title: Federal jury convicts Rochester woman of drug related charge

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted Danielle Hampton, 50, of Rochester, NY, of maintaining a drug-involved premises, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn M. Hartford and Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that in September 2021, members of the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET) began investigating the drug trafficking activities at 304 Adams Street in Rochester. During the investigation, investigators made controlled purchases of cocaine from the residence. On November 18, 2021, a search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators encountered Hampton inside. During the search, a loaded firearm, approximately 9 grams of crack cocaine, $571.00 in cash, and drug paraphernalia was recovered from the residence. Two children were present during the search. Hampton was taken into custody at that time. The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET), which includes Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., who presided over the trial of the case.


title: Jamestown woman sentenced on drug charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brandi M. Whitford, 28, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of maintaining a drug-involved premises, was sentenced to time served and three years’ probation by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between September 2019 and October 23, 2019, Whitford, and co-defendant Richard E. Kinsey Jr., used a residence on Newland Avenue in Jamestown, to manufacture, distribute, and use methamphetamine. On September 6, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence, recovering three firearms. A fourth firearm was thrown from the residence during the execution of the search warrant. Investigators also recovered methamphetamine, approximately $12,045 in cash, assorted ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Co-defendant Richard Kinsey was previously convicted. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division; and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson. # # # #


title: 3 Gang Members Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Their Roles in the Robbery and Fatal Shooting of Off-Duty LAPD Officer

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Three members of a South Los Angeles street gang each were sentenced today to decades in prison for their roles in the robbery and fatal shooting in 2022 of Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos. In separate hearings today, United States District Judge Percy Anderson sentenced Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, 30, a.k.a. “Lil J” and “Lil Malo,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution. Judge Anderson also sentenced Ernesto Cisneros, 25, a.k.a. “Gonzo” and “Spooky,” to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $28,604.07 in restitution. Finally, Jesse Contreras, 36, a.k.a. “Skinny Jack” and “Flaco,” was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution. At today’s hearing, Judge Anderson said, “The senseless loss of life is all too frequent in our community. It is literally ripping apart the fabric of our society. The sentence imposed today must send a message, not only to this defendant but to everyone, that if you choose to endanger our community by murdering, robbing, and trafficking in narcotics, there will be significant consequences.” Rios, Contreras, and Cisneros – all members of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13 (F13) street gang – pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. “Gangs bring death and destruction, most often upon the very communities they claim to represent,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “These defendants coldly and callously murdered an innocent man who grew up in our community and returned home to give back to the city he loved. I hope the major sentences we announce today bring some degree of solace to Officer Arroyos’ family, friends, and colleagues. My office will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute gang violence.” “Fernando Arroyos should be with us today, helping to protect a city he was ready and willing to give his life for. Yet he died in a way none of us could have imagined” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “With Officer Arroyos’ senseless killing, we lost a protector, and most importantly, his family lost someone who meant the whole world to them. The sentences handed down today are just and reinforce our commitment to ensuring public safety and holding those who terrorize our communities accountable.” “Gang violence tears at the very fabric of our communities, causing immeasurable harm and suffering,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “Today's sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence, especially against our dedicated law enforcement officers, will be met with the full force of justice. Officer Arroyos had a promising life ahead of him and chose to serve the community where he was raised, and we will forever remember his commitment and sacrifice. We are grateful for our local and federal partners' collaborative efforts in bringing these brazen criminals to justice and preventing them from preying on others in our communities.” On the night of January 10, 2022, the defendants were driving in Rios’ truck around F13’s “territory” in the Florence-Firestone area of South Los Angeles, looking for people to rob. The defendants decided to rob Officer Arroyos because he was wearing gold chains around his neck. Arroyos was accompanied by his girlfriend – another victim who is identified in court documents as “A.M.” Contreras handed Rios a loaded gun. Cisneros, who accompanied Rios and Contreras in Rios’s truck, already possessed a loaded gun. Rios and Cisneros, both armed, then exited Rios’ truck. Cisneros approached the off-duty officer, patted him down, and then took his chains and wallet, which contained Arroyos’ LAPD identification card. Rios approached A.M., patted her down and stole her property. After robbing Arroyos, Rios and Cisneros opened fire. Arroyos was struck by a single bullet, which killed him. Earlier the same day, Rios and Contreras committed armed robberies against two victims outside a bar within F13’s “territory” in the Florence-Firestone area. Haylee Marie Grisham, 21, an F13 associate who was Rios’ girlfriend, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering for participating in the fatal robbery of Arroyos. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 9, at which time she will face a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter. The Los Angeles Police Department provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu, Chief of Ethics and Post-Conviction Review, and Christopher C. Kendall of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Owner of Blue Ridge Bookkeeping Sentenced for Wire and Tax Fraud

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – The owner of Blue Ridge Bookkeeping, a Roanoke-based payroll processing and tax preparation business, was sentenced today in federal court to 36 months in prison for wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Brian Hoeppner, 66, of Roanoke, Virginia, previously pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of willfully making and subscribing a false tax return. According to court documents, Hoeppner owned and operated Blue Ridge Bookkeeping and had several clients for whom he was hired to do various financial-related work. One client hired Hoeppner to handle her company’s payroll, file the company’s employment tax returns, and submit all related paperwork and payments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that her company owed. From at least September 2012 through December 2019, Hoeppner billed this client for her company’s employment taxes, however, rather than pay these taxes to the IRS, he spent the money on personal expenses. As a result, her company’s employment taxes went unpaid. When the IRS sent notices to this client about her company’s failure to pay its employment taxes, Hoeppner falsely assured this client that “he had a guy at the IRS” who was sorting things out. After several years of IRS notices, this client demanded that she accompany Hoeppner to a meeting he had set up with the IRS, and just before the time of the scheduled meeting, Hoeppner admitted to her that he had been stealing her company’s payments. In all, Hoeppner stole over $125,000 from this client’s company. As of December 2019, this client was still responsible for paying over $240,500 in taxes, penalties, interest, and costs, and nearly had to shutter her business in order to be able to come into compliance with the IRS. In addition to his prison sentence, Hoeppner was ordered to pay $58,361 in restitution to this client and $218,445.32 in restitution to the IRS. This investigation also uncovered that, from 2009 through 2013, Hoeppner stole employment taxes from at least one other client. In addition to accruing a debt to the IRS of over $10,000, the owners also discovered that Hoeppner stole a $14,112 tax refund check the IRS had issued to the company. Hoeppner filed his own false personal income tax returns by failing to report his embezzlement income on his tax returns and by falsely overreporting the amount of tax withholdings that he had paid over to the IRS. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, and Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office Kareem Carter made the announcement. The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff prosecuted the case.


