title: Lake Forest Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Defrauding Buyers of Medical-Grade Gloves During COVID-19 Pandemic

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison for defrauding companies who in mid-2020 paid more than $3 million for COVID-related medical protective equipment that was never delivered. Christopher John Badsey, 63, of Lake Forest, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also ordered him to pay $1,938,990 in restitution. Badsey pleaded guilty in April 2023 to four counts of wire fraud. In June and July of 2020, Badsey lied to three victim companies when he told them he had access to millions of boxes of nitrile gloves through his Irvine-based company, First Defense International Security Services Corp. (FDI). This type of personal protective equipment was in high demand and short supply during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Badsey agreed by contract to sell millions of boxes of gloves to each of the three companies. But he told the companies’ representatives that before they could inspect the gloves, which he claimed were stored in a Los Angeles warehouse, the companies would be required to pay deposits of upwards of $1 million to FDI. In fact, Badsey did not have any gloves stored in any warehouse. Badsey instructed the companies to wire the deposits to accounts controlled by himself, FDI or a co-schemer. Relying on Badsey’s false statements, the companies wired a total of $3,231,990 to these accounts. “[Badsey]…used the deposit money to make expensive purchases, all while stringing would-be purchasers along with false stories, including absurd claims that government agents were blocking access to his warehouse of gloves,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. He has forfeited all title and interest in money or items derived from his crimes, including a yacht, a pontoon boat, two Mercedes-Benz automobiles, two Ford pickup trucks, an RV, a tractor, three ATVs, miscellaneous fishing equipment, and $58,923 in cash. The FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin N. Spencer and Melissa S. Rabbani of the Santa Ana Branch Office prosecuted this case.


title: Houtzdale Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Joanna Shylock, 36, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around March 2020 to in and around April 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Shylock conspired with others to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Shylock was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others. Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shylock. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies. This 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.


title: Denver Woman Sentenced To 20 Years For Armed Carjacking Spree

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Alexis Dicarlo, 24, of Denver, was sentenced to 240 months in prison, and five years of supervised release for her role in an armed carjacking spree that involved shots fired at multiple victims. On February 27, 2023, Denver Police responded to a call at a convenience store on East Hampden Avenue on a report of a person trying to carjack multiple victims and shooting a firearm. During her spree in the busy shopping plaza, Dicarlo threatened victims with handguns, demanded their wallets and cars, and ultimately gained access to multiple vehicles. During this spree, she fired bullets into the air and at two victims, narrowly missing them. One shot ultimately passed through a wall into an occupied neighboring business. DiCarlo was unsuccessful in fleeing the scene and possessed five handguns upon her arrest. Additionally, an officer involved in in the arrest suffered a broken leg. “Our office’s primary focus is to keep the citizens of Colorado safe,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “We will not tolerate brazen, violent crimes like this one in our communities.” “Crime sprees like these strike fear into our communities and jeopardize the safety and security of innocent people,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “Together with our partners at the Denver Police Department, FBI Denver will work tirelessly to identify and bring to justice those who commit acts of violence, ensuring our neighborhoods remain safe and secure for everyone.” “Let this be a warning to those who commit violent crimes in our community that we will leverage our federal partnerships, when appropriate, to achieve the greatest possible consequences for offenders,” said Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas. “We are grateful to our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado for their great work achieving a 20-year sentence in this case.” The defendant was sentenced by Judge Nina Y. Wang on August 21, 2024. The Denver Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Albert Buchman handled the prosecution. 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. Case Number: 1_23-cr-00100-NYW


title: Lakeland Man Indicted For Possessing Ammunition As A Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Solomon Smith (22, Lakeland) possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Smith that the United States intends to forfeit assorted rounds of ammunition, which are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offense. According to the indictment, on July 2, 2024, Smith, knowing that he had been previously convicted of felony offenses – including carrying a concealed firearm – was in possession of assorted rounds of ammunition. As a convicted felon, Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lakeland Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.


title: Twelve Individuals In Central Florida, Puerto Rico, And South Carolina Charged With Murder, Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, Firearms Offenses, And Fraud

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of four indictments charging a total of 12 individuals with murder in furtherance of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal possession of firearms, and bank fraud. The indictments also seek the forfeiture of more than $6.5 million identified as the amount involved in the offenses and proceeds of the offenses, two properties, and firearms. INDICTMENT ONE Carlos Limery Dones Drug Trafficking Organization Indictment Name (Age, Residence) Charges Max Penalty Carlos Limery Dones, a/k/a “Siervo,” “Chino” (46, Puerto Rico) Drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering, and bank fraud Life in federal prison. Santos Cruz Rivera (44, Kissimmee) Drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of controlled substances, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, maintaining a drug premises, possessing a firearm while a convicted felon, and money laundering conspiracy Life in federal prison. Nelson Franco, a/k/a “Voltio” (48, South Carolina) Drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of controlled substances, and money laundering conspiracy Life in federal prison. Rebel Rivera Carbonell (46, Dundee) Drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug premises, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute Life in federal prison. Madelyn Sanchez, a/k/a “La Negra” (50, Kissimmee) Drug trafficking conspiracy and maintaining a drug premises Life in federal prison. Roberto Rodriguez Almodovar (59, Kissimmee) Drug trafficking conspiracy and committing murder in furtherance of drug trafficking Faces a maximum sentence of death. Luis Torres Sanchez, a/k/a “Gordo” (39, Puerto Rico) Drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of controlled substances, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking Life in federal prison. Johnson Rivera Martinez (40, Orlando) Drug trafficking conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances Life in federal prison. Yesenia Laracuente (35, Kissimmee) Money laundering conspiracy 20 years in federal prison. Nancy Contreras, a/k/a “La Doña” (46, Dundee) Money laundering conspiracy 20 years in federal prison. Carol Flores Morales (48, South Carolina) Money laundering conspiracy and money laundering 20 years in federal prison. INDICTMENT TWO Wire Fraud Conspiracy in Purchase of a Home Yesenia Laracuente (35, Kissimmee) Wire fraud conspiracy 20 years in federal prison. Wilmary Sepulveda (36, Kissimmee) Wire fraud conspiracy 20 years in federal prison. INDICTMENT THREE COVID-Related Fraud Carlos Limery Dones 46, Puerto Rico Wire fraud 20 years in federal prison. INDICTMENT FOUR COVID-Related Fraud Santos Cruz Rivera (44, Kissimmee) Wire fraud 20 years in federal prison. According to the indictments, there was a multi-year conspiracy to traffic cocaine and fentanyl within the Middle District of Florida, resulting in several seizures of both substances. Eight of the charged individuals are alleged to be involved in the trafficking of controlled substances. On August 3, 2021, in retaliation for the killing of a lookout at a stash house the organization used, Almodovar murdered one of the individuals present at the homicide with a single gunshot to the back of the head. The individuals charged across the four indictments also engaged in schemes to acquire various homes and other properties by various means. As charged in one indictment, Limery Dones defrauded a bank by transmitting $110,000 to buy a house in the name of a third-party when, in reality, he was the actual purchaser of the home. Franco, Flores Morales, and Contreras allegedly conspired to put a home in Flores Morales’s name when the money came from Franco’s sale of controlled substances. In another scheme charged across two of the indictments, Laracuente and Sepulveda conspired to falsely report Laracuente’s employment and income to secure a mortgage that Cruz Rivera then made payments on in Laracuente’s name with drug proceeds. The third and fourth indictments charge Limery Dones and Cruz Rivera with fraud in obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans by filing claims for companies that did not exist. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Osceola County Sheriff’s Office; and Kissimmee Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Baeza and Michael Buchanan.


title: Vice Chairman of Smyth County School Board Arrested

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – Todd Stewart Williams, the Vice Chairman of the Smyth County School Board, was arrested at his home today on federal criminal charges related to child exploitation. According to court documents, Williams spent more than $10,000 between May 2022 and January 2024 to entice at least six juvenile victims into sending him nude images and sexually explicit videos of themselves and others. “Sexual exploitation and abuse have grown exponentially through the use of the internet, especially its online gaming platforms,” said Christopher R. Kavanaugh, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. “The safety and well-being of children in our communities are top priorities of my Office, and we are committed to the joint efforts with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue these perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.” “This case is a reminder of the constant threat of child exploitation minors face online,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “Whether an offender sexually abuses a child in person or online, the FBI and our partners will continue to seek justice for innocent victims by holding offenders accountable.” Williams’s alleged criminal activity came to the attention of law enforcement in September 2022 when a 15-year-old teenager living in Oklahoma reported to the FBI that Williams, using the Snapchat username “todd_w3411” requested nude images and videos of him. During an interview with law enforcement, the teen told investigators he met Williams in a Snapchat group intended for gay teenage males. Soon after they began chatting, Williams reached out to the teen and offered to make in-app purchases in an online video game in exchange for nude pictures of the teen. From May 1, 2022 through October 1, 2022, Williams sent the teen over $2,000 in exchange for nude images and videos. Based on the information obtained from the FBI investigation in Oklahoma, the FBI in Richmond began an investigation into the Snapchat activities of Williams’ username, “todd_w3411.” The FBI’s investigation uncovered multiple instances of Williams’s alleged exploitation of minors. In one instance, Williams used Snapchat to communicate with a then 12-year-old minor and offered to purchase items for an online game before eventually offering to buy nude pictures and videos from the boy. Between August 2022 and January 2024, Williams sent the young victim nearly $1,000 in exchange for nude images and videos. In January 2023, Williams met another teen on Snapchat and paid the teen to take pictures and videos of him sexually abusing his younger stepbrother, who was 10 years old at the time. As directed by Williams, the teen would approach his stepbrother in their bedroom at night and force his stepbrother to watch pornography. The teen would masturbate and take pictures. Because the teen reached the $600 monthly limit on Cash App transactions, Williams mailed him a debit card hidden inside a pair of shoes to ensure he was able to purchase his videos. In a six-month period, Williams paid over $3,500 for nude images and videos of the teen and his stepbrother. In yet another interaction with a young teenage boy on Snapchat, Williams paid over $3,000 in exchange for nude images and videos of him and his teenage boyfriend. If you or someone you know have information about this matter or feel you may have been a victim, please contact the FBI Richmond Division. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HORACE WASHINGTON (“ WASHINGTON”) , age 55, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on August 21, 2024 by United States District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) received information from a confidential source that WASHINGTON , who had previously been convicted of a federal drug trafficking offense, was again dealing drugs. Through investigation, DEA agents learned that WASHINGTON was getting the drugs from sources near the Texas/Mexico border. These sources would fly to New Orleans, while another co-conspirator drove a car with the drugs to New Orleans. The agents eventually seized ten kilograms of cocaine that WASHINGTON’s coconspirator left in a car in a Westbank parking lot. Judge Lemelle sentenced WASHINGTON to 121 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –KENTRELL HUBBARD (“HUBBARD”) , age 25, of New Orleans, was sentenced on August 22, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on June 9, 2023, a confidential informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, purchased fentanyl from HUBBARD after meeting him near a supermarket that was a known hotspot for drug trafficking in the Iberville housing project. The next week, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation saw HUBBARD with a handgun as they were executing an unrelated search warrant. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Cheyenne felon sentenced for being in possession of a firearm

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Juan Manuel Miranda, 52, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced on Aug. 21, to 88 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Oct. 31, 2023, Cheyenne Police Department officers responded to the 1800 block of Rainbow Road for a "shots fired" disturbance. Witnesses said that Miranda shot at an unknown male and then drove away. Officers pursued Miranda and during the pursuit, he threw a pistol out of his vehicle into the driveway of a business. Miranda eventually stopped his car, and officers arrested him. Officers later recovered the 9mm pistol that Miranda had tossed out of his car. A criminal history report indicated Miranda is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Miranda was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on Jan. 10, 2023, and pleaded guilty on May 28. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the 88-month sentence. “The Justice Department is committed to reducing violent crime by aggressively prosecuting violent criminals who illegally possess guns,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann. “This case shows how federal, state, and local law enforcement in Wyoming can work together to win a significant prison sentence against a violent felon, and make the Cheyenne community safer. We thank the Cheyenne Police Department and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation for their good work, and for referring this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.” “This is an excellent example of agencies coming together to protect our Wyoming communities,” said Chief Mark Francisco. “We’re proud that this collaboration resulted in a successful prosecution.” This crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Criminal Division Chief Nicole Romine with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Case No. 24-CR-00011 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Pass Christian Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Gulfport, Miss.- A Pass Christian, Mississippi woman pled guilty to production of child pornography. According to court documents, Sarah Jane Bennett, 43, was identified by law enforcement as an individual in lawful custody of a minor child who was using the child to produce visual depictions of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that Bennett’s cell phone contained multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse material involving the minor child. Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2024, in Gulfport, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, with assistance from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crimes Division, the Gulfport Police Department, and the Biloxi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.


title: LaBelle Felon Sentenced To Prison For Unlawfully Possessing A Loaded Firearm

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Angel Gabriel Hernandez (29, LaBelle) to two years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hernandez entered a guilty plea on April 26, 2024. According to court documents, on August 9, 2023, Hernandez—a previously convicted felon—unlawfully possessed a loaded Beretta handgun, which he then sold to an undercover officer in a supermarket parking lot in LaBelle. As a convicted felon, Hernandez is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Lehigh Acres Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced To 6 Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Roberney Julien (26, Lehigh Acres) to six years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Julien to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed during the offense. Julien entered a guilty plea on May 14, 2024. According to court documents, on the morning of January 30, 2024, an officer from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Julien along Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. Before approaching the vehicle, the officer observed something being thrown out of the vehicle’s window by one its occupants. The officer later identified the item tossed from the vehicle as a plastic baggie containing cocaine. The officer also found a loaded GSG handgun adjacent to the vehicle which had been discarded during the traffic stop as well. A subsequent investigation identified Julien as a local cocaine distributor who had unlawfully possessed the loaded firearm recovered from the scene. This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Lodge Grass man admits sexually abusing child on Crow Indian Reservation

body_text: BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man accused of sexually abusing a child on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Marty Edward Plenty Hawk, 29, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact of a child as charged in an indictment. Plenty Hawk faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release on each crime. 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. Plenty Hawk was detained pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that between 2021 and May 2023 near Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, Plenty Hawk forced the victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, who was under the age of 12, to engage in a sexual act and caused the victim to engage in sexual conduct. On May 2, 2023, law enforcement arrested Plenty Hawk after a domestic disturbance at his residence. While in custody, Plenty Hawk notified jail staff that he wanted to write a confession and wrote that he had been carrying on a sexual relationship with Jane Doe 1. A sexual assault examination of Jane Doe 1 noted injuries consistent with child sexual abuse. In an interview with the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Plenty Hawk again admitted to having a sexual relationship with Jane Doe 1 and having sexual intercourse with the victim multiple times. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and BIA conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Federal Jury Convicts Registered Sex Offender of Child Exploitation Crimes

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – After three days of trial, a federal jury convicted Alex Kai Tick Chin, 39, of San Francisco, California, on August 22, 2024, of production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, and committing a sex crime against a minor while a registered sex offender. Evidence at trial proved that from on or about December 12, 2020, through on or about February 14, 2021, Chin did employ, use, persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor female residing within the Southern District of West Virginia to record and send him sexually explicit images of herself via the Snapchat multimedia instant messaging app. To do so, Chin would compliment the minor female and say they were in a romantic relationship, but he would also threaten to harm himself if she did not send him sexually explicit images. Chin was a registered sex offender at the time, and has been following his felony conviction for possession of child pornography in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on December 27, 2017. Chin exchanged messages with a second minor female during the same time period who also resided within the Southern District of West Virginia, engaging in sexual conversations and soliciting nude images from her as well. Chin also threatened to harm himself in conversations with the second minor female unless she complied with his demands. Chin sent photos and videos of himself to the second minor female, including an image of himself masturbating. Chin continued to communicate with both minor females until early March 2022, when he drove from California in a white panel van equipped with a mattress to the Southern District of West Virginia. There, he attempted unsuccessfully to meet both minor females in person. Chin is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of 35 years and up to life in prison. “Mr. Chin preyed upon a minor female, attempted to do the same with a second female child, and then lied repeatedly to the jury to conceal and avoid responsibility for his criminal conduct,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson “I commend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for the investigative work in this case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Courtney L. Finney and our trial team for securing guilty verdicts on all three counts in the indictment.” United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the jury trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-87. ###


title: Member of "Black Rain" Drug Crew Pleads Guilty, Admits to his Involvement in Three Queens Cold Case Murders

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, Jerome Jones, also known as “Sha,” pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, to murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking for his participation in the 1991 murder of Oscar Flow. As part of his plea, Jones, 60, also admitted to his role in the 1992 murders of Robert Arroyo and Dorothy Taylor. Today’s proceedings took place before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis. When sentenced, Jones faces 20 years to life in prison. He was indicted in February 2019 . Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea. “After over 30 years, Jones has finally admitted his role in the calculated murders of three individuals,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Despite the passage of time, my Office persisted in pursuing all leads to seek justice for the victims and their families. This case should stand as a reminder that even when the trail appears to have gone cold, we will never waver from our mission of holding wrongdoers, especially violent actors, accountable.” “Today’s admission of guilt reflects the tireless dedication of NYPD detectives to hold criminals accountable, no matter how much time passes, because a cold case is never a forgotten case,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “The NYPD will continue to work with the FBI, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and our other law enforcement partners to ensure that no investigative stone goes unturned as we work to establish justice for all crime victims and their families.” Jones was a high-ranking member of a Queens-based crew, known as “Black Rain,” that sold narcotics at several locations on Rockaway Boulevard in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The crew spread its poison in the community by trafficking in massive quantities of drugs, selling heroin under the brand name “Black Rain,” cocaine under the brand name “White Lightning” and crack cocaine under the brand name “Thunder.” In the early 1990s, a single Black Rain drug spot brought in approximately $15,000 per day in narcotics sales. To protect its profitable operation, the gang committed serious acts of violence, including murder. The murder of Oscar Flow took place in Springfield Gardens, Queens, in December 1991, after Jones learned that Flow had stolen from Black Rain. Jones and a co-conspirator shot Flow multiple times in the head and body. The murder of Robert Arroyo took place in the vicinity of 128th Street and Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park, where Jones managed a drug spot. In August 1992, Jones recruited and paid two co-conspirators to murder Robert Arroyo, whom Jones believed was a drug-trafficking competitor and a police informant. In their first attempt, the recruits mistakenly shot and seriously injured another man they incorrectly believed to be Arroyo. The victim survived his wounds. On September 8, 1992, at Jones’s direction, the recruits located Arroyo on a crowded street and shot him multiple times, killing him. In November of 1992, Jones ordered the killing of Dorothy Taylor, who he blamed for having a Black Rain drug spot shut down by law enforcement when she failed to pay the rent. Jones again paid a co-conspirator to commit murder. On November 2, 1992, Jones’s recruit hid in Taylor’s driveway and shot her to death when she arrived home. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanya Hajjar, Emily J. Dean, Lindsey R. Oken and Raffaela S. Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader. The Defendant: JEROME JONES (also known as “Sha”) Age: 60 West Virginia E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-54 (NGG)


title: 20 Year Prison Sentence Handed to District Woman for First-Degree Child Sexual Abuse

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Griselda Martinez-Moz, 42, of Maryland, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison on two counts of first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the sentence. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Martinez-Moz to 120 months of incarceration on each count, to run consecutive, for a total of 240 months. Upon her release, Martinez-Moz will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of her life. Martinez-Moz was convicted in March 2024 after a seven-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, on two occasions in 2015 and 2016, Martinez-Moz sexually abused a child who was eight years old at the time. A close friend of the child’s family, Martinez-Moz, on multiple occasions, subjected the child to sexual acts. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Houck, Niki Holmes, and Dana Joseph who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Florida Man Pleads Guilty To Violent Kidnapping Of Rival Drug Trafficker

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Mario Espino (25, Holiday) has pleaded guilty to five counts of a superseding indictment charging him with kidnapping, possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Espino faces minimum mandatory penalties amounting to 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2024. According to the plea agreement, Espino lured his victim to Florida by claiming to have money to pay a drug debt. Espino did not actually intend to pay a debt. Rather, he intended to kidnap the victim in retaliation for cutting into Espino’s drug business. Espino recruited his co-conspirators, Jacob James Guest and Joey Lawrence Eugene Young, to assist with the kidnapping. DEA agents attempted to thwart the kidnapping by intercepting the victim at Tampa International Airport and warning the victim of Espino’s plan. The victim ignored that warning and met Espino at a residence in Holiday. Once there, Espino, Guest, and Young struck the victim with the butt of a firearm and bound the victim’s hands and feet with zip ties. Espino and his co-conspirators violently beat the victim, tortured him, and threatened to kill him on multiple occasions. Espino and his co-conspirators called the victim’s drug supplier and demanded 10 kilograms of fentanyl as ransom. While the victim was still being held hostage, one of Espino’s methamphetamine suppliers, Jacob Paul Arjona, arrived at the residence in Holiday. Arjona delivered approximately 22 kilograms of methamphetamine to Espino and his co-conspirators and left with $113,100 cash. Espino, Guest, and Young transported the victim to various locations throughout the Middle District of Florida before arriving back at the residence in Holiday. When they returned, agents from the DEA and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office intervened and rescued the victim, who was found in the back seat of a car with his hands and feet bound in electrical cord and zip ties. Inside the vehicle, agents located 22 kilograms of methamphetamine, 154 grams of fentanyl, a Micro Draco 7.62 x 39 mm firearm, and a pillowcase that had been placed over the victim’s head. Prior to the kidnapping, Espino had conspired with others to bring substantial quantities of methamphetamine to the Middle District of Florida for distribution. On one occasion, Espino and his co-conspirators traveled to Arizona where they purchased 55 kilograms of methamphetamine. The Navajo County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office seized that methamphetamine after stopping the driver Espino had paid to transport the methamphetamine back to Florida. Another time, Espino and his co-conspirators arranged to have 79 kilograms of methamphetamine transported from Georgia to the Middle District of Florida. That shipment was intercepted by deputies from the Turner County Sheriff’s Office. Guest, Young, and Arjona have been charged for their alleged roles in this case. They are pending trial. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (Arizona), and the Turner County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David P. Sullivan and Suzanne C. Nebesky. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Rashad Trice Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Kidnapping Resulting In Death Of Wynter Cole-Smith

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Rashad Maleek Trice was sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping resulting in the death of 2-year-old Wynter Cole-Smith. “Today we have achieved a measure of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “We can’t bring back the precious life of Wynter Cole-Smith, but we can do our best to ensure her killer is found guilty and spends the rest of his life in prison, which is what we’ve done today.” Totten continued: “I am so grateful to the hundreds of officers from over two dozen law enforcement agencies who came running to join the statewide search for Wynter Cole-Smith. Their commitment to protect and serve was overwhelming.” According to the initial complaint , on July 2, 2023, a woman reported to the Lansing Police Department that she had been attacked by Trice and ultimately fled her apartment to escape him. When police responded to her apartment, Trice and the woman’s daughter, Cole-Smith, were no longer present. A white Chevrolet Impala had also allegedly been stolen. On July 3, police attempted to stop the white Chevrolet Impala in St. Clair Shores and the driver attempted to flee. Police apprehended the driver, Trice, but Cole-Smith was not in the car. Cell site information showed the approximate path Trice’s phone had recently taken, which prompted law enforcement to start conducting searches for Cole-Smith in specific areas. On July 5, 2023, law enforcement found Cole-Smith’s body in Detroit. On March 22, 2023, U.S. Attorney Totten announced that Trice pled guilty to the charge of kidnapping resulting in death. “Our hearts still break for little Wynter. She should still be here,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Dawn N. Ison . “The tireless search and coordination by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across the state, over several days, to bring her home safely, truly demonstrated the committed, collaborative effort with which we work every day to protect and serve our citizens. Although nothing will bring little Wynter back, I hope her family takes some solace in that effort and today’s sentence.” “This was a senseless tragedy that shook our community to its core,” said Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus. “While nothing can replace the loss of Wynter Cole-Smith, I hope today’s sentencing offers some solace to Wynter’s family who have endured unimaginable pain. I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and his team.” “The sentencing of Rashad Trice is the direct result of an exhaustive investigation conducted by members of the FBI in Michigan, our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western Michigan,” stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners underscores the power of teamwork. While this may not provide immediate closure to the family of Wynter Cole-Smith, we are hopeful it will begin the healing process. Rashad Trice will spend the remainder of his life in prison, and we are optimistic this sentencing will serve as a deterrent, preventing another family from enduring the pain experienced by Wynter Cole-Smith's family.” This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Doaa Al-Howaishy and investigated by the FBI and Lansing Police Department, along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Air Marshal Service, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Michigan State Police, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety, Michigan Department of Corrections, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office, Eaton County Sheriff's Office, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Macomb County Sheriff's Office, Detroit Police Department, Detroit Public Schools Community District Department of Public Safety, Eastpointe Police Department, St. Clair Shores Police Department, Bloomfield Hills Police Department, Dearborn Police Department, Sterling Heights Police Department, West Bloomfield Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Southfield Police Department, Northville Township Police Department, and Clinton Township Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan issued the previous press releases in this case: July 7, 2023 – U.S. Attorney Totten Announces Federal Charges in the Kidnapping of 2-Year-Old Wynter Cole Smith . July 26, 2023 – Trice Indicted for Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Kidnapping a Minor in Wynter Cole-Smith Case . August 7, 2023 – Trice Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment in Wynter Cole-Smith Case . November 3, 2023 – Rashad Trice Trial Date Set for April 16 in Wynter Cole-Smith Case . March 22, 2024 – Rashad Trice, Who Killed Two-Year-Old Wynter Cole-Smith, Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Resulting in Death . ###


title: Southbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Sawed-Off Shotguns and Silencers

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY ENGLEHARDT, 44, of Southbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing sawed-off shotguns and silencers. Judge Williams ordered that Englehardt must serve his first six months of supervised release in home confinement. According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly before midnight on March 13, 2023, Torrington Police received a report that Englehardt used a rifle and shot a hole in the ceiling of a Torrington residence, and then left the residence. At the time, Englehardt was subject to a protective order issued by the Waterbury Superior Court that required him to surrender all of his firearms and ammunition. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on March 14, 2023, Connecticut State Police stopped Englehardt’s vehicle, took him into custody, and charged him with multiple offenses. Later that day, a search of Englehardt’s Southbury residence revealed 10 firearms, six silencers, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and various firearms parts and accessories. Three of the firearms were sawed-off shotguns and were not registered pursuant to the National Firearms Act. The six silencers also were not registered. Englehardt has been detained since his federal arrest on May 25, 2023. On April 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms and silencers. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Torrington Police Department, and Southbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.


title: Former Fulton Varsity High School Coach Sentenced to 12 Years for Receiving, Transporting and Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Joshua Demars, age 38, of Fulton, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 12 years in federal prison following his conviction for multiple charges of receipt, transportation, and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement. As part of his prior guilty plea, Demars admitted that he communicated with minors using the Snapchat application to receive images and videos of child pornography. Demars also admitted that he used his Dropbox account to upload a video of a 5–7-year-old female being sexually abused by an adult male. Moreover, Demars acknowledged that he possessed hundreds of videos and images of child pornography on several of his personal devices. Following his term of imprisonment, Demars will be placed on supervised release for 10 years, and will be required to register as a sex offender. Demars was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims that he solicited on Snapchat. HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Carbone prosecuted Demars as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Stealing More Than $32,000 in High-End Goods

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Maryland man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing thousands of items from a high-end outlet store in Wrentham, Mass. Nathaniel Owens, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Owens also was ordered to pay $32,000 in restitution to the Gucci store in Wrentham, Mass. In April 2024, Owens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce and one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods. On the evening of Sept. 16, 2021, Owens, along with his co-defendant Linworth Hayes Crawford III and allegedly others, traveled from the Washington D.C. area to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Massachusetts. In the early morning hours of Sept. 17, 2021, Owens, Crawford and allegedly others entered the Gucci store by smashing the store’s glass front door and stole $32,000 in high-end merchandise including handbags, duffle bags, backpacks and sunglasses. Owens was captured on mall security videos inside the mall visiting the Nike Store. After the robbery, the car used by the defendants crossed the George Washington Bridge going south. During a stop on their way to Washington, D.C., a store video surveillance camera filmed one of the men allegedly taking a Gucci bag out of the car to examine it. The day after the theft, another codefendant allegedly posted on his Instagram account that he had Gucci bags available for sale. Images of the bags appeared to be identical to the Gucci bags stolen during the burglary earlier that day. At his sentencing, the government alleged and Owens did not contest that he had participated in approximately 10 other similar burglaries throughout the East Coast of the United States and that the total value of merchandise stolen was in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Crawford pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in February 2024 and was sentenced on Aug. 20, 2024 to eight months in prison. The government alleged at sentencing that Crawford had participated in one other similar burglary. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wrentham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Iowa Man Charged with Distributing Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and Mutilation

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today in which an individual was charged based on his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys. Philip Colt Moss, of Iowa, was charged with conspiracy to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and with distributing animal crush videos. According to court documents, in March and April 2023, Moss allegedly conspired with Nicholas Dryden and Giancarlo Morelli to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby, adolescent and adult monkeys. Dryden and Morelli were previously indicted and are awaiting trial. The videos alleged to have been created as part of the conspiracy included depictions of monkeys having their genitals burned, having their genitals cut with scissors, being sodomized with a wooden skewer and being sodomized with a spoon. If convicted, Moss faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of seven years in prison for the charges related to the creation and distribution of animal crush videos. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio are 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: Justice Department Sues California Towing Company for Auctioning a Servicemember’s Vehicle in Violation of Federal Law

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against Tony’s Auto Center Inc., doing business as Tony’s Auto Center, in Chula Vista, California, alleging that it illegally auctioned off a deployed U.S. Navy Lieutenant’s car, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The SCRA prohibits a towing company from auctioning off a vehicle owned by a servicemember unless it first obtains an order from a court allowing it to do so. “When towing companies ignore their legal obligations under the SCRA, it can have serious financial consequences for servicemembers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We hope that bringing this case encourages other towing companies to review and improve their policies and ensure that the rights of all servicemembers are honored and respected.” “The law provides specific and necessary protections to active duty servicemembers so they can dedicate themselves to protecting our freedom,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “As the filing of this complaint demonstrates, we will fight to enforce those protections.” The department’s lawsuit, which was filed today in the Southern District of California, alleges that Tony’s Auto Center illegally auctioned the Lieutenant’s 2011 Mazda 6 while he was deployed at sea aboard the USS Bunker Hill. Prior to deployment, the Lieutenant placed some personal belongings in his car and parked it in front of a friend’s house. While the Lieutenant was at sea, Chula Vista Police Department impounded the car due to an expired registration, and Tony’s Auto Center towed the car to its facility. About two months later, Tony’s Auto Center, through its agent, sold the Lieutenant’s car at auction without obtaining a court order authorizing the sale. According to the complaint , in March 2023, the Lieutenant returned home from deployment to find that his car had been towed. He then contacted Tony’s Auto and learned that they had sold his car. Even though he no longer had the car, he had to continue making his monthly car loan payments to Navy Federal Credit Union, which totaled over $2,500. Individuals with information that may be relevant to this case should call the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California at 619-546-7516. Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil/ . The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov .


title: Nashua Felon Sentenced to 68 Months in Federal Prison for  Possessing a Gun

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Nashua man was sentenced today in federal court in connection with a firearm-related charge, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Joshua Smith, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 68 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. On February 6, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In March 2022, Nashua Police detectives were executing a warrant for the defendant’s arrest. Detectives apprehended and arrested the defendant as he was leaving a building to get into a taxi. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was carrying a duffle bag that contained a 40 mm caliber riot gun. The defendant had previously been convicted of several felonies, including a robbery in 2013, and was therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of felons,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “This office will continue to hold felons possessing firearms accountable for their continued disregard of the law and will ensure that they pay the penalty for their recidivism.” “Getting firearms away from convicted felons not allowed to have them is vital as we work to combat violent crime in New Hampshire,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Joshua Smith has a lengthy criminal record and wasn’t permitted to have a gun. The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to imprison criminals who refuse to respect the law in an effort to make our communities safer.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Nashua Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Charles Rombeau are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Pennsylvania man going to prison for gun trafficking conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christian Arroyo Collazo, 28, of New Castle, PA, who was convicted of conspiracy to traffic in firearms, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that between July 2022, and March 2023, Collazo transported, or attempted to transport, firearms to the Jamestown, NY, area. These firearms included pistols, AR-style rifles, handguns, revolvers, and high-capacity magazines. Collazo trafficked a total of approximately 40 firearms. Collazo utilized social media to conduct firearm related conversations and effectuate his firearms trafficking activities. During these conversations, Collazo would send photos of firearms to potential buyers. 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 . This case is being prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Erie, PA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Spizarny Sr. # # # #


title: Five Individuals Sentenced for Child Abuse and Neglect on the Red Lake Reservation

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Five members of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians have been sentenced to prison for child abuse and neglect on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, between January 1, 2021, and April 29, 2022, Trina Mae Johnson, 50, directed the torture, endangerment, neglect, and abuse of a child who was in Johnson’s legal custody through a foster care placement. Johnson was aided and abetted by Bertram Calvin Lussier, Jr., 43, and Johnson’s three sisters, Bobbi Jo Johnson (a/k/a Bobbi Jo Kingbird), 46, Ellie Mae Johnson, 48, and Patricia Ann Johnson, 40, who all regularly assumed responsibility for all or a portion of the care and supervision of the minor victim. The abuse included withholding food from the victim to the point of starvation, forcing the victim to stand in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time, and assaulting the victim in various ways. As a result of Johnson’s and her accomplices’ abuse, the victim suffered serious and substantial physical, mental and emotional harm. On February 29, 2024, Trina Mae Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of child torture, one count of child neglect—deprivation of food and health care, one count of child endangerment and one count of assault on a minor with a dangerous weapon. She was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Katherine M. Menendez to 216 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. On April 15, 2024, Bobbi Jo Johnson was convicted by a federal jury on one count of child neglect—deprivation of food and health care, and one count of child endangerment. She was sentenced yesterday by Judge Menendez to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Ellie Johnson, Patricia Johnson, and Lussier each pleaded guilty to one count of child endangerment. Ellie Johnson was sentenced to 48 months and three years of supervised release. Patricia Johnson was sentenced to 48 months and three years of supervised release. Lussier was sentenced to 24 months and two years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department, with support from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Beltrami County Sherriff’s Office, the Bemidji Police Department, and the Blackduck Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ruth S. Shnider and Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to his role in the murder of a federal informant, gun, and drug charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gregory Hay, a/k/a Gunner, a/k/a Franklin Gambino, a/k/a Reggie, 35, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to narcotics conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and discharge of firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that between early 2016, and August 28, 2019, Hay conspired with co-defendant Alphonso Payne and others, to sell cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. The conspiracy began with Hay selling drugs in the Salamanca, NY, area, before moving his operation to the Olean area, where he used co-defendant Alphonso Payne to assist him with selling drugs. In April 2017, Hay’s vehicle was stopped by Buffalo Police and in May 2017 his vehicle was stopped by Salamanca Police. Buffalo officers seized marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, while Salamanca officers seized a quantity of marijuana and a digital scale. In May 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Hay’s residence, seizing two firearms, several magazines, ammunition, a digital scale, cash, and several cell phones. Hay used social media to display himself with firearms, letting others know that he could protect himself, his drugs, and his money. The conspiracy continued to operate until Hay was arrested in July 2019. Following his arrest, Hay believed that an individual named Joshua Jalovick provided information to law enforcement that led to the search of his residence and subsequent arrest. As a result, Hay, Alphonso Payne, and another co-conspirator wanted Jalovick dead. On July 1, 2019, Hay and Payne lured Jalovick to a residence on Freund Avenue, where Payne fired approximately 11 rounds of ammunition toward Jalovick, striking him several times. Hay initially ran down the driveway, but then ran back toward Jalovick, stood over his body, and shot Jalovick five times. According to the Erie County Medical Examiner Report, Joshua Jalovick died from more than 15 gunshot wounds. Afterwards, Hay disposed of the murder weapons and his cell phone. Charges remain pending against Alphonso Payne. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. Additional assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb. Sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Arcara. # # # #


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

body_text: Bankruptcy Fraud Scheme Peter Szanto, 73, of Oceanside, California, was sentenced to time served (two days), three years of supervised release, a $7,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment for bankruptcy fraud scheme. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on August 21. According to court documents, the defendant engaged in a nine-year scheme to defraud JPMorgan Chase by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises, in order to hinder and obstruct the lawful foreclosure of his Newport Beach, California home, valued at approximately $4.5 million, through the repeated misuse of the U.S. bankruptcy courts, including the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Wyoming. Szanto was indicted in July 2023 and pleaded guilty on May 10. This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Violent Crime John Darwin Whiteman, 34, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 57 month’s imprisonment and ordered by the court to pay $5,301.40 in restitution and a $100 special assessment for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. According to court documents, he and a companion had been drinking when an argument ensued and turned violent. The victim’s injuries consisted of significant bruising across the body, swollen eyes and lips; a broken tooth; a broken nose; a broken left orbital socket; red marks and bruising around the neck; a burn on the back; various lacerations; and human bite marks on the arm and leg. This crime was investigated by the FBI and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore. Child Sexual Assault Material Kevin Snyder , 36, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography with a life term of supervised release. The court ordered him to pay $12,000 in restitution and $200 in special assessments. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on August 20. According to court documents, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force was contacted by staff members at the Casper Re-Entry Center for an inmate who they believed was accessing child pornography on his phone. Their investigation concluded that he had downloaded approximately 2,600 files of child sexual assault materials involving lewd and lascivious acts, sadomasochism, and bestiality. This crime was investigated by the ICAC task force and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Ben Murray , 58, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for failure to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on August 12. According to court documents, on April 7, 2023, Aurora Police Department in Colorado issued an arrest warrant for Murray for failure to register. Wyoming Fugitive Task Force received information that Murray was residing in Cheyenne. Murray is an unregistered sex offender and has not registered in Wyoming or any other jurisdiction since February 2020. He waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information on May 14. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison. Delray James Quiver, 46, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced on Aug. 19, to 26 months in federal prison for failure to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, on Jan. 17, Quiver was released from custody and was required to register within three business days of his release from jail. The U.S. Marshal’s office advised that as of March 5, Quiver had not registered or updated his registration anywhere in Wyoming or anywhere that reports to the federal sex offender database. He was indicted on March 13, and pleaded guilty on May 28. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence in Cheyenne. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. Illegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien Enrique Gomez-Salazar, 34, of San Luis, Potosi, Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus 10 days to allow for deportation proceedings, for illegal entry into the United States. According to court documents, on May 10, Gomez-Salazar was arrested by the Rawlins Police Department for driving while under the influence. He was booked into the Carbon County Jail. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained his fingerprints. They matched pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating he had previously been deported. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 13. Martin Avina-Gonzalez, 34, of Fresnillo, Zaxatecas, Mexico, was sentenced to 104 days in prison and then his deportation proceedings will begin, for illegal entry into the United States. According to court documents, on May 3, Avina-Gonzales was arrested by the Evanston Police Department for strangulation of a household member, domestic battery, stalking, and violation of a protection order. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained his fingerprints. They matched pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating he had previously been deported. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Aug. 21 About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Buffalo pharmacy pays more than $140,000 to settle record keeping and misbilling allegations

body_text: BUFFALO, NEW YORK – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Dexter Prescription Center a/k/a Dexter Pharmacy, has agreed to pay the United States $141,727 to resolve allegations that it violated the record keeping provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), and overcharged federal health care programs. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Coriell, who handled the case, stated that the CSA requires entities that dispense controlled substances to maintain certain records and to conduct periodic inventories to prevent against diversion of controlled substances. An inspection by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration revealed that between January 1, 2018, and February 1, 2021, Dexter Pharmacy failed to maintain accurate records relating to its purchases and sales for certain controlled substances. Dexter Pharmacy also billed federal healthcare programs for medications, including controlled substances, that were never dispensed by Dexter Pharmacy. “My office is committed to stopping the potential abuse of prescription drugs in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. “The requirement that pharmacies maintain accurate books and records is critical in preventing the diversion of prescription drugs, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that pharmacies take their obligations to safeguard prescription drugs seriously.” “Pharmacies are not exempt from their regulatory responsibilities especially when dealing with controlled substances and the dangerous effects they have when misused,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino. “This settlement reflects DEA’s commitment to making sure measures are in place to safeguard the community and hold DEA registrants accountable. I commend our Diversion Investigators for bringing this matter to a resolution.” This case was investigated by DEA Buffalo District Office’s Diversion Group and Tactical Diversion Squad; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the United States Attorney’s Office. This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Dexter Pharmacy, nor a concession by the United States that its claims were not well-founded. # # # #


title: Second Former Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights and Conspiracy Charges Tied to Death of Tyre Nichols

body_text: A former Memphis, Tennessee, Police Department (MPD) officer facing federal civil rights charges for the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols pleaded guilty in federal court today. Emmitt Martin III, pleaded guilty to civil rights and conspiracy charges arising out of the Jan. 7, 2023, incident. Martin is the second MPD officer to plead guilty in this case. On Sept. 12, 2023, a federal jury returned a four-count indictment against Martin and four co-defendants. The charges included using excessive force resulting in the death of Nichols; aiding and abetting each other in using that excessive force; failing to intervene to stop the excessive force; failing to render medical aid; and conspiring or taking action to cover up their misconduct. On Nov. 2, 2023, co-defendant Desmond Mills entered a guilty plea to civil rights and conspiracy charges. The remaining three defendants will face a federal trial scheduled for Sept. 9. In today’s court appearance, Martin pleaded guilty to counts one and three of the indictment. Count one charged Martin with using excessive force and failing to intervene in the unlawful assault. Count three charged Martin with conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force by omitting material information and by providing false and misleading information to his supervisor and to others. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pritchard and Elizabeth Rogers for the Western District of Tennessee and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert, Trial Attorney Andrew Manns and Deputy Chief Forrest Christian of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Detonating an Explosive Device Outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, Alabama, pleaded guilty in federal court to the malicious use of an explosive device. “This defendant built a bomb using nails and screws as shrapnel and detonated it outside the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, endangering a public institution and members of the community,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Public servants should never be targeted for doing their jobs. The Justice Department will not tolerate such conduct, and we will use every resource at our disposal to prevent these attacks and hold perpetrators accountable.” “The defendant pleaded guilty today to setting off a shrapnel-filled explosive at public offices in the middle of downtown Montgomery,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Violence and destruction of property will never be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to work together to ensure anyone who attempts to harm or intimidate the community will be held accountable.” “This attack on the Alabama Attorney General’s Office was an attack on the American justice system,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Violent, targeted attacks like this, aim to harm, whether physically or through fear and intimidation, the civil servants and public officials who serve our communities and country. ATF is committed to holding those who attack American institutions accountable. I commend the work of the ATF and all our federal and local partners in bringing this defendant to justice.” “Calvert’s offense was a very serious one and today’s plea ensures that he will face significant consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Calvert would not have been held accountable had it not been for the thorough and painstaking investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement agents working together. I am grateful for the efforts of everyone involved.” According to the court documents, Calvert detonated an explosive device during the early morning hours of Feb. 24, outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office in downtown Montgomery. No injuries were reported. Calvert admitted during the plea hearing to manufacturing the device himself, using items such as nails and screws to act as shrapnel along with accelerants to cause an explosion. Prior to planting the device, Calvert placed stickers on various state buildings depicting different graphics and advocating for various political ideologies. Some stickers included the phrase “Support your local antifa.” As reflected in the plea agreement, Calvert claims he has no affiliation with antifa. After placing the explosive device near the Attorney General’s Office, Calvert lit its fuse and fled the scene. Law enforcement arrested Calvert on April 10. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Calvert at a later date. Calvert faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.


component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama – Today, Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, Alabama, pleaded guilty in federal court to the malicious use of an explosive device. “This defendant built a bomb using nails and screws as shrapnel and detonated it outside the Alabama Attorney General's Office, endangering a public institution and members of the community,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Public servants should never be targeted for doing their jobs. The Justice Department will not tolerate such conduct, and we will use every resource at our disposal to prevent these attacks and hold perpetrators accountable.” "The defendant pleaded guilty today to setting off a shrapnel-filled explosive at public offices in the middle of downtown Montgomery,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Violence and destruction of property will never be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to work together to ensure anyone who attempts to harm or intimidate the community will be held accountable." “This attack on the Alabama Attorney General's Office was an attack on the American justice system,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “Violent, targeted attacks like this, aim to harm, whether physically or through fear and intimidation, the civil servants and public officials who serve our communities and country. ATF is committed to holding those who attack American institutions accountable. I commend the work of the ATF and all our federal and local partners in bringing this defendant to justice.” “Calvert’s offense was a very serious one and today’s plea ensures that he will face significant consequences,” said United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. “Calvert would not have been held accountable had it not been for the thorough and painstaking investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement agents working together. I am grateful for the efforts of everyone involved.” According to the plea agreement and other court documents, during the early morning hours of February 24, 2024, Calvert detonated an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General's Office in downtown Montgomery. No injuries were reported. Calvert admitted during the plea hearing to manufacturing the device. He used, nails and screws as shrapnel and accelerants to cause an explosion. Prior to planting the device, Calvert placed stickers on various downtown buildings. The stickers had graphics advocating for various political ideologies. Some stickers included the phrase “Support your local antifa.” As reflected in the plea agreement, Calvert claims he has no affiliation with antifa. After placing the explosive device near the Attorney General’s Office, Calvert lit its fuse and fled the scene. Law enforcement arrested Calvert on April 10, 2024. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for Calvert in the coming months. At that hearing, Calvert faces a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison with no possibility of parole. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.


title: Jessamine County Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Lenny Needy, 66, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 18 months in prison, for bank robbery by intimidation. According to his plea agreement, on August 17, 2023, Needy robbed Traditional Bank on Nicholasville Road in Lexington. Specifically, Needy approached the teller window and handed her a note, then saying words to the effect: “This is a robbery, give me everything you have!” A teller was able to hit a silent alarm; but as she hit the alarm, Needy said not to hit any buttons and to hurry up with the money. Needy obtained $6,943 in cash from the teller and fled the scene. Law enforcement later identified Needy through cameras and DNA testing on his clothing. Under federal law, Needy must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Lander man sentenced on methamphetamine and fentanyl charges

body_text: Brennon Scott, 25, of Lander, Wyoming was sentenced Aug. 20, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl to 60 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to court documents, on Feb. 2, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Scott after witnessing him swerve and drive over the fog line. Officers could see drug paraphernalia in plain view and Scott appeared to be impaired. A search of the vehicle recovered approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, one fentanyl pill, baggies commonly used in the distribution of controlled substances, and a digital scale with methamphetamine residue on it. Scott was arrested and initially charged through the Fremont County Attorney's Office. Scott was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, and pleaded guilty on May 3. This crime was investigated by the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, with assistance by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. Case No. 24-CR-00041


title: St. Louis County Woman Admits Prostituting Minor

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from St. Louis County, Missouri on Friday admitted promoting the prostitution of a minor online. Carrie Little, 44, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of coercion or enticement of a minor. Little’s trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday. As part of her plea, Little admitted that beginning at least as early as 2018, she recruited women and had others recruit women to engage in prostitution. Among those recruited was a minor female. Little provided the victim with a place to live and placed sexually suggestive and/or explicit photos of the minor that were taken with Little’s phone in online advertisements for commercial sex. Little took calls to arrange sexual encounters and to arrange the price. After the encounters, men paid Little or the victim, who was required to give the majority of the money to Little. Little is scheduled to be sentenced November 26. The charge carries a penalty of at least 10 years in prison, with a maximum of life. The St. Louis County Police Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case as part of the FBI St. Louis Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Crisis Aid International and the International Institute of Saint Louis assisted victims associated with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dianna Edwards and Nathan Chapman are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .