Albert soliciting pornographic material from the victim, and Albert paid the victim to send him pornographic images. Albert also sent the victim spending money for incidental expenses. On Sept. 8, 2023, after Albert falsely claimed to be 22 years old, the victim specifically told Albert that she was only 15. After knowing the victim’s age, Albert continued to solicit pornographic images of the victim and proposed meeting the victim in Virginia for sex. After the victim’s guardian submitted an online tip to the FBI, on Sept. 22, 2023, the FBI took custody of the victim’s phone and continued to communicate with Albert over Snapchat and by text messages. Albert proposed meeting the victim on Sept. 25, 2023, and arranged to meet at a grocery store in Haymarket. Albert drove five and a half hours from Long Island, New York, to Prince William County, Virginia. He was arrested upon his arrival in the grocery store parking lot. At the time of his arrest, Albert had with him his phone, which contained a folder titled “good videos” that stored sixty-four videos of children as young as four to six years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Albert’s phone had iMessage communications with other minors between fifteen and sixteen years old, which included additional production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and incidents of coercion and enticement. For example, beginning in August 2021, Albert engaged with a victim in Texas knowing that she was only 15 years old. Albert drove to the victim’s home and had sex with her on multiple occasions. Albert made a video recording of one of his sexual encounters with the victim, which was still on his phone at the time of his arrest. On Feb. 1, Albert pled guilty to production of child pornography, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and transportation of child pornography. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Withers and Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case. The Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . 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-172.


title: Elkhart Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Nathan Keosackdy, 24 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty following a two-day jury trial on November 14, 2023, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Keosackdy was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in September 2022, Keosackdy, a felon, who was prohibited from possessing or purchasing a firearm, took another individual to a federally licensed firearm dealer to complete the purchase of a firearm he had chosen. After the firearm purchase, Keosackdy carried the gun out of the store and paid the individual for the gun. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Lydia T. Lucius. 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: Carter County Resident Sentenced For Role In Defrauding A Retiree

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Amber Nicole Pickelsimer, age 45, of Healdton, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for one count of Wire Fraud. Pickelsimer was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $1,050,000. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On July 20, 2023, Pickelsimer pleaded guilty to one count of Wire Fraud. As part of the plea, Pickelsimer admitted to defrauding a victim of their retirement savings through a blackmail scheme perpetrated over nineteen months between 2019 and 2020. According to investigators, Pickelsimer targeted a retired acquaintance, created fake Facebook accounts, then used those accounts to extort money from the victim. Pickelsimer initiated contact with the victim through one of the fake accounts, falsely claimed to possess damaging material about a family member and threatened to release the damaging material unless the victim delivered large quantities of money to a drop site. Soon after, Pickelsimer created an additional fake Facebook account and multiple false personas to send messages to threaten the victim into making additional payments. “We take extortion threats very seriously and will investigate them to the fullest extent of federal law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Sonia Garcia of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “The criminals who think they can extort innocent people should know there will be consequences. These crimes cause severe emotional distress to the victims and will not be tolerated.” “Online extortion can be financially and emotionally devastating, but it can be stopped,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “If you believe you or someone you know is the target of cyberextortion or blackmail, do not be afraid to reach out for help.” The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Pickelsimer will self-report on June 13, 2024, to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Kara Traster represented the United States. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) Or to file a complaint, visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the FBI’s central hub for reporting cybercrime, at https://www.ic3.gov/Home/ComplaintChoice and select “Elder Fraud.”


title: United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Alabama  Commemorates National Police Week 2024

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. The week is being observed from Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024. “National Police Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the brave members of law enforcement who, at great risk to themselves, answer the call of duty every day to protect communities in our district,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Already this year, too many officers have been killed in the line of duty, including one deputy here in the Middle District. The memory and legacy of Deputy Sheriff Jermyius Young from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will never be forgotten. We take time this week to honor and recognize those we have lost and thank those who continue to serve.” “As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.” In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. According to 2023 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, from 2021 to 2023, more officers were feloniously killed in the U.S. (194) than in any other consecutive three-year period in the past 20 years — 73 officers in 2021, 61 officers in 2022, and 60 officers in 2023. So far this year, 58 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty from various causes, including auto accidents. One of those 58 deaths occurred here in the Middle District of Alabama. On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/ . To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org .


title: Helena man sentenced to prison for trafficking fentanyl purchased on dark web using cryptocurrency

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

body_text: HELENA — A Helena man who admitted buying fentanyl on the dark web using cryptocurrency and distributing some of it while using the rest was sentenced on May 13 to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. The defendant, Jarek William Hahn, 30, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that between December 2022 and December 2023, Hahn obtained fentanyl in the mail after arranging its purchase on illicit internet sites on the dark web. Hahn then used some of it and sold some to support his habit. Hahn used sophisticated means to seek out illicit sites on the internet’s dark web, which are unindexed sites on the internet that require special internet browsers to access. He then accessed a site where he purchased fentanyl using cryptocurrency and had it delivered in the mail. In a search of Hahn’s home, law enforcement recovered 64 fentanyl pills. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI, Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Cape Cod Hospital to Pay $24.3 Million to Resolve Allegations That It Failed to Comply With Medicare Cardiac Procedure Rules

