title: St. Peters Physician Pleads Guilty to False Statements, Resulting in $1.4 Million Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Peters, Mo., physician has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a conspiracy to make false statements that resulted in more than $1.4 million in Medicare and Medicaid fraud. “A trusted physician failed his obligation to provide true and accurate information regarding the health care of numerous patients,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “He personally profited from this deceit but it cost the taxpaying public more than $1.4 million in fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid payments.” Romel Izquierdo-Malon, also known as “Mera,” 55, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs on Wednesday, Jan. 31, to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to make false statements related to health care matters. Izquierdo-Malon, a physician who practiced medicine in Missouri, entered into a contract with a company identified in court documents as “Company A.” Izquierdo-Malon provided alleged telemedicine consultation services to Company A’s clients and was paid $30 per consultation. He utilized electronic portals to receive information about the patients, as well as to sign patient forms, orders, and letters of medical necessity in which he certified that genetic tests were medically necessary. Izquierdo-Malon admitted he had a doctor-patient relationship with very few, if any, of the Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries for whom he ordered genetic testing and provided no follow-up care for these patients. He signed pre-printed patient forms that certified the genetic tests were “medically necessary” and that the “results will determine the patient’s medical management and treatment decision.” Izquierdo-Malon knew those statements were false and fraudulent because he knew that he would not receive the reports or use them to treat patients. The orders were submitted to laboratories, many of which, unbeknownst to him, paid illegal kickbacks to the individuals and entities who conspired to submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Izquierdo-Malon admitted that he signed orders for genetic testing for Medicare beneficiaries that caused Medicare to pay approximately $1,030,906 to the laboratories that billed for those genetic tests from March 2017 to September 2019. Izquierdo-Malon also admitted that he signed orders for genetic testing for Medicaid beneficiaries that caused Medicaid to pay approximately $376,981 from November 2018 to October 2019. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Izquierdo-Malon must pay $140,788 in restitution (or in such other amount as determined by the court) to the government. Under federal statutes, Izquierdo-Malon is subject to a sentence of up to five years 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 Cindi Woolery. It was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.


title: One Defendant Sentenced to Prison and Another Ordered Detained Pretrial This Week in Separate Cyberstalking Cases

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Washington, Pennsylvania, man was sentenced to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was ordered detained in separate cyberstalking cases this week, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Eric Scholl, 56, of Washington was sentenced on January 31, 2024, by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to two years in prison and three years of supervised release after his incarceration. Scholl was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim, his ex-wife, whom he admitted cyberstalking after she had obtained a Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse (PFA) order against him. Among other things, Scholl placed a GPS tracking device on the victim’s car to track her movements; directed harassing and intimidating emails, texts, and phone calls to her, including using a web-based service that allowed him to disguise his phone number; and posted lewd content about her on the internet. On February 1, 2024, Daniel Marsico, 37, of Pittsburgh was ordered detained pretrial after a contested detention hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Dodge. Marsico was indicted and arrested last week on a charge of carrying out an extensive cyberstalking campaign against his ex-girlfriend over several years, despite her having obtained a PFA order against him. According to the Indictment and evidence presented at the detention hearing, over the course of three and a half years, Marsico harassed, threatened, and intimidated his ex-girlfriend by stalking her through text messages, phone calls, online activity, and in-person confrontations. A third recent stalking case brought by the United States Attorney’s Office saw Daniel Larivee, 48, of Plainfield, Vermont, charged with cyberstalking in November 2023. According to the Indictment, Larivee continually cyberstalked, harassed, and threatened his ex-wife, who lives in Pittsburgh, for more than three years, also in violation of a PFA order, threatening to kill her multiple times. In his most recent string of threats, Larivee compared himself to the shooter in the recent mass-shooting tragedy in Maine. He is also currently detained pretrial. “These recent prosecutions reflect our office’s unwavering commitment to combatting the rise in this devastating criminal behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Those who choose to engage in relentless cyberstalking campaigns against traumatized victims cannot hide behind their computers or cell phones. Working together with our dedicated partners in law enforcement, we will find them, bring them out from the shadows, and hold them accountable under federal law.” “The victims in these cases did not let fear silence them,” said FBI Pittsburgh Division Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “While they suffered from fear and emotional distress, they courageously came forward and took legal action to file court orders of protection, but continued to be victimized by the defendants online. The FBI urges victims of online threats to report the crime. We are committed to investigating these cowardly acts.” Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting these three cyberstalking cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigations leading to the Indictments in these cases. Marsico and Larivee are presumed innocent of the charge against them unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. January 2024 marked the 20th annual National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM), an annual call to action to recognize and respond to this criminal, traumatic, and dangerous victimization. This year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania joined with others to help spread awareness about stalking through the theme “Know It, Name It, Stop It.” If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of stalking, help is available. Contact your local service provider or a national hotline: • Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846) • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 • The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Additional information and resources are available through the Stalking Prevention Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), at www.StalkingAwareness.org , a project funded by the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Feb. 1was: Dominic Earl Hall, 42, of Fountain, Colorado, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Hall faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hall was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 22-150. Steven Scott McGlaughn, 52, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, McGlaughn faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. McGlaughn was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-148. Appearing on Jan. 30 was: Kelsi Dorothy Jean Cochran, 31, of Billings, on felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cochran faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cochran was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-05. Danielle Lee Knowshisgun, 33, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Knowshisgun faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Knowshisgun was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-11. Enrique Duke Arena III, 28, of New York City, New York, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Arena faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft charge. Arena was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Billings Police Department and Bozeman Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-08. Lucious Machiavelli, 47, of Billings, on charges of theft from a federal firearms licensee, possession of stolen firearms and felon in possession of firearms. If convicted of the most serious crime, Machiavelli faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Machiavelli was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-12. Francisco Jose Nava, 30, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Nava faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Nava was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-13. Travis Dean Two Two, Sr., 35, of Lame Deer, on charges of attempted coercion and enticement and attempted sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted of the most serious crime, Two Two faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Two Two was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-18. Dawn Louise Saddler-Lee, aka Dawn Louise Rogeness, 31, of Billings, on charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and felon in possession of firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Saddler-Lee faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years in prison on the bank fraud charge and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised on the aggravated identity theft charge. Saddler-Lee was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-16. Appearing on Jan. 26 was: Rodney Paul Burke, 58, of Roundup, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Burke faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Burke was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-04. Appearing on Jan. 25 was: Schuyler Stewart Zwar, 47, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of false statement during a firearms transaction. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zwar faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Zwar was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-17. Appearing on Jan. 23 was: Israel Gonzales-Pacheco, 52, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gonzales-Pacheco faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Gonzales-Pacheco was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Billings Police Department and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-10. Joshia John Culverson, 18, of Billings, on charges of possession of stolen firearm and possession of firearm with obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Culverson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Culverson was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-06. Sam Dean Glenn, 34, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Glenn faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Glenn was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-09. Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Jan. 30 was: Jay Neil Heikkila, 81, of Hamilton, on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Heikkila faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Heikkila was released pending trial. The FBI, Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Stokes County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-05. Michael Davis Bryant, 48, of Spokane, Washington, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bryant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Bryant was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Flathead Tribal Police, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-31. Appearing on Jan. 25 was: Kevin Richard Kuntz, 31, of Bozeman, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kuntz faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Kuntz was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bozeman Police Department and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-02. Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Jan. 30 was: Jordan Jawan Gonzales, 32, of Helena, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Gonzales faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Gonzales was detained pending further proceedings. The Missouri River Drug Task Force in Bozeman and Helena, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-21. Travis Lee Brown, 41, of Yakima, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Brown was detained pending further proceedings. The Tri-Agency Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-51. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Bloomington Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Bloomington man has pleaded guilty to his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Jesus Martinez Salazar, 32, and his co-defendant, Derrick Dammons, 45, of Minneapolis, agreed to sell 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine for $3,750 to an individual who, unbeknownst to them, was an undercover law enforcement officer. On January 10, 2023, Dammons retrieved the methamphetamine from Martinez Salazar before meeting with the undercover officer to make the transaction. Following the transaction, Dammons got into a vehicle with Martinez Salazar and divided up the cash from the sale. Because Martinez Salazar has a prior drug conviction, he is subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum prison term. Martinez Salazar pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Donovan W. Frank to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On December 7, 2023, Dammons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Eagan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting the case.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LARRY LABRY , age 50, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 1, 2024 to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. LABRY admitted to being captured on court-authorized wiretaps discussing cocaine trafficking. LABRY also acknowledged that police seized 497.4 grams of cocaine during a traffic stop from one of his co-conspirators. Judge Ashe set sentencing in this matter for May 9, 2024. LABRY faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.


title: District Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Two Carjackings

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Antwon Haynie, 26, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 15 years of incarceration after pleading guilty to crimes related to two armed carjackings committed in 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Pamela A. Smith, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On July 26, 2023, Haynie approached a parked vehicle at a gas station and began to enter the driver’s side. When he noticed a passenger seated in the backseat of the car, Haynie pointed a firearm at him and ordered him to exit. The passenger complied and when the vehicle’s owner attempted to stop Haynie, Haynie fought him off, got in the car, and drove away. Haynie was not immediately identified as the suspect following the incident. Approximately two weeks later, on August 10, 2023, Haynie, while working with an accomplice, committed another armed carjacking. A family of four were seated in their vehicle eating ice cream, when Haynie approached and opened the driver’s side door while brandishing a firearm. Haynie ordered the driver to exit the vehicle while his accomplice opened the passenger side door, pointed a firearm at the passenger, and ordered the passenger to exit the vehicle. The two remaining family members also exited. MPD officers quickly responded to the scene and mobilized a helicopter to locate the car, which they successfully tracked until they observed Haynie and his accomplice flee from the vehicle. More officers responded to the flight location, and they were able to successfully apprehend both men. Following the August arrest, MPD’s continued investigation confirmed that Haynie had committed the July 26, 2023, carjacking as well. During the sentencing for Haynie, the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz commented on his complete disregard for the victims and the lasting impact his conduct had on their lives. She then sentenced Haynie to eight years in prison for the August 10, 2023, carjacking, and seven years in prison for crimes related to the July 26, 2023, carjacking. The sentences are to run consecutively for a total of 15 years of incarceration. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Yarbro, who prosecuted the case.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today , U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRISON SHELTON , age 59, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 1, 2024 before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride and possession with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. As to each of the charges to which SHELTON pled guilty, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. According to court documents, SHELTON and other co-conspirators distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana. During the investigation, law enforcement, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, seized over forty (40) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, six (6) kilograms of fentanyl, four and a half (4.5) kilograms of heroin, and nearly and $700,000.00 in U.S. Currency and other property. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Spree Targeting Elected Officials

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A New Mexico man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in shootings that targeted the residences of elected officials following the 2022 election. According to court documents, following Solomon Peña’s electoral defeat in November 2022 for a seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives, Demetrio Trujillo, 42, of Albuquerque, along with his son, Jose Trujillo, were recruited by Peña to engage in a series of targeted shootings of residences belonging to elected officials. Peña allegedly pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election, but despite Peña’s alleged pressure, the commissioners certified the results of the election. In response, in his plea agreement, Demetrio Trujillo admitted that Peña paid him to drive to the home of an election official on Dec. 4, 2022, and fire a gun at the residence. Peña then paid Demetrio Trujillo to carry out a shooting at the residence of an elected state official who ran for and won reelection in 2022, which Trujillo did on Dec. 8, 2022. Then, on Jan. 3, 2023, Trujillo, along with his son and Peña, carried out a shooting at the residence of a second elected state official. The victims’ residences were targeted because the individuals were election officials and/or former candidates for elective office. Demetrio Trujillo pleaded guilty to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. Demetrio Trujillo will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for May 1. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty on Jan. 9 to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Related charges against Peña remain pending and are scheduled for trial in June. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. A year after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI Field Office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at tips.fbi.gov . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WILL WILLIS , age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe on February 1, 2024 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, in June 2023, the New Orleans Police Department was conducting video surveillance in New Orleans, when an officer observed WILLIS with a bulge in his waistband consistent with a firearm. When police officers responded, WILLIS and another individual ran. WILLIS attempted to discard his gun but it discharged. After police arrested WILLIS , they found two handguns, along with one spent shell casing, in his flight path. WILLIS admitted to possessing one of the guns, after having been convicted of four prior felony offenses. Judge Ashe set sentencing for May 9, 2024. WILLIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Project Safe Neighborhoods (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. The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Alabama Landlord to Resolve Claims of Sexual Harassment of Female Tenants

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with Randy Hames, an Alabama landlord who owned and managed rental properties in a mobile home park in Cullman, Alabama, known as Hames Marina, to resolve a Fair Housing Act lawsuit alleging that Hames sexually harassed female tenants. Under the agreement, Hames will pay $390,000 in damages to 12 women who rented or sought to rent homes from him and a civil penalty to the government. The agreement also prohibits Hames from managing rental housing or contacting any of the women or their families. The agreement comes after a three-day trial, during which the Justice Department presented compelling evidence to the jury of Hames’ longstanding harassment and exploitation of female residents and prospective tenants, and the impact of Hames’s conduct on these women and their families. “Today’s resolution recognizes the significant harm that the defendant caused to the women in this case and sends a message that this type of behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No woman should ever have to grapple with sexual harassment to avoid eviction, receive a fair rent or to ensure that they can keep a roof over their head. The Justice Department stands ready to vigorously pursue landlords who sexually harass and exploit their tenants.” “Sexual harassment by landlords is illegal, immoral and unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases because everyone deserves to feel safe at home and thrive in an environment free from fear.” The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed in July 2018, alleged that since at least 2011, Hames subjected female tenants and prospective tenants to a continuing pattern of egregious harassment, including demanding or pressuring female tenants to engage in sexual acts with him in exchange for rent or to prevent eviction, evicting female tenants when they refused his advances, making female tenants feel unsafe by stalking them and entering their residences without permission and making unwelcome sexual comments. The case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, was launched in October 2017 and seeks to raise awareness about and address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 38 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $11.3 million for victims of such harassment. If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager or rental agent, you may contact the Justice Department at 1-844-380-6178, or submit an online report at civilrights.justice.gov/ . Reports also may be made by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing an online complaint at www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint%20 . The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt .


title: San Diego Restaurant Owner Charged with Tax Fraud and COVID-Relief Fraud

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – San Diego restaurant owner Leronce Suel was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges that he provided bogus information in applications for COVID relief programs and failed to report more than $1.7 million in revenue to the IRS. According to the indictment, Leronce Suel was the majority owner of Rockstar Dough LLC and Chicken Feed LLC, both of which operated a series of restaurants in the San Diego area. He allegedly conspired with his business partner to underreport the $1.7 million in gross receipts on Rockstar Dough LLC’s 2020 corporate tax return (Form 1120-S) filed with the IRS. The indictment alleges that from March 2020 to June 2022, Suel and his business partner conspired to use the false corporate tax return for tax year 2020 to qualify for the COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Funding loans. Suel also made materially false certifications on loan applications regarding the use of the money. The indictment charges that Suel and his business partner made substantial cash withdrawals from their business bank accounts to launder the fraudulently obtained funds. As part of the conspiracy, Suel and his business partner allegedly concealed more than $2.4 million in cash at their residence. The indictment further alleges that Suel also failed to report personal income he received from his businesses, including millions of dollars in cash and personal expenses paid by his businesses. Suel allegedly failed to timely file his individual tax returns for tax year 2018 and 2019 and evaded his individual income taxes for tax year 2020. The indictment alleges that in 2023, Suel filed original and amended tax returns that included false depreciable assets and business losses. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Beeler of the Southern District of California and Trial Attorney Julia Rugg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case. *An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. DEFENDANT Case Number 23-CR-965-RBM Leronce Suel Age: 47 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Wire Fraud Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349 Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison; $1 million fine; forfeiture and restitution Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343 Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison; $1 million fine; forfeiture and restitution Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison; $500,000 fine, and forfeiture Conspiracy to Defraud the United States – 18 U.S.C., Section 371 Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine Tax Evasion – 26 U.S.C., Section 7201 Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; $100,000 fine; and restitution Filing a False Tax Return – 26 U.S.C., Section 7206(1) Maximum penalty: Three years in prison; $100,000 fine; and restitution Failure to File a Tax Return – 26 U.S.C., Section 7203 Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison; $25,000 fine; and restitution AGENCY Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation


title: North Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Counterfeit Currency Conspiracy

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jamarcus Harris, 32, of Lenoir, North Carolina, was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $800 in restitution for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Harris admitted to his role in a conspiracy to create and pass counterfeit United States currency in the Southern District of West Virginia. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2022, Harris traveled with co-defendants Crystal Wilks and Xavier Sanders and another individual from North Carolina to West Virginia. Harris admitted that they passed counterfeit $100 bills at businesses in Beckley, Fayetteville and Summersville. Harris and his co-conspirators rented a room that evening at a Summersville hotel, where they attempted to create new counterfeit United States currency. Harris admitted that their counterfeiting process involved bleaching $1 bills, scanning a genuine $100 bill, and printing the resulting image on the bleached bills. Wilks, 24, of Lenoir, North Carolina, and Sanders, 24, of Charlotte, North Carolina, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and await sentencing. United States Attorney Will Thompson made today’s announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Secret Service. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon, Andrew D. Isabell and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-54.


title: Leader of Methamphetamine Distribution Ring Sentenced to 30 Years

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for his role in leading a multi-year, multi-state methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. According to court documents, Malik Dillard, a/k/a “Mayo,” 47, used out-of-state methamphetamine suppliers to import bulk packages of nearly pure methamphetamine (98.6% purity) to Virginia through the U.S. Postal Service. Dillard employed a network of sub-dealers to scale and expand his methamphetamine operation across the Hampton Roads region over multiple years. Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. As cited in court documents and according to the Virginia Department of Health’s Chief Medical Examiner, overdose deaths caused by methamphetamine skyrocketed 9,500% in Virginia from 2007 to 2022 and continue to rise. Unlike other drugs, like heroin or fentanyl, there are no approved medications effective at treating methamphetamine addiction—there is no methadone equivalent for methamphetamine. This is the defendant’s 15 th criminal conviction and third federal conviction. In 2009, he was sentenced in Richmond for his role in leading a conspiracy involving 16 bank robberies across seven states in 75 days—which started just one week after he was released from prison. In 2003, he was sentenced in the Northern District of Georgia for his role in leading a conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Butler and Anthony Mozzi prosecuted the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-65.


title: McDowell County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Carl Thomas Mullins, also known as “TJ Mullins,” 23, of Isaban, pleaded guilty today to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 10, 2021, Mullins broke into a Wyoming County business and stole a Colt model M4 carbine 5.56mm rifle, a Black Aces model Pro Series M 12-gauge shotgun and a Silver Eagle model RZ17TAC 12-gauge shotgun. Mullins is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-179.


title: ‘MLK Crew’ Member Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison  For Drug Trafficking and Firearm Violations

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

body_text: WASHINGTON – Corenzo Mobery, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 180 months in prison for his participation in a drug trafficking network (the “MLK Crew”) based in Southeast Washington that sold cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, PCP, and marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In addition to 15 years in prison, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Mobery to serve three years of supervised release. Mobery, aka “Snowman,” pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia on October 16, 2023, to five counts that included conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine; unlawful possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Mobery was sentenced January 31, 2024. “Targeting the limited number of people driving violence in our community—either because they are directly using violence or engaging in criminal conduct that is a magnet violence—is a tried-and-true, evidence-based strategy for combatting violence,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. “The defendants operated a drug trafficking network that preyed upon the neighborhood where it operated. Immediately after these defendants were arrested, this neighborhood saw a substantial reduction in instances of violent crime. And, more than two years after their arrest, the neighborhood is still experiencing less violent crime than it was experiencing before their arrest. Those driving violence in other neighborhoods in our community need to know that we are currently working with federal law enforcement partners and MPD to ensure they are brought to justice, just as these defendants were.” “The defendants in this case turned to gun violence to control the neighborhood where they trafficked illegal drugs,” said FBI SAC Scott, “but as this investigation demonstrates, dismantling street crews disrupts the cycle of violence. Through collaboration with our partners and help from public tips, the FBI will continue to target and fracture groups driving violent crime in the nation's capital.” “Criminal networks thrive in the shadows of our communities, preying on the vulnerable and perpetuating violence. The successful prosecution of Corenzo Mobery and his associates underscores the vital importance of safeguarding our neighborhoods,” said Chief Smith. “By dismantling such networks, we create safer spaces where families can thrive, and children can grow without fear. Let this be a testament to the power of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in creating a brighter, safer future for all.” The investigation into the MLK Crew began in response to numerous citizen complaints about rampant drug trafficking and accompanying incidents of violence in and around the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE, Washington D.C. In addition to numerous citizen complaints, MPD targeted this area as one of the most notorious in the city in terms of recent shootings and shots fired, as well as for the area’s high numbers of arrests—particularly offenses involving drugs and firearms. As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI began conducting surveillance, obtaining search warrants, and making controlled buys of narcotics from suspected members of the conspiracy. The investigation revealed that MLK Crew members openly engaged in the sale of various drugs (including PCP, crack, fentanyl, and marijuana) and took over the area and, effectively, some of the neighborhood’s businesses. MLK Crew members would often go into the neighborhood businesses to complete sales and constantly loitered outside of these businesses to engage in sales. As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI obtained video of defendants openly conducting narcotics transactions in these businesses and even displaying firearms. Throughout the case, law enforcement seized at least 10 firearms (many of which were privately manufactured firearms or “ghost guns”) from MLK crew members and/or stash houses and a sizeable quantity of various narcotics. The MLK Crew’s drug trafficking contributed to numerous incidents of drug-related violence in and around the 2900 Block of MLK Ave., including multiple assaults, shootings, robberies, and murders—most notably, the murder of a six-year-old girl who was the daughter of one of the co-defendants in this case. In July 2021, a few months after opening the investigation, MPD and FBI arrested 11 initial defendants and seized 10 firearms, along with PCP, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, pills, and over $2,500 in cash. The additional six defendants were charged in September 2021 and were arrested shortly thereafter. Mobery was indicted with 16 co-defendants (listed below), who have all pleaded guilty and received prison sentences ranging from 24 months to 180 months based on their criminal conduct and criminal histories. The violent crime landscape around the 2900 Block of MLK Avenue improved immediately after these 17 defendants were taken off our streets. MPD has documented a 63% reduction in violent crime when comparing the six months after these defendants’ arrest to the six months prior. Similarly, nearly a year later, there was a 60% reduction in violent crime. And, even at the two-year mark, there was a 23% decrease in overall violent crime, which included a 56% decrease in homicides specifically, when comparing this period to the two years prior. DEFENDANT STATUS Ricky ‘Fatz’ Lyles, Accokeek, MD Sentenced to 114 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm Nico ‘Cheese’ Griffin, Washington, DC Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Dandre ‘Freckles’ Shorter, Washington, DC Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Wesley ‘E-Bug’ Leake, Washington, DC Sentenced to 40 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Leon ‘L’ Lindsay, Washington, DC Sentenced to 57 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Dezmond ‘Juice’ Cunningham, Washington, DC Sentenced to 48 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Divine ‘Newcomb’ Chappell, Washington, DC Sentenced to 76 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute cocaine Shawn ‘Black’ Wooden, Washington, DC Sentenced to 92 months for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Barry ‘B-Dot’ Tyson, Washington, DC Sentenced to 73 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute cocaine Delonta ‘Meathead’ Chappell, Washington, DC Sentenced to 48 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Anthony ‘Ant’ Graves, Washington, DC Sentenced to 27 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Deshawn ‘Dey Dey’ Loggins, Temple Hills, MD Sentenced to 42 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Kevonte ‘Key Tay’ Randall, Washington, DC Sentenced to 46 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm Corenzo ‘Snowman’ Mobery, Washington, DC Sentenced to 180 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking offense, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Rico ‘Ric’ Griffin, Washington, DC Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Shahborne ‘Shyboon’ Scales, Washington, DC Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine Luther ‘Tank’ McDuffie, Washington, DC Sentenced to 24 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine The case stems from a joint investigation by the MPD Violent Crime Suppression Division’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force. This partnership targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Park Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Henek and Matthew W. Kinskey of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Wang provided valuable assistance.


title: Man Sentenced for Over $600M Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Identity Theft Scheme

body_text: A New York man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay over $336 million in restitution for a years-long fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators, including physicians throughout the country, defrauded multiple health insurance companies out of hundreds of millions of dollars. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Mathew James, 54, of East Northport, operated medical billing companies to provide billing services for physicians — primarily plastic or orthopedic surgeons throughout the United States — and used his companies to carry out a massive scheme to defraud insurance companies. As a third-party medical biller, James submitted claims to insurance companies and, when necessary, requested reconsideration or appeals of denied claims, typically earning a percentage of the amount paid by the insurance companies. The evidence showed that James billed for procedures that were either more serious or entirely different than those his doctor-clients performed. In addition, James made thousands of calls in which he impersonated patients and patients’ relatives to induce insurance companies to reconsider denied claims or pay more on approved claims, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in additional reimbursement to his doctor-clients and from which he received a percentage of the fraudulent proceeds. James also directed his doctor-clients to schedule elective surgeries through the emergency room so that insurance companies would reimburse at substantially higher rates. When insurance companies denied the inflated claims, James impersonated patients to demand that the insurance companies pay the outstanding balances of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. A federal jury convicted James on July 13, 2022, of health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, and Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Miriam Glaser Dauermann of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine Mirabile and Antoinette Rangel for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha Payne for the Eastern District of New York is handling asset forfeiture. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, the program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Colorado Springs Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing 11 Firearms as a Prohibited Person

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Chad Edward Keith, age 42, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for possessing firearms after previously being convicted of a felony. According to court documents, Keith maintained properties in both Colorado Springs and Cotopaxi, Colorado. At his properties, Keith possessed 11 firearms, including rifles and a shotgun. He previously had been convicted of a felony explosives offense, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. During the execution of search warrants related to this case, federal agents observed various paraphernalia and propaganda related to white supremacy and Nazism. In the defendant’s Colorado Springs residence, agents found a flyer with pictures of various Congressmen and Senators with images of the Star of David on their foreheads. The placement of the Stars of David were suggestive of firearms bullseye targets. “Coloradans can rest easier knowing that a dangerous person is behind bars,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to making sure that violent felons are prohibited from possessing weapons.” “The FBI is committed to keeping communities safe. This commitment includes ensuring that individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms do not acquire them. In this case, a convicted felon was found to be in possession of 11 firearms,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “Addressing community safety concerns is a priority for the FBI, and we will continue to work with our partners to remove illegal weapons from the hands of offenders.” United States District Court Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the sentencing on January 30, 2024. After Keith’s term of incarceration, he will serve 36 months on supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit all 11 firearms and ammunition. The FBI conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia Martinez handled the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Kurt Bohn handled the forfeiture. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Case No. 23-cr-00273-RMR


title: Richmond Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearm with Machinegun Conversion Device

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm affixed with a machinegun conversion device. According to court documents, Ke’Rell Mileak Boone, 20, was arrested in the Whitcomb Court area on May 11, 2022. Boone and others were seen by Richmond Police detectives displaying firearms on a social media platform. Officers discovered two firearms on Boone—a standard semiautomatic pistol and a handgun with a machinegun conversion device affixed where the backplate should go. Boone had what appeared to be the legal backplate for the converted machinegun in his pocket and had further outfitted the machinegun with an extended magazine. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon E. Schulz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-109.


title: Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Possession of Firearm

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing a loaded firearm as a previously convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Dijuan Taylor, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of felony possession of a firearm under federal law before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, following a traffic stop in Hazelwood on November 21, 2022, Taylor dropped a loaded firearm with extended magazine from his body. Taylor, who was previously convicted of earlier felony offenses, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Judge Fischer scheduled Taylor’s sentencing for May 6, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and up to three years of federal supervised release following incarceration. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. The Court continued to detain Taylor pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Taylor. 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: Braddock Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Machine Gun

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of being in possession of a machine gun, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Luther Antwon Harper Jr., 19, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on April 5, 2023, Harper unlawfully possessed a machine gun, which, in this instance, was an automatic conversion kit/switch affixed to the rear slide of a Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol, or a “Glock switch.” This conversion kit/switch made the firearm capable of firing in a fully automatic capacity. Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The Court continued to detain Harper pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allegheny County Police Department’s Violent Crimes and Firearms Unit conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harper. 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: Seven Fields Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm Violations

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Seven Fields, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug and firearm charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Durrell Fortson, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime before United States District Judge William S. Stickman. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on November 16, 2022, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Fortson. During that stop, a drug K-9 conducted an exterior sniff of the vehicle and alerted an officer to the presence of controlled substances. Law enforcement then applied for and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of an air mattress box in the trunk containing two gallon- sized bags of cocaine, a bag from the back seat area that contained two kilogram wrappers with cocaine residue, a digital scale from the back seat area, and a .40 caliber handgun loaded with thirteen rounds of ammunition from underneath the driver’s seat. Law enforcement searched the serial number located on the loaded handgun and learned that it was reported stolen. Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2024. The maximum total penalty for the drug charge is a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. The maximum total penalty for the firearm charge is a term of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Fortson.


title: District Man Gets 26 Years for Shooting of a Pregnant Woman inside Apartment

body_text: WASHINGTON – Joshua Hemphill, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 26 years in prison today for two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and other charges, in an early morning shooting that took place in Southeast Washington on September 21, 2018, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). A jury found Hemphill guilty on June 7, 2023. According to the government’s evidence, on September 21, 2018, Hemphill went to the home where his former romantic partner was staying with her friend. In a fit of rage, he fired one round into the door and made his way inside the apartment. He then chased the two women into a small closet where he fired two rounds from approximately three feet away. The first round hit the friend in the left hand and the second hit her in the back of her head. The friend was 24 weeks pregnant at the time she was shot. The victim received emergency neurosurgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and both she and her child survived. In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Loeb and Angela Buckner, current Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bonnie Thompson, Dana Joseph, Ryan Sellinger, and Jodi Lazarus, Appellate Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Coleman and Bryan Han, Paralegal Specialists Tiffany Fogle, Garcia Clarke, Lynda Randolph, and Tijuana McPhail, Supervisory Paralegal Specialists Linda McDonald and RaeShawn Johnson, Supervisory Victim Services Advocate Roderick Johnson, Victim/Witness Advocates Lu Lan and Rogers Dickerson, Witness Security Specialists Orlando Teel and Lesley Slade, and Victim/Witness Service Coordinator Maenylie Watson. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaVater Massie-Banks and Brian Yang, from the Domestic Violence Unit who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Serial Bank Robber Pleads Guilty to Robbing Four Businesses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to robbing four businesses, during which he brandished two large knives, while on federal supervised release for robbery charges out of New York. Akeem Lahens, 33, pleaded guilty to four counts of affecting commerce by armed robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Lahens was charged in August 2023. A series of commercial armed robberies occurred in Boston in late April and early May 2023: the armed robbery of Metro PCS in Roxbury on April 21, 2023; the armed robbery of Boost Mobile in Jamaica Plain on April 26, 2023; the armed robbery of Cricket Wireless in Jamaica Plain on April 27, 2023; and the armed robbery of Dunkin Donuts in Dorchester on May 4, 2023. Law enforcement believed that the robberies were connected and the perpetrator was likely the same person, as the suspect’s appearance in surveillance footage and witnesses descriptions was the same. Additionally, in each of the robberies, the suspect brandished two large knives, made a verbal demand for money, forcibly took money from the store and forced or attempted to force the victims into a rear room or bathroom of the store. On May 5, 2023 Lahens was arrested on state charges related to the armed robberies. During a search of Lahens’ residence in Dorchester on May 6, 2023 two knives and sandals worn by the robber in the April 26, 2023 robbery were recovered. At the time of the armed robberies, Lahens was on federal supervised release for a 2021 conviction in the Southern District of New York of five counts of robbery, for which he was sentenced to 30 months of in prison. The charge of affecting commerce by armed robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Michael A. Davis, Vice President Campus Safety and Chief of Police at Northeastern University made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Fulton Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth Conspiracy

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Fulton, Mo., man and a Florence, Mo., woman were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Matthew Gunnar White, 32, of Fulton, and Krista Huddleston, 30, of Florence, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark. White was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Huddleston was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. White and Huddleston each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, White was responsible for 5.69 kilograms of methamphetamine. White was a passenger in a car, driven by Huddleston, that fled from law enforcement officers on Dec. 6, 2021. During the pursuit, White threw baggies of methamphetamine out the front passenger window of the vehicle. The vehicle drove off the roadway into a field on County Road 302. The vehicle then left the field and reentered the roadway. A deputy disabled the vehicle, and White and Huddleston were taken into custody. White had methamphetamine residue covering his clothing. Loose methamphetamine was found scattered throughout the front interior of the vehicle. The baggies of methamphetamine, which weighed a total of 107 grams, were recovered by officers. A sealed canned goods container, which contained approximately 456 grams of methamphetamine, also was found in the field along the flight path. Four additional canned goods containers that contained a total of approximately 929 grams of methamphetamine were recovered from the front of the vehicle. According to court document, White has an extensive criminal history, including a felony drug conviction and crimes of violence. Co-defendant Christopher James Breaux, 39, of Mexico, Mo., was sentenced on Sept. 7, 2023, to 18 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Mid Missouri Unified Strike Team and Narcotics Group (MUSTANG), the Osage County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.


title: Demetrio Trujillo, Co-Defendant of Solomon Peña, Pleads Guilty

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Demetrio Trujillo pled guilty to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and discharging said firearm. Trujillo, 42, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Trujillo on May 24, 2023, along with his son, Jose Louise Trujillo, and Solomon Peña. According to court records, Trujillo met Peña through acquaintances and knew that Peña campaigned to become the District 14 representative in the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2022. Following his electoral defeat in November 2022, Peña claimed to Trujillo and others that the election had been rigged against him. Peña decided to pressure members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election and offered to pay Trujillo to help him. On November 21, 2022, the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners voted to certify the results of the election that Peña lost. At that time, Peña and Trujillo decided to move forward with Peña’s plan to intimidate his political targets. On Dec. 4, 2022, Peña paid Trujillo to shoot a firearm at the private residence of a former candidate for elective office that Peña had chosen as a target for intimidation. On Dec. 8, 2022, Peña paid Trujillo to shoot a firearm at the private residence of another former candidate for elective office to intimidate the target from campaigning as a candidate. On Jan. 3, 2023, Peña and Trujillo drove to the residence of a third individual who Peña had targeted because they were a former candidate for elective office and carried out a shooting to intimate the target from campaigning. At sentencing, Trujillo faces up to life in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and may be ordered to pay fines not to exceed $1 million. Solomon Peña is currently scheduled to stand trial in June 2024. Jose Louise Trujillo pled guilty to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on Jan. 8, 2024. Jose Louise Trujilo remains in custody pending sentencing, which is current scheduled for April 8, 2024. At sentencing, Jose Louise Trujillo faces up to life in prison. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. A year after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo. To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI Field Office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to safeguarding free, fair, and secure elections. In partnership with our local, state, and federal partners, we will use every authority to ensure that all eligible voters can cast a vote, that all lawful votes are counted, and that every election official is safe and free to carry out their official duties . View the Plea Agreement # # # 24-49


title: Reading Man Who Shot at FBI Agents Convicted at Trial of Three Counts of Attempted Murder of a Federal Law Enforcement Officer

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Rafael Vega-Rodriguez, 41, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was convicted today at trial of three counts of attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer, three counts of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and two related firearms charges, stemming from an incident during which he shot at and tried to kill three FBI Special Agents. On March 1, 2020, FBI Special Agents were conducting surveillance in the area of Gordon Street in Reading, looking for the defendant, who was the subject of an active state arrest warrant for a parole violation. At approximately 11:45 p.m., the agents saw the defendant walking in the area of West Greenwich Street with a second individual. When the agents attempted to stop him, Vega-Rodriguez drew a handgun from under his sweatshirt and shot at them. He continued to shoot as he and the second individual fled from the scene. After an intense manhunt, investigators discovered that Vega-Rodriguez had fled to Leola, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles southwest of Reading. He was arrested there by FBI Special Agents and Pennsylvania State Police Troopers in the early morning hours of March 3, 2020. “Rafael Vega-Rodriguez was so determined not to be arrested and go back to prison that he immediately opened fire on approaching FBI agents,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “It’s incredibly fortunate that none of the agents, or anyone else for that matter, was hit. When Vega-Rodriguez pulled the trigger that night, he sealed his own fate, and now faces spending the rest of his life behind bars.” "Every day, FBI agents put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities," said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. "Let this verdict serve as a clear message that if you commit an act of violence against a federal agent, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Stengel, Assistant United States Attorney Everett Witherell, and former Assistant United States Attorney Mary Futcher.


title: Shiprock Man Charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Larence Larry Harris Cambridge appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon. Cambridge, 33, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2024. According to the criminal complaint, on Jan. 9, 2024, Investigators from the FBI and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations (NNDCI) responded to the scene of a shooting which occurred on U.S. Highway 64 in Shiprock, within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Investigators learned through witnesses and evidence at the scene that the defendant fired a gun multiple times into an occupied vehicle driving along the same highway. A victim in this vehicle had to receive treatment at multiple medical facilities in relation to her injuries sustained from the shooting. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the current charges, Cambridge faces up to 10 years in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Probasco is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint # # # 24-50


title: Mescalero Man Charged with Domestic Violence

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Fulton Charles Potter appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with assault by strangulation and/or suffocating a spouse or intimate partner. Potter, 29, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 24, 2023, Potter assaulted Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, at the home of a relative by hitting her in the head, biting her, and strangling her until she lost consciousness. Jane Doe’s brothers arrived at the home during the assault and intervened. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the current charge, Potter faces 10 years in prison. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint # # # 24-51


title: Three Individuals Indicted on Murder, Conspiracy, and Other Charges

body_text: WASHINGTON – Three men from the District and Maryland -- Derrico Johnson, 19, Ronald Henderson, 18, and Daveon Robinson, 17 -- were arraigned today on first-degree murder, conspiracy, and other charges in connection with two murders and a drive-by shooting, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Johnson and Robinson are residents of D.C.; Henderson is a resident of Maryland. Henderson and Robinson were charged under Title 16. The 26-count indictment charges each defendant with conspiracy. Derrico Johnson was charged with two counts of first degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed stemming from the April 12, 2022 murder of 32-year old Clayton Marshall and May 26, 2022 murder of 16-year old Justin Johnson; Ronald Henderson was charged with one count of first degree murder while armed and four counts of assault with intent to kill stemming from the May 26, 2022 murder of Justin Johnson and a January 2, 2023 drive-by shooting at Alabama Convenience Store that injured two bystanders; and Daveon Robinson was charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed stemming from the January 2, 2023 drive-by shooting at Alabama Convenience Store. Ronald Henderson and Derrico Johnson were also indicted for firearms-related offenses from March and April of 2023, respectively. All three defendants were ordered held without bond. A trial date is scheduled for August 18, 2025. According to the indictment, the three defendants are members of a crew called “Get Back Gang,” which is associated with the Henson Ridge neighborhood in 7D and a broader group driving violence in DC known as “Fox 5 Gang.” Over the past two years, the defendants and others participated in several homicides and non-fatal shootings, including: On April 12, 2022, Derrico Johnson was picked up in a stolen vehicle and driven to the 2200 block of Savannah Street SE. At about 12:20 p.m., Derrico Johnson briefly exited the vehicle and fired several rounds in the direction of Shipley Market. Clayton Marshall, who does not appear to have been the intended target, was shot and killed and another individual was injured. On May 26, 2022, Derrico Johnson, Ronald Henderson, and another individual walked to the Savannah Terrace Circle, where16-year-old Justin Johnson (aka “23 Rackz”), the victim, had posted as his location to Instagram earlier that morning. About 11:20 a.m., Derrico Johnson and Ronald Henderson fired several shots from 200 feet away in the direction of Justin Johnson, who was shot and killed while standing feet away from an infant child on a scooter. On January 2, 2023, Ronald Henderson and Daveon Robinson were riding in the back seat of a vehicle. At about 4:48pm, as the vehicle approached the Alabama Convenience Store, Henderson and Robinson fired several rifle and handgun rounds in the direction of the store, wounding two people. Armed Special Police Officers in the area witnessed the shooting and pursued the suspects through the Henson Ridge neighborhood to a home, where Henderson and Robinson were subsequently arrested. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Sellinger and Jessica Keefer.


title: Sentencings Announced of Three Individuals for Homicide and Other Charges

body_text: WASHINGTON – Joseph Brown, 34, was sentenced today for second degree murder while armed, and Rondell McLeod, 30, was sentenced for voluntary manslaughter while armed in the shooting death of 21-year-old Amari Jenkins, on August 18, 2015, in front of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, located at 4925 East Capitol Street, N.E. The sentencings were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The defendants, both of Washington, D.C., admitted that on the day of the murder, they emerged from a blue van that pulled in front of the church, and fired 28 rounds at Mr. Jenkins, before reentering the van and making their escape. In a separate case, Joseph Brown was sentenced for voluntary manslaughter while armed for the shooting of 29-year-old Antwan Baker, on November 12, 2015, in the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, N.E. In that homicide, Brown admitted he emerged from a vehicle and shot Mr. Baker six times in the back of the head and neck before fleeing the scene. Judge Marisa J. Demeo sentenced Brown to 25 years of incarceration for his role in both homicides. She sentenced McLeod to 10 years of incarceration to run consecutively to an 11-year sentence for federal robbery charges brought in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Finally, Judge Demeo sentenced Alicia N. McCoy, 28, to two years of incarceration for lying in the grand jury during its investigation of the murder of Amari Jenkins. Her sentence will run consecutively to a number of felony sentences McCoy is serving in Maryland for violent crimes committed there. In announcing the sentencings, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the officers and detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated the case. They also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael P. Spence and Andrea Coronado and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Gilead I. Light, who prosecuted the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin, Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen and former Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Alabama Landlord to Resolve Claims of Sexual Harassment of Female Tenants

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with Randy Hames, an Alabama landlord who owned and managed rental properties in a mobile home park in Cullman, Alabama, known as Hames Marina, to resolve a Fair Housing Act lawsuit alleging that Hames sexually harassed female tenants. Under the agreement, Hames will pay $390,000 to 12 women who rented or sought to rent homes from him and a civil penalty of $10,000 to the government. The agreement also prohibits Hames from managing rental housing or contacting any of the women or their families. The agreement comes after a three-day trial during which the Justice Department presented compelling evidence to a Huntsville, Alabama, jury of Hames’ longstanding harassment and exploitation of female residents and prospective tenants, and the impact of Hames’ conduct on these women and their families. “Today’s resolution recognizes the significant harm that the defendant caused to the women in this case and sends a message that this type of behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is firmly committed to vigorously pursuing landlords who sexually harass and exploit their tenants.” “Sexual harassment by landlords is illegal, immoral and unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases because everyone deserves to feel safe at home and thrive in an environment free from fear.” The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed in July 2018, alleged that since at least 2011, Hames subjected female tenants and prospective tenants to a continuing pattern of egregious harassment, including demanding or pressuring female tenants to engage in sexual acts with him in exchange for rent or to prevent eviction, evicting female tenants when they refused his advances, making female tenants feel unsafe by stalking them and entering their residences without permission and making unwelcome sexual comments. The case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, was launched in October 2017 and seeks to raise awareness about and address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 38 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $11.3 million for victims of such harassment. If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager or rental agent, you may contact the Justice Department at 1-844-380-6178, or submit an online report at civilrights.justice.gov/ . Reports also may be made by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing an online complaint at www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint%20 . The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt .


title: Wayne County going to prison for possession of child pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Frederick Trevitt, 63, of Newark, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that on January 4, 2023, Trivett possessed a laptop, which contained 368 images and 26 videos of child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent minors and included violence or the sexual abuse of an infant or toddler. Trevitt also admits that he engaged in a pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse of a minor for approximately seven years. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II. Additional assistance was provided by the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office. # # # #