title: Stockton Woman Indicted for PIBCOA Franchise Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Stockton woman has been indicted for mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering after defrauding business owners of nearly $1 million through a multi-year sophisticated fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Tammy Schultz Wadsworth, 62, is the founder and owner of the Pain, Injury and Brain Centers of America (“PIBCOA”), a national franchise organization headquartered at Wadsworth’s residence, that purports to provide a microcurrent therapy called A.I. Myoneurvascular Therapy, to treat virtually any disease or condition, including Lupus, Crohn’s Disease, Depression, Infertility, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Autism. Wadsworth trained franchise participants on use of PIBCOA’s equipment and treatment and claimed that the devices could treat the specific diseases themselves, and not merely the underlying conditions. Wadsworth also promised the franchise owners a “great source of revenue” in return for their franchise investments. In reliance on Wadsworth’s representations, the franchise owners paid Wadsworth approximately $60,000 to $250,000 each to open PIBCOA franchises. As alleged, from May 2017 through January 2024, Wadsworth trained franchise participants on the use of the Myoneurvascular Therapy equipment and treatment, while claiming the devices treated the specific diseases themselves. On the contrary, the treatment was not only unsuccessful in treating the diseases as promised by Wadsworth, it caused additional injuries such as burns, scars, and severe nausea to the patients and franchise owners. In total, Wadsworth knowingly and willfully obtained $950,579.88 from PIBCOA franchise owners, and then attempted to conceal her scheme by laundering significant portions of the money she fraudulently obtained. The indictment charges Wadsworth with one count of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. She made her initial appearance today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Criminal Investigations with assistance from the Winona County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea A. Walcker is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Boston Man Arrested for Possession of Machinegun

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested today for unlawful possession of a machinegun. James Thelwell-Mullen, 31, has been charged with one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun. Thelwell-Mullen made his initial appearance in federal court today and was ordered detained pending a hearing on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. According to the indictment, on or around April 28, 2023, Thelwell-Mullen unlawfully possessed a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch” – a device designed to enable a Glock semi-automatic pistol to fire automatically. The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Boston Children's Hospital Anesthesiologist Arrested for Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: BOSTON – A pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital has been arrested and charged in federal court in Boston with possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Christopher Sheerer, 35, of Boston, has been charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Sheerer made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today and was detained pending a hearing on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. According to the charging documents, Sheerer is currently a fellow in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology at Boston Children’s Hospital and was previously a fellow in pediatric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. A federal investigation began in Baltimore into a member of a group on an encrypted messaging app that required users to upload nude imagery of children known to them. According to court documents, Sheerer was later identified as that user. Sheerer allegedly uploaded imagery of a child known to him to gain admission to that group. Following a search last night at Sheerer’s residence in Boston, multiple chats were discovered on Sheerer’s phone, several of which allegedly contained pictures and videos appearing to be child pornography involving children as young as infants. A number of devices, including his phone, a tablet, and computers, were seized and are pending forensic analysis. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Districts of Maryland and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; Homeland Security Investigations in Baltimore and Harrisburg; and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti and Jessica Soto of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to more than 3 Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing Cocaine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Brian Chaidez, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced July 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha after having pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Chaidez to 37 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Chaidez’s release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. On June 13, 2023, a DEA cooperating witness ordered one pound of cocaine from Chaidez. While enroute to the meet location, the Omaha police department conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Chaidez was driving. A search of his vehicle revealed more than 500 grams of cocaine. During a post arrest statement, Chaidez admitted to his involvement in distributing cocaine in the Omaha area. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 9 Years’ Imprisonment for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Dominick Ryne, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution of child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Ryne to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ryne’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Ryne was also ordered to pay $3,000.00 in restitution to each of two known victims. On April 15, 2023, a Nebraska State Patrol investigator (NSP) was conducting an online investigation of offenders sharing child pornography. Using a computer running investigative software, the investigator was able to obtain over 1,800 files from a peer-to-peer network from a device at Ryne’s address. On May 16, 2023, NSP served a search warrant at Ryne’s residence and seized his devices for forensic examination. During the search of Ryne’s residence, he confessed to downloading and possessing child pornography. Investigators completed data extractions from Ryne’s devices, which yielded evidence of over 700 files (both videos and images) of child pornography, including 418 files from a known set of victims of child pornography maintained by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The forensic examination of Ryne’s devices yielded evidence that he possessed at least 617 child pornography image files and 170 video files. The files included pornographic images and videos involving prepubescent children, adults having sex with children, and children being bound with handcuffs and ligatures. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: El Departamento de Justicia entabla demanda contra Southwest Key por abuso sexual y acoso de niñas y niños en refugios

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia ha entablado una demanda (solo en inglés) contra Southwest Key Programs Inc. (Southwest Key), una organización sin ánimo de lucro con sede en Texas que proporciona viviendas a niños no acompañados que se encuentran en la frontera terrestre sur de los Estados Unidos. La demanda alega que Southwest Key, a través de sus empleados, ha incurrido en un patrón o una práctica de abuso sexual y acoso de niños no acompañados en refugios de Southwest Key, en contra de la ley de Vivienda Justa. “El acoso sexual de niños en refugios residenciales, donde un niño debe estar seguro, es abusivo, deshumanizante e ilegal”, afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “El abuso sexual de niños es una crisis que no podemos ignorar y al que no podemos hacer de la vista gorda. Esta demanda busca una compensación para niños que han sido abusados y perjudicados, así como reformas significativas para garantizar que ningún niño en estos refugios vuelva a ser víctima del abuso sexual”. “El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés) tiene una política de tolerancia cero para todos los tipos de abuso sexual, acoso sexual, conducta sexual impropia y discriminación”, dijo Xavier Becerra, Secretario del HHS. “La queja del Departamento de Justicia de los EE. UU. contra Southwest Key plantea inquietudes serias de patrón o práctica. HHS seguirá trabajando con el DOJ y las agencias supervisoras para hacer rendir cuentas a programas de provisión de cuidado como Southwest Key. Y seguiremos evaluando estrechamente nuestra asignación de niños a programas de provisión de cuidado para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de cada niño bajo la tutela del HHS”. “Cada niño tiene derecho a sentirse seguro y protegido en su vivienda, incluso en el cuidado de un refugio”, declaró Jaime Esparza, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Texas. “Esta demanda pretende proporcionar una vía para la justicia y el saneamiento de estos niños, que están entre los más vulnerables de nuestra sociedad”. “Los niños, en busca del sueño americano, en muchos casos toleran viajes peligrosos durante su migración hacía el Norte, hacia la frontera sureña de los Estados Unidos”, comentó Alamdar S. Hamdani, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Sur de Texas. “El acoso sexual que se alega en la queja destrozaría la sensación de seguridad de cualquier niño, así convirtiendo a lo que antes era el sueño americano en una pesadilla. Estamos deseando colaborar con la División de Derechos Civiles y la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Texas para hacer justicia para las víctimas que supuestamente fueron perjudicadas en los refugios de Southwest Key”. Southwest Key opera 29 refugios que proporcionan una vivienda temporal a niños no acompañados en Texas, Arizona y California, y es el mayor proveedor de viviendas para niños no acompañados en los Estados Unidos. Southwest Key recibe subvenciones de la Oficina de Reubicación de Refugiados (ORR, por sus siglas en inglés) del HHS para proporcionar una vivienda y otros cuidados a los niños no acompañados en estos refugios. Los niños no acompañados son menores de edad que entran en los Estados Unidos sin padres u otros tutores legales y sin un estatus migratorio legal en los Estados Unidos. Los refugios son los hogares de los niños hasta que se reúnan con sus familias inmediatas o se los coloque con un familiar u otro patrocinador aprobado mientras se siga adelante con sus casos migratorios. La demanda, que se presentó ayer ante el Tribunal Federal de Distrito para el Distrito Oeste de Texas, alega que, desde el 2015 hasta al menos el 2023, múltiples empleados de Southwest Key sometieron a los niños a su cuidado a acoso sexual grave o generalizado que ha incluido, entre otras cosas, contacto sexual y contacto inapropiado, la solicitud de actos sexuales, la solicitud de fotos de desnudos, súplicas para relaciones inapropiadas y comentarios sexuales. Más aún, la denuncia alega que Southwest Key no tomó suficientes medidas para prevenir el acoso sexual de los niños a su cuidado, no siguió sistemáticamente los requisitos federales para prevenir, detectar y declarar el abuso, lo que incluye el acoso sexual, no tomó las medidas adecuadas o suficientes para proteger a los niños a su cuidado y disuadió a los niños de divulgar el acoso sexual, en contra de los requisitos federales, a pesar de que ORR había emitido múltiples medidas correctivas a Southwest Key. La demanda del Departamento busca daños monetarios para compensar a los niños perjudicados por el supuesto acoso, una sanción civil para vindicar el interés público y una orden judicial que prohíba la discriminación futura y que requiera que Southwest Key tome las medidas adecuadas para prevenir dicho acoso en el futuro. Las personas que crean haber sido víctimas de acoso o abuso sexual en refugios de Southwest Key o que tienen otra información que puede ser relevante para este caso pueden comunicarse con la línea de consejos de discriminación de vivienda del Departamento de Justicia al 1-833-591-0291. Para español marque “2”; luego marque “2” para casos de acoso sexual; y marque “3” para el buzón de la demanda contra Southwest Key. Para inglés marque “1”; luego marque “2” para casos de acoso sexual; y marque “9” para el buzón de la demanda contra Southwest Key. También se puede enviar un correo electrónico al Departamento de Justicia a southwest.key@usdoj.gov o entregar un informe a través de nuestro portal en línea en civilrights.justice.gov/link/southwestkey . La Iniciativa contra el acoso sexual en la vivienda , del Departamento de Justicia, está dirigida por la División de Derechos Civiles, en coordinación con las Fiscalías Federales por todo el país. La iniciativa busca abordar y crear conciencia (solo en inglés) sobre el acoso sexual por parte de personas que tienen control sobre la vivienda. Desde el lanzamiento de la iniciativa en octubre del 2017, el Departamento ha entablado 43 demandas que alegan acoso sexual en vivienda y ha recuperado más de $17 millones para las víctimas de dicho acoso. La ley de Vivienda Justa prohíbe la discriminación en las viviendas por motivos de raza, color de piel, religión, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad o situación familiar. Hay más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles y las leyes que hace cumplir en su sitio web en https://www.justice.gov/es/crt .


title: Federal Air Marshal Admits Making False Statement to Federal Officer and Unauthorized Selling of I.D. Cards with Homeland Security Insignia

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A U.S. Air Marshal admitted selling “Law Enforcement Family Member” cards that were embossed with the insignia of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and making a false statement to a federal officer who was investigating an individual who possessed one of the cards, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Jonathan J. Ledesma, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court on July 17, 2024, to a two-count information that charged him with making false statements and selling official insignia without authorization. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From October 2021 through January 2023, Ledesma purchased cards that identified their bearers as being a “family member” of “Jonathan J. Ledesma,” a “Federal Officer.” These cards were each embossed with the apparent insignia of DHS as well as a QR code that was linked to Ledesma’s cellular phone. Though Ledesma was not authorized to sell the insignia of DHS, or any colorable imitation of the insignia, Ledesma then sold the cards to others. In July 2022, Ledesma sold a card to a person who was arrested on Jan. 30, 2023, while in possession of the card. A federal officer scanned the QR code and spoke with Ledesma, who indicated that he had provided the card to person because he was a friend and business associate of the person’s father. This statement was false because, as Ledesma well knew, he had never met or done business with person’s father. On Jan. 18, 2023, Ledesma sold a second card to another individual. Making a false statement is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The unauthorized sale of official insignia is punishable by a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the New York Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Luke Devlin; the Detroit Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John Pias; and the Detroit Field Office of the Transportation Security Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Phil Spampinato, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky for its assistance with this investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francesca Liquori and Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division. ledesma.information.pdf


title: Florida Man Charged with Fraudulently Selling Jewelry as Native-American Made