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Cape Cod Hospital has agreed to pay $24.3 million to resolve allegations that it knowingly submitted claims to Medicare for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures that failed to comply with Medicare rules specifying the way in which hospitals were required to evaluate patient suitability for the procedures. Beginning in 2015, Cape Cod Hospital began offering TAVR procedures for patients suffering from aortic stenosis, a serious heart condition that restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. A TAVR procedure involves replacing a patient’s damaged heart valve with an artificial one. Medicare rules at the time required that, prior to performing a TAVR procedure, hospitals engage specified clinical personnel to conduct an independent examination of prospective patients to evaluate their suitability for TAVR; document the rationale for their clinical judgment; and make the rationale available to the medical team performing the TAVR procedure. The settlement resolves allegations that from November 2015 through December 2022, Cape Cod Hospital knowingly submitted hundreds of claims to Medicare for TAVR procedures that did not comply with the applicable Medicare requirements. In some instances, not enough physicians examined a patient’s suitability for the procedure, while in other instances the physicians failed to document and share their clinical judgment with the medical team responsible for the TAVR procedure. “Medicare permitted coverage for this newly developed cardiac procedure only under certain conditions, to ensure patient safety. Cape Cod Hospital ignored those rules and received millions of dollars from Medicare to which it was not entitled. This conduct persisted for years despite internal warnings,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “This investigation and settlement ensure that patient safety is prioritized over a hospital’s bottom line.” “Hospitals that participate in the Medicare program must abide by applicable coverage and reimbursement rules,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will hold healthcare providers accountable when they knowingly fail to comply with Medicare reimbursement requirements.” “Health care providers are expected to follow Medicare rules and bill properly,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “We are committed to pursuing allegations of False Claims Act violations as we work to protect the integrity of the taxpayer-funded Medicare program, and we encourage the public to come forward with information about such conduct.” In connection with the settlement, Cape Cod Hospital has entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), which provides for an annual review of its paid Medicare claims by an Independent Review Organization. Cape Cod Hospital received credit under the Department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in False Claims Act cases. Among other actions, Cape Cod Hospital voluntarily produced materials, identified the relevant medical records, admitted that it failed to adhere to the applicable Medicare requirements and implemented appropriate remedial measures. The claims resolved by the resolution announced today include claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive approximately $4.36 million. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; Principal Deputy AAG Boynton; and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew A. Caffrey, III of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter along with Trial Attorney Kimya Saied of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section.


title: Eastern Oregon Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Two Minors He Met Online

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A La Grande, Oregon man was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison Wednesday for sexually abusing and transporting two minors from Washington State he met through Snapchat. Albert Wayne Johnson, 42, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on August 8, 2022, deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of two minors abandoned at Barton Park in Boring, Oregon. The children told the deputies they met Johnson on Snapchat and that he had driven them from Washington State through Idaho and into Oregon, and had sexually abused both during the trip. Along the way, Johnson stopped at a motel in Othello, Washington, where he abused the children, and a campground near La Grande, where he continued to abuse one of the children. After arriving in Boring, Johnson left the children at a campsite in Barton Park and never returned. In August 2022, after receiving information about the abduction and abuse that had occurred, detectives from the Othello Police Department contacted the motel in Othello and obtained surveillance footage showing Johnson with the two children. On August 30, 2022, officers and deputies from the La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Probation Department, and Umatilla Tribal Police Department located Johnson at his residence in La Grande and arrested him on an outstanding parole violation warrant. On October 5, 2022, Johnson was charged by criminal complaint with coercing and enticing a minor and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on November 2, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Johnson with traveling across state lines to engage in a sexual act with a minor, transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and commission of a sex offense by a registered sex offender. On January 24, 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. This case was investigated by the FBI Pendleton Resident Agency with assistance from the Othello Police Department, La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Probation Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Cassady Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: CEO Of Clean Energy Company Sentenced To 72 Months’ Imprisonment For Fraud, Identity Theft, Money Laundering, And Obstruction Of Justice Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced James Abrams, age 41, of Easley, South Carolina, to 72 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. In June 2023, Abrams was convicted following a nine-day jury trial of all 48 counts in an indictment charging wire and mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, unlawful monetary transactions, obstruction of justice, and false statement offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Abrams was the Chief Executive Officer of EthosGen LLC, a company operating in the clean energy industry. The evidence at trial showed that in 2017 and 2018, Abrams provided extensive forged documents and false information to induce several investors to invest $1,100,000 in his company. The false documentation included forged teaming agreements and intellectual property licenses, where Abrams substituted his and EthosGen LLC’s name for other companies and individuals, claiming that EthosGen LLC owned technology it did not own. During a pre-investment due diligence process, Abrams also provided forged tax returns and false financial statements that fabricated an existing customer base, and inflated EthosGen LLC’s historical revenues, business activity, and profitability, thereby making it a more attractive investment. Abrams further provided forged contracts and purchase orders to potential investors, in which he claimed to have a revenue stream that, in reality, belonged to other companies. Following an initial investment of $900,000, Abrams provided additional forged contracts and false customer sales documentation to induce an investor to advance another $200,000 to EthosGen LLC. As a result of those activities, the jury convicted Abrams of 18 counts of wire fraud, and one count of mail fraud. The jury also convicted Abrams of five counts of aggravated identity theft based on his forging multiple individuals’ signatures and using their personal information on falsified documentation, without their authorization. The evidence at trial also showed that Abrams used approximately $800,000 of the investors’ money to purchase a personal residence in Easley, South Carolina. To conceal his financial activities, Abrams transferred $700,000 of the funds through a series of five bank accounts under his control, and opened in the names of shell companies, before purchasing the residence. He then lied to investors and to his own financial professionals, claiming that he used the funds to purchase company inventory for EthosGen LLC. Abrams provided investors with falsified company reports, certifications, and accounting records to corroborate his misrepresentations about the use of the investment funds. He also provided forged bank account statements and false information to both of EthosGen LLC’s sequential Chief Financial Officers, and to its accounting professionals. In reliance on those forgeries and lies, the accounting professionals unknowingly included false entries in EthosGen LLC’s books and records. As a result of those actions, the jury convicted Abrams of one count of money laundering, and 12 counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. The evidence at trial further showed that, upon becoming aware of the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal investigation, Abrams took several steps to obstruct investigators. Namely, he used misrepresentations and forged bank statements to induce EthosGen LLC financial professionals to create false documents and accounting records that purported to classify his embezzlement of investor funds as a shareholder loan. Abrams also met with investigators on two occasions and provided materially false statements in response to their questions. Those false statements included lies about purchasing inventory for EthosGen LLC, that EthosGen LLC owed him $800,000, that he provided his investors with truthful information when they evaluated his company during a due diligence process, and that he was ignorant about the origin of multiple forged contracts that he sent to investors. As a result of those activities, the jury convicted Abrams of four counts of obstruction of justice, and seven counts of providing false statements to federal investigators. As part of the sentence, Judge Mannion ordered Abrams to pay the victims of his crimes $1,100,000 in restitution. Judge Mannion also ordered the forfeiture of the residence Abrams purchased in Easley, South Carolina, with the proceeds of his fraud. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffery St John prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Cincinnati Man Sentenced  for Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Joshua Robert Flick, 35, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 15 years in prison, for distribution of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, on December 1, 2022, Flick communicated with a covert law enforcement employee, via the Kik application on his iPhone, and indicated that he was sexually interested in minors. On two additional occasions, on December 9, 2022, and December 11, 2022, Flick communicated with the covert employee and sent multiple visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Flick admitted that he knowingly distributed the images, and he knew those images depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Flick was arrested on an outstanding warrant on January 11, 2023, and his phone was searched. The search revealed over 70 images and approximately 90 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Under federal law, Flick must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . — END —


