title: Bronx Man Guilty of Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Offenses

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found LEONARDO HECTOR ROSADO, 52, of the Bronx, New York, guilty of fentanyl and cocaine distribution offenses. The trial before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson began on February17 and the jury returned verdicts of guilty on all counts of a three-count superseding indictment this morning. According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department coordinated the acquisition of a kilogram of heroin from Rosado. On April 13, 2021, Rosado drove from the Bronx to a meeting location in Bridgeport where he provided a cooperating witness with nearly a kilogram of a substance containing fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, and another small bag containing more than four grams of fentanyl. Investigators arranged another narcotics transaction and, on May 16, 2021, arrested Rosado after he drove to a location in Bridgeport with nearly three kilograms of a substance containing fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, and an additional 983 grams of cocaine. The jury found Rosado guilty of two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for May 18, at which time Rosado faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Rosado has been detained since his arrest. This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Daniel E. Cummings.


title: Busby man admits strangling woman

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: BILLINGS — A Busby man today admitted to strangling a woman while both were in a vehicle on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Tysawn Dantae Pine, 24, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with strangulation. Pine faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Pine was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that Pine and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, had been in a dating relationship. On April 9, 2022, Jane Doe was asleep when she heard knocking. Pine had left the evening before and had been drinking and using methamphetamine. Pine forced himself into the house and then told Jane Doe they were going to his grandmother’s house. They got into a car and Jane Doe started to drive. Pine refused to get out of the car when they arrived at his grandmother’s house. The two argued inside the vehicle, and Pine began assaulting and strangling Jane Doe. Later that day, Jane Doe was examined for injuries at the emergency room. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs. XXX


title: Lowell Money Manager Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Prison for Defrauding Clients of Millions of Dollars

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for engaging in a scheme to defraud his clients of millions of dollars. Steven Xigoros, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 109 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Xigoros was also ordered to pay $4,754,184 in restitution to individual victims and the Internal Revenue Service and forfeiture in the amount of $4,321,106. In October 2022, Xigoros pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of filing a false tax return. Between 2015 and 2021, Xigoros used his position as an accountant, tax preparer and investment advisor to misappropriate millions of dollars from his clients. He induced clients to entrust their money to him to make various investments, to purchase securities, and to lend him money for purported business ventures. Xigoros then used those funds for his own expenses, including to make payments against his gambling debts. In order to deceive his clients about the fact that he had stolen their money, Xigoros made a series of false statements about how their money was purportedly invested and when he would repay it. In total, Xigoros defrauded his clients of more than $4.3 million, including the entire life savings of one elderly couple, who gave more than $1.3 million to him to make investments on their behalf. By failing to report the misappropriated funds as income, Xigoros also failed to pay taxes due and owing of more than $1 million to the Internal Revenue Service. “For more than five years, Mr. Xigoros used his position to steal millions of dollars from his trusting clients. His victims saw him as a reliable, safe investment advisor – he had years of professional experience and many of the victims’ trust as a fellow member of their close-knit Greek community. Eventually, as his gambling debts grew, Mr. Xigoros chose to abuse this trust and rob his clients of more than $4.3 million,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The financial hardship, trauma and shame inflicted as a result of Mr. Xigoros’ fraud cannot be overstated. In some circumstance it may last a lifetime and have generational impacts. He callously exploited vulnerable victims out of their hard-earned life savings and went to great lengths to conceal his theft. It is my hope that today’s sentence brings a sense of closure and accountability to those impacted by Mr. Xigoros’ egregious, shameful and criminal conduct.” “Steven Xigoros stole millions from his long-time clients, betraying their trust, and cheating taxpayers, primarily to pay off his gambling debts,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Equally troubling is that he took advantage of some of those closest to him, including wiping out an elderly couple’s entire life savings. The FBI had to re-arrest Xigoros as he tried to flee the country to avoid prosecution. Today’s sentence ensures he will have plenty of time behind bars to reflect on his criminal conduct.” “The defendant knowingly exposed individuals’ finances, their life savings in some cases, to sham investments and shady business ventures, creating financial devastation that will unfortunately last a lifetime for many,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston. “Today's sentencing demonstrates that federal law enforcement collaboration is a powerful tool in thwarting criminal behavior and IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to bring our forensic accounting skills to this joint venture and help put a stop to this and other types of white collar crime.” While on pre-trial release, Xigoros was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport, boarding a flight to Greece in an attempt to flee approximately two months before he was set to stand trial. U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, and IRS SAC Simpson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Wright and David Holcomb of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Man Who Supplied Heroin to Waterbury Drug Ring Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS NIEVES, also known as “Pop,” 39, formerly of Waterbury, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for supplying heroin to a member of a Waterbury-area drug trafficking ring. According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area, and was believed to be headed by Zachary Lee Foster, who worked closely with Jason Metz of Naugatuck. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. The investigation revealed that Nieves supplied Metz with pre-packaged heroin that Metz redistributed to others. On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Nieves, Foster, Metz and 14 others. Nieves, Foster, Metz, and several associates were arrested on March 3, 2021. In association with these arrests, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of suspected heroin, 350 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms. Nieves has been detained since his arrest. On April 26, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Foster and Metz also pleaded guilty. On June 8, 2022, Metz was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. Foster awaits sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Brendan Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.


title: New Bedford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Fentanyl Intended for Distribution

body_text: BOSTON – A New Bedford man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine for distribution. Ramon Serrano, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In September 2022, Serrano pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. In February 2019, parole officers visited Serrano’s apartment while he was on probation for a heroin trafficking conviction. Inside the residence, officers observed a large amount of cash in plain view, a large bag a marijuana in a bedroom drawer and an open backpack that contained a large quantity of brown and white powder. During a subsequent search, over 544 grams of fentanyl and heroin as well as over 206 grams of cocaine – divided into separate plastic bags for distribution – were seized from Serrano’s apartment. Approximately $27,000, digital scales, cellular telephones and a money counter were also recovered. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig Estes and Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Kentucky Man Charged with Running Cocaine Distribution Operation

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky, man made an initial appearance in federal court Wednesday after being indicted for drug conspiracy and related charges, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Melvin Dontreele Brown, 30, was arrested Tuesday in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Law enforcement executed search warrants at four different locations there associated with Brown and on multiple bank accounts. Initial items recovered include approximately $100,000 in cash, $164,000 from bank accounts, marijuana, fentanyl, and a firearm. Brown is charged with one count of drug conspiracy; two counts of laundering of monetary instruments ; and 14 counts of use of a communication facility in committing, causing and facilitating the commission of a drug trafficking felony. Brown is accused of conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to the indictment, Brown and his coconspirators allegedly distributed bulk quantities of cocaine in the Hopkinsville and Tulsa areas from July 2020 to May 2021 . The cocaine was allegedly imported from Mexico and transported by couriers in vehicles to Oklahoma and to Brown in Kentucky. The conspirators regularly used cellphones and coded phrases to coordinate their drug transactions. Examples of coded language included “ceiling paint” which referenced cocaine and “paper” which referenced currency used as payment for cocaine deliveries. The conspirators received bulk quantities of currency as payment for cocaine deliveries and conducted financial transactions using banks in the Northern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere. Brown is charged in the indictment with making two financial transactions designed to conceal the nature and origin of the illicit proceeds. Brown made an initial appearance in the Western District of Kentucky (Paducah) Wednesday and is scheduled for a detention hearing there Friday at 10 am. The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas and Louisville Divisions and the Tulsa and Hopkinsville Police Departments are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Lafayette Man Sentenced for Possessing Stolen Firearm

