title: Activity in the United States Attorney's Office

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

body_text: Firearm Offenses James Paul Stokes , age 49, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 18, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The government requested 46 months’ imprisonment. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Stokes to 33 months in prison with three years of supervised release. Stokes was fined $250 and charged a $100 special assessment. The crime was investigated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Steven Robert Venjohn , age 34, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 41 months in prison with three years of supervised release for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Venjohn’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 17, 2023, and included a $100 special assessment. According to court records, on November 30, 2022, officers discovered Venjohn asleep in his vehicle behind the steering wheel and discovered a white substance on the driver’s seat that tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Officers also found a Ruger Wrangler .22 caliber revolver on the rear driver’s side floorboard. The crime was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Coppom prosecuted the case. Lance James Talbot , age 44, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced on April 11, 2023, for being a felon in possession of ammunition. After an evidentiary hearing, the court found by a preponderance of the evidence that Talbot had used .40 caliber ammunition to shoot a victim in Cheyenne. The government requested 71 months’ imprisonment. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Talbot to 57 months in prison with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, Talbot was arrested on March 16, 2022, when officers were dispatched to investigate a shooting in Cheyenne. The victim had been shot in the leg, had head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, and identified Talbot as the attacker. Security camera footage showed Talbot at the residence during the time of the shooting. Officers located and arrested Talbot, obtained a search warrant, and conducted a search of Talbot’s residence. There, officers found .40 caliber ammunition, which matched a spent casing at the scene of the shooting. The Cheyenne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Coppom prosecuted the case. Mail Theft Lacey Katherine Tolman , age 36, of Afton, Wyoming, was sentenced on April 18, 2023, to 18 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for mail theft. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl handed down the sentence. According to court records, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office served a burglary search warrant on Tolman’s residence in Afton and located a large quantity of stolen U.S. mail and packages, including 40 checks with a total face value of $27,249.97. Lacey was taken into custody and pleaded guilty to the sole count of the indictment. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore.


title: Four Men Arrested in Multistate Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Four men were arrested today for their alleged roles in a Lawrence-based drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Esaias Gill-Gonzalez, 31, of Lawrence, Mass.; Domingo Lugo Diaz, 28, of Lawrence, Mass.; Cote Colby, 27, of Derry, N.H.; and Keith Lane, 25, of Salisbury, Mass., were arrested on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances involving fentanyl, cocaine base and methamphetamine. All four were detained following their initial appearance in federal court and will return on April 28, 2023 for a probable cause and detention hearing. According to the charging documents, the investigation, which began in September 2022, intercepted communications on numerous cellphones between drug dealers operating in the Merrimack Valley areas of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is alleged that the defendants distributed fentanyl, cocaine base and methamphetamine, as well as counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. During today’s arrests, fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine were seized along with a pill press and over $52,000 in suspected drug proceeds. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime supervised release and a fine of $1 million. 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. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; the Essex County Sheriff’s Department; the Massachusetts Parole Board; the New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program; and the Derry (N.H.), Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and Salisbury Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng, of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Boston Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking

body_text: BOSTON – A drug trafficker operating out of the Boston area has pleaded guilty to his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Maurice Coates, 45, of Randolph, pleaded guilty on April 18, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2023. In June 2020, Coates was charged along with 23 others as part of Operation Snowfall. According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement conducted an investigation into drug trafficking activities by Boston-based street gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. It is alleged that the defendants, through their drug trafficking activities, assumed control over multiple apartments, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs. As a result, their activities caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents. The investigation also targeted large-scale drug suppliers and their associates. It is alleged that the targets continued to distribute cocaine and cocaine base throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown. Coates is the 16th defendant to plead guilty in that case. Coates was identified as a significant drug supplier and distributor within the drug conspiracy, during which it is estimated he distributed over 500 grams of cocaine. During intercepted calls with co-defendant Kenji Drayton, Coates used drug-coded language to discuss their drug supply needs and to coordinate drug deal meetups. At times, those communications were corroborated by surveillance. One remaining defendant in the case has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial. Another defendant, Derek Hart, remains at large. On Sept. 28, 2022, Drayton was sentenced to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 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. First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Texas Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Alleged Death Threats to U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today indicted a Houston man on federal charges for allegedly making a series of phone calls to the Hawthorne office of U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters and threatening her with violence and death. Brian Michael Gaherty, 60, was charged in the indictment with four counts of making threats in interstate communications and four counts of threatening a United States official. Gaherty was arrested in this case on April 13 after prosecutors filed a criminal complaint that outlined the series of threats to Rep. Waters and alleged Gaherty had threatened other elected officials and a news reporter in Houston. The indictment filed today alleges that Gaherty called the congresswoman’s office four times last year – twice on August 8, 2022, once on November 8, 2022, and once on November 10. Gaherty allegedly left four voicemails, each of which contained a threat to Rep. Waters. For example, in one of the August 8 calls to Rep. Waters, Gaherty allegedly threatened, to “cut your throat.” The four counts of threatening a United States official allege that Gaherty “knowingly threatened to assault and kill” Rep. Waters “with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with victim Congresswoman Waters” while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties, according to the indictment. “Threats to harm and kill an elected official impact the intended victim, her entire staff and every constituent who is not receiving services because the elected official is dealing with the security threat,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The entire Justice Department is dedicated to protecting American democracy, which includes combating threats that terrorize officials who have been elected to serve the public.” An indictment contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. After Gaherty was arrested at his residence in Houston, he made a court appearance and on April 17 was ordered released on $100,000 bond. Gaherty is expected to appear for an arraignment in United States District Court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. Each count of making a threat to a United States official carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The charge of making threats in interstate communications carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The United States Capitol Police and the FBI are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Laura A. Alexander of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Seven Men Arrested for Dealing Drugs Out of Las Colinas Motel

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: Seven alleged drug dealers were arrested in a Texas Anti-Gang Center takedown in Dallas on Wednesday, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Brandon Jones, Jaleel Peterson, Victor Contreras, Glenn Blair, Corey Allen, Derrick Richardson, and Antonie Thompson-Stevens were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver on Friday. According to the complaint, a source told law enforcement that members of the conspiracy were operating a so-called “trap room,” or narcotics distribution room, out of a motel in Las Colinas. At the direction of law enforcement, the source made three controlled drug buys inside the room. Law enforcement then identified a second motel room being operated as a trap room. They used another source to make four controlled purchase inside the room. On April 19, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the motel rooms in question. As officers made their entry, a firearm was thrown out the window. Two defendants, Brandon Jones and Jaleel Peterson, attempted to flee through a back window but were apprehended by police. Mr. Jones was carrying a handgun and a small baggie of crack cocaine when he was arrested. Three more defendants, Victor Contreras, Derrick Richardson, and Antonie Thompson-Stevens, were apprehended inside the rooms, and one, Glenn Blair, was taken into custody nearby. From the first room, room 111, officers seized 85.3 grams of heroin, 1949.5 grams methamphetamine, 114.7 grams cocaine, 2.6 grams suspected PCP, 60 grams fentanyl,15.8 grams Alprazolam, 142 grams suspected methamphetamine tablets, 44 grams marijuana, 643.8 grams THC products, 2.3 grams white powder, 2.3 grams THC pills, 23.4 grams hydrocodone, 21.5 grams Omeprazole, 28 grams Sertraline, and four firearms. From the second room, they seized 1139.1 grams of marijuana, 44.8 grams psilocybin mushrooms, 113.1 grams heroin, 31.3 grams crack cocaine, 335.5 grams methamphetamine, 23.5 grams powder cocaine, 48.3 grams fentanyl, 6 grams morphine, two handguns, one rifle and a tactical ballistic vest. They also seized scales, packing, and equipment used to “cap” fentanyl powder into individual capsules sold to customers. A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, each faces between five and 40 years in federal prison. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Highway Patrol, and Special Response Team (SRT) and the Dallas Police Department’s Intelligence, Narcotics, Northwest Crime Response, and SWAT units conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert is prosecuting the case. This operation was coordinated through the Texas Anti-Gang Center. The TAG serves as the unified headquarters for an estimated 75 - 100 of the region’s most knowledgeable and experienced federal, state and local anti-gang investigators, analysts and prosecutors. The TAG is comprised of various law enforcement agencies and has implemented innovative approaches to fighting violent criminal gangs and transnational criminal organizations.


title: Eleven persons charged in large meth trafficking investigation on Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations and three counties arraigned on indictments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: BILLINGS—Ten persons arrested on allegations of trafficking methamphetamine on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations and in Yellowstone, Big Horn and Rosebud counties appeared for arraignment today on indictments alleging multiple crimes, while another individual was arraigned on April 20 on a related case, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Seven of the defendants face charges in a multi-count indictment alleging meth trafficking, firearms and money laundering crimes. Four additional defendants, including one who previously was in custody, face meth trafficking charges in three companion indictments. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. All defendants were detained pending further proceedings. Agents with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI arrested 10 of defendants on April 19 in a coordinated takedown involving multiple law enforcement officers at various locations on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations and in Yellowstone, Big Horn and Rosebud counties. A 13-count indictment alleges that multiple defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute meth from January 2022 through March 2023 in Billings, in Yellowstone County; Hardin, in Big Horn County; Crow Agency, Wyola and Lodge Grass, in Big Horn County and on the Crow Indian Reservation; and at Lame Deer, in Rosebud County and on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. The indictment further alleges possession and distribution trafficking crimes, firearms crimes and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The meth conspiracy count carries a penalty of a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Seven of the defendants named in the indictment pleaded not guilty today to various counts. The defendants include Wendell Lefthand, 54, of Lodge Grass; Melanie Rose Bloodman, 54, a transient; Jeffrey Prettypaint, 30, of Crow Agency; Keilee Shambrae Diaz, 35, of Crow Agency; Zachary Douglas Bacon, 35, of Garryowen; Morgan Luke Hugs, 34, of Lodge Grass; and Anthony Springfield, 23, of Hardin. PACER case reference. 23-41. In a companion indictment, defendants Hailey James, 43, of Lame Deer, and John Littlehead, 37, of Laurel, pleaded not guilty to three meth trafficking crimes. The indictment alleges that from about January 2022 until March 2023, James and Littlehead conspired to possess and distribute meth at Billings, in Yellowstone County; at Hardin, Crow Agency, Wyola and Lodge Grass, in Big Horn County and on the Crow Indian Reservation; and at Lame Deer in Rosebud County, and on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. The conspiracy count carries a penalty of a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-37. In a second companion indictment, Jacklyn Marcel Garcia-Littlebird, 58, of Lame Deer, pleaded not guilty to three meth trafficking crimes. The indictment alleges that from January 2022 until October 2022, at Lame Deer, in Rosebud County; and at Crow Agency, in Big Horn County; Garcia-Littlebird conspired with others to traffic meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Garcia-Littlebird faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at last 4 years of supervised release. PACER case reference. 23-38. In a third companion case, Geofredo James Littlebird, Jr., 39, of Lame Deer, who was previously in custody, pleaded not guilty on April 20 to meth trafficking and firearms offenses charged in a superseding indictment. Pacer case reference 22-149 The indictments are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI investigated the cases. 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: Natchitoches Man Convicted by Federal Jury of  Drug and Firearms Charges

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, La. – Louis Vernon Jackson , 38, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, was convicted by a federal jury late yesterday, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over the four-day trial in Alexandria. Jackson was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of firearms, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The jury acquitted Jackson of one count of possession with intent to distribute tramadol and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to evidence presented during trial, Vernon was involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy with seven other co-defendants between December 1, 2019, through at least May 13, 2020. Agents began an investigation into these illegal drug trafficking activities of Jackson and his co-defendants. On April 16, 2020, while conducting surveillance, agents observed Jackson meet an individual at a Natchitoches motel and suspected them of selling drugs from this location. Jackson and the individual left in his vehicle and were subsequently stopped by law enforcement. Agents found keys to a room at the motel on Jackson’s person. Further investigation led to a search warrant being issued for the motel room and agents found a Marlin rifle, a loaded SCCY 9mm pistol, loaded extended magazines and ammunition inside the motel room. As a convicted felon, Jackson was prohibited from having any firearm or ammunition in his possession. After his release on bond from the Natchitoches incident, on May 13, 2020, agents conducted surveillance of a hotel in the Alexandria area and observed Jackson at the hotel. Agents executed a search warrant of Jackson’s hotel room and found a large amount of methamphetamine and a digital scale, as well as over $11,000 in cash. The remaining seven co-defendants have each pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in subsequent proceedings. “This was the culmination of an investigation that spanned multiple federal districts from Louisiana to Mississippi, and we are grateful for this joint investigation and the jury’s work in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “This defendant has a history of selling illegal narcotics which will result in a sentencing enhancement. We look forward to the anticipated sentencing hearing where each of the defendants in this case will be held accountable for their actions. We will not tolerate the distribution of methamphetamine and illegal firearm possession in the Western District of Louisiana.” Jackson faces a minimum sentence of 15 years up to life in prison on each of the drug charges due to a sentencing enhancement based on his past criminal history. He also faces up to 10 years in prison on the firearms charge, a total of up to 15 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $20,000,000. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Brian C. Flanagan. # # #


title: Former Marine Who Led Double Life as Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years; Defendant Contacted Mexican Songwriter  to Glorify him in Narco-Ballad

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 21, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Roberto Salazar II, who until his arrest was an active-duty U.S. Marine stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, was sentenced in federal court to 144 months in prison for his role in a years-long drug importation and distribution conspiracy that involved dozens of smuggling events. Salazar pleaded guilty in October 2022 to conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, and to importing fentanyl into the United States from Mexico. According to his plea agreement, Salazar recruited, managed, and paid multiple drug couriers—both before he joined the Marine Corps and while he was on active duty. He also personally distributed controlled substances within the United States. According to court documents, Salazar and his co-conspirators favored the use of specific model cars with a unique engine compartment they used to conceal and import drugs. Salazar helped to obtain these specific cars and deliver them to a business in Mexico, where couriers would be directed to retrieve the cars with drugs loaded inside them and drive them across the border. By the time Salazar and his codefendants were arrested, according to prosecutors, Salazar had become so involved in drug trafficking that he was commissioning a Mexican songwriter to write a drug ballad known as a “narcocorrido” about him. Information gathered from Salazar’s seized cell phones showed he was in communication with a Mexican songwriter about writing music and lyrics celebrating his role in drug trafficking, including references to his military service. In one line that Salazar suggested to the songwriter, he boasted: “I wanted to study and became a soldier, but I liked the fast life better.” Among the individuals Salazar personally recruited were two former service members who had recently been discharged from the Marine Corps at the time Salazar recruited them. Salazar directed these individuals’ activities and paid them $2,000 each time they successfully imported drugs. Several of the drug couriers who worked for Salazar or his co-conspirators, including one of the former Marines recruited by Salazar, were caught at the border by Customs and Border Protection officers and charged with importing controlled substances. In another failed attempt to deliver drugs in Las Vegas, one of Salazar’s co-conspirators abandoned a kilogram of heroin on a grocery store shelf and fled from law enforcement. “This case involved a Marine who was supposed to protect and defend our country, but instead brought great harm to Americans by trafficking fentanyl and other dangerous drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “He also betrayed his solemn oath by recruiting other Marines to do the same. Through this case, the defendant has been held to account for his crimes and we have dismantled yet another link in the supply chain for the deadly narcotics that are indiscriminately killing members of our community.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for their outstanding work on this case. “While disheartened by an individual who hid in the ranks of our prestigious U.S. military, this should serve as a warning to any would-be narcotics smugglers, that you cannot hide your nefarious crimes and you will be held accountable,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “Today’s sentencing is a result of ongoing HSI investigation, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations and their importation of deadly narcotics into the U.S.” “Mr. Salazar betrayed his oath to the Marine Corps and posed a significant threat to our national security by participating in an illegal operation to smuggle fentanyl into the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Battaglia of the NCIS Marine Corps West Field Office. “NCIS and our partners remain committed to fully investigating all allegations of criminality within the ranks that threaten military readiness and jeopardize the safety of our community members.” "Through his actions Mr. Salazar violated his duty as a Marine, dishonored the public's trust and promoted conditions that endangered the safety of the people,” said Sidney K. Aki, Director of Field Operations for San Diego Field Office. “National security efforts, which include narcotics interdictions, must remain our primary focus. Today’s sentencing is a clear indication of the strong partnership that continues in San Diego between federal agencies.” DEFENDANT Case Number 22-cr-216-JLS Roberto Salazar II Age: 26 San Diego, CA 144 months Jose Ernesto Lopez (2) Age: 24 Bell Gardens, CA 70 months Juan Carlos Zepeda-Santos (3) Age: 40 Lynwood, CA 33 months SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846 Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison Maximum penalties: Life in prison and $10 million fine Importation of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952 and 960 Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison Maximum penalties: Life in prison and $10 million fine AGENCY Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Customs and Border Protection Naval Criminal Investigative Service


title: Phoenix Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. –Luis Ernesto Morales-Reyes, 38, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge James A. Soto to 78 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Morales-Reyes pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. In September of 2022, Morales-Reyes agreed to deliver approximately 99,500 fentanyl pills to an individual in Tucson who, unbeknownst to Morales-Reyes, was an undercover agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On September 15, 2022, Morales-Reyes drove from Phoenix to Tucson with the fentanyl and met with the agent. After delivering the pills, Morales-Reyes was arrested, and agents found a loaded 9mm handgun in his possession. After his arrest, Morales-Reyes admitted to making multiple prior deliveries of narcotics on behalf of a Phoenix-based drug trafficking organization. As part of its One Pill Can Kill public service campaign, the DEA recently announced that six out of every 10 fentanyl-laced pills tested in 2022 contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl ( https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-laboratory-testing-reveals-6-out-10-fentanyl-laced-fake-prescription-pills-now-contain ). The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Culver, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-02230 RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-057_Morales-Reyes # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: L.A. Metro Agrees to Comply with ADA and Improve Access for Persons with Disabilities at Los Angeles Union Station

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Following an investigation that found Los Angeles Union Station was not accessible to persons with disabilities, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today entered into a settlement agreement that requires the transit agency to remedy violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The United States Attorney’s Office announced the settlement agreement that resolves an investigation of Union Station under Title II of ADA. The investigation revealed that Metro, which is responsible for Union Station, failed to make the facility readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs. Station facilities include the station structure, the platform and any parking facility. Title II of the ADA prohibits public entities from discriminating against any individual on the basis of disability, including by excluding such individual from participation in or denying such individual the benefits of the services, programs or activities of the public entity. Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. The station, which opened in 1939 and serves as a major transportation hub for Southern California, was found to have a series of accessibility issues, including wide gaps in walkways, a passenger loading zone that did not have a compliant curb ramp, various signage issues, and other ADA violations. While the government’s investigation revealed certain ADA violations, the settlement agreement requires Metro to hire an independent licensed architect to conduct an initial survey and annual inspections of Union Station, provide the United States Attorney’s Office with a list of all the violations identified by the independent licensed architect, and remedy all the violations identified. “The Union Station agreement caps a long list of rail station matters my office resolved over the past several years to ensure full access for every transit user,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our office is committed to enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities, and I am pleased that the operators of the rail stations in this district have recognized the importance of complying with federal law and ensuring complete access. We thank the various entities, such as Metro, for fully cooperating in our investigations.” With the Union Station agreement, the United States Attorney’s Office has resolved a total of 17 ADA investigations of rail stations in Southern California, including with cities and agencies responsible for stations in Anaheim, Barstow, Camarillo, Chatsworth, Fullerton, Glendale, Moorpark, Ontario, Oxnard, Palm Springs, Pomona, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley and Van Nuys. The relief provided in the agreements includes the remediation of violations so that the rail stations are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. Some examples of violations include insufficient directional signage indicating the location of accessible entrances or paths of travel, paths that are inaccessible due to sloping issues and abrupt elevation changes, non-compliant accessible parking spaces and access aisles, and non-compliant elements in restrooms. These matters involving the rail stations were handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Hikida and Matthew Nickell of the Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section. Information about the Civil Rights Section in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office is available on our website . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations to our office via email to USACAC.CV-CivilRights@usdoj.gov .


title: Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jordan Valle, age 26, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). As part of his guilty plea Valle admitted that, from at least October 2021 through December 2022, he pretended to be a hacker online and threatened to delete or takeover the social media accounts of multiple minor females aged approximately 10-15 years old if they did not send him sexually explicit material. Several children complied with his demands and sent him sexually explicit videos of themselves urinating or masturbating. In December 2022, Valle also had a collection of child pornography he obtained on the internet saved onto his computer at his home. Sentencing is scheduled for August 17, 2023, in Albany, New York before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Valle faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a child count and up to 20 years in prison for possessing child pornography. He also will also be required to serve at least 5 years and up to a life term on supervised release after his imprisonment term ends, at which time he will be required to register as a sex offender. Valle also will be required to forfeit the devices he used to commit the offenses to the United States and must pay restitution to his victims. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Upper Allen Township Police Department, and the New York State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Watervliet Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eunice Ting, age 69, of Watervliet, New York, pled guilty yesterday to making a false statement to obtain benefits from the United States Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office. In pleading guilty, Ting admitted that between December 2013, and March 2020, she submitted hundreds of materially false and fraudulent forms to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs seeking reimbursement for travel in which she did not engage. Specifically, she falsely claimed workers compensation benefits for medically-related travel to and from a local YMCA for purported “aquatic therapy” when she had not received any such therapy and did not travel to the YMCA as claimed. In total, she received a total of $26,983 from the Department of Labor because of her fraudulent submissions. Ting is scheduled to be sentenced on August 24, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. in Albany, New York. Ting faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. As part of her plea agreement, Ting has also agreed to pay full restitution. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case is being investigated by USPS-OIG and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping.


title: Former Utica Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dianna Nolan, age 47, formerly of Utica, New York, pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Utica to filing false income tax returns. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), New York Field Office. In pleading guilty, Nolan admitted that she worked as a professional tax return preparer in Oneida County, New York, between at least 2014 through 2018. On her personal income tax returns for tax years 2017 and 2018, Nolan intentionally did not report all the income she received as a tax return preparer. Nolan also filed income tax returns on behalf of clients that falsely claimed losses from rental properties, thereby reducing the total taxes owed by these clients and causing losses to the IRS. In a signed plea agreement, Nolan agreed to pay restitution to the IRS totaling $101,636 for tax years 2014 through 2018. Nolan, who recently relocated to Florida, will be sentenced on August 17, 2023. The charge to which Nolan pled guilty carries a maximum sentence of 3 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to 1 year, and a special assessment of $100. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Melissa O. Rothbart.


title: Slidell Woman Federally Indicted for Theft of Public Money,  Wire Fraud, and Money Laundering

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS - MELISSA J. WATSON (“WATSON”) , resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was indicted on Friday, April 14, 2023, on one count of theft of public money, one count of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the indictment, WATSON schemed to misappropriate over $1.1 million in funds from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program, administered by the Small Business Association (SBA), for the enrichment of herself and others. WATSON , who allegedly operated a primary care clinic and a purported spa prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, submitted false and fraudulent loan attestations, and other documentation, on behalf of her clinic, to the HRSA and the SBA. WATSON then allegedly used the PRF and EIDL Program funds for personal gain, including making numerous cash withdrawals, and purchasing, among other things, two luxury vehicles, hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate, a boat, a trailer, a time share, and multiple luxury vacations. The government seized over $500,000 in bank accounts held by WATSON , and several assets, including a boat, trailer, and Range Rover Sport. If convicted, WATSON faces a possible maximum sentence of 50 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count. U.S. Attorney Evans stated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the FBI. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force and Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . * * *


title: Man Sentenced To Prison For Possessing Firearm At A Casino When He Shot A Security Guard

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Henderson resident was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2021, during which he shot a security guard. Michael Joseph Kasper (34) pleaded guilty in October 2022 to felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva on April 10, 2023. According to court documents, on December 16, 2021, casino security guards believed Kasper had attempted to cash a fraudulent check at the casino cage. Security attempted to detain Kasper, but he resisted and immediately began fighting the security guards. During the scuffle, Kasper possessed a 9mm semi-automatic firearm and shot twice at and injured a security guard. Kasper has prior felony convictions in Clark County, and he is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Kasper was charged in Clark County for the shooting of the security guard, and Kasper pleaded guilty to one count of battery with use of deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm. The 46-month sentence in this case was ordered to run consecutive to Kasper’s unrelated prior criminal conduct arising out of Lincoln County, Nevada, for three counts of battery by prisoner upon a first responder, in which was he was sentenced to 108 to 432 months in prison. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci prosecuted the case. If you have information about illegal firearms activity, submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv . ###


title: Three New Orleans Men Plead Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On April 19, 2023, TERRAN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Funky,” age 25, ALLEN GRAY, a/k/a “Kyedi,” age 26, and KERRY BROOKS , age 36, all residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a twelve-count indictment charging violations of the Federal Gun Control and the Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, WILLIAMS , GRAY , and BROOKS were charged with twelve separate counts related to four different events in which they were caught by police with guns and drugs. WILLIAMS and GRAY were charged in Counts 1, 2, and 3 with possession of marijuana and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being felons in possession of firearms. Those three counts related to a August 26, 2020 car chase in which the defendants wrecked a Nissan Maxima during flight from police and then escaped on foot. They left guns, drugs, and their phones with attached identification documents in the wrecked vehicle. The FBI obtained warrants for WILLIAMS and GRAY . When the FBI arrested WILLIAMS on the outstanding warrant on September 12, 2020, he had a rifle, a pistol, and a large amount of marijuana. WILLIAMS was subsequently charged with Counts 4, 5, and 6, for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of firearms. Two days after WILLIAMS’s arrest, the FBI found GRAY and BROOKS in a New Orleans hotel room in possession of a large quantity of marijuana, over 40 grams of fentanyl bagged for distribution, over $4,000 in cash and two handguns with extended magazines. GRAY and BROOKS were ultimately charged in Counts 7, 8 and 9, with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being felons in possession of firearms. The FBI later arrested BROOKS at an apartment just outside of New Orleans. During a search of the premises, agents found approximately $20,000 in cash, a digital scale with powder, a small bag of fentanyl, and another pistol with an extended magazine. As a result, BROOKS was charged in Counts 10, 11 and 12, with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. WILLIAMS pled guilty to Counts 1-6, GRAY pled guilty to Counts 1-3 and 7-9 and BROOKS pled guilty to Counts 7-12. For Count 1, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), WILLIAMS and GRAY face a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. For Count 2, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), WILLIAMS and GRAY face a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count 3, being felons in possession of firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), WILLIAMS and GRAY face a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release For Count 4, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D), WILLIAMS faces a penalty of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least two years of supervised release. For Count 5, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A)(i), WILLIAMS faces a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count 6, being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), WILLIAMS faces a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. For Count 7, GRAY and BROOKS , who are charged with possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), face a penalty of at least 5 years up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. For Count 8, GRAY and BROOKS , who are charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A)(i), face a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count 9, GRAY and BROOKS , who are charged with being felons in possession of firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), face a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. For Count 10, BROOKS, who is charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), faces a penalty of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. For Count 11, BROOKS, who is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A)(i), faces a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count 12, BROOKS , who is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), faces a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count with which WILLIAMS , GRAY , and BROOKS are charged, each faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit, and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Project Safe Neighborhoods News

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announces the following actions in federal PSN cases. Indictments Sukhmanpreet Singh Jawanda , 20, of Yuba City, was charged Thursday in a five-count indictment with unlawfully dealing firearms without a license, distribution of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. According