title: Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced To 10 Years’ Imprisonment For Drug Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Pope, age 45, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 15, 2024, to 120 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and over 50 grams of methamphetamine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between May 2021 and April 2022, Pope was involved in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of multiple different types of drugs throughout Luzerne County. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Hardik prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: Former State Official Indicted, Arrested for School Construction Extortion and Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 22-count indictment charging KONSTANTINOS “KOSTA” DIAMANTIS , 67, of Farmington, with extortion, bribery, conspiracy, and false statement offenses related to his conduct as director of Connecticut’s Office of School Constructions Grants and Review (“OSCGR”), the state agency responsible for the grant administration of all Connecticut public school construction projects seeking state funding. The indictment (link below) was returned yesterday, and Diamantis was arrested this morning. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $500,000 bond. In addition, three related cases were unsealed today. On May 13, 2024, SALVATORE MONARCA , 53, of Durham, the president and director of Acranom Masonry, Inc. (“Acranom”), a masonry contractor located in Middlefield, and JOHN F. DUFFY , 63, of Westerly, Rhode Island, vice president of Acranom, each pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe Diamantis to obtain masonry contracts on school construction projects. On May 14, 2024, ANTONIETTA ROY , 41, of Plainfield, the owner of Construction Advocacy Professionals, LLC (“CAP”), pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe Diamantis to obtain business as a construction administrator on school construction projects. The indictment alleges that Diamantis demanded and received bribes from Acranom, Monarca, and Duffy in connection with multi-million dollar school construction projects Diamantis supervised as director of OSCGR. In exchange for those bribes, and promises to pay bribes, Diamantis used his official position to assist Acranom to obtain and maintain contracts to perform masonry work for state-funded school construction project. Diamantis helped Acranom resolve a dispute on phase two of Hartford’s Weaver High School renovation project around 2018; obtain the contract for masonry work on phase four of the same project; and, in and around 2019, obtain the masonry contract for the emergency rebuild of the Birch Grove Primary School in Tolland. In numerous electronic messages recounted in the indictment, Diamantis, Duffy, and Monarca discussed their plan to pay Diamantis in exchange for his official action on behalf of Acranom. Diamantis also demanded payment in exchange for his actions, and threatened to remove Acranom as mason on the Weaver and Birch Grove projects if he was not paid. The indictment also alleges incidents where cash was provided by Acranom to Diamantis. The indictment further alleges that Diamantis demanded and received bribes from Roy in her capacity as the owner of CAP. In exchange for those bribes, Diamantis used his official position to assist CAP in obtaining contracts to provide construction administrator and related services on state school construction projects, including a 2019 contract on the Birch Grove project in Tolland, a 2019 contract to assist New Britain in obtaining state reimbursement for school construction projects, and a 2019 contract related to the renovation project at Hartford’s Bulkeley High School. Roy paid Diamantis via cash and check, and hired Diamantis’s daughter at an inflated salary. The indictment also alleges that on three different occasions in 2023, Diamantis made multiple false statements to FBI agents investigating this matter. “Constructing and renovating schools is an important, and very expensive, endeavor for our state and municipalities, and corruption within a program that manages and funds them adds cost, seriously erodes trust in government, and raises questions about work quality and the potential harms to students and educators in the classroom,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “This indictment contains allegations of a civil servant who committed multiple felonies, including extorting contractors, demanding and receiving bribes, and repeatedly lying to federal agents investigating his conduct. This kind of criminal behavior can never be tolerated, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners will work to uncover it, no matter how long it takes. I thank the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their diligent work here. This investigation is ongoing.” “The depth of deception, collusion, and abuse of power by the defendants in this case, as alleged, is glaring,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller. “The willingness to manipulate contracts and blatantly steal by abusing a position of public trust is intolerable. We have a long history in this state of rooting out corruption and delivering white collar criminals to justice. Today’s arrest further indicates that we are continuing to protect taxpayers from criminal actors.” “The indictment and arrest of Konstantinos Diamantis demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to halting public corruption at the source,” said IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. “Pay to play schemes, such as the alleged scheme orchestrated by Diamantis, Monarca, Duffy, and Roy are not only detrimental to the business community but also the community at large. Unjustly bribing public officials for municipal contracts circumvents the bidding process which can result in subpar construction, delays, and costly overages that directly impact the American taxpayers.” The indictment charges Diamantis with two counts of extortion and two counts of conspiracy to commit extortion, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; two counts of bribery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years of each count; two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count; and 14 counts of making false statements, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Monarca and Roy have agreed to cooperate with the government’s prosecution of this matter. This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick. diamantis_kosta_indictment.pdf