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Farinango Muenala, 45, Casselberry, Florida, with wire fraud, mail fraud, and misrepresenting Indian produced goods. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 26, 2024. “Prosecuting these types of fraud cases is part of our important work to support Tribal Nations,” said U.S. Timothy M. O’Shea. “The indictment announced today is not only about enforcing the law, but also about protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Native Americans.” “Jose Farinango’s false tribal affiliation cheated customers and impacted the economic and cultural livelihood of Native American artists,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Our dedicated team of special agents works on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to protect Native American and Alaska Native artists. Safeguarding Native American culture, traditions, and the consumers who purchase authentic Native American art are a critical part of these investigations. We want to thank our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice and the IACB for their ongoing assistance.” “The Indian Arts and Crafts Board administers and enforces the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a truth-in-marketing law,” said Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton. “The Act is intended to rid the Indian arts and crafts marketplace of fakes to protect the economic livelihoods and cultural heritage of Indian artists, craftspeople, and their Tribes, as well as the buying public. Authentic Indian art and craftwork is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, traditional knowledge, and artistic skills from one generation to the next. Those that market fake Indian art and craftwork, such as under Jose Farinango’s guise of from “the Pueblo Nation of New Mexico,” tear at the very fabric of Indian culture and livelihoods and prey upon unwitting consumers, and therefore must be held accountable." The indictment alleges that from December 3, 2015, to January 17, 2024, Farinango Muenala devised a scheme to defraud wherein he applied to art shows across the United States in order to sell jewelry. In those applications, and to attendees of art shows, Farinango Muenala falsely represented that he was Native American and made the jewelry he displayed for sale. In fact, Farinango Muenala was not Native American nor a member of an Indian tribe. For the purpose of executing this scheme, the indictment alleges that Farinango caused an email to be sent to the Mercer Chamber of Commerce on April 17, 2023. The indictment also alleges that for the same purpose, Farinango Muenala caused a check and an application to Loon Day 2024 to be delivered by U.S. mail to the Mercer Chamber of Commerce between October 29, 2023, and November 10, 2023. The indictment further alleges that on August 2, 2023, in the Western District of Wisconsin, Farinango Muenala knowingly offered and displayed for sale, jewelry in a manner that falsely suggested that the jewelry was Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe resident within the United States. The indictment was unsealed today after agents served Farinango Muenala with the indictment and a summons ordering him to appear for an initial appearance in the Western District of Wisconsin on July 30, 2024. If convicted, Farinango Muenala faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the wire and mail fraud charges. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison on the misrepresentation of Indian produced goods charge. The charges against Farinango Muenala were the result of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior Indian Arts and Craft Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus is handling the prosecution. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.


title: Eighteen MS-13 Members and Associates Sentenced for Ten Murders, Seven Attempted Murders, Kidnapping, Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