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

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – Bernell George , 39, of Lafayette, Louisiana , was sentenced today for possession of a stolen firearm, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced George to 115 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. George pleaded guilty November 10, 2022, to a bill of information charging him with one count of possession of a stolen firearm. The charge stems from an incident on September 20, 2017, when George was found in possession of 15.7 grams of marijuana, a hand rolled cigarette containing marijuana, and a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun with 11 rounds of ammunition in the magazine. Through their investigation, law enforcement officers learned that the firearm was stolen out of Iberia Parish. George admitted to possessing the marijuana and buying the stolen firearm off the street. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lafayette Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel. # # #


title: Bulk Fentanyl Trafficker Is Convicted Of Drug And Gun Charges

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: STATESVILLE, N.C. – A federal jury in Statesville returned a guilty verdict today against Jermaine Douglas Grandy for trafficking fentanyl and illegal possession of firearms, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Grandy, 41, of Lenoir, N.C., was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Robert Schurmeier, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and Sheriff Alan C. Jones of the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to filed court documents, evidence presented at trial and witness testimony, between December 2020 and February 2021, Grandy conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in Caldwell County and surrounding areas. Trial evidence established that Grandy obtained the drugs from a supply source in Arizona, and frequently made trips there to purchase fentanyl pills in bulk quantities. The evidence further established that on February 14, 2021, as Grandy was returning to North Carolina from a trip to Arizona, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Grandy’s vehicle in Granite Falls, N.C. Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement located inside the vehicle three loaded 9mm pistols, and approximately 34,221 pills wrapped in fourteen bundles concealed in the air vent under the hood of the car. Later the same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence associated with Grandy, from which they seized a money counter, two digital scales, and other items consistent with the packaging and distribution of narcotics. Law enforcement also seized 29 illegal firearms, including semi-automatic rifles and handguns, ammunition, and approximately 79 magazines. Grandy is currently in federal custody. The drug conspiracy and the possession with intent to distribute charges each carry a minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum penalty of five years to be served consecutively with any other term imposed, and the possession of a firearm by a felon charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date for Grandy has not been set. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the ATF, the SBI, and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case and thanked the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Hickory Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.


title: Cherokee, N.C. Man Is Sentenced To 15 Years For Sexual Contact With A Minor

body_text: ASHEVILE, N.C. –David Green Edwards, 32, of Cherokee, N.C. was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for two counts of sexual contact with a minor occurring in 2014 in Indian Country, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Michael C. Scherck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Carla Neadeau of the Cherokee Indian Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to filed court documents, in 2019, the child victim disclosed the sexual abuse dating back to 2014, when the victim would have been approximately five years old. Both the child and Edwards are enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. According to information filed with the court, the child victim disclosed that, on at least two different instances, Edwards touched inappropriately the victim’s private area with his hand and genitalia. Information presented in court showed that Edwards was interviewed multiple times by law enforcement and denied sexually abusing the child, however he did admit that he wished the victim was closer to his age. Edwards is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. When released he will be required to register as a sex offender. In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee Indian Police Department, for their investigation of the case and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison on Drug Charges

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced an Anniston man and convicted felon for distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Camerin Neshun Thomas aka “Killer Cam,” 29, to 18 years in prison. Thomas pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine in November 2022. Court documents showed that Thomas was also previously convicted in Calhoun County Circuit Court of Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute. According to the plea agreement, in June 2022, the 7 th Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Unit Investigator and a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Task Force officer coordinated two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Thomas. On June 1, 2022, Thomas sold 68.45 grams of pure methamphetamine from a residence on McCoy Avenue in Anniston. On June 21, 2022, Thomas sold a total of four ounces of pure methamphetamine from two separate locations in Anniston. This investigation is an operation of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation “Lengua Doble.” OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the centerpiece of the Attorney General’s strategy to combat transnational-organized-crime and to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the nation by using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to enforcement. OCDETF leverages the resources and expertise of its partners in concentrated, coordinated, long-term enterprise investigations of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and major drug trafficking networks. ATF and DEA investigated the case along with the 7 th Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Garnett prosecuted the case.


title: Felon admits illegal possession of firearm after offering to sell pistol, illegal switches for firearm conversion

body_text: BILLINGS — A California man suspected of offering to sell an undercover agent a pistol and switches used to convert firearms from semiautomatic to fully automatic admitted to a firearm charge today, U. S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Drew Parker Seymour, 24, of Banning, California, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Seymour faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Seymour was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that Seymour has a felony conviction in California for illegally possessing a firearm. In March 2022 in Billings, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned that a person online offered to sell an individual illegal Glock switches, which are used to convert firearms from semiautomatic to fully automatic. The seller was later identified as Seymour. An undercover agent began communicating with Seymour, who offered to sell the agent Glock switches and a .45 caliber pistol. Seymour sent pictures of both. Seymour later withdrew his offer to sell the Glock switches. The undercover agent agreed to meet Seymour to buy the pistol. Earlier that day, before the meeting occurred, drug task force agents detained Seymour and his girlfriend at a U.S. Post Office in Billings as the couple was attempting to pick up a package of fentanyl. Law enforcement searched the couple’s motel room and located a .45-caliber, semiautomatic pistol hidden under a mattress. The pistol looked to be identical to the firearm in the pictures Seymour had sent, and Seymour’s fingerprint was recovered on the magazine of the gun. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, U.S. Postal Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. 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. XXX


title: Alleged ‘SIM Swapper’ Charged with Hacking into Instagram Influencers’ Accounts to Get Money and Sexually Explicit Video Chats

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Downtown Los Angeles man was charged today in a six-count federal grand jury indictment for allegedly defrauding female social media influencers, including by engaging in “SIM swapping” to hijack their Instagram accounts and obtain money from them and engage in sexually explicit video chats with him. Amir Hossein Golshan, 24, is charged with two counts of wire fraud, one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information, one count of accessing a computer to defraud and obtain value, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of threatening to damage a protected computer. Golshan has been in federal custody since his arrest on a criminal complaint in this case on February 2. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday morning in United States District Court. A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a small, portable memory chip card that stores a cellphone user’s information and is used to authenticate cellphone subscribers. “SIM swapping” is the process of fraudulently inducing a carrier to reassign a cellphone number from the legitimate subscriber or user’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by another without the legitimate subscriber or user’s authorization. According to the indictment and other court documents, from April 2019 to February 2023, Golshan schemed to defraud female social media influencers, models, and their friends on social media. Golshan allegedly accomplished his scheme by targeting social media influencers and causing the victims’ cell phone numbers to be SIM swapped. He allegedly did this by deceiving the victims’ phone carriers into transporting the victims’ cellphone number to a Golshan-controlled cellphone. Golshan then reset the password and codes for the victims’ social media accounts and caused them to be sent to a device he controlled, the indictment alleges. Golshan then allegedly logged into the victims’ social media accounts, impersonated them to their online friends, and requested that the victims’ online friends send him money. Other times, Golshan allegedly extorted the victims for money and sexually explicit chats to return the victims’ social media accounts. For example, in December 2021, a Los Angeles-based model and social media influencer identified in court documents as “Victim 1” received a direct message on Instagram from the account owned by one of her friends, stating, “Can you do me a favor? What’s your number?” Victim 1 provided her phone number to the person whom she believed was her friend. Four hours later, Victim 1 noticed that her phone was no longer connecting to her cellphone network. She then received an email from her cellphone carrier stating that her account had been changed from her personal iPhone to a different iPhone that she did not recognize. It took Victim 1 approximately two hours to regain control of her cellphone and she was unable to log into her Instagram account for one day because her password had been changed. During that time, Golshan allegedly hacked into Victim 1’s Instagram account, posed as Victim 1 and requested cellphone numbers and money from Victim’s friends, collecting approximately $15,000 in illicit gains in the process. In another incident, Golshan allegedly SIM swapped another victim – identified in court papers as “Victim 3.” He allegedly took control of her Instagram account, changed its password, and demanded $5,000 from her. Golshan allegedly later told the victim that he would return her Instagram account to her if she initiated a video call and stripped for him. Other times, Golshan allegedly engaged in other fraudulent schemes on social media. For example, Golshan lied to other Instagram users claiming that he could provide verified user badges on Instagram for a fee, the indictment states. Golshan allegedly then charged the victims hundreds of dollars each for verified badges, knowing that he could not provide the verified badges he purported to sell. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of all charges, Golshan would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, up to five years in federal prison for each computer hacking-related count, and a mandatory two-year prison sentence for the aggravated identity theft count. The FBI is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew M. Roach of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Portland Fentanyl Dealer Charged in Federal Court

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A local man caught dealing counterfeit prescription pills and powdered fentanyl in downtown Portland was charged today in federal court. Yexon Efrain Mendez-Zuniga, 19, of Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, on February 22, 2023, officers from the Portland Police Bureau were conducting surveillance in downtown Portland where numerous open-air drug transactions had been observed and reported. At approximately 10:40am, a PPB officer observed Mendez-Zuniga conduct a suspected hand-to-hand drug transaction near the intersection of SW 4 th Avenue and SW Washington Street. Within a matter of minutes, officers observed Mendez-Zuniga conduct several additional transactions. They also observed Mendez-Zuniga using a handheld radio, appearing to communicate with other accomplices in the area. Shortly thereafter, two officers approached Mendez-Zuniga near Director’s Park on SW Yamhill Street and directed him to stop. Mendez-Zuniga initially ran from the officers, but was soon arrested without incident. The officers searched Mendez-Zuniga’s person and located two clear baggies containing approximately 250 blue M30 pills and a chunk of suspected fentanyl powder, a loaded 9mm handgun, and a large fold of cash. In an interview with officers, Mendez-Zuniga claimed he started dealing drugs one week prior to earn more money than he did in his previous job as a roofer. He admitted to selling approximately 300 M30 pills daily for $2 a piece and small quantities of powdered fentanyl he would pinch off a larger piece he had purchased from another dealer. He further told officers that he possessed the firearm for his own protection while dealing drugs. Investigators estimate Mendez-Zuniga has sold as many as 2,100 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl in Portland in the last week. Mendez-Zuniga is expected to make his first appearance in federal court this week. This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit (NOC) and Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Two Individuals and a Healthcare Management Company Indicted for  Bankruptcy Fraud, Money Laundering, PPP Fraud, and Bank Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Ivelisse Rivera-Padilla and Carla Carrillo-Torres, and the company VIP Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (“VIP Healthcare”) were indicted by a federal Grand Jury in relation to bankruptcy fraud, a money laundering scheme, PPP fraud, and bank fraud announced W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Ivelisse Rivera-Padilla, the President of VIP Healthcare, was indicted in a bankruptcy fraud scheme for making materially false representations from March 2017 to May 2022 in order to defraud during her bankruptcy proceeding, In re: Ivelisse Rivera Padilla, Case No. 17-01782, all in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 157. Additionally, she is charged with 10 counts of concealment of assets during her bankruptcy proceedings in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 152(1), and 3 counts of making false statements in relation to such bankruptcy proceedings, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 152(3). The indictment alleges that during the bankruptcy proceedings, Ivelisse Rivera-Padilla concealed property and income and failed to disclose to the trustee charged with control of the debtor’s property and from the creditors and the United States Trustee all of the bankruptcy estate during the course of her bankruptcy proceedings, including, but not limited to the creation, operation, ownership, and control of VIP Healthcare. On or about June 23, 2017, Rivera-Padilla incorporated VIP Healthcare, and on or about June 30, 2017, signed a contract between VIP Healthcare and the Municipality of Cataño to manage and administer the “Job Andujar” Diagnostic and Treatment Center. The contract awarded VIP Healthcare $1,134,000.00 paid via monthly installments of $189,000.00. Between 2017 and 2022, additional contracts were executed between VIP Healthcare and the Municipality of Cataño in excess of $9,000,000.00. Rivera-Padilla accessed, controlled, and used over $1,000,000.00 of these proceeds from VIP Healthcare’s bank accounts for her personal use and benefit without disclosing such income during her bankruptcy proceedings. The indictment further alleges that Rivera-Padilla concealed the purchase of an apartment located at Condominium Golf & Playa, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, for $270,000.00, and a 2,159.5152 square-meter plot of land located at Rainforest and Sea View Resort in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, for $275,000.00. Rivera-Padilla also concealed the creation and interest in another corporate entity known as Farmacia Libertad, as well as income from a rental property business through AirBnB. Defendants Rivera-Padilla, Carrillo-Torres, and VIP Healthcare are facing 28 counts of money laundering based on individual transactions made using funds concealed during the bankruptcy proceedings. These transactions were made to purchase multiple properties and real estate for Rivera-Padilla and Carrillo-Torres. Additionally, Carrillo-Torres and VIP Healthcare are charged with making false statements in relation to a $249,755.35 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. If convicted, Carla Carrillo-Torres may be sentenced to a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of $1,000,000.00 for violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1014 and 1344 (Bank Fraud). For each count of money laundering under 18 U.S.C § 1957, Rivera-Padilla and Carrillo-Torres face up to 10 years of imprisonment. In addition, Rivera-Padilla also faces up to 5 years of imprisonment for each count under 18 U.S.C §§157 and 152 (Bankruptcy Fraud). VIP Healthcare faces monetary fines, among other penalties, for each count of conviction. “The defendants used bankruptcy proceedings to defraud the United States Trustee Program and creditors. They also illegally used COVID relief funds to benefit themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains vigilant in the effort to enforce bankruptcy laws and punish those who illegally diverted and used critical COVID funds for their own personal gain.” “Together with U.S. Attorney Muldrow and our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue fraud and abuse in bankruptcy cases,” stated Mary Ida Townson, U.S. Trustee for Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands (Region 21). “I am thankful for the appointment by the U.S. Attorney of two Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from our San Juan office for the prosecution of those who engage in fraudulent conduct in bankruptcy cases.” The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. “During the regular course of an investigation, the FBI gives individuals involved in criminal activity, numerous opportunities to do the right thing. Such was the case with these two subjects,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “The FBI message has been clear from day one. Come to us before we come to you. We are committed to investigating every violation to its last consequence.” This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney José Capó Iriarte and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney José C. Díaz Vega from the Office of the U.S. Trustee. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is a continuation of the investigation involving municipal contracts awarded in the Municipality of Cataño, which has resulted in the conviction of multiple contractors and public officials. See United States v. Félix Delgado-Montalvo , 21-463 (RAM); United States v. Oscar Santamaria-Torres , 21-464 (RAM); and United States v. Raymond Rodríguez , 21-465 (RAM); United States v. Pedro Marrero-Miranda, 22-251 (RAM); United States v. Mario Villegas-Vargas , 21-468(FAB); and United States v. Jose Bou-Santiago , 22-379(ADC). 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: Former Pharma Executive And Cousin Charged With Insider Trading Of Kodak Stock

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging JAMES ANDREW STILES, a/k/a “Andrew Stiles,” and EDWARD GRAY STILES, a/k/a “Gray Stiles,” with multiple counts of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit both wire fraud and securities fraud in connection with a scheme to commit insider trading based on misappropriated information about potential government loans to be made to the Eastman Kodak Company to finance the production of COVID-19-releated pharmaceutical components. ANDREW STILES was arrested this morning in South Carolina, and GRAY STILES was arrested this morning in Virginia. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “By stealing confidential business information, Andrew Stiles allegedly betrayed the trust and confidence of his employer — a pharmaceutical company working to help the public at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — and schemed with his cousin, Gray Stiles, to collectively make more than a million dollars of illegal profits. Today’s arrests show that this Office will continue to prosecute those who seek to profit at the expense of the integrity and fairness of our financial markets.” FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, the defendants are the latest examples of criminal actors relying on material non-public information to trade securities for their own profit. When individuals motivated by greed illegally tip the scales in their favor, public confidence in the integrity of our financial markets is eroded. Investigating and holding accountable the perpetrators of these schemes remains a priority for the FBI.” According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court: [1] Between June and July 2020, ANDREW STILES conducted an insider trading scheme in which he misappropriated material, non-public information (“MNPI”) and used it to trade in the stock of the Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak”) and further provided that MNPI to his cousin, GRAY STILES, so that GRAY would likewise trade on the MNPI. During that time, ANDREW STILES was an executive at a company (“Company-1”) that was working with Kodak to collaborate on the production of chemicals for pharmaceutical manufacturing in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Company-1 was also assisting Kodak in its application for a significant government loan, which ultimately resulted in the news, on July 27, 2020, of a government “letter of interest” to provide Kodak with a loan of $765 million (the “LOI”). In the following days, Kodak stock rose substantially, at one point increasing to more than 2,500% above the closing price prior to the news of the LOI. During June and July 2020, ANDREW STILES was kept apprised of Kodak’s efforts to obtain the government loan, and he both traded using that non-public information and passed that information to GRAY STILES. For example, on July 9, 2020, when Kodak had applied for a loan in the amount of $655 million, ANDREW STILES and GRAY STILES exchanged the following coded text messages: GRAY: Any update on the film we sent off a few weeks ago to get developed ANDREW: 600+. Maybe 2 weeks out GRAY: I can live with that hahaha Between June 2020, after ANDREW STILES learned about the potential loan to Kodak, and July 27, 2020, the date the LOI was first publicized, ANDREW STILES purchased more than 90,000 shares of Kodak stock, including multiple purchases the day before the LOI was scheduled to be announced. GRAY STILES purchased more than 30,000 shares, more than half of which were purchased the day prior to the scheduled announcement of the LOI. In fact, on July 27, 2020, ANDREW STILES texted GRAY STILES, “Tmw,” indicating the expected date of the announcement. Less than one minute later, GRAY STILES responded, “Hot damn.” Following that exchange, and before the news was announced, ANDREW and GRAY STILES each purchased more than 10,000 additional shares. ANDREW and GRAY STILES each sold the entirety of their shares in the days and weeks after the announcement. ANDREW STILES realized profits of more than $500,000; GRAY STILES realized profits of more than $700,000. * * * ANDREW STILES, 37, of South Carolina, and GRAY STILES, 37, of Virginia, are each charged with three counts of securities fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties 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 FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Rossmiller, Nicolas Roos, and Allison Nichols are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Eight Members Of Bronx Gangs “Sev Side” And “Third Side” Charged With Murder, Racketeering, And Related Violent Offenses