title: U.S. Attorney Sellinger Speaks at New Jersey State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger spoke on the False Claims Act Panel at the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Sellinger described the District of New Jersey’s leading role in rooting out fraud, kickbacks, and false claims in health care and other government enforcement across the country. He highlighted his office’s aggressive approach toward these cases and the substantial resources it devotes to them. “The False Claims Act was originally enacted in 1863 in response to defense contractor fraud during the American Civil War, and it remains the federal government’s primary civil tool to address fraud that impacts federal spending. For example, in 2016, Olympus, a medical device company, entered into $646 million global resolution that included a $310 million False Claims Act settlement to resolve allegations of pervasive and systemic kickbacks related to the sale of their endoscopic devices and other equipment. The matter was initiated based upon a qui tam filed in our district, and the relator received a share of the FCA recovery amounting to more than $50 million.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger The District of New Jersey employs a unique structure to help it combat healthcare and government fraud. It has two units tasked with enforcement in those areas, and those units have both criminal and civil Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support staff. These units often work in parallel on matters when appropriate, including False Claims Act cases. U.S. Attorney Sellinger said that the District of New Jersey has increased its prosecutions of fraud matters, particularly in the wake of the government’s COVID relief programs. He noted that the office has created a criminal COVID Fraud Strike Force, which includes three additional Assistant U.S. Attorneys dedicated to COVID fraud enforcement. U.S. Attorney Sellinger said protecting taxpayers and punishing and deterring fraud on the government has been and will remain an important priority for the office. The False Claims Act allows private citizens to file suit under seal on behalf of the United States to seek restitution and penalties for fraud involving federal funds. Once such a suit is filed, the government will investigate the claims and pursue a recovery in appropriate instances. The Act provides that these “whistleblowers,” or relators, as they are called, may receive a share of any recovery up to 30 percent in some cases. Settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act nationwide exceeded $2.68 billion in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2023. Recoveries since 1986, when Congress substantially strengthened the civil False Claims Act, now total more than $75 billion. In Fiscal Year 2023, the District of New Jersey collected $120.7 million in affirmative civil enforcement actions.


title: City Man Who Shot at People on South Philadelphia Street Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Firearms Violation

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Kalief Ladson, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson to 144 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of ammunition by a felon. On the morning of January 23, 2023, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Ladson and one other person parked their car in the area of 2100 S. 8 th Street in South Philadelphia. The two walked around the corner and Ladson produced a semiautomatic firearm with an extended magazine. Ladson fired at least 17 shots at a group of men standing on a nearby corner as he ran up the sidewalk. Innocent bystanders out on the street that morning began to flee and hide as Ladson fired at his intended targets. He then fled on foot back to his car and drove off. The shooting was captured on surveillance video and recovered by Philadelphia Police Department investigators. After reviewing the footage, witnesses were able to identify Ladson from the video. A Philadelphia Police Department ballistician determined that all of the fired cartridge casings recovered from where Ladson could be seen shooting had been fired from the same gun. On April 13, 2023, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Ladson with one count of possession of ammunition by a felon. On November 8, 2023, Ladson proceeded to trial and a jury found him guilty on November 9, 2023. “Firing a fusillade of shots at people on a busy Philly street — in broad daylight — is beyond reckless,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “This easily could have turned into a mass tragedy. Kalief Ladson has proven he’s too dangerous to walk free right now. He’s got the next 12 years behind bars to think about what he’s done and how lucky he was not to kill anybody. In the meantime, we and our partners will continue to go after these violent offenders determined to wreak havoc in our city.” “ATF is committed to working with our partners to prevent such violent crimes,” said Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Ladson’s reckless behavior put his community at grave risk.” 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. The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Martin E. Howley, Jr. and Thomas M. Zaleski.


title: Child Predator Sentenced After Federal Jury Conviction

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Lance Douglas Roark, 43, of Bluejacket. After a three-day trial in January, where Roarke represented himself, a jury convicted him of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country and Assault with Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country. When the child victim testified, she was cross-examined by Roark. Judge Frizzell ordered Roark to serve 235 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release. Upon his release, Roark will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Frizzell further ordered Roark to pay the maximum restitution of $5,000. Roark is a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and he will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The FBI and Craig County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia N. Hockenbury prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Spokane Police Department Receives Nearly $120,000 Forfeiture Award From U.S. Department Of Justice as a Result of Forfeiture of Spokane Home Used for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today and presented the Spokane Police Department with $119,621.45 in asset forfeiture equitable sharing funds. Spokane Police Chief Justin Lundgren accepted the funds, which may be used for further law enforcement purposes, on behalf of the Spokane Police Department. The asset forfeiture funds are the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Spokane Police Department (SPD) investigation which targeted drug traffickers in the Spokane area and Eastern Washington more broadly. The nearly $120,000 in forfeiture funds shared with the Spokane Police Department were the result of the seizure and forfeiture of Defendant Helmut Uwe Borchert’s residence in Spokane. Helmut Borchert had a long history of drug possession and distribution in Spokane dating back to the late-1980s. In this case, Defendant Borchert used his residence to store methamphetamine to facilitate his drug trafficking of the drug in the Spokane area. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement agents seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine from Borchert’s home. Borchert pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, and was sentenced October 14, 2021, to a 12-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision. He was also ordered to forfeit his residence located at 1903 E. Main Avenue, Spokane, Washington. Following the sentence, the United States Marshals Service sold the forfeited residence, proceeds of which are now shared with the Spokane Police Department. As a result of the same OCDETF investigation, the United States has convicted the following defendants and seized and forfeited assets from them: Michael Paul Swanson, pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine, and was sentenced on April 25, 2023, to a 7.5-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision. He was also ordered to forfeit $17,780 in U.S. currency seized by the United States. Jorge Octavio Valenzuela-Medrano, pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, and was sentenced on February 26, 2024, to a 3-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision. The United States seized and forfeited $30,290 and a firearm from Valenzuela-Medrano. Leonardo Martinez is a fugitive. Notwithstanding Martinez’s fugitive status, the United States seized $72,354 and two firearms from him. On July 6, 2022, he was indicted by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Washington for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl. The public is reminded that charges contained in an indictment are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Pursuant to applicable regulations, an 80% share of the funds from the sale of Borchert’s forfeited residence are being shared with the Spokane Police Department in recognition of its significant contribution to this investigation. The shared asset forfeiture funds will assist in further crime-fighting efforts. The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is, first and foremost, a law enforcement program. It removes the tools of crime from criminal organizations, deprives wrongdoers of the proceeds of their crimes, recovers property that may be used to compensate victims, and deters crime. The Department of Justice underscores these law enforcement purposes with all federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. One of the ancillary benefits of asset forfeiture is sharing federal forfeiture proceeds with cooperating state and local law enforcement agencies through equitable sharing as is occurring here. The Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Program enhances cooperation between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement by providing valuable additional resources to those law enforcement agencies. United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref said, “Removing pounds of illicit narcotics from our community is a great victory and saves lives. Our asset forfeiture program seeks to deprive wrongdoers of the proceeds of their crimes and to compensate victims. I am pleased that these funds will assist in further crime-fighting efforts. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington commends the law enforcement officers with the DEA and Spokane Police Department who investigated this case. This investigation exemplifies the positive crime fighting results that can be achieved when federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies collaborate and work together.” “The reason why methamphetamine traffickers, like Mr. Borchert, deal drugs dangerous to our community is to enrich themselves,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Asset forfeiture is an important tool to strip traffickers of their ill-gotten gains while, at the same time, giving something back to the communities they preyed upon. It is gratifying to see the Drug Enforcement Administration’s partnership with the Spokane Police Department result in this notable forfeiture that accomplishes these goals.” “This case was the result of a joint DEA/SPD investigation, marked by seamless collaboration between members of SPD pro-active units, the SPD Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and DEA agents. Every member who participated in the investigation of this drug trafficking organization played an invaluable role that culminated in multiple arrests, sentencings, and the removal of dangerous drugs from the streets of Spokane,” said Chief Lundgren. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for awarding SPD significant dollars which will be used to continue the effort to shut down other drug operations that threaten our community and put the vulnerable and increasingly, our children, at risk.” Spokane Police Department The enforcement action resulting in this forfeiture was part of an OCDETF investigation. The OCDETF program provides supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved in the investigation of drug-related crimes. This OCDETF investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Spokane Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Caitlin Baunsgard and Brian M. Donovan , Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington. More information regarding the DOJ Equitable Sharing Program can be found here: DOJ Guide to Equitable Sharing .


title: United States Attorney’s Office Honors Law Enforcement Personnel for Exceptional Service

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces the recipients of the 2024 Law Enforcement Awards in honor of National Police Week. More than 30 federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel are being recognized for their contributions to the success of federal matters over the past year. These awards recognize the exceptional service of federal agents along with state and local officers in eight federal criminal and civil matters. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Hampshire will host a formal ceremony to honor these individuals in September 2024. “I’m honored to announce the USAO 2024 Law Enforcement Award recipients during National Police Week. Commemorating National Police Week and presenting these awards provide opportunities to recognize the contributions of law enforcement officers and to annually celebrate their hard work and dedication to keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “These officers, agents, and their families have all gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure others’ safety and maintain our faith in justice.” The category of the Civil Litigation Achievement Award is a new award in 2024, which recognizes those whose actions significantly support the USAO’s ability to resolve civil matters. This year’s award recognizes a settlement in which the awardees enabled the return of financial loss to the government. The following federal matters are being recognized, and the following agencies are being honored: U.S. v. Robert Michael Waters, Jr. Agency of Recipient(s): The United States Marshal Service Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security's Office of Export Enforcement U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Criminal Investigations The Excellence in Public Safety Award is a new award in 2024, which aims to recognize those whose activities have significantly and substantially reduced the risk of further harm to the public. The following federal matters are being recognized, and the following agencies are being honored: U.S. v. Michael Chick Agency of Recipient(s): Eliot Police Department (Maine) Greenland Police Department New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) The Exceptional Contribution to a Federal Investigation/Prosecution Award is reserved for recipients whose actions impact law enforcement’s ability to achieve certain capabilities. This year’s award recognizes a case in which the awardees enabled law enforcement to identify critical intelligence. The following federal matters are being recognized, and the following agencies are being honored: C umulative C ontributions to C hild E xploitation I nvestigations Agency of Recipient(s): Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) The Investigative Achievement Award is limited to those whose activities have substantially and significantly contributed to a particular USAO prosecution. The following federal matters are being recognized, and the following agencies are being honored: U.S. v. Abraham Hernandez Agency of Recipient(s): United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. v. NuDay Syria Agency of Recipient(s): Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Criminal Investigations U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security's Office of Export Enforcement U.S. v. Sewell, et al/U.S. v. Stottlar Agency of Recipient(s): Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Manchester Police Department The Investigative Excellence Award is awarded to one individual whose specific acts led directly to the arrest of a dangerous subject or to the exposure of a significant criminal conspiracy. The following federal matters are being recognized, and the following agencies are being honored: U.S. v. Chad Lawlor Agency of Recipient(s): Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) The category of the Outstanding Collaboration Award recognizes individuals who demonstrated outstanding efforts or overcame significant challenges in collaborating with multiple agencies. The following federal matters are being recognized, and the following agencies are being honored: Federal Firearms Licensee Dealer Burglaries Agency of Recipient(s): Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) ###


title: Auburn Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: Montgomery, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of an Auburn, Alabama man for possession of child pornography. On May 15, 2024, a federal judge in Montgomery ordered 33-year-old Maxime Tessier, to serve 97 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Tessier serve five years of supervised release following the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. According to Tessier’s plea agreement and other court records, in 2022, law enforcement received a tip that there were images of child pornography being shared online from an account linked to Tessier’s Auburn residence. On November 15, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at that location. Agents seized and examined various electronic devices belonging to Tessier. They found, stored on the devices, numerous images containing suspected child pornography. During his January 16, 2024, plea hearing, Tessier specifically admitted that some of the images were sexually explicit depictions of children under the age of 12. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Auburn Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted.


title: Criminal Complaint Charges Two Men With Conspiracy To Commit Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has filed a federal criminal complaint charging Minh Phuong Vong and a second individual “John Doe” whose true identity remains unknown with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office. The complaint was filed on May 15, 2024. According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Vong, a native of Vietnam, and a naturalized United States citizen, conspired with an unknown individual, John Doe, to commit wire fraud by making false and fraudulent statements and representations to a United States company over the Internet in order to persuade the company to hire Vong as a fullstack web developer for the purpose of receiving salary payments for work not performed by Vong. As alleged, the false representations included statements about Vong’s education, training and job experience. Representatives of the US Company conducted a video interview over the Internet of an individual who identified himself as Vong. Shortly after that interview, Vong participated in a second remote interview with a different representative of the US Company. In this interview, Vong showed his driver’s license and passport to confirm his identity and citizenship. Following those interviews, the company hired Vong and assigned him to work on a government contract. The contract was part of a national defense program to develop software used by various other government entities that would allow them to coordinate aviation assets effectively. According to the affidavit, Vong, however, did not perform software development work. Instead, Vong worked at a nail salon in Bowie, Maryland, while an individual or individuals located in China used Vong’s access credentials to connect to a secure government website, perform the software development work, and attend regular online company meetings. “John Doe” communicated regularly with Vong and during those communications Vong and “John Doe” coordinated efforts to ensure that the U.S. Company did not know that an individual or individuals located overseas were actually posing as Vong to perform work on the government software development project. The John Doe online communications also contained information and statements that indicated that “John Doe” is North Korean and a self-described software developer who lives in Shenyang, China. A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Baltimore FBI Field Office for its work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen O. Gavin, who is prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Shelby County, Tennessee, District Attorney General to Cease Enforcement of State Law that Discriminates Against People with HIV

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that the Shelby County, Tennessee, District Attorney General (DA) has agreed to cease prosecution of individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) under Tennessee’s aggravated prostitution law. The DA will also adopt reforms to correct discrimination against people living with HIV who were subjected to discriminatory and harsher penalties under the law. This agreement resolves the Justice Department’s finding that the Shelby County DA violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by enforcing Tennessee’s aggravated prostitution law that imposed enhanced criminal penalties based on a person’s HIV status. The prosecutions were carried out without consideration of risk of transmitting HIV, and the harsher penalties included being charged with a felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor) and being required to register for life as a sex offender. “Living with HIV is not a crime and the continued enforcement of laws that criminalize a person based on their HIV status, regardless of risk, perpetuate bias, stereotypes and ignorance about HIV,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are pleased that Shelby County District Attorney has agreed to cease enforcement of this discriminatory law, and that future prosecution decisions will reflect the significant advances made in HIV prevention and treatment, consistent with the ADA.” Under this agreement, the DA will not prosecute individuals under the aggravated prostitution law or for violations of the sex offender registry requirements that have resulted from prior convictions under that law. The DA will also notify anyone eligible of their ability to petition for vacatur of their convictions, termination of the remainder of their sentences and elimination of fees owed. This agreement also requires the Shelby County DA to adopt policies and train prosecuting attorneys on the ADA’s anti-discrimination requirements relating to HIV, a disability under the ADA. Under the agreement, the DA will also report its compliance with the agreement to the department. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the ADA’s goals of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt . For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov .


title: U.S. Attorney Waldref Recognizes Police Week in Eastern Washington

body_text: Spokane, Washington - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Waldref recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. “As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.” U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref joined the Attorney General in thanking law enforcement. “This week we take time to pause and express our gratitude and thanks for the dedication, loyalty, and commitment of federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement officers in protecting and serving our communities. Every day, officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe and strong. We honor their courage, valor, service, and sacrifice.” In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/


title: Three New Bedford, Massachusetts Men Charged for February 9 Shooting in Saco, Drug Trafficking

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine Darcie N. McElwee announced today at a press briefing held outside the Edward T. Gignoux U.S. Courthouse in Portland that three New Bedford, Massachusetts men have been indicted following a February 9 drive-by shooting in Saco. The U.S. Attorney was joined at today’s announcement by Saco Police Chief Jack Clements, Assistant United States Attorneys Johnathan Nathans and Noah Falk, and representatives of the FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force including FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Christopher Peavey, ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson and Resident Agent in Charge Nicholas Dilello, and Acting U.S. Marshal Kevin Neal. In a two-count indictment returned on May 15, a federal grand jury charged Joshua Estrada (aka “Mac”), 19, Yancarlos Abrante (aka “Glizzy”), 20, and Jason Johnson-Rivera (aka “Ouda”), 18, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and perpetrating a drive-by shooting. According to the indictment, on February 9, 2024, the three men fired at least five rounds from a 9mm handgun into another vehicle in a drug trade dispute. The indictment alleges that Estrada, Abrante and Johnson-Rivera had been trafficking cocaine in and around Saco and Biddeford since at least January 2024. Estrada was arrested in New Bedford, Massachusetts on May 6, 2024 when charged by criminal complaint for these same charges. Just prior to the press briefing today, Estrada appeared in federal court for his initial appearance in Maine and an arraignment on the indictment returned yesterday. Abrante and Johnson-Rivera, charged in the same indictment, are currently being held by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on unrelated charges. They will be in Maine next week for their initial appearances and arraignments. If convicted, the three men each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $1 million on the drug charge followed by at least three years of supervised release. They each face up to 25 years imprisonment and a maximum fine on $250,000 followed by a up to five years of supervised release on the drive-by shooting charge. An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. “I commend the Saco Police Department and those from the neighboring communities who responded to this incident,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee . “This joint federal and local investigation reflects that if you come to Maine and engage in violence, particularly firearm violence, there will be a swift and coordinated response from every level of law enforcement.” “Immediately following this brazen, drive-by shooting and the ensuing chaos that followed, the FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force hit the streets collecting information, intelligence, and evidence to help our partners identify those responsible and bring them to justice. We believe the three Massachusetts men we have in custody conspired with each other to traffic cocaine and were the instigators of this drive-by shooting,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division which includes all of Maine. “Violent drug traffickers have a corrosive effect on our communities, and we want everyone to know that the FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to help make Maine safer for the folks who live, work, and visit here.” “Brazen violent crime of this magnitude is not something the City of Saco is accustomed to, but when it happens, Maine law enforcement responds,” said Chief Jack Clements of the Saco Police Department . “I want to thank not only our direct neighboring agencies but also the Maine State Police, federal law enforcement, and the municipal and county law enforcement agencies from across York and Cumberland counties that responded. Finally, I would like to thank my detectives, the FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, and the United States Attorney’s Office for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to where it is today.” The Saco Police Department and FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force investigated the case with assistance from the New Bedford (Mass.) Police Department. ###


title: Uzbekistan National Sentenced To 19 Years In Prison For International Transportation Of Child Sex Abuse Images

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Sulton Nuriev (39, Uzbekistan) to 19 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for transportation of child sex abuse materials (CSAM). Nuriev pled guilty on September 26, 2023. According to court documents, on January 13, 2022, Nuriev left the United States from Orlando, Florida to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. On February 20, 2022, he flew from Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Orlando, Florida. Upon Nuriev's reentry to the United States, an agent with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducted a border search of Nuriev's cellphone and located child sex abuse images on the phone. Further forensic investigation revealed that while Nuriev was abroad, he was posing online as a 12-year-old boy and enticing minor females to produce sexually explicit images of themselves. This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon Laurie and Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Richardson-Jones. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Pensacola Man Pleads Guilty To Threatening To Kill  A Federal Judge

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Stephen Jay Thorn (66, Pensacola) has pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of a threat to injure a Federal District Court Judge. Thorn faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on October 24, 2022, Thorn, unhappy with a judicial opinion that he had read about online, made an interstate telephone call to the District Court Judge’s chambers. Thorn left a vulgar, obscenity-laden voicemail threatening to harm the judge as well as members of the judge’s immediate family. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Wheeler III.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Police Week

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement. The week will be observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024. “As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.” “In South Dakota, federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers collaborate daily to protect communities throughout the state,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell. “They do this work despite the tremendous risk to personal safety and a persistent shortage of resources. As we confronted earlier this year with the tragic death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, law enforcement’s selfless commitment to public safety sometimes leads to the ultimate sacrifice. We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office are grateful, every day, for the tireless work and dedication of our partners in blue.” In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/ . To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org .