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

body_text: NASHVILLE – The last of 18 defendants in a multi-year investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement was sentenced to federal prison today, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. The investigation involved charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, obstruction of justice, and destruction of evidence. “This result sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the senseless violence and intimidation committed by MS-13 in our district,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “All gang members and associates should be on notice that this Office will use every means possible to investigate, prosecute, and seek lengthy federal prison sentences for those who terrorize our community. I cannot overstate the efforts by our prosecutors and law enforcement partners to bring these gang members to justice. Thanks to these efforts, both Nashville and those victimized are safer today with these criminals removed from our community, in some cases, for life.” “Today’s sentencing is another example of the ATF’s relentless commitment to reduce violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. “As evidenced by this case, the ATF will pursue individuals or groups who perpetuate violence and disrupt the lives of the citizens within our communities. The ATF will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs that bring fear and terror to our neighborhoods. We are committed to working around the clock to bring justice to violent criminals and remove them from our streets.” “This case should serve as warning to criminal gangs who terrorize our communities with violence and sow misery through drug trafficking; these activities will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodowich, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “MS-13 is an especially violent street gang… DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to rid these and other violent offenders from our communities and bring them to justice.” “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains vigilant in combating transnational gangs and holding criminals accountable for their egregious actions,” said Homeland Security Investigations Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. “These violent gangs’ brazen acts of violence terrorize the communities we serve and reflect a total disregard for human life.” “The safety of our communities is paramount, and TBI remains committed to pursuing, along with our law enforcement partners, these violent individuals that engage in dangerous and illegal activities,” said Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. "This gang-influenced violence in our city resulted in at least 10 murders and shocking crimes against several other persons," Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake said. "The relentless work of our Specialized Investigations and Homicide detectives, combined with the strong partnership of our federal and state law enforcement colleagues, has again sent a clear message that Nashville will not tolerate this criminality. Life and decades-long federal prison sentences speak volumes." According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, MS-13 is an international street gang composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or Central American descent. The defendants were members and associates of the local MS-13 clique, the Thompson Place Locos Salvatrucha (TPLS) clique, which has operated in Nashville since at least 2014. The MS-13 gang, through its local cliques, seeks to preserve and protect its power, territory, reputation and profits through murder, attempted murder, robbery, kidnappings, extortion and other criminal activities. To generate income, MS-13 gang members engaged in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including drug trafficking, robbery, extortion and other crimes. They would often steal vehicles to carry out these illegal activities. Funds generated by the illegal activity provided financial support to gang leaders, members, and associates, including individuals incarcerated in the United States and in El Salvador. Cooperation with law enforcement is strictly prohibited under MS-13’s rules. It is well understood within the gang that anyone who assists authorities will be punished with death. Members are also required to confront, fight, and/or kill rival gang members and to retaliate quickly and viciously against anyone who disrespects or threatens the gang’s authority, power, reputation or control of a neighborhood. By committing murders, prospective members gained entrance into MS-13 or earned respect among the members. In addition to numerous acts of drug distribution and firearms offenses, the MS-13 members and associates were also convicted of conspiring with each other and committing the following acts of violence: On April 6, 2016, MS-13 members and associates, including Jose Pineda-Caceres, murdered Victim 1 because they believed he was a rival gang member. They lured Victim 1 to a secluded field in a rural area of Davidson County, Tennessee, under the guise that they were going to smoke marijuana. When they arrived at the field, the gang members confronted Victim 1 about their belief that he was in a rival gang before shooting him multiple times. Victim 1 died in the field. On July 31, 2016, MS-13 members and associates, including Jose Pineda-Caceres, went to a party at a South Nashville nightclub. Victim 2 and his younger sister, Victim 3., were at this nightclub with friends celebrating Victim 3’s 18 th birthday. Pineda-Caceres saw Victim 2 and believed he was a rival gang member. When Victim 2 left the nightclub with his friends and Victim 3, Pineda-Caceres and another MS-13 associate chased Victim 2’s car on Interstate 24 and shot into his car. A bullet struck Victim 3 and killed her. Pineda-Caceres fled the United States after this murder, but he was arrested when he returned to the United States in November 2017. On November 13, 2016, MS-13 members and associates were at a South Nashville nightclub when they saw Victim 4 and believed he was a rival gang member. The MS-13 members and associates followed Victim 4 from the nightclub to his apartment in Antioch, Tennessee. An MS-13 member shot Victim 4 and then fled. Victim 4 died from his injuries. On or about January 18, 2017, MS-13 members and associates, including Jorge Flores, saw Victim 5 at a Wal-Mart in Antioch and believed he was responsible for a recent murder of an MS-13 member. The MS-13 members chased Victim 5 as he rode in a car with his girlfriend and her young children. The MS-13 members eventually cornered Victim 5’s car and shot into it, striking Victim 5 multiple times. In February 2017, MS-13 members and associates conspired to murder rival drug dealers, Victims 6 and 7. MS-13 members also conspired to murder another MS-13 member because he associated with Victims 6 and 7. On February 18, 2017, MS-13 members and associates chased the three victims in a car for miles and attempted to kill them by shooting at them. The gang members chased their victims to a South Nashville nightclub, shot at them, and continuously shot into the nightclub, which was filled with patrons. The following weekend, on February 25, 2017, MS-13 members and associates chased the victims again and shot Victim H.S. in the neck and torso causing Victim 6 to suffer life-threatening injuries. Metropolitan Nashville Police Department officers promptly provided medical care to Victim 6 and helped save his life. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, the MS-13 members committed several armed carjackings of citizens near the Nashville, Tennessee area. On April 2, 2017, MS-13 members and associates were inside a South Nashville nightclub when they saw Victims 8 and 9. The gang members informed another MS-13 member and associate who were not in the nightclub of the victims’ presence inside the nightclub and the gang members’ belief that the victims were rival gang members. The MS-13 member and associate outside of the nightclub retrieved an AK-47 rifle and shot Victims 8 and 9 multiple times when they left the club, killing them both. On May 21, 2017, MS-13 members, including Jorge Flores and Kevin Tidwell, were parked in the parking lot of a South Nashville nightclub when they saw Victim 10 pull into the parking lot. The gang members thought Victim 10 was a rival gang member. They drove next to his car and shot him numerous times in his head and torso as he sat in his car. Victim 10 died from his injuries. On May 27, 2017, MS-13 members were at a convenience store in South Nashville. Kevin Tidwell got into a verbal altercation with Victim 11 and felt disrespected. Tidwell entered a truck, driven by Jorge Flores, and waited behind the store until Victim 11 and Victim 12 drove away from the store. The MS-13 members chased the victims while shooting at them with an AK-47 rifle and a 9mm pistol. Victim 11 was struck by the gunfire and died from his injuries. The MS-13 members later burned the truck in an abandoned field. On June 17, 2017, several MS-13 members were at a nightclub and confronted Victim 13 for falsely claiming to be an MS-13 member. The gang members summoned additional members to the club for assistance. When the additional members arrived, a fight ensued between the MS-13 members and Victim 13 and his friends. Gerson Serrano-Ramirez ultimately retrieved an AK-47 rifle from a car and fired a round of ammunition into the air. The MS-13 members forced Victim 13 in a car and took him to a secluded location where they beat him. On July 25, 2017, Gerson Serrano-Ramirez physically assaulted Victim 14 when Victim 14 told the member that MS-13 members and their drug activities were causing problems in a local nightclub. Serrano-Ramirez accused Victim 14 of cooperating with law enforcement then pointed a rifle at Victim 14, choked him with the strap of a rifle, sprayed bleach in his eyes, suffocated him by placing a plastic bag over his head, and broke one of his fingers with a pair of pliers. On September 24, 2017, MS-13 members, including Luis Colindres, saw Victim 15 in a South Nashville nightclub and thought he was a rival gang member. MS-13 members watched Victim 15 leave the nightclub with two other individuals, then drove to Victim’s H.Z.’s apartment complex awaiting his return. When Victim 15 arrived, the gang members blocked the car with their car, got out, and shot Victim 15 in the head and torso multiple times, killing him. The members also killed one of the car’s passengers, Victim 16, by shooting him in the head and torso multiple times to prevent him from cooperating with law enforcement. Later that evening, on September 24, 2017, MS-13 members and associates, including Jorge Flores and Luis Colindres, lured Victim 17 to a secluded location to murder him for failing to repay a drug debt. When he arrived, they ordered him into the trunk of a car and shot him multiple times. They then drove Victim 17’s body to Cheatham County, Tennessee, where they burned him inside of the car’s trunk to destroy evidence of the murder. The defendants were convicted for a range of offenses, including racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, drug distribution, destruction of evidence, tampering with evidence, and numerous firearms offenses. The defendants were sentenced as follows: Jorge Flores, age 31, was sentenced to life plus 65 years in federal prison Kevin Tidwell, age 30, was sentenced to life plus 30 years in federal prison Luis Colindres, age 27, was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison Jose Pineda-Caceres, age 25, was sentenced to 52 years and three months in federal prison Gerson Serrano-Ramirez, age 36, was sentenced to 34 years in federal prison Carlos Ochoa-Martinez, age 34, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison Francisco Avila, age 26, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison Franklin Hernandez, age 24, was sentenced to 28 years and 11 months in federal prison Jason Sandoval, age 38, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison Oscar Delgado-Flores, age 30, was sentenced to 19 years and eight months in federal prison Angel Daniel-Garcia, age 38, was sentenced to 13 years and 9 months in federal prison Bryan Paredes, age 27, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Jose Calderon, age 24, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Hector Venturas, age 28, was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison Juan Melendez, age 25, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison Franklin Pineda-Caceres, age 23, was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months in federal prison Sergio Alvarado-Ochoa, age 30, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in federal prison Anabely Caceres, age 44, was sentenced to a time-served sentence of 1 year and 1 month Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Tennessee Denny King, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake, and Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The ATF, HSI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, LaVergne Police Department and Kentucky State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed Safeeullah and Brooke Farzad for the Middle District of Tennessee and Deputy Chief Matthew Hoff of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section prosecuted this case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF . # # # # #


title: Two Charged With Distribution Of Protonitazene, A Novel Synthetic Opioid More Potent Than Fentanyl

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging MIGUEL DE JESUS REYES MEDINA a/k/a “Azua,” and ERIK ALBERTO LOPEZ VALDEZ with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of protonitazene, a novel synthetic opioid that is up to three times more potent than fentanyl. REYES MEDINA and LOPEZ VALDEZ were arrested today. LOPEZ VALDEZ will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger, and REYES MEDINA will be presented before Judge Lehrburger tomorrow, July 19, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Miguel de Jesus Reyes Medina and Erik Alberto Lopez Valdez engaged in a scheme to sell dangerous narcotics to New Yorkers, including a novel, and potentially lethal, synthetic opioid. As part of that scheme, the defendants sold protonitazene, which, as alleged, is as much as three times more deadly than fentanyl. This prosecution underscores my Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the deadly opioid crisis, including from emergent synthetic opioids that pose even greater threats than fentanyl. We will not allow drug dealers to hide behind novel changes to the chemical structure of drugs to avoid prosecution.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: “Today’s arrests show the commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those poisoning our communities. As alleged, these individuals are not only responsible for the distribution of the lethal drug fentanyl, but the distribution of protonitazene, a novel synthetic opioid that is up to three times more potent than fentanyl. It is safe to say that the removal of these individuals, and the distribution of these illicit drugs from our streets, saved another family from having to bury their loved one. The DEA and members of our NYDETF remain committed to doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] In or about April 2024, REYES MEDINA agreed to sell fentanyl to a confidential source (the “Source”) working with law enforcement. REYES MEDINA negotiated the price and quantity of fentanyl to be provided, requesting $2,000 for 74 grams of fentanyl. On or about April 10, 2024, REYES MEDINA met with the Source and provided a 74-gram package of narcotics. During the meeting, REYES MEDINA emphasized that the narcotics were high quality and strong. Then, on or about April 16, 2024, REYES MEDINA arranged to have LOPEZ VALDEZ deliver a further 420-gram package of narcotics to the Source for the price of $12,250, which LOPEZ VALDEZ did. Following the arrest of REYES MEDINA and LOPEZ VALDEZ, laboratory testing determined that the packages of narcotics provided to the Source by REYES MEDINA and LOPEZ VALDEZ consisted of nearly 500 grams of protonitazene, a synthetic opioid that is up to three times more potent than fentanyl. * * * REYES MEDINA, 49, of Yonkers, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and two counts of distribution of protonitazene, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. LOPEZ VALDEZ, 38, of Camden, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of distribution of protonitazene, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police in connection with this investigation. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Kinder is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Gang Member Admits Racketeering Charge

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang admitted his role in a racketeering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Nygee Johnson, aka “Gito,” 25, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court on July 17, 2024, to a superseding indictment that charged him with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations conspiracy. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, Johnson was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a criminal enterprise responsible for acts of violence and the distribution of controlled substances in the District of New Jersey and elsewhere. While a member of the enterprise, Johnson conspired with others, including members and associates of the enterprise, to commit bank fraud and distribute controlled substances. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, as well as investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé; the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi; the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves; the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips investigation. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multiagency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Nasar of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit of the Criminal Division. johnson.sindictment.pdf


title: Four Individuals Indicted in Bribery Scheme to Eliminate Puerto Rico Department of Transportation Fines

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 17, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment charging Juan Carlos Cruz-Hernández, Verónica Forte-Roig, Nancy Báez-Flores, and Josselyn Figueroa-Rosario with participating in a bribery and wire fraud conspiracy and scheme to defraud the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP), announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Three of the defendants were arrested today and will have their initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Defendant Báez-Flores is pending arrest. According to court documents, defendants Nancy Báez-Flores and Josselyn Figueroa-Rosario were employees of DTOP assigned to work in the regional driver service centers (CESCO) located in Caguas and Carolina, Puerto Rico. Both were responsible for accessing driver and vehicle information, and among other things, possessed the ability to remove driver and vehicle fines. Defendants Juan Carlos Cruz-Hernández and Verónica Forte-Roig negotiated and made bribe payments to Nancy Báez-Flores and Josselyn Figueroa-Rosario in exchange for certain official acts, including accessing DTOP-CESCO information, obtaining duplicate documentation, and eliminating driver and vehicle fines. From November 2018 to October 2023, Nancy Báez-Flores received over $62,000 in bribe payments from Juan Carlos Cruz-Hernández and Verónica Forte-Roig. From April 2019 to June 2023, Josselyn Figueroa-Rosario received over $7,000 in bribe payments from Juan Carlos Cruz-Hernández and Verónica Forte-Roig. Many of the bribe payments were made directly to Báez-Flores and Figueroa-Rosario via ATH-Móvil. “The prosecution of public corruption offenses, at all levels of the government, remains a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The bribery of government employees corrodes the public’s trust in vital institutions and will not be tolerated. Not at the municipal, commonwealth, or federal level,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “This indictment and today’s arrests reflect another step in the continued focus of the United States Attorney’s Office to bring criminals who engage in illegal bribery schemes to justice.” “HSI is committed to investigate money laundering activities that pose a threat to our economy. It is imperative to prioritize any type of public corruption that facilitates crimes. These employees do not represent the dedicated employees of the government of Puerto Rico,” said Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan. “This investigation was made possible with the support of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation.” If convicted, a maximum penalty of five years in prison applies to a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, a maximum penalty of ten years in prison applies for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(2) and (a)(1)(B), and a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison applies for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, 1346, 1349. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: New Orleans Man with Felony Convictions Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Ammunition

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TEDDY NATHAN (“ NATHAN”) , age 25, and a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 16, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, NATHAN , armed with an AR-15 rifle loaded with over 25 rounds, entered a Central City daycare, where several small children lay sleeping. The staff managed to get him out of the building and called the police. NATHAN fled as the police approached but was quickly apprehended. The police found the AR-15 on the front seat of a vehicle by which NATHAN had been standing before he ran. Records checks revealed that NATHAN had an extensive criminal history, with felony convictions for aggravated assault with a firearm, purse snatching, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm. Judge Morgan sentenced NATHAN to 71 months imprisonment, and three years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment. Judge Morgan also ordered NATHAN to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.


title: Essex County Correctional Officer Admits Accepting Bribes to Smuggle Contraband into Prisoners at Essex County Correctional Facility

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A former Essex County correctional officer admitted accepting $14,000 in bribe payments to smuggle in contraband tobacco and a cell phone to inmates being detained at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Efrin Wade, 36, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court on July 17, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of extortion under color of official right. According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court today: In January 2023, Wade, who had served as a correctional officer at Essex County Correctional Facility (ECCF) from approximately February 2020 through March 2023, began communicating with an individual whom he believed was seeking to smuggle in contraband to inmates at ECCF for sale to other inmates. Unbeknownst to Wade, this individual was in reality an undercover FBI agent. Wade agreed to smuggle in tobacco and cell phones, both of which inmates at ECCF are forbidden to possess. On Feb. 1, 2023, Wade sent his associate, Yairisa Lizardo, to meet with the undercover agent in a parking lot in Bayonne, New Jersey. At the meeting, Lizardo accepted $10,000 in cash and a substantial quantity of tobacco for Wade to smuggle into ECCF. Over the subsequent weeks, Wade left this tobacco in concealed locations within ECCF believing it would be retrieved by inmates. However, law enforcement recovered these items after Wade relayed the concealed locations to the undercover agent. On Feb. 8, 2023, Wade met the undercover agent in a parking lot in Jersey City where Wade took possession of a cell phone concealed within tobacco. After smuggling this contraband into ECCF, law enforcement recovered it in a concealed location where Wade had left it for inmates to retrieve. On Feb.15, 2023, Wade met with the undercover agent in the same parking lot in Jersey City where Wade accepted an additional $4,000 for his smuggling activities. Wade also explained his plans to smuggle in an additional 15 contraband cell phones, which were to be supplied to him by the undercover agent. Wade expected to be paid at least $30,000 for smuggling these cell phones into ECCF in late March. Wade expected that the cell phones would then be resold to inmates for approximately $5,000 per phone. In addition, when approached by agents during his shift at ECCF during the early morning hours of March 14, 2003, Wade was found to be in possession of multiple packs of contraband cigarettes as well as tobacco packs and cigars. The extortion charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19, 2024. The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint in this matter, which was filed in March of 2023, remain pending as to codefendant Lizardo. Lizardo was charged along with Wade and the allegations in the criminal complaint are merely accusations as to her, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and investigators of the Internal Affairs Unit of the Essex County Department of Corrections, under the direction of Ronald Charles, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren of the Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark. wade.information.pdf


title: Essex County Convicted Felon Charged with Multiple Narcotics Distribution and Firearms Offenses

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man has been charged in connection with distributing cocaine, possessing distribution quantities of fentanyl and heroin, trafficking multiple firearms, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Kyrell Domnie, aka “Fly Ky,” 39, of Irvington, is charged by complaint with six counts of distributing, and possessing with intent to distribute, cocaine, one count of possessing with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, two counts of firearms trafficking, three counts of possessing a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court on July 17, 2024, and was detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In December 2023, law enforcement began investigating Domnie for his involvement in distributing narcotics and firearms trafficking. Law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of large quantities of cocaine from Domnie between January 2024 and April 2024, as well as controlled purchases of handguns on Jan. 30, 2024, and Feb. 19, 2024. During searches of two apartments and a vehicle belonging to Domnie, law enforcement recovered distribution quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine along with materials used to package, store, and transport the narcotics for distribution. Law enforcement also recovered an additional handgun in a hidden compartment in Domnie’s vehicle along with narcotics. Domnie faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the counts of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, controlled substances, and a fine of $1 million. On the counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and firearms trafficking, Domnie faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. On the count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Domnie faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, which must run consecutively to any other sentence Domnie receives, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; detectives of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Fritz G. Fragé; and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, under the direction of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, with the investigation leading to the charges. 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 government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. domnie.complaint.pdf


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WADE BATISTE (“ BATISTE”) , age 43, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 16, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Specifically, BATISTE was sentenced for possessing, with the intent to distribute, a quantity of marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(D) and being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court records, BATISTE was arrested at a second line parade in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans for possessing several bags of marijuana packaged for distribution, a handgun equipped with a 50 round drum magazine, another smaller backup handgun, a large knife, and another smaller knife. At the time of his arrest, BATISTE had an extensive criminal history with numerous felony convictions, that prohibited him from possessing guns. Judge Papillion sentenced BATISTE to 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and payment of a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.


title: Camden County Man Admits PPP and Unemployment Fraud Schemes

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County man today admitted to schemes to submit fraudulent Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and unemployment insurance applications, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Ralston Boswell, 34, of Collingswood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with two counts of wire fraud. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From March 2021 through April 2021, Boswell submitted three fraudulent PPP loan applications that falsely stated his employment and income. Based on the three fraudulent applications, Boswell received a total of $56,250 in PPP loan funds. From May 2020 through March 2021, Boswell submitted multiple fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, including applications to the New York Department of Labor, the Rhode Island Department of Labor, and the Michigan Department of Labor. The applications falsely stated the name and employment status of the application and Boswell received $152,961 in unemployment insurance. The counts of wire fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,00 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Camden office. boswell.information.pdf


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Major Drug Distribution Case

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 17, 2024, Ronald Harris, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford to a term of 100 months of imprisonment to be followed by a four-year term of supervised release. Harris previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl and heroin. According to court records, Harris played a trusted role within the drug trafficking conspiracy, traveling regularly between Philadelphia and Chittenden County, Vermont between October 2021 and January 2023 to transport drugs and money. At the time of his arrest in January 2023, law enforcement seized approximately $98,000.00 from Harris, over one kilogram of crack cocaine and over half a kilogram of heroin from an apartment in Essex Junction from which the conspiracy was operating. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaboration and investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the Burlington Police Department during the course of the lengthy investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles. Harris was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: DaVita to Pay Over $34M to Resolve Allegations of Illegal Kickbacks

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – DaVita Inc., headquartered in Denver, has agreed to pay $34,487,390 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to induce referrals to DaVita Rx, a former subsidiary that provided pharmacy services for dialysis patients, and by paying kickbacks to nephrologists and vascular access physicians to induce the referral of patients to DaVita’s dialysis centers. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits anyone from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration — which includes money or any other thing of value — to induce referrals of patients or of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded programs. The United States alleges that DaVita paid kickbacks to a competitor to induce referrals to DaVita Rx to serve as a “central fill pharmacy,” or prescription fulfillment provider, for that competitor’s Medicare patients’ prescriptions. In exchange, DaVita paid to acquire certain European dialysis clinics and agreed to extend a prior commitment to purchase dialysis products from the competitor. DaVita would not have paid the price that it did for these deals without the competitor’s commitment to refer its Medicare patients’ prescriptions to DaVita Rx in return. The United States further alleges that DaVita provided management services to vascular access centers owned by physicians in a position to refer patients to DaVita’s dialysis clinics. DaVita paid improper remuneration to these physician-owners in the form of uncollected management fees to induce referrals to DaVita’s dialysis centers. Finally, the United States alleges that DaVita paid improper remuneration to a large nephrology practice to induce referrals to DaVita’s dialysis clinics. DaVita gave the practice a right of refusal to staff the medical director position at any new dialysis center that opened near the nephrology practice and paid the practice $50,000 despite the practice’s decision not to staff the medical director position for those clinics. “Improper financial arrangements between Medicare providers can distort the healthcare marketplace,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable healthcare providers that seek to generate business by paying unlawful remuneration.” “Medicare patients should be able to trust their healthcare providers not to pay illegal kickbacks to induce referrals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “This resolution reflects the seriousness of the government’s determination to restore integrity to the healthcare marketplace.” “Illegal kickback payments corrupt the market for health care services and cause harm and financial loss to Medicare and other federally funded health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our ongoing enforcement efforts aim to safeguard the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, while curbing schemes that unduly influence patients' and doctors' health care options.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dennis Kogod, a former Chief Operating Officer of DaVita Kidney Care. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Kogod v. DaVita, Inc., et al ., No. 17-cv-02611-PAB (D. Colo.). Kogod will receive $6,370,000 of the proceeds from the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado with assistance from HHS-OIG. 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). Trial Attorney Gary Newkirk and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lila Bateman for the District of Colorado investigated the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Readout of Justice Department Officials Participation in UN High Level Political Forum to Highlight UN Sustainable Development Goal 16

component: Office for Access to Justice

body_text: This past week, Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer and Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice participated in the United Nations (UN) High Level Political Forum in New York as part of the official U.S. delegation to the Forum. The UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is a platform for the review of progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Goals of the Agenda at a global level. This year, the Forum focused on UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), among other goals. The Office for Access to Justice is mandated to assist the United States with the implementation of SDG 16, which focuses on establishing peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. On July 11, Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer delivered the United States National Statement on UN SDG 16 , where he highlighted the efforts of the United States to advance equal access to justice. During his time at the Forum, Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer met with a range of stakeholders to discuss cooperation on access to justice, including foreign officials and civil society organizations working to advance equality for all. On July 16, Director Rossi engaged in an informal listening session, convened by the Robert and Helen Bernstein Institute for Human Rights at New York University School of Law. The listening session provided a unique opportunity for Director Rossi to connect with community leaders in New York and hear their reflections on how the goals of SDG 16 relate to their vision of peace and justice. Organizations participating in the listening session were the Bernstein Institute for Human Rights at NYU Law, Jailhouse Lawyer Initiative, Common Justice organization, Hour Children, Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice, Cardozo Law School, Women Who NEVER Give Up, Center for Institutional and Social Change, Columbia Law School, Defying Legal Gravity, Paralegal Pathways Initiative, Columbia Law School, Bronx Defenders, and the Columbia Center for Justice CUNY Law, Formerly Incarcerated Law Student Association. Following the listening session, Director Rossi gave welcoming remarks for the official United States side event “Turning the Tide: Scaling SDG for the Future, Reinforcing Access to Justice, and Advancing Democracy.” This side event elevated the sustainable, resilient, innovative, and people-centered approaches that governments and stakeholders are employing to advance implementation of SDG 16. The Office for Access to Justice also hosted a convening to initiate discussions on how the office can best serve as a connector of cross-sector stakeholders to better advance access to justice through the implementation of SDG 16. Convening attendees, including cities, counties, systems impacted individuals, civil society organizations, and federal government partners, discussed how regular engagement going forward can assist to generate knowledge, ensure visibility across efforts, inspire action, and connect data to policy to advance equal access to justice for all. Director Rossi provided remarks for the session which shaped the role of the Office for Access to Justice and the intention of the office in support of SDG 16.3, to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure access to justice for all. Director Rossi also met with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers to discuss SDG 16 and legal empowerment in advancing human rights at the international level. Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer delivered the United States National Statement on UN SDG 16. Director Rossi giving welcoming remarks for the official United States side event Turning the Tide: Scaling SDG for the Future, Reinforcing Access to Justice, and Advancing Democracy. Director Rossi and participants of the informal listening session convened by the Robert and Helen Bernstein Institute for Human Rights at New York University School of Law. Director Rossi engaging participants in discussion at the Access to Justice and SDG 16: Building Together Towards the 2030 Agenda in the United States.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced to 80 Months for Drug and Weapons Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on July 17, 2024, GREGORY WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”) , age 31, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to 80 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to four counts of a seven-count superseding indictment. In Count 4 of the superseding indictment, WILLIAMS was charged with possession, with the intent to distribute, a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D). In Count 5, WILLIAMS was charged with possessing a firearm, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). In Count 6, WILLIAMS was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Finally, in Count 7, WILLIAMS was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court records, on February 10, 2022, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (“JPSO”) conducted a narcotics investigation at an apartment complex in Metairie, LA. Based on their observations, officers stopped a vehicle in the parking lot. During that stop, several individuals present in the lot, one of whom was WILLIAMS , fled from law enforcement. After identifying WILLIAMS as the front-seat passenger of a Dodge Charger that was also present in the lot, JPSO officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. During the search, officers located a firearm and narcotics in the front passenger seat, as well as documentation linked to WILLIAMS . Later, on October 1, 2022, officers saw WILLIAMS with two firearms outside of a residence on Clio Street in New Orleans. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.


component: Civil Division

body_text: DaVita Inc., headquartered in Denver, Colorado, has agreed to pay $34,487,390 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to induce referrals to DaVita Rx, a former subsidiary that provided pharmacy services for dialysis patients, and by paying kickbacks to nephrologists and vascular access physicians to induce the referral of patients to DaVita’s dialysis centers. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits anyone from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration — which includes money or any other thing of value — to induce referrals of patients or of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded programs. The United States alleges that DaVita paid kickbacks to a competitor to induce referrals to DaVita Rx to serve as a “central fill pharmacy,” or prescription fulfillment provider, for that competitor’s Medicare patients’ prescriptions. In exchange, DaVita paid to acquire certain European dialysis clinics and agreed to extend a prior commitment to purchase dialysis products from the competitor. DaVita would not have paid the price that it did for these deals without the competitor’s commitment to refer its Medicare patients’ prescriptions to DaVita Rx in return. The United States further alleges that DaVita provided management services to vascular access centers owned by physicians in a position to refer patients to DaVita’s dialysis clinics. DaVita paid improper remuneration to these physician-owners in the form of uncollected management fees to induce referrals to DaVita’s dialysis centers. Finally, the United States alleges that DaVita paid improper remuneration to a large nephrology practice to induce referrals to DaVita’s dialysis clinics. DaVita gave the practice a right of refusal to staff the medical director position at any new dialysis center that opened near the nephrology practice and paid the practice $50,000 despite the practice’s decision not to staff the medical director position for those clinics. “Improper financial arrangements between Medicare providers can distort the healthcare marketplace,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable healthcare providers that seek to generate business by paying unlawful remuneration.” “Medicare patients should be able to trust their healthcare providers not to pay illegal kickbacks to induce referrals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “This resolution reflects the seriousness of the government’s determination to restore integrity to the healthcare marketplace.” “Illegal kickback payments corrupt the market for health care services and cause harm and financial loss to Medicare and other federally funded health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our ongoing enforcement efforts aim to safeguard the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, while curbing schemes that unduly influence patients' and doctors' health care options.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dennis Kogod, a former Chief Operating Officer of DaVita Kidney Care. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Kogod v. DaVita, Inc., et al ., No. 17-cv-02611-PAB (D. Colo.). Kogod will receive $6,370,000 of the proceeds from the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado with assistance from HHS-OIG. 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). Trial Attorney Gary Newkirk of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lila Bateman for the District of Colorado handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. Settlement