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging KEVIN PEREZ, a/k/a “Kay Flock,” a/k/a “Kay,” a/k/a “KK,” DEVON MASON, a/k/a “BJ,” ERVIN BEAMON, a/k/a “EJ,” NICHOLAS JOHNSON, a/k/a “Nick,” SEAN SMITH, a/k/a “Sticky,” and JOSSI CASTRO, a/k/a “Jesse,” with racketeering conspiracy and other crimes related to their membership in “Sev Side,” or “DOA,” a street gang based in the Bronx, New York. On January 26, 2023, a Superseding Indictment was unsealed charging ISZAYAH ROWSON, a/k/a “Zay Munna,” a/k/a “Zay,” and MICHAEL GANT, a/k/a “AP,” with racketeering conspiracy and other crimes related to their membership in “Third Side,” a street gang also based in the Bronx, New York, that was closely affiliated with Sev Side. PEREZ was also charged with the gang-related murder of Hwascar Hernandez, who was shot to death on December 16, 2021, in the Hamilton Heights section of Upper Manhattan. PEREZ, MASON, BEAMON, JOHNSON, ROWSON, and GANT were further charged with multiple other violent crimes in connection with the Sev Side and Third Side gangs, including attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon arising from seven shootings committed in the Bronx between June 2020 and February 2022. The Sev Side Indictment is assigned to United States District Judge Lewis J. Liman. The Third Side Indictment is assigned to United States District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. ROWSON and GANT are currently in federal custody in connection with the charges contained in the Third Side Superseding Indictment. MASON, JOHNSON, and CASTRO were arrested this morning in the Bronx and are expected to be presented later today before Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo. PEREZ, who was in state custody, has been transferred to federal custody and is also expected to be presented later today. SMITH and BEAMON are fugitives. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Over a span of several years, the members of these gangs allegedly terrorized neighborhoods in the Bronx and Manhattan by killing and shooting other people. Through these charges, we will hold Sev Side and Third Side members responsible for plaguing our communities with gun violence.” NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “The deadly nexus of gangs and illegal guns in New York City is a grave threat to public safety in our city. Combatting this crisis is the NYPD’s top priority, and today’s indictments are another step toward ridding our streets of violence and fear. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and everyone else involved with this case who worked to make our city safer for all the people we serve.” According to the allegations in the Sev Side Indictment and the Third Side Superseding Indictment and statements previously made on the record in this case and related matters: [1] From at least 2019 to 2022, members of Sev Side and Third Side, two street gangs based in the 48 th Precinct in the Bronx, New York, aligned with one another to terrorize their own and surrounding neighborhoods by committing indiscriminate shootings against members of rival street gangs. Members of the gangs also promoted the gangs and gun violence on social media and through music they created and promoted, which referenced real acts of violence. For years, Sev Side and Third Side engaged in disputes with rival crews in the Bronx and in Manhattan, which resulted in numerous acts of violence, including the following: PEREZ murdered Hwascar Hernandez in broad daylight in Manhattan on December 16, 2021; PEREZ, GANT, and ROWSON shot at rival gang members on June 20, 2020; JOHNSON shot at a rival gang member on June 26, 2020; GANT shot at rival gang members on July 7, 2020; GANT shot at rival gang members on July 16, 2020; ROWSON shot at a rival gang member on December 13, 2020; PEREZ, MASON, and BEAMON shot at rival gang members on November 10, 2021; and MASON shot at a rival gang member and hit an innocent bystander on February 10, 2022. * * * A chart containing the names of the defendants who were charged today and on January 26, 2023, and the charges and minimum and maximum penalties they face is attached. All of the defendants are residents of the Bronx, New York. The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office and the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Espinosa, Jim Ligtenberg, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment and the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defendant Age Charges Minimum and Maximum Penalties KEVIN PEREZ 19 Racketeering Conspiracy, Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Use of a Firearm Resulting in Death, Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Use of a Firearm for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Mandatory life in prison or death DEVON MASON 24 Racketeering Conspiracy, Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Use of a Firearm for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of a Firearm with Defaced Serial Number Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 20 years to run consecutive to any other sentence ERVIN BEAMON 23 Racketeering Conspiracy, Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Use of a Firearm for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 10 years to run consecutive to any other sentence NICHOLAS JOHNSON 21 Racketeering Conspiracy, Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Use of a Firearm for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 10 years to run consecutive to any other sentence SEAN SMITH 32 Racketeering Conspiracy, Possession of a Firearm After a Felony Conviction Maximum of 30 years in prison JOSSI CASTRO 25 Racketeering Conspiracy Maximum of 20 years in prison ISZAYAH ROWSON 22 Racketeering Conspiracy, Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Use of a Firearm for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon; Transportation and Receipt of a Firearm While Under Felony Indictment Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 20 years to run consecutive to any other sentence MICHAEL GANT 21 Racketeering Conspiracy, Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Use of a Firearm for Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 20 years to run consecutive to any other sentence [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the Superseding Indictment and the description of the indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced yesterday to 140 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents, on January 25, 2022, detectives with the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force were investigating Richard Heath Brown , age 46, for drug trafficking. During the investigation, detectives learned that Brown was in possession of methamphetamine and that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. After receiving information of Browns vehicle, detectives were able to locate it and arrest him. A search of the vehicle resulted in detectives locating a black bag that contained approximately 412 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Department of Homeland Security forensic laboratory for further analysis. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The 4 th Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case.


title: Criminal Organization Leader to Serve 25 Years in Federal Prison Once Current 10-Year Sentence Ends

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican national was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in San Antonio to 25 years in prison for his involvement in a criminal organization. According to court documents, Jose Miguel Sandoval-Pineda aka “Primo,” aka “Chavalon,” 22, of Michoacan, Mexico, was the leader, organizer and recruiter for a criminal organization heavily involved in human smuggling, firearms trafficking and narcotics trafficking in the San Antonio area in 2019 and early 2020. Sandoval-Pineda and his organization are also tied to numerous shootings and arsons, including two homicides, mostly in the San Antonio area. Sandoval-Pineda was arrested on Jan. 17, 2020 in West Columbia, Texas and is currently serving a 10-year federal sentence for the illegal possession of a machine gun. On Nov. 4, 2021, Sandoval-Pineda pleaded guilty to four additional counts: conspiracy to transport illegal aliens; conspiracy to commit money laundering; conspiracy to commit arson; and use of fire or explosives to commit a federal felony. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentenced Sandoval-Pineda to 10 years for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens; 15 years for one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and 15 years for one count of conspiracy to commit arson, which will run concurrent with each other. Judge Rodriguez also sentenced Sandoval-Pineda to a consecutive 10 years in prison for one count of the use of fire or explosives to commit a federal felony. Sandoval-Pineda will serve his 25-year federal prison sentence at the conclusion of his current 10-year sentence. “This defendant, who was already serving 10 years in federal prison, will now remain locked up for more than two more long decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “That is thanks to the dedication of our skilled prosecutors and our law enforcement partners at the local and federal levels. Without them, this criminal organization would likely still be out there terrorizing our communities and putting innocent lives at risk.” “Yesterday’s sentence is an example of Homeland Security Investigation’s commitment to seeking justice on individuals responsible for violent crimes and wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods as this defendant did,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the HSI San Antonio Division. “The successful outcome of this case is a direct result of the steadfast efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners in combating violent crime, human smuggling and firearms trafficking.” “As this case demonstrates, ATF is uniquely positioned to investigate and bring to justice those that use gun violence and fire to hurt and intimidate others,” said Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Houston Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who commit violent crimes in our community.” Of the 11 defendants in this case, six have been sentenced. On Aug. 26, 2021, co-defendant Jose Victor Calleja-Velasquez aka “Kory,” 32, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico was sentenced to 240 months for one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A second co-defendant Jorge Rodriguez, 27, of Austin was sentenced on Nov. 30, 2021, to concurrent sentences of 27 months for one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On Oct. 19, 2022, a third co-defendant Samuel Lee Jones, 33, of San Antonio was sentenced to time already served with three years of supervised release for one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. A fourth co-defendant, Emmanuel Valdovinos aka “Manny,” 22, of San Antonio was sentenced on Dec. 5, 2022 to concurrent sentences of 78 months for one count of conspiracy to commit arson and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. On Dec. 14, 2022, Jose Efrain Ovalle-Alvarado, 24, of San Antonio was sentenced to 33 months in prison for one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. Four defendants are in federal custody as they await their sentencing hearings: Eduardo Angel Viera aka “Lalo,” 26, of San Antonio; Javier Duenas aka “Puppet,” 22, of San Antonio; Jahannatan Pachecano Andrade, 23, of San Antonio; and Daniel Boanerges Orellana-Cano, 23, of La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras. The eleventh defendant, Jose Carlos Martinez, 22, of San Antonio is pending trial. The ATF, HSI and San Antonio Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Nowinski prosecuted the case. ###


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Meth

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: MIDLAND, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Midland to 294 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. According to court documents, Julio Cesar Banuelas-Gutierrez, 47, of Camargo, Chihuahua distributed one to one and a half pounds of methamphetamine every two weeks in the Midland-Odessa area, totaling at least 12 pounds of the drug. Investigators also found that on at least one occasion, Banuelas-Gutierrez had exchanged firearms for methamphetamine. “The substantial sentence imposed in this case reflects our unwavering commitment to protect our communities and bring drug traffickers to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “My appreciation goes out to all the law enforcement officers involved, who made it possible for us to prosecute and put an end to this dealer’s activities.” The Odessa and Midland Police Department Joint Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Mahoney and Monica Daniels prosecuted the case. ###


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison  For Conspiracy to Embezzle Labor Union Funds

body_text: WASHINGTON – James Bradley, 44, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for embezzling funds from a government employee union. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Director Mark Wheeler, of the Washington District Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. In addition to the prison term, Bradley must pay $205,421.82 in restitution, serve 36 months of supervised release, and 200 hours of community service. According to court documents, between approximately October 2016 through May 2018, defendant James Bradley helped to embezzle approximately $205,421.82 from the American Federation of Government Employees (“AFGE”). He did so by enabling co-conspirator Donnell Owens—who worked at AFGE as a Secretary to the Director of Communications during the relevant period—to submit false and fraudulent check requests and invoices for non-existent videography services that the defendant purportedly provided to AFGE as an alleged vendor, but that the defendant never actually provided. As a result of these submissions, AFGE funds were subsequently disbursed for work that was never performed, including $205,421.82 to the defendant which he then split with Owens. Bradley pleaded guilty on November 7, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Embezzlement and Theft of Labor Union Assets. Another of Owens’s co-conspirators, Stacy Staples, 50, of District Heights, Maryland, also previously pleaded guilty to the same charge, and was ordered to pay $44,748 in restitution and sentenced to 3 years of probation. Owens also was previously convicted for spearheading the scheme and was ordered to pay $273,745 in restitution and sentenced to 15 months in prison. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, and Director Wheeler commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily A. Miller, Anne P. McNamara, and Brian P. Kelly who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Ozy Media and Its Founder Carlos Watson Indicted in a Years-Long Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Updated Press Release An indictment was unsealed this morning in federal court in Brooklyn charging OZY Media Inc. (Ozy), a media and entertainment company headquartered in Mountain View, California, and its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Watson, with conspiracy to commit securities fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Ozy’s investors and lenders by making material misrepresentations about Ozy’s financial and business assets. Watson is also charged with aggravated identity theft for his role in the impersonation of multiple media company executives in communications with Ozy’s lenders and prospective investors in furtherance of the fraud schemes. Watson was arrested this morning and will be arraigned later today before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak. If convicted, Watson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 37 years’ imprisonment. Watson’s co-conspirators Samir Rao, Ozy’s Chief Operating Officer, and Suzee Han, Ozy’s Chief of Staff from June 2019 to October 2021, previously pleaded guilty to charges relating to their roles in the scheme. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking concurrent enforcement action. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and indictment. “As the indictment today alleges, Watson repeatedly attempted to entice both investors and lenders through a series of deliberate deceptions and fabrications. The FBI and our partners in law enforcement will hold any individual willing to defraud investors and financial institutions accountable in the criminal justice system,” stated Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll. The Scheme As alleged in the indictment and court documents, Ozy is a media and entertainment company whose businesses include digital newsletters, television production, podcasts, and live events, the most prominent of which is a live festival known as “Ozy Fest.” Watson founded Ozy in 2012 and has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since its inception. Between approximately 2018 and 2021, Watson and his co-conspirators, including Rao and Han, orchestrated a scheme to defraud investors in and lenders to Ozy of tens of millions of dollars through fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions about key aspects of Ozy’s business, including Ozy’s financial results, debts, and audience size. In addition, Watson and his co-conspirators lied to prospective investors about who else might be investing in Ozy, the existence and size of acquisition offers received by Ozy, the existence and timing of “Series C” and “Series D” financing rounds by Ozy, and the existence and terms of Ozy’s business contracts — going so far as to direct Ozy employees to create fake contracts with forged signatures to provide in due diligence. On multiple occasions, when faced with questions from lenders or potential investors, Watson and his co-conspirators assumed the identities of and impersonated actual media company executives to cover up their prior fraudulent misrepresentations. Forged Cable Television Contract and Impersonation of Media Executive In December 2019, Watson and his co-conspirators attempted to induce a bank to lend Ozy money based on misrepresentations and omissions about Ozy’s business. Watson and his co-conspirators sought to secure the loan with anticipated revenues from a second season of an Ozy television show. However, the contract between Ozy and the show’s cable network for the second season of the show was still under negotiation. To induce the bank to make the loan sooner, Watson directed Ozy’s then-Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to send the bank a fake signed contract between Ozy and the cable network purporting to be for the second season. When the then-CFO refused, Rao, with Watson’s approval, sent the fake contract — which contained terms favorable to Ozy and a forged signature — to the bank, copying the then-CFO. Later that day, the then-CFO emailed Watson and Rao to say that she was resigning effective immediately. She explained, “this . . . is illegal. This is fraud. This is forging someone’s signature with the intent of getting an advance from a publicly traded bank.” She continued, “To be crystal clear, what you see as a measured risk — I see as a felony .” In subsequent months, Watson and his co-conspirators continued to attempt to induce the bank to lend Ozy several million dollars based on misrepresentations and omissions, including regarding the expected revenue from the second season of the Ozy television show. During these discussions, the bank requested to speak to a representative of the cable network. To conceal the lies about Ozy’s relationship with the cable network and the status and terms of their agreement, Rao, with Watson’s approval, created a fake email address in the name of an actual executive of the cable network, which Rao used to impersonate the executive and communicate with the bank about the potential loan. Attempted Fraudulent Investment and Impersonation of Another Media Executive From approximately November 2020 through February 2021, Watson and his co-conspirators attempted to induce a financial institution to invest up to $45 million in Ozy by means of material misrepresentations and omissions regarding Ozy’s historical and projected financial results, debts, and business relationships. Had the full $45 million investment occurred as intended, $6 million of the $45 million would have been paid to Watson personally. As part of its due diligence process, the financial institution asked Watson and Rao to arrange a meeting with someone from a well-known online video service that Watson and his co-conspirators claimed had paid Ozy nearly $6 million in licensing revenue for “The Carlos Watson Show.” This was another misrepresentation — Ozy was never paid by this online video service for Ozy content. Because Ozy did not in fact have any business relationship with the online video service, Watson and Rao agreed that Rao would impersonate a media executive at the online video service in communications with the financial institution. On or about January 28, 2021, Rao, with Watson’s agreement, created a fake email address in the name of the media executive, which he used to correspond with representatives of the financial institution. On or about February 2, 2021, Rao had a call with employees of the financial institution during which he impersonated a media executive from the online video service using a voice alteration application that he downloaded onto his cellular telephone to mask his voice during the call. During the call, Watson was in the same room as Rao, and texted Rao instructions about what to say and what not to say on the call. Shortly after the call, one of the employees of the financial institution contacted the actual media executive of the online video service, who confirmed that he had not been on the call and that the online video service had no role in the production of The Carlos Watson Show. When members of the financial institution later spoke with Watson, he falsely claimed that Rao had acted alone and as a result of a mental breakdown. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Dylan A. Stern, and Gillian Kassner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jake Menz. The Defendants : CARLOS WATSON Age: 53 Mountain View, California OZY MEDIA, INC. Mountain View, California E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-82 (EK)


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation  Into Fatal Shooting Outside Wharf Restaurant

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against a commander from the Metropolitan Police Department who was involved in the July 2022 fatal shooting of Lazarus Wilson, outside a restaurant in the Wharf neighborhood in Southwest Washington, D.C. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian eyewitness accounts, surveillance video, BWC footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, the autopsy report, and reports from the Metropolitan Police Department. According to the evidence, after 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, MPD Commander Jason Bagshaw of the Special Operations Division was dining with his wife, an MPD investigator, at a restaurant located in the Wharf neighborhood in Southwest D.C. Although Commander Bagshaw was off duty, he was equipped with his Glock 17 service pistol. Commander Bagshaw and his wife observed a commotion from the area of the restaurant facing Wharf Street SW and the Potomac River. Patrons and employees of the restaurant began crouching down and crawling away. Commander Bagshaw and his wife walked towards the direction of the commotion. When Commander Bagshaw and his wife exited the restaurant, they observed Lazarus Wilson pointing a firearm at another individual in what appeared to be a robbery attempt. The firearm was later recovered at the scene. A friend of Mr. Wilson was also present on the scene. Commander Bagshaw retrieved his Glock 17 service pistol from its holster, pointed it in the direction of Mr. Wilson and stated, “MPD, drop the gun!” However, Mr. Wilson did not comply, and Commander Bagshaw discharged one round striking Mr. Wilson in the left cheek. Mr. Wilson was transported by DCFEMS to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that evening. After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Commander Bagshaw used excessive force under the circumstances. Use-of-force investigations generally The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must typically be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary. Proving “willfulness” is a heavy burden. Prosecutors must not only prove that the force used was excessive, but must also prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.


title: NIGERIAN MAN SENTENCED FOR MAIL FRAUD AGAINST A DICKINSON, NORTH DAKOTA COMPANY

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: BISMARCK – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on February 23, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor sentenced Kolawole Bamidele Akande, age 37, from Nigeria, to serve 30 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $348,000 in restitution for committing the offense of Mail Fraud against a company located in Dickinson, North Dakota. On September 5, 2021, the defendant was arrested in the United Kingdom on this charge. Thereafter, on April 9, 2022, Akande was extradited from the United Kingdom to the District of North Dakota. On November 8, 2022, the defendant pleaded guilty to Mail Fraud. While living in Dallas, Texas, Akande, as well as other codefendants, fraudulently obtained checks from a Dickinson, North Dakota, company through the mail and deposited these checks in fraudulent accounts at financial institutions located within the State of Texas. The Dickinson company was the victim of a computer intrusion scam that tricked the company’s controller into issuing checks totaling $348,000, which were deposited by Akande and codefendant Olawale Sule. This computer intrusion scheme caused the Dickinson company to sustain a loss of $298,000. As part of this scheme to defraud, in November 2018, Akande used a fraudulent United Kingdom passport containing the fictitious name “Patric Elis Ferguson” to open a bank account at a Dallas, Texas, branch of Bank of America. On March 27, 2019, the controller of the Dickinson company received emails appearing to come from the company’s principal owners. The emails instructed the controller to mail a $192,000 check to an address in Dallas, Texas, payable to “Patel Retail and Logistics.” The controller sent, via overnight United Parcel Service (UPS) mail, the $192,000 check to the Dallas, Texas, address requested in the email. On March 28, 2019, Akande deposited the $192,000 check made payable to “Patel Retail and Logistics” into the Bank of America account that he had opened utilizing the fictitious name of “Patric Elis Ferguson.” Shortly thereafter, Akande either withdrew or transferred the funds to conceal and disguise their nature, location, source, and ownership. Law enforcement conducted an investigation, which revealed that the Dickinson company was a victim of computer intrusion. Specifically, an unknown individual obtained access to the company’s principal owners’ Outlook 365 email accounts and sent the emails to the company’s controller directing the controller to mail the check to “Patel Retail and Logistics.” The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota previously sentenced: Co-Defendant Olawale Sule a/k/a Brand King Mohammed, a/k/a John Thomas, on February 17, 2021, to serve two years’ imprisonment and payment of restitution on a charge of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud. Co-Defendant Oluwafemi Elijah Olasode, on September 7, 2021, to time served imprisonment and payment of restitution on a charge of Misprision of Felony. “Too often, swindlers believe they can evade justice because they are behind a computer or operating internationally,” Schneider said. “This sentence shows they should think again. This outcome is a credit to the skilled law enforcement investigators and prosecutors who patiently saw this case through.” Link for Prior Press Release Unsealing the Indictment and Announcing Akande’s extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States are located below: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/federal-grand-jury-indicts-nigerian-nationals-multiple-fraud-schemes-against-dickinson-nd https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/nigerian-man-extradited-united-states-united-kingdom-face-multiple-fraud-and-money This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; United States Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District and Eastern District of Texas; and by the Office of International Affairs, Department of Justice, assisting with securing the extradition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek prosecuted this case. ######


title: Story County Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: Des Moines, IA – A Nevada, Iowa man was sentenced today to 121 months in prison following his guilty plea for possession of child pornography. According to court documents, on or about December 21, 2021, William Ryan Buttermore, age 24, knowingly possessed visual depictions of child pornography, including 44 images and four videos, some of which depicted infants and other minors younger than 12 years old. Buttermore downloaded the material from the internet. In addition, Buttermore used an account on Kik Messenger to transport child pornography to others and to encourage others to produce child pornography and engage in sex acts with children. Following his prison term, Buttermore must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Story County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the Iowa Crimes Against Children Task Force, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Former Jackson Township Official Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH - A Florida resident has been sentenced in federal court to 100 days in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, plus restitution of $150,000 on her conviction of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Linda Baun, 73, of Largo, FL 33770. According to information presented to the court, Baun was formerly employed as the Secretary/Treasurer for Jackson Township, in Mercer County. Between 2011 and 2019, she embezzled at least $150,000 from the Township by making unauthorized ATM withdrawals and by charging personal purchases on Amazon to the Township’s debit card. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville stated that Baun committed a serious crime involving public corruption. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police and the Mercer County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Baun.


title: Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Kishaun Andre Jones, 23, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 20, 2021, Jones sold a substance containing methamphetamine to a confidential informant near South Kanawha Street in Beckley. Jones admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling methamphetamine to the confidential informant on two other occasions in Raleigh County. On February 23, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jones’ Beckley residence and found quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin as well as three firearms and $6,445. Jones admitted that intended to distribute the controlled substances. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-64. ###


title: Barnstead Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $130,000 from Barnstead and Hampton School Districts

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – Amy Burley, 47, of Barnstead, pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling more than $130,000 from both the Barnstead and Hampton School Districts, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. According to court documents and statements made in court, Burley was employed as a bookkeeper for Barnstead School District and then Hampton School District. In her role, Burley processed payroll and handled the payment of invoices. Burley used her access at Barnstead School District to alter her payroll information, make student loan payments and payments to personal creditors, and pay for an Amazon account charged to Barnstead but controlled by Burley, totaling $110,295.26. Following her termination from Barnstead, Burley was hired as a bookkeeper at Hampton School District, where she used her position to use district funds to pay student loans and credit cards belonging to her or her family members, totaling $20,966.52. Burley is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2023. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Education Office of the Inspector General, and the Barnstead Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy. ###


title: Charleston Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kenneth Desaun Hayway, 38, and Hannah Elizabeth Barbee, 30, both of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Hayway sold fentanyl to a confidential informant asking for heroin on August 15, 2022, and August 19, 2022, in Charleston. Hayway further admitted to organizing the sale of fentanyl with Barbee and co-defendant Khalif Marquee Coleman to a confidential informant seeking heroin on August 19, 2022, at Barbee’s Chesterfield Avenue residence in Charleston. Barbee admitted to selling fentanyl to a confidential informant seeking heroin on six occasions between August 5, 2022, and September 27, 2022, at her Chesterfield Avenue residence. On September 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Barbee’s residence and found mixtures containing fentanyl totaling 55.97 grams, scales, drug packaging materials, and $5,926. Some of the cash recovered during the search was prerecorded buy money from the sales to the confidential informants. Hayway and Barbee are scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2023, and face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. Coleman, 35, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of fentanyl on February 22, 2022. Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the assistance provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-198. ###


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Role in Murder for Hire

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Philadelphia man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for conspiring with Sean Caddle and a longtime accomplice to murder one of Caddle’s associates, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Bomani Africa, 62, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire. Judge Vazquez imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. Caddle pleaded guilty on Jan. 25, 2022, before Judge Vazquez, to his role in the murder scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2023. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In April of 2014, Caddle solicited another conspirator, George Bratsenis, 74, of Monroe, Connecticut, to commit a murder on Caddle’s behalf in exchange for thousands of dollars. Bratsenis then recruited Africa, a longtime accomplice, to join the plot. After Bratsenis confirmed his and Africa’s interest in the job, Caddle told Bratsenis that the target was a longtime associate who had worked for Caddle on various political campaigns. On May 22, 2014, Africa and Bratsenis traveled from out of state to the victim’s apartment in Jersey City. After entering the apartment, Africa and Bratsenis stabbed the victim to death and then Bratsenis set fire to the victim’s apartment. After Caddle learned that the victim had been murdered, the following day, he met Bratsenis in the parking lot of a diner in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Caddle paid Bratsenis thousands of dollars in exchange for the murder, and Bratsenis shared a portion of those proceeds with Africa. In addition to the prison term, Judge Vazquez sentenced Africa to five years of supervised release. Bratsenis pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy on March 24, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29, 2023. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for its assistance. The government is represented by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee M. Cortes Jr. and Sean Farrell, Chief of the New York Office of the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.


title: Concord Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Child Sexual Exploitation Crime

body_text: CONCORD – Marc Pulsifer, 45, of Concord, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for the federal charge of transportation of child pornography, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers learned that Google had detected potential child exploitation materials on Google Photos accounts with an IP address that resolved to Concord, New Hampshire, at various times in 2020. Through their investigation, officers determined that Pulsifer had uploaded child sexual abuse images and child erotica images to Google Photos from his apartment in Concord. On June 3, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment where they discovered child sexual abuse images actively displayed on various electronic media, including two large-screen televisions. Based on the forensic review of electronic media seized from the defendant’s residence, investigators confirmed that the defendant possessed thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos, which he organized in designated folders with descriptive names and stored across multiple devices. The defendant maintained multiple backup digital copies of his child sexual abuse images and child erotic collection, and he used cloud storage services to store and stream these images on his televisions and other electronic media. Pulsifer previously pleaded guilty on October 5, 2022. In addition to the prison sentence, Pulsifer must spend five years on supervised release, pay $9,000 in restitution. “Child sexual abuse image crimes exploit innocent children and cause immeasurable harm thus warranting significant federal prison time,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “In order to protect children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes involving child sexual abuse images in the Granite State.” This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department, with assistance from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le. In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . ###


title: Former Legislator Sentenced to Five Years and Three Months in Prison for Theft of Government Funds and Honest Services Wire Fraud

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, former legislator Nestor Alonso-Vega was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Raúl Arias Marxuach to serve 63 months in prison, announced United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. On June 6, 2022, Alonso-Vega was found guilty of nine counts of Federal Funds Theft, Kickbacks, and Honest Services Wire Fraud. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between April 2018 and September 2020, Nestor Alonso-Vega authorized several salary adjustments for his assistant. It was agreed that his assistant would kickback to Alonso-Vega half of the total amount of the pay raise, split between each pay day. The total loss for the House of Representatives was $81,500, of which defendant received more than $40,000. It was further alleged that the assistant, who testified during the trial, used a variety of means to transfer the kickbacks to Alonso-Vega. For example, he used ATH Móvil, made withdrawals around the time he received his paycheck and paid Alonso-Vega in cash, and, at times, made payments to Alonso-Vega’s Home Depot account. “We continue to see the results of our efforts fighting public corruption,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The citizens of Puerto Rico deserve that their dollars be put to good use and not to line the pockets of corrupt officials. We will continue to investigate and prosecute corrupt behavior wherever we find it.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Anderson prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by FBI Special Agent Juan Carlos López of the San Juan Field Office. ###


title: ST. CROIX MAN SENTENCED 150 MONTHS INCARCERATION ON HOME INVASION AND CARJACKING CONVICTION

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Joel G. Rivera, 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 150 months incarceration for his conviction on Carjacking and Using a Firearm During a Violent Crime, followed by three years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000.00, a special assessment of $200.00, and $1,600.00 restitution. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of September 10, 2017, Rivera, along with two assailants, broke into a couple’s home in Estate Rust Op Twist while brandishing a firearm. The group physically assaulted the male victim by punching him in the head and threatened to kill the couple while demanding money. Thereafter, at gunpoint, Rivera and his assailants forced the couple into the rear passenger seat of their Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck and drove to the shoreline location where the male victim had left his wallet. After retrieving the wallet, Rivera and his assailants fled in the Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck and a Jeep Wrangler. In addition to the vehicles, Rivera stole $200.00 cash, two iPhones valued at $600 each and an iPad valued at $200.00. This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see: https://www.justice.gov/psn.


title: NICARAGUAN NATIONAL PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSIONWITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE 550 KILOGRAMS OF COCAINE

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Michael Antony Nelson-Gaet, 34, of Nicaragua, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Sentencing for Nelson-Gaet is set for June 21, 2023, where he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. According to court documents, on March 5, 2022, during a routine patrol in international waters, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Legare encountered the “La Bendecida Leo, a go-fast vessel located 140 nautical miles southwest of Isla de Malpelo, Columbia. The go-fast vessel was traveling at a high rate of speed with bales and fuel barrels visible on its deck. The vessel had no registration, but the occupants claimed Nicaraguan nationality for the vessel. Nicaragua could neither confirm nor deny nationality of the vessel. The vessel was therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The Coast Guard boarding team after members observed the occupants throwing the bales overboard. Approximately 550.6 kilograms of cocaine and 136 pounds of marijuana were recovered from the ocean. The United States Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.