title: Tampa Man Indicted For Making A Bomb Threat To A Congressional Office

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Rigoberto Albizar Martinez (56, Tampa) with making a telephonic threat to damage and destroy a building with an explosive. If convicted, Martinez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on May 1, 2024, Martinez called the District Office of a Member of the United States House of Representatives. During the call, Martinez threatened to place a bomb in the Congressional member’s Tampa office. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police – Threat Assessment Section. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Wheeler III.


title: Former Executive Director of South Bend Housing Authority Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Tonya Robinson, 61 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, six counts of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of federal program theft on November 1, 2023, following an eight-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Robinson was sentenced to 108 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $3,236,949.97 in restitution to the victims of the offense. According to documents in the case, the Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) provides housing opportunities and services to the South Bend community, managing more than 800 public housing residential units. From approximately 2015 through 2019, Robinson served first as Interim Executive Director and then Executive Director of the HASB. She was found guilty of conspiring with employees at the HASB and with outside contractors to defraud the HASB. The fraud scheme involved the issuance of HASB payment checks to four outside contractors for contracting work that had not actually occurred. These contractors would then deposit the HASB payment checks, withdraw a portion of each check in cash, and hand-deliver the cash back to co-conspirators at the HASB’s main office. Robinson was involved in creating hundreds of fraudulent documents to conceal the fraud. “This Office continues to focus on prosecuting public corruption and fraud,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “Defrauding taxpayers in schemes that divert federal funds from their intended purpose will not be tolerated. Ms. Robinson’s criminal scheme injured both federal taxpayers and South Bend Housing Authority tenants because federal monies that were intended to keep those housing units safe and habitable were not available for that purpose. This case demonstrates how our law enforcement partners and my Office will work together to hold federal fraudsters accountable.” “Robinson was supposed to be a public servant in her role at the South Bend Housing Authority, but she chose to use her position of trust to line her own pockets,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Office. “The FBI and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate all public officials who use their positions for personal gain.” “Tonya Robinson and her co-conspirators engaged in an egregious false billing and kickback scheme resulting in the theft of critical taxpayer dollars,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Manuel Colin with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “Moreover, they violated the trust of the communities who rely on HUD programs and risked damaging the programs’ integrity. HUD OIG will continue to work with its prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who seek to profit by abusing HUD-funded programs.” “Stealing from taxpayers is not just theft—it’s a betrayal of the public trust and an assault on our democracy,” said Jason Bushey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Trust in our institutions at every level of government is non-negotiable, and IRS Criminal Investigation and its fellow law enforcement partners will continue to hold individuals like Robinson accountable for betraying the trust taxpayers bestow upon public servants.” Robinson’s co-defendants who were previously convicted, received the following sentences: Tyreisha Robinson was sentenced to a total term of time served, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $363,122.00 in restitution to victims of the offense. Douglas Donley was sentenced to a total term of 27 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $303,920.00 in restitution to victims of the offense. Archie Robinson III was sentenced to a total term of 6 months of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,152,636.00 in restitution to victims of the offense. Ronald Taylor, Jr. was sentenced to term of imprisonment of 44 months, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,714,956.87 in restitution to victims of the offense. This case was investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander, Joel Gabrielse, and Jerome W. McKeever.


title: Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Eric I. Day, 53, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 21, 2021, law enforcement officers responding to reports of an altercation on South Huber Street in Beckley encountered Day and his girlfriend. The officers recovered a Lorcin model .380-caliber handgun from the waistband of Day’s shorts. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Day knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for first-degree robbery in Raleigh County Circuit Court on May 16, 2017. 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 Beckley Police Department. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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. 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. 5:22-cr-86. ###


title: Two-Day Takedown Results in Arrest of Defendants Who Allegedly Packaged and Shipped Fentanyl and Cocaine Bought on Darknet

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Four defendants in California and Nevada have been arrested on a four-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they shipped hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine to buyers nationwide who purchased the narcotics on darknet marketplaces, the Justice Department announced today. Today, law enforcement arrested the following defendants: Craig Rushton, 23, of Las Vegas; and Christian McKibben, 20, of Las Vegas. On Wednesday, the following defendants were arrested: Alejandro Soto, 21, of Burbank; and Austin Blacano, 21, of Burbank. All the defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of distribution of cocaine. Soto and Blacano are expected to make their initial appearances today in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Rushton and McKibben are expected to make their initial appearances tomorrow in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas. From at least April 2021 to May 2023, the defendants conspired with Brian McDonald, 23, of Van Nuys, and Ciara Clutario, 23, of Burbank, to traffic fentanyl and cocaine. Specifically, McDonald and Clutario allegedly created vendor profiles on darknet marketplaces to sell fentanyl, cocaine, and other illegal narcotics in exchange for cryptocurrency. McDonald and Clutario were charged last year in a separate indictment connected to the alleged darknet drug trafficking conspiracy. An August 6 trial date is scheduled in their case. McDonald and Clutario allegedly monitored and maintained their darknet vendor profiles, including by updating drug listings and shipment options, tracking drug orders received through the profiles, and offloading cryptocurrency received on the darknet marketplaces into cryptocurrency wallets that the co-conspirators controlled. Soto, Blacano, McKibben, and Rushton allegedly were directed by McDonald and others to package and ship the drugs sold on darknet marketplaces. The defendants allegedly packaged the narcotics at the Burbank residence of McKibben and Rushton. Through this conspiracy, the defendants sold and shipped hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of narcotics, including fentanyl and cocaine, to drug purchasers across the United States. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted of all charges, the defendants would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Declan T. Conroy of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is prosecuting this case.