title: Physician Pays $95,000 to Resolve Allegations of Genetic Testing Fraud

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Nishi Patel, MD, a physician who received his medical training at Drexel University, will pay $95,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by ordering medically unnecessary genetic testing for Medicare beneficiaries. Between August 2018 and May 2020, Dr. Patel referred more than 400 patients for medically unnecessary genetic tests that were paid for by Medicare. The United States alleges that Dr. Patel had no medical relationship with these patients, never examined these patients, and that the referrals were based on brief telemedicine consultations, and in some instances, no consultation. The genetic tests that Dr. Patel ordered often cost thousands of dollars per patient. “Doctors who refer patients for medically unnecessary and costly services, such as genetic testing, deplete vital funds from Medicare and other government healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “This office will continue to work with law enforcement partners, and our own internal analytics tools, to identify healthcare providers who increase costs through unnecessary procedures and will hold them accountable.” “Accurately billing for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries is required of all health care providers,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Region III. “HHS-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to evaluate and pursue allegations of medically unnecessary services.” This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah W. Frey and Auditor Dawn Wiggins. The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combatting health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).


title: Undercover Operation Results In 25 Year Federal Prison Sentence For Convicted Felon

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

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Hiawatha Laquinta Scott, III, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence. “Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm and drug offenses.” As part of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, an undercover officer made a series of controlled purchases of drugs and guns from Scott in early 2023. On February 8, 2023, the undercover officer purchased a small amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from Scott. Scott also loaned the undercover officer a .22 caliber pistol. Later that same day, the undercover officer purchased more methamphetamine and a 12-gauge shotgun. On February 9, 2023, the undercover officer purchased four ounces of methamphetamine. On February 16, 2023, the undercover officer purchased two ounces of methamphetamine and a sawed-off shotgun. On February 23, 2023, the undercover officer purchased 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine. On April 20, 2023, a search warrant was conducted at Scott’s house and officers recovered two ounces of methamphetamine and multiple digital scales. “The Big Bend area is much safer with this violent offender behind bars,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “The sentence reflects the severity of suspect’s crimes, as well as the determination of the North Star Task Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office.” Scott qualified for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal because he had three or more prior convictions for serious drug offenses and violent felonies, including a prior 20-year prison sentence for attempted first degree murder with a firearm. Scott had been released from prison in October 2021. “A primary emphasis of the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office is the obtainment of sustained solutions to the various problems faced by Wakulla County, FL,” said Sheriff Jared Miller. “The collaborative investigative and prosecutorial efforts of my agency’s Narcotics Unit, the NSMDTF, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, followed by the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Scott, provides a sustained solution to the on-going threat Mr. Scott posed to the community as he refused to live a law-abiding existence following his release from prison in 2021.” Scott’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Joseph A. Ravelo prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Winter Haven Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing P-Fluorofentanyl And Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marcus Lutrell Walden (36, Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and p-fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue). Walden faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on February 14, 2024, Walden agreed to sell what he believed was methamphetamine and fentanyl, which he described in communications as “ice cream” and “mashed potatoes” to a confidential source in Winter Haven, Florida. Walden agreed to meet the confidential source at a motel in Winter Haven to conduct the sale. An analysis of the fentanyl by the DEA Laboratory revealed that it was para -fluorofentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. Later that day, Walden sold a Taurus .22 caliber pistol to the confidential source. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Former Laguna Niguel Resident Indicted for Allegedly Threatening to Kill Orange County Family Law Judge

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former Orange County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly threatening to kill a superior court judge who presided over his family law case, the Justice Department announced today. Byrom Zuniga Sanchez, 32, formerly of Laguna Niguel, but whose most recent residence was in Morella, Mexico, is charged in an indictment returned Friday with two counts of threats by interstate and foreign communication. Zuniga was arrested February 27 in San Diego and remains in federal custody there. His arraignment is expected to occur in the coming weeks in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. “There has been a troubling increase in threats against public servants, including judicial officers,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “These threats undermine the rule of law, are anathema in our democracy, and will not be tolerated. As such, my office will continue to aggressively prosecute all such violent criminal conduct.” “The chilling threats allegedly made by Zuniga Sanchez via e-mail and online caused profound fear for many people in the legal and law enforcement community, and forced some to take extra security precautions,” said Amir Ehsaei, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our partners take such threats extremely seriously so that judges and others who make difficult decisions every day don’t suffer needlessly for simply carrying out their duties.” According to court documents previously filed in this case, from May 2023 to July 2023, Zuniga sent multiple death threats via email to the victim judge. Zuniga allegedly also threatened to kill or harm others, including other judges, lawyers, and law enforcement officials. For example, in July 2023, Zuniga allegedly emailed the victim judge’s former courtroom, “I am more committed to murdering you than I am to being present as a father.” In the same email, Zuniga allegedly also wrote, “You’re already dead. The remainder of my life will be dedicated to assassinating judges, attorneys, and a police station’s entire shift staff.” In September 2023, Zuniga allegedly posted on his Instagram account, “With access to a weapon, it is easier for me to walk into a courthouse and indiscriminately assasinate [sic] because I notified lawyers and judges.” This statement was directed at the courthouse in Orange where he had been involved in family law proceedings from 2019 to 2021. Zuniga also allegedly in October 2023 threatened to conduct an active shooting at the same courthouse. These communications were sent via interstate commerce, and law enforcement believes Zuniga was in Mexico when he sent the threatening messages. Zuniga was arrested last week after attempting to enter the United States. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, Zuniga would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count. The FBI is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney J’me K. Forrest of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Philadelphia Man Indicted for Firearms Possession and Narcotics Trafficking

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Norman Copper, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by indictment with multiple firearms and narcotics offenses related to his possession and trafficking of those items. Specifically, the defendant is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession of firearms by a felon. The indictment alleges that Copper was found in possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it on January 24, 2024, in King of Prussia, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The indictment further alleges that on January 24, 2024, the defendant was found to be in possession of three semi-automatic handguns and one AK-style semi-automatic rifle. Finally, the indictment alleges that the defendant had been previously convicted of a felony before he possessed each of these firearms. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Upper Merion Township Police Department, the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey T. Mills. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Bradenton Man Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing  A Firearm

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dovontate James Wright (26, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Wright faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on September 2, 2022, Wright was the front seat passenger of a silver Nissan Altima driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota Police Department officers stopped the vehicle and Wright fled on foot into a discount auto parts store. Inside the store, Wright ran behind the service counter, into the back of the store, where he tripped and fell into a product bin when he attempted to pull an object from his waistband. The object was a fully loaded Smith and Wesson model 40C .40 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber. In an interview with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wright admitted to possessing the firearm and being a convicted felon. Wright had previously served three years in a Florida state prison for committing aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and grand theft of a motor vehicle. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. An analysis of the DNA recovered from the firearm matched Wright’s DNA. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael Kenneth. 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: Justice Department Fiscal Year 2025 Funding Request Budget Proposal to Uphold the Rule of Law, Keep America Safe, and Protect Civil Rights

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note: Read the Department of Justice FY2025 Budget Fact Sheets here. The President today submitted to Congress his Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, which requests a total of $37.8 billion in discretionary resources, an increase of $467 million over an FY 2024 Annualized Continuing Resolution, and a total of $10.5 billion in mandatory funding for the Justice Department. “The dedicated men and women of the Justice Department work every day to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Securing these resources is critical to advancing that mission in service of the American people.” Key investments to keep our country safe include: Over $20.6 billion to expand the capacity of the Department’s law enforcement and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to combat a wide range of complex and evolving threats. This includes $11.3 billion for the FBI and $2.8 billion for U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to carry out their complex missions, including keeping our country safe from violent crime, cybercrime, hate crimes, terrorism, espionage, and the proliferation and potential use of weapons of mass destruction. The budget also includes: $2.7 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to continue the fight against dangerous drug trafficking gangs and cartels and to prevent the flow of deadly drugs into our communities. $1.9 billion for the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to assist local law enforcement in apprehending violent fugitives from our neighborhoods and to protect our nation’s judges and courts. $2 billion for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to reduce gun violence and violent crime. Investments of $1.6 billion in discretionary funding and $3.5 billion in mandatory funding to combat violent crime and reduce gun violence in the United States. This includes the new Violent Crime Reduction and Prevention Fund (VCRPF) and mandatory funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The VCRPF, over five years, will hire new federal law enforcement agents, prosecutors, and forensic specialist to combat fentanyl, as well as apprehend dangerous fugitives and aims to drive down the high rate of unsolved violent crimes and the lengthy delays that undermine public trust and public safety. $2.2 billion in mandatory funding, and $370 million in discretionary funding, for a total of almost $2.6 billion for the COPS Hiring Program to provide resources to meet the administration’s goal of 100,000 new police officers in America’s neighborhoods, through the President’s Safer America Plan. $884 million for a new mandatory Gun Crime Prevention Strategic Fund totaling $4.4 billion over five years in funding to provide states and localities with comprehensive resources to invest in law enforcement and crime prevention. $247.1 million in funding annually for five years for the new mandatory-funded VCRPF dedicated to providing resources to states, localities, and Tribal communities to help prevent and respond to violent crime. This funding supports 4,700 detectives at the state and local level over five years through COPS funding, as well as the USMS’ Operation North Star, DEA’s Operation Overdrive, additional prosecutors for U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and expansion of ATF’s and FBI’s staffing efforts to bolster violent crime reduction. $7.7 billion for programs to protect national security, enhance cybersecurity, and combat cybercrime to counter terrorism and keep pace with rising national security threats, while protecting civil rights and civil liberties. $4.7 billion to support state and local law enforcement and community violence prevention and intervention programs to make neighborhoods safer. $483 million for COPS, which includes funding for law enforcement to boost community policing, the STOP School Violence Program to provides resources to prevent school violence, and active shooter training to prepare officials to respond to shooting incidents. $856.5 million for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which includes funding to support state, local, and Tribal public safety and community justice activities to reduce violent crime. $1.1 billion to protect the most vulnerable by combating child exploitation, combating gender-based discrimination and harassment, and protecting victims of violence and abuse. Funding is provided for several new programs within the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), including $20 million the Access to Sexual Assault Nurse Exams, $10 million for the Special Initiative to Address the Intersection of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Human Trafficking, and $3 million for the National Service Line for Incarcerated Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Key investments to support the Department’s mission of protecting civil rights includes include $737.6 million in funding that supports: $641 million for the OJP to provide resources, leadership, and solutions to advance community safety, build community trust, and provide grants, including a $5 million increase for the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act grant program. Funding includes $300 million for the Accelerating Justice System Reform initiative to enhance public safety while reducing disparities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems and $5 million for the Deaths in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) to enhance the collection and reporting of DCRA data. $94 million to support the Department’s Body Worn Camera Initiative. Key investments to support the Department’s mission to uphold the Rule of Law include $119.1 million in funding that supports: $38.1 million to protect democratic institutions, including: $28.1 million for the USMS’ Supreme Court of the U.S. Protective Services, which includes personnel and equipment for protective services and details. $10 million for grants under the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act to help prevent the disclosure of personal information of Federal judges and their family members. $12.5 million for Justice Information Sharing Technology. This includes $10 million to support for the new National Law Enforcement Accountability Database that helps law enforcement agencies make more informed hiring decisions, thereby enhancing both accountability and public safety. In addition, $2.5 million is requested to support the Department’s effort to capitalize on the extraordinary capabilities of artificial intelligence in a responsible and secure manner. The Department’s overall request for FY 2025 reflects the limits imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2023.


title: Former Chairman of the Village of Hempstead Housing Authority Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fraud and Corruption

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Cornell Bozier, the former Chairman of the Board of Commissioners (Board) at the Village of Hempstead Housing Authority (VHHA) was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and three counts of federal program bribery. Bozier was convicted by a federal jury in April 2019. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and William Woolard, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG), Northeast Region, announced the sentence. “The defendant exploited his official position as Chairman of the Village of Hempstead Housing Authority to enrich himself at the expense of the elderly, disabled and low-income residents whom he was meant to serve,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Corruption at any level of government erodes public confidence in the institution and will not be tolerated in this district as the defendant learned the hard way.” “Cornell Bozier and his co-conspirators engaged in an egregious false billing and kickback scheme resulting in the theft of critical taxpayer dollars,” stated HUD-OIG Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Woolard. “Moreover, they risk damaging the integrity of HUD programs and violate the trust of the communities who rely on them. HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who seek to profit by abusing HUD-funded programs.” The VHHA was established to provide low-income families, disabled residents, and senior citizens in Hempstead with safe, sanitary, and affordable housing, and received nearly $1 million in federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the defendant’s tenure as Board Chairman from 2011 to 2013. The funding from HUD included money needed for capital improvements, major repairs, and other large-scale construction projects. Before HUD would release funds for the more expensive construction projects, the VHHA was required to follow a Procurement Policy designed to ensure open and transparent competition in the bidding process and contract awards to the lowest responsible bidder. As proven at Bozier’s trial and set forth in court filings, rather than providing his residents with the honest services they needed, the defendant used his official position to orchestrate a bid-rigging and kickback scheme by filling numerous positions in the Housing Authority with either co-conspirators who were actively participating in the scheme, or people he believed could be manipulated and would not interfere. Bozier relied on bribes, threats and intimidation to pressure other Board members into supporting his fraudulent schemes. Bozier also fraudulently induced the Board to declare numerous projects as emergencies to sidestep the normal procedure process by which the VHHA obtained HUD funding. During the conspiracy, the defendant and his co-conspirators submitted grossly inflated bids to the Board for repair projects at properties throughout the VHHA and Bozier used his de facto control over the Board to secure the acceptance of those bids. The work related to those projects was then subcontracted out at a fraction of the amount paid by the VHHA for nominal and, in many cases, substandard repairs and work. Bozier demanded and received numerous cash payments from his co-conspirators, who prepared and submitted the fraudulent bids as kickbacks for his role in the scheme, which totaled more than $100,000. For example, the VHHA paid a co-conspirator company, Devlin Mac Construction, $273,900 to replace the roof at one of its apartment buildings. Rather than replacing the roof, a subcontractor was paid $23,000 to patch and repair certain sections. The rest of the VHHA’s money was split between the defendant and his co-conspirators, with the defendant receiving $55,000 in kickbacks for his role. This scheme was repeated and fraudulent bids were submitted for more than a half dozen construction projects during Bozier’s tenure, as he tried to steal as much of the VHHA’s money as he could. In total, the defendant steered more than $800,000 of VHHA funds to co-conspirator companies as part of his fraudulent scheme and received more than $100,000 in kickback payments. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul G. Scotti and Artie McConnell are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor of the Office’s Civil Division handled forfeiture matters. The Defendant : CORNELL BOZIER Age: 63 North Baldwin, Long Island E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-303 (S-1) (JMA)


title: Former Luzerne County Police Officer Sentenced To 96 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Distribute Drugs

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Davis, age 28, of Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 96 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between May 2021 and April 2022, Davis rented an apartment to a drug trafficking operation in Wilkes-Barre knowing the apartment was solely being used to store illegal drugs and drug proceeds. Davis installed security cameras inside the apartment and acted as security for the drug trafficking organization. He instructed members of the organization what to do and say if they were stopped by the police and warned them about potential law enforcement surveillance. On one occasion he used a law enforcement data base to determine whether a member of the organization had been stopped by law enforcement. During the time of the conspiracy, Davis was employed as a patrolman for a Luzerne County Municipal Police Department. Judge Mannion determined at sentencing that Davis abused is position of trust as a law enforcement officer when committing these acts. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Hardik prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: York County Man Sentenced To 96 Months For Drug Trafficking Crime

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Terry Clark, age 59, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 96 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in 2021, Clark was stopped by law enforcement in York, Pennsylvania, and found to be in possession of crack cocaine, two cell phones, a digital scale, and $18,200. Clark confessed that the money was from selling drugs. A month later, Clark sold crack cocaine to a confidential source, and then, two weeks later was stopped again. During the second stop, Clark was in possession of an additional quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Clark’s residence and seized more crack cocaine, as well as fentanyl, a digital scale, and stun gun. In total, Clark was determined to be responsible for 398 grams of crack cocaine, 27 grams of marijuana, and 8 grams of fentanyl. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce D. Brandler, Johnny Baer, and K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: Six Defendants Indicted in Multi-State Identity Theft Ring

component: USAO - Arizona

number: 2024-027_Purandah, et al.

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – On February 28, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Armani R. Purandah, 24, Rashawn L. Gray, 27, Tyshaun D. Ripley, 25, Awilda Reyes, 51, Richard M. Bah, 20, of Bronx, NY, and Harley D. Stuscavage, 41, of Phoenix. The defendants were each charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and four counts of Aggravated Identity Theft. The indictment alleges that the co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals and banks across the United States including in Arizona, Colorado, and California. The co-conspirators unlawfully used victims’ personal identifying information and fraudulent identifications to open fake business accounts linked to the victims’ legitimate bank accounts. They transferred the victims’ funds from the victims’ legitimate bank accounts to the fraudulent business bank accounts. Once the victims’ funds were transferred to the business accounts, the co-conspirators withdrew the funds in cash at financial institutions and tribal casinos. The co-conspirators also made other unauthorized transactions from the accounts. Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Aggravated Identity Theft carries a two-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-24-00927-JCH-MSA RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-027_Purandah, et al. # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Jackson Man Sentenced to 26 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced to 26 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Craig Myrick, 45, of Jackson opened an account at BankPlus in September 2022 using someone else’s identity. He received several $500 checks he knew to be counterfeit United States Treasury checks from his co-defendant, Ronald Gardner. Gardner and Myrick deposited several counterfeit United States Treasury checks in the account at various BankPlus branches in the Jackson metro area and withdrew the cash before the checks were determined to be counterfeit. Myrick was ordered to pay restitution to BankPlus as part of his sentence. Ronald Gardner and Anthony Myrick were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 22, 2023. Myrick pleaded guilty on October 17, 2023, and Gardner pleaded guilty on February 2, 2024. Gardner is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 32 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 of the Southern District of Mississippi and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis made the announcement. The U.S. Secret Service and Rankin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.


title: Teen Admits Role in 2 New Haven Gang Shootings, Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Charge

body_text: NYZAIRE BARNES, also known as “Melo,” 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense stemming from his role in a violent New Haven street gang. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson. According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city. The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020. The investigation revealed that Barnes and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders. Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. Barnes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in two gang-related shootings. On April 12, 2022, Barnes and other Exit 8 members shot and attempted to kill rival gang members. On January 20, 2023, Exit 8 members, including Devin Suggs, stole an SUV in Scarsdale, New York. Later that day, Barnes and Suggs committed a drive-by shooting of a rival gang member in New Haven. The victim was shot in the head, but survived the attack. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Barnes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Barnes has been detained since August 3, 2023. Suggs pleaded guilty to the same charge on February 20, 2024, and awaits sentencing. This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Six Former Kentucky State Corrections Officers Sentenced for Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of Justice

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Six former officers of the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC) were sentenced today for their roles in the assault of an inmate and the subsequent cover-up. Three officers who carried out the assault on the inmate and covered it up — Randall Dennis, 28, James Benish, 37, and Jeffery Havens, 28 — were sentenced to 60, 27 and 15 months in prison, respectively, followed by two years of supervised release each. A supervisor and two other officers who covered up the assault — Randy Nickell, 55, Nathan Cantrell, 33, and Derek Mays, 34 — were each sentenced to one month in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, with Nickell and Cantrell sentenced to five additional months of home confinement. All six officers pleaded guilty, and three of the officers testified against a seventh co-defendant, Eric Nantell, who was found guilty at a trial earlier this year. “These former corrections officers are being sentenced to prison for their roles in the violent assault of a handcuffed inmate in a prison shower cell, and their attempt to cover-up the crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These sentences should send a clear message: corrections officers are not above the law in our country. The Justice Department will continue to enforce federal laws to protect the civil and constitutional rights of people held in our jails and prisons.” “These individuals were responsible for the custody and care of inmates; instead, they chose to assault them, and lie to cover up the abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Their conduct was a profound breach of the trust placed in them, a brazen disregard for safety of people in their care and a disgraceful effort to conceal their crime. Fortunately, they now face the consequences of this inexcusable conduct.” “When several officers took part in beating an inmate who was unable to defend himself, a blatant violation of the individual’s civil rights occurred. But the injustice did not stop there as evidence of a cover-up also emerged,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “As in this case, FBI personnel will always take allegations of police misconduct seriously and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to identifying perpetrators who violate federal law.” The evidence at trial established that Dennis and Benish, both of whom were members of EKCC’s internal affairs department, assaulted a non-violent inmate who was lying face-down, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles and isolated in a prison shower cell. Havens, an entry-level officer, joined them in the assault. Within hours of the inmate reporting the abuse, supervisors of EKCC and state detectives of the Kentucky State Police opened an investigation. Nickell, Cantrell and Mays, who were standing in the hallway outside the door of the shower when the assault began, joined the other officers in a cover-up scheme. As part of that cover-up, they wrote false reports and lied to state investigators. The one defendant who did not plead guilty was recently convicted at trial in a related case. On Feb. 15, former Corrections Sergeant Nantell was convicted of one count of deprivation of civil rights for failing to intervene to protect the inmate and three counts of obstruction for lying to state and federal investigators. Nantell’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo and Mary Melton for the Eastern District of Kentucky prosecuted the case.


title: Former federal officer admits to smuggling aliens and receiving bribes to allow cocaine across the border

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been convicted in two separate federal cases and now faces decades in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Emanuel Isac Celedon, 36, Laredo, pleaded guilty to four counts of bringing an undocumented alien to the United States through the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry (POE) in Laredo. In a separate case, he also admitted to bribery and attempted importation of cocaine for taking money to allow what he thought was cocaine to cross into the United States from Mexico. As part of the smuggling conspiracy, Celedon provided his daily lane assignment to conspirators to allow entry without inspection or documentation of passengers. This occurred on at least nine occasions between September and November 2023. Authorities also discovered that during at least two of these smuggling events, Celedon falsely input information into a CBP database in order to avoid sending the driver to mandatory secondary inspection. The investigation revealed he asked others to relay information about his role to Mexican smugglers in attempts to reassure them he was doing his part to facilitate the organization’s human smuggling efforts. Law enforcement seized $1,980 in cash from Celedon at the time of his arrest, which he admitted were proceeds from human smuggling. In a separate case, Celedon agreed to smuggle what he believed were kilograms of cocaine from Mexico through his duty lane at the Laredo POE on two occasions in October 2023. Celedon sought contacts within the cartels who would pay him to smuggle cocaine through the POE. The undercover investigation revealed Celedon expressed his interest in smuggling cocaine for payment, provided his duty schedule and instructed others to direct vehicles to his lane so he could allow them to safely cross into the United States. Celedon was paid a total of $6,000 after the vehicles with sham cocaine safely crossed the POE. U.S. District Judges Diana Saldana and Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at later dates on the smuggling and bribery cases, respectively. At those times, Celedon faces up to 10 years on two counts and 15 years on the other two counts in the smuggling case as well as another 15 years for the bribery and 40 years for the drug charges. He also faces hundreds of thousands in possible fines. Celedon will remain in custody pending those hearings. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations and CBP- Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, Webb County Constable Precinct 2 and CBP Laredo Joint Forensic Center. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) Jennifer Day and Richard Bennett are prosecuting both cases. AUSA Brian Bajew handled the plea today. This investigation is related to an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) case. 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. This case is also supported by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JTFA in June 2021 in partnership with the DHS to strengthen the Justice Department’s overall efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA is comprised of detailees from southwest border U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, including the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, District of New Mexico, District of Arizona and Southern District of California. Numerous components of the Criminal Division are part of JTFA and provide dedicated support for the program which the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section leads. The Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section also provide support. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 271 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 211 U.S. convictions; significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial asset forfeiture.


title: Wisconsin Man Convicted In April 2018 Double Homicide And Armed Robbery Of Brooksville, Florida Couple

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer (26, Wisconsin) guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering with commerce, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which resulted in death, conspiring to kill persons in a foreign country and a violation of the Neutrality Act. Zwiefelhofer faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2024. Zwiefelhofer was indicted on December 4, 2019. According to testimony presented at trial, on April 10, 2018, two individuals, S.L., Jr. and D.L., were found dead in Estero, Florida from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Further investigation revealed that the couple had traveled to Estero from Brooksville, Florida to complete the purchase of several firearms from an individual who had listed them for sale on a website known as Armslist. As a result of the investigation, Zwiefelhofer was identified as one of two individuals who was believed to have murdered the couple during the course of an armed robbery of the $3,000 that the couple intended to use to purchase the firearms. Zwiefelhofer, who had previously fought in Ukraine in 2017 after going AWOL from the U.S. Army, pursued a plan to fight the Venezuelan government and committed the robbery of S.L., Jr. and D.L. to obtain money to fund his travel to Venezuela. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Michael V. Leeman.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to Over 6 Years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Leonard Stanley White, 41, of Phoenix, was sentenced on February 21, 2024, by United States District Judge David G. Campbell to 82 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. White pleaded guilty on November 21, 2023, to Felon in Possession of a Firearm and in doing so, he admitted to violating his supervised release conditions. On May 9, 2023, White was arrested on a supervised release violation warrant and was found to be in possession of a firearm at that time. White had previously been convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. After the Voluntary Manslaughter conviction, White was sentenced to 70 months for possessing the firearm and an additional 12 months for violating his supervised release in another case. The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chandler Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00819-PHX-DGC RELEASE NUMBER: 2024- 028_White # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Florida Man Arrested for Alleged Decades-Long Scheme to Hide Assets From the IRS

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal criminal complaint was unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida charging a Florida man with conspiring to defraud the United States by hiding income and assets offshore and with making a false statement to the IRS. According to the allegations contained in the complaint, [1] between 1985 and 2020, Dan Rotta hid more than $20 million in assets in at least two dozen secret bank accounts at five different Swiss banks, including UBS and Credit Suisse. Over the years, Rotta allegedly earned substantial income from these assets that he did not report on his tax returns. Starting in 2008, after it was reported publicly that UBS and its bankers were under criminal investigation for helping U.S. taxpayers evade their taxes, Rotta allegedly took steps to continue concealing his offshore assets, including by closing his UBS account and moving the funds to Credit Suisse and another Swiss bank, and then later transferring the funds into Swiss bank accounts in the name of nominees. In 2011, the IRS allegedly began auditing Rotta after it obtained evidence that he had unreported foreign financial accounts. Allegedly, Rotta falsely denied that he had any such accounts. During the audit, the IRS allegedly obtained evidence showing Rotta received transfers of hundreds of thousands of dollars from these foreign accounts that he did not report on his tax returns. Rotta allegedly claimed that these transfers were non-taxable loans from third parties and caused his representative to present the IRS with sham loan documents to corroborate his claims. As part of the scheme, Rotta allegedly enlisted his friend and cousin, Co-Conspirator 1, a native and resident of Brazil, to claim to the IRS that he either made or facilitated the fake loans. The IRS allegedly did not believe Rotta and assessed additional taxes as well as penalties and interest against him. Rotta allegedly then caused a petition in U.S. Tax Court to be filed that sought a redetermination of the IRS’s assessments. In that petition, Rotta, through his attorney, allegedly falsely denied having any foreign accounts and attached the fictitious loan documents. Furthermore, Rotta allegedly caused Co-Conspirator 1 to travel to the United States and retell the false loan story to IRS attorneys. In 2017, after Rotta allegedly presented evidence showing that the purported loans had been repaid, the IRS reversed the deficiencies and agreed that Rotta owed no additional tax. Unbeknownst to the IRS, however, the funds that Rotta purportedly repaid to the third parties allegedly went into accounts that he controlled. In 2019, after he allegedly became aware that the IRS would receive copies of his Swiss bank records, Rotta attempted to participate in the IRS’s voluntary disclosure practice. Under that practice, taxpayers who willfully do not comply with their tax and reporting obligations can make timely, accurate and complete disclosures of their conduct, which may be a way to resolve their non-compliance and limit their criminal exposure. In his submission, which was signed under penalties of perjury, Rotta allegedly made several false statements. Rotta was arrested on March 9 and made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jared M Strauss of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, Rotta faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and five years in prison for the false statement charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement. The International Tax and Financial Crimes group of IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Senior Litigation Counsels Sean Beaty and Mark Daly and Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell and William Montague of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Homer for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Rotta Complaint.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the complaint and the description of the complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations. Every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Fort Myers Felon Sentenced To Federal Prison For Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Firearm

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Christopher Jorge Ponce (37, Naples) to 6 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The court also ordered Ponce to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Ponce pleaded guilty on November 22, 2023. According to court records, on December 30, 2022, a Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a gas station in Lehigh Acres and observed what appeared to be a sleeping man sitting in the driver’s seat of vehicle parked at a gas pump with a six-inch long clear glass pipe and lighter sitting in his lap. The male was later identified as Christopher Ponce, and when his vehicle was searched, deputies found quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as a loaded Smith and Wesson firearm which was linked to Ponce. As a convicted felon who previously served time in federal prison for a firearms offense, Ponce is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. 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: Suburban Chicago Businessman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Evading $3.7 Million in Income Taxes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago businessman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for willfully evading more than $3.7 million in federal and state income taxes. ABRAHAM KISWANI 54, of Burbank, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a federal tax evasion charge. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah on Thursday fined Kiswani $10,000. Kiswani served as the president of World Security Bureau, a Chicago-area security firm that did business as World Security Agency. From 2010 through 2013, Kiswani concealed his wages, compensation, and income from being reported to the IRS. Kiswani directed the individual in charge of payroll to stop issuing payroll checks to Kiswani and to instead pay him in the form of checks falsely categorized as “subcontracted services.” Kiswani also caused the business to pay a wide range of personal expenses which Kiswani caused to be falsely identified as business expenses. Kiswani failed to report approximately $10 million in income that he received, resulting in a tax loss to the U.S. and State of Illinois totaling approximately $3,708,065. The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Chicago Housing Authority’s Office of the Inspector General. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. King, Jr.


title: New Haven, Vermont Woman Sentenced to Prison Term for Pandemic Fraud

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jennifer Stocker, 46, of New Haven, Vermont was sentenced on Friday, March 8, 2024, in United States District Court in Burlington for making false statements to a credit union on an application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, and for violating conditions of probation related to Stocker’s 2018 false statements conviction. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Stocker to a four-month term of imprisonment for the PPP loan offense, and a consecutive 30-day term of imprisonment for the violation of conditions of probation. After she is released from custody, Stocker will be subject to a three-year term of supervised release. According to court records, in 2018, Stocker pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Burlington to making false statements in applications for benefits funded by federal agencies. For that 2018 offense, Stocker was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $140,000 in restitution. Then, while on probation in May 2020, Stocker falsely stated on a PPP loan application for Twelve Acres LLC, an entity that she co-owned, that she had not been convicted of a felony in the past five years and was not on probation. Stocker submitted a second PPP loan application in February 2021 and again included a false statement about her criminal history. Both PPP loan applications were approved, and Stocker received approximately $86,000 in loan proceeds. Stocker submitted loan forgiveness applications for both PPP loans, and both forgiveness applications were granted for the full loan amounts plus interest. In addition to committing this new offense while on probation, Stocker also violated her conditions of probation by failing to pay restitution, and by opening auto loans without obtaining approval from the probation officer. Stocker is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate. Addressing pandemic-related fraud is a priority of United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest and of the Department of Justice. For information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Former Fresno Sleep Clinic Owner Sentenced to 19 Months in Prison for Submitting Nearly $1 Million in Fraudulent Claims for Sleep Studies to Medicare

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Travis Gober, 45, of Hanford, was sentenced to 19 months in prison today for committing health care fraud and aggravated identity theft by submitting more than $1 million in fraudulent claims for sleep studies to Medicare, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court records, Gober owned the VIP Sleep Center, which operated sleep clinics in Fresno and Tulare Counties. Sleep clinics perform diagnostic sleep studies on patients to identify disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. From October 2019 through September 2021, Gober caused the VIP Sleep Center to submit thousands of claims totaling nearly $1 million to Medicare for sleep studies that were not actually performed on patients. The claims also falsely stated that the patients had been referred for the sleep studies by physicians with whom Gober had previously worked. This was done because Medicare will not pay for a sleep study unless the patient was referred by a physician. Gober committed this fraud, at least in part, to try to payoff financial debts and address other financial difficulties that his brother, Jeremy Gober, had caused the VIP Sleep Center and him to incur without his knowledge or consent. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Department of Health Care Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case. Travis Gober’s brother, Jeremy Gober, was previously charged with, and has pleaded guilty to, health care fraud and aggravated identity theft related to other sleep clinics in the Central Valley . Jeremy Gober is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2024.


title: Minot, ND Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Trafficking

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced today that April Bergman of Minot pleaded guilty today to firearms trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about June 25, 2023 to July 9, 2023, Bergman received a Sig Sauer Model P365 9mm pistol, a Beretta Model PX4 Storm .40 caliber pistol, and a Smith and Wesson Model M&P 40 Shield .40 caliber pistol from another person in and otherwise affecting interstate and foreign commerce while knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that receipt of these firearms would constitute a felony in violation of a federal firearms trafficking statute, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 933(a)(2). Bergman also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Bergman is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for firearms trafficking, 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and a period of supervised release. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed using the tools Congress has provided to prosecute firearms trafficking,” Schneider said. “Aggressive prosecutions under these statutes will help keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons and those who seek to use firearms to commit violent crime. I want to credit our partners in law enforcement and our career prosecutors for their work to secure this plea.” This case was 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Richard Lee, District of North Dakota. # # #


title: Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - South Dakota


title: Representative John Rogers Agrees to Plead Guilty in Fraud Case Involving the Jefferson County Community Service Fund

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama State Representative John Rogers has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice in connection with the scheme to defraud the Jefferson County Community Service Fund, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman. In a plea agreement filed today in United States District Court, John Westley Rogers, Jr. , 83, of Birmingham, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. These charges arise from an investigation of wrongdoing in connection with the Jefferson County Community Service Fund. Rogers has also agreed to resign from the Alabama House of Representatives. In February 2024, Rogers’s former assistant and companion, Varrie Johnson Kindall, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Rogers and former Representative Fred L. Plump, Jr. to defraud the Fund. Plump also pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges in June 2023 and resigned from the Alabama House of Representatives. According to the second superseding indictment, in 2015 the Alabama Legislature passed Alabama Act No. 2015-226 (the “Act”) and authorized the Jefferson County Commission to levy and distribute a one percent sales tax and a one percent use tax to benefit the public welfare and enhance the education of the children of Jefferson County. Jefferson County began levying the new taxes in or about August 2017. The Act required the County to distribute the tax revenue according to certain specified priorities, including paying debt incurred during school construction, increasing the County’s general fund, giving funds to each board of education serving students in the County, and for certain other purposes set forth in the Act. The Act created the Jefferson County Community Service Fund (the “Fund”), which was subsidized by approximately $3.6 million annually from the new taxes. The Act also created the Jefferson County Community Service Committee (the “Committee”), the four members of which were elected by members of the Jefferson County House and Senate delegations. The Committee was responsible for ensuring that the Fund was used only for the purposes set forth in the Act, which included to support public entities and projects such as schools, libraries, museums, parks, zoos, neighborhood associations, athletic facilities, youth sports associations, road construction, the performing arts, police departments, the sheriff’s office, fire departments, and certain nonprofit entities. Each Representative and Senator representing Jefferson County could make recommendations to the Committee of expenditures from their allotted amount of the Fund. These recommendations were made on a form created by the Committee that required certain certifications by the legislator. The organization receiving the funds was required to submit information about the organization and confirm that it intended to use the money for a public purpose. During each fiscal year from 2018 to 2022, each Representative was allocated approximately $100,000 and each Senator was allocated approximately $240,000 from the Fund. The second superseding indictment identifies certain relevant parties. Defendant John Rogers was a long-serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives. Fred L. Plump, Jr. served as the Executive Director of the Piper Davis Youth Baseball League (“Piper Davis”), a nonprofit organization that claimed to provide a positive sporting experience for inner city youth in Jefferson County. Varrie Johnson Kindall was Rogers’ personal and professional assistant. Individual #1 was the Founder of Organization #1. Between fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2022, Defendant Rogers was allocated approximately $500,000 by the Fund. Rogers directed approximately $400,000 of those discretionary funds to Piper Davis. In turn, Plump gave approximately $200,000 to Rogers and Kindall as a kickback. The second superseding indictment alleges that from in or about March 2019, and continuing through April 2023, Rogers and Kindall conspired with Plump to defraud and obtain money from the Fund. It is alleged that it was part of the conspiracy that Rogers, with Kindall’s assistance, recommended during each fiscal year that most of his allotment of Fund money be paid to Piper Davis. In turn, Plump agreed to pay kickbacks to Rogers and Kindall. Rogers, Kindall, and Plump submitted false and fraudulent information to the Committee about Piper Davis’s intended use of Fund money, and Rogers’s certifications on the request forms were false. Upon receipt and deposit of Fund checks, Plump gave checks to Rogers and Kindall for approximately one-half of the amount of Fund money received by Piper Davis. The second superseding indictment also alleges that, in 2019, Rogers directed Fund money to Organization #1 and Kindall then required Individual #1 to pay kickbacks. Additionally, the second superseding indictment alleges that, after learning about the federal investigation into the fraud scheme, Rogers and Kindall attempted to obstruct justice by offering a witness grant money as a bribe and otherwise trying to corruptly persuade the witness to give false information to federal agents. It is also alleged that Rogers and Kindall agreed that she would accept full responsibility for the crimes and falsely tell federal investigators that Rogers did not participate in the scheme in exchange for Rogers’s promise to take care of personal issues for Kindall if she went to prison. As part of that agreement, Rogers had Kindall give false statements to investigators and prosecutors during a meeting at the United States Attorney’s Office on May 25, 2023. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to obstruct justice is 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys George Martin, Catherine Crosby, and Ryan Rummage are prosecuting the case. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: KC Woman Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Two Child Victims

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to the sexual exploitation of two child victims. Jessica Ann Young, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to two counts of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Her husband, Houston Wade Young, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor on Jan. 30, 2024. According to today’s plea agreement, Houston Young, while detained at the Vernon County, Mo., jail on March 5, 2020, was found to be in possession of a cell phone that contained images of child pornography. On March 7, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Jessica Young had sent pornographic images of a 7-year-old child (identified in court documents as “John Doe 1”) to Houston Young’s cell phone. Investigators found text messages on the cell phone between Jessica and Houston Young that discussed sexually abusing John Doe 1. During the text messages, Jessica Young sent Houston Young two pornographic images of John Doe 1. Multiple other images of child pornography sent by Jessica Young also were found on Houston Young’s cell phone. Jessica Young admitted she had sexually abused two child victims, John Doe 1 and 13-year-old John Doe 2, on multiple occasions at a residence in Clay County, Mo. Jessica Young also admitted that she had recorded video of herself sexually abusing John Doe 2. A forensic analysis of Houston Young’s cell phone also determined that he sent images of child pornography to Jessica Young and a 16-year-old child victim (identified in court documents as “Jane Doe”). Houston Young sent pornographic images of himself to Jane Doe, solicited child pornographic images of her that she sent to him, and engaged in sexual conversations. Jane Doe told investigators she met Houston Young on a game room chat, League of Legends, and started talking via that forum. They communicated via text, the Kik and Whatsapp applications, and video chat. Houston Young has two prior felony convictions related to the sexual exploitation of children. He was convicted of child molestation in Wright County, Mo., in 2005 and of possessing child pornography in Jackson County, Mo., in 2016. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the state has agreed to dismiss charges against Jessica Young of statutory rape and statutory sodomy in Clay County Circuit Court after she has been sentenced in federal court. Under federal statutes, Jessica Young is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 30 years in federal prison without parole, on each of the two counts. Due to his prior convictions, Houston Young is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in federal prison without parole, up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Vernon County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Federal Jury Convicts Four Unforgiven Members For Violent Racketeering Offenses

body_text: Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Maverick Maher (42, Pensacola), Brandon Welch (36, Milton), Joshua Williamson (39, Live Oak), and Scott Marshall (48, Port Richey), guilty of violent crimes in aid of racketeering charges. Maher, Welch, Williamson, and Marshall were indicted on July 1, 2021. Defendant Conviction Offense(s) Maximum sentence Maverick Maher a/k/a Saxon Assault in aid of racketeering (3 counts) Conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering (3 counts) Threats in aid of racketeering Conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering Conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering Threats in aid of racketeering 20 years in prison (per count) 3 years in prison (per count) 5 years in prison 3 years in prison 3 years in prison 5 years in prison 20 years in prison 20 years in prison Brandon Welch a/k/a Scumbag Assault in aid of racketeering 20 years in prison Joshua Williamson a/k/a Chaingang Assault in aid of racketeering 20 years in prison Scott Marshall a/k/a Solo Kidnapping in aid of racketeering Assault in aid of Racketeering Life in prison 20 years in prison According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the defendants were members of the “Unforgiven,” a white supremacy prison gang started in the Florida Department of Corrections. Since its founding, the enterprise has grown to include members inside and outside the department of corrections. The Unforgiven has a written “constitution” which described the means of gaining membership—by committing an extreme act of violence—and calls for violence against members who commit “violations.” Members organized for meetings to discuss Unforgiven business. During these meetings, members in bad standing were discussed and their membership voted upon. In addition to in-person meetings, the Unforgiven Council used the Marco Polo messaging application to discuss and vote on violations, which included “patch takings” or the involuntary removal of the gang’s tattoo. The evidence at trial established assaults on five members of the Unforgiven who were attacked and mutilated. On January 2, 2019, Welch and Williamson stabbed fellow Unforgiven member J.T. in the Columbia Correctional Institution. Welch and Williamson attacked J.T. to gain or maintain membership in the Unforgiven. Testimony and evidence established Welch and Williamson stabbed J.T. twelve times and caused significant injuries requiring J.T. be transported via helicopter for medical care. On January 19, 2019, Maher confined and defaced C.L., a member of the Unforgiven, to maintain membership in the Unforgiven. Testimony of witnesses established Maher sat on C.L. while he forcibly tattooed over numerous existing tattoos on C.L.’s body. Maher also aided or abetted two additional attacks. In July 2020, members of the Unforgiven attacked C.S. in his home in Lake City, Florida, and struck C.S. with a shotgun before slicing open his back to deface his “patch.” Testimony established Maher sent the group from a church meeting in Satsuma, Florida to enforce a vote taken by members. Testimony and evidence also established that Maher targeted W.H., a member of the Unforgiven. Unforgiven members attacked W.H. in his living room within Pasco County in June 2020 and forcibly tattooed over W.H.’s Unforgiven tattoos. In November 2019, Scott Marshall and two other Unforgiven members lured R.S. to a home in Pasco County. The men held R.S. against his will and forcibly covered R.S.’s Unforgiven tattoos. Parts of the attack were videotaped by one of the assailants and shared with Unforgiven members over Marco Polo. Maher conspired with others over the Marco Polo application to assault a number of Unforgiven members, as well as “grey boys” and “race traitors” in response to perceived disrespect to the enterprise. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Department of Corrections Inspector General’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and David Sullivan 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: Oregon Woman Sentenced for Union Embezzlement

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Oregon woman, formerly of Middleborough, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling nearly $40,000 from a labor union. Andrea Anderson, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to two years’ probation. Anderson was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture in the amount of $30,316. In October 2023, Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from a labor union. From approximately 2013 through July 2022, Anderson worked as a part-time administrative employee of the Brotherhood of Shoe and Allied Craftsman (BSAC), whose union office was located inside the garage of Anderson’s father’s residence in Lakeville. Anderson’s duties included signing checks, secretarial work and paying bills. Additionally, Anderson was a signatory on the union bank account, and therefore signed and prepared checks and had a union debit card. During her tenure working for BSAC, Anderson embezzled a total of $39,169 from the union. She repaid BSAC some $8,000 leaving a loss to BSAC of $30,316. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Russo, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Waterbury Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Multiple Federal Offenses

body_text: JAIVAUN McKNIGHT, also known as “Sav,” 25, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to multiple offenses stemming from his participation in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo. According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang. On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging McKnight and 15 other alleged 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses. McKnight pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, one count of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. McKnight specifically admitted that he and other 960 members were engaged in violent activity, including shootings, assaults and attempted murders, and that he trafficked drugs in furtherance of the 960 enterprise. On September 21, 2018, in retaliation for the murder of an associate, McKnight and other 960 members attempted to murder individuals by shooting at an occupied residence on Scott Road in Waterbury. McKnight has been detained since his arrest on September 16, 2021. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley on June 12, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, ATF, and Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: California Man Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A California man was charged today with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Timothy Alan Blank, 54, of California is charged by complaint with one count of knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl in Bergen County, New Jersey, and elsewhere. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On March 3, 2024, Blank traveled in an SUV from Los Angeles, California, to the District of New Jersey with approximately 5 kilograms of fentanyl inside of the vehicle. On March 8, 2024, New Jersey state law enforcement observed Blank commit a motor vehicle violation, and upon stopping the vehicle and conducting an inspection, located the narcotics within the trunk of the SUV. The fentanyl count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Lee Police Department and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Vincent D. Romano of the U.S. Attorney’s Narcotics/Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Unit in Newark. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. blank.complaint.pdf


title: Drug Distribution and Child Neglect on Menominee Indian Reservation Lead to Prison Sentence for Keshena Man

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Louis J. Chevalier (age: 32), a former resident of Keshena and enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, received a total sentence of 36 months following convictions for maintaining a drug-involved residence and felony child neglect. The sentence, imposed on March 8, 2024, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of guilty pleas entered by the defendant on December 7, 2023. Judge Griesbach sentenced Chevalier to concurrent 36-month sentences on each count. Chevalier will also face three years of supervised release once he completes his sentence. According to court records, on March 31, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Chevalier’s residence on Onanekwat Resort West, which is just east of Keshena. When police executed the search warrant, they discovered evidence of drug distribution and use. Police also contacted child protective services, who removed a three-year old child from the residence. The child tested positive for multiple controlled substances and had extensive dental decay from neglect and drug exposure that required surgery to repair. At sentencing, Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes, specifically mentioning the injuries suffered by the child and the potential for long-term developmental issues. Judge Griesbach described the need for the defendant’s sentence to deter those who might consider similar actions and to protect the community from the destructive effects of abuse of controlled substances. Another person residing in the home was also prosecuted for felony child neglect and was placed on probation for a period of three years. The case was investigated by multiple agencies as part of the Safe Trails Task Force (STTF) and Native American Drug and Gang Initiative (NADGI). NADGI and STTF partner federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and violent crime on the Menominee Indian Reservation. STTF members are deputized federal officers who identify and target for prosecution individuals who are involved in distribution of dangerous drugs on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Coordination of state resources through NADGI permits efficient communication and evidence processing, which are essential to swift but fair prosecution of offenders. The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Menominee County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in U.S. District Court in Green Bay. ### For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Shreveport Man Convicted in Recent Trial Pleads Guilty to Additional Charge of Theft of Government Funds

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – Edward L. Angel, Sr. , 70, of Shreveport, appeared before United States District Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby today to enter a guilty plea, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Angel pleaded guilty to a charge of theft of government funds. In addition to pleading guilty, Angel agreed to pay restitution in the total amount of $141,972.89. In February, Angel was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of making false statements to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a week-long trial. The jury was deadlocked as to the remaining counts in the indictment charging Angel with theft of government funds and a mistrial was declared. A decision was made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to proceed to a second trial against Angel on the remaining counts. The guilty plea today resolves those remaining counts, negating a second trial. Angel is a veteran and owned and operated two businesses, ELA Group, Inc. (ELA) and Paradigm Engineers and Constructors PLLC (Paradigm). The VA has a service-disabled veteran owned small business program (SDVOSB) which is a program that provides federal contracting assistance to small businesses owned by disabled veterans by providing them the opportunity to get certain set-aside contracts. To be eligible for this program, the veteran must meet specific criteria demonstrating eligibility, ownership, and control of the small business. In 2011 and 2012, Angel submitted forms to the SDVOSB stating that he was the President of ELA and responsible for all day-to-day responsibilities and decisions. He also submitted documentation stating he worked 40+ hours each week and his compensation was taken at the end of the year in the form of IRS Subchapter S regulations distributions. On the forms Angel submitted, he represented to SDVOSB that the reason he did not take a salary was because he chose to leave money in the corporation to keep as much working capital as possible. In 2016, Angel purchased and became the President of Paradigm. Soon after his purchase of Paradigm, he began to submit documentation to qualify the company for the SDVOSB program. He certified that he was the 100% owner of Paradigm and worked an average of 50 or more hours a week committing 5-6 hours a day to each of his entities. As a result of these representations, ELA and Paradigm were accepted into the SDVOSB program and received millions of dollars in set-aside contracts from the SDVOSB. From on or about November 2013, Angel also received Individual Unemployability from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Angel submitted documents to substantiate his disability claims for the VBA stating he was unable to work and had been unemployed since 2008. As a result of his misrepresentations to VBA, Angel admitted that he received $93,819.29 in IU payments that he was not entitled to receive and that were deposited into his bank account in the form of monthly payments. On June 16, 2011, Angel also applied for SSA Disability Insurance Benefits stating that he had been unable to work since 2010 due to a medical condition. The SSA approved his application to receive disability benefits. Angel admits that he failed to disclose that he owned and operated two companies and was gainfully employed. As a result of these misrepresentations, he received $48,153.60 in disability payments he was not entitled to receive. Angel faces a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the false statement counts. He also faces up to 1 year in prison, not more than 1 year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000 on the theft of government funds charge. Angel will be sentenced for the three counts of making false statements to the FAA and the count of theft of government funds on April 26, 2024 . The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Inspector General, and Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tennille M. Gilreath and Earl M. Campbell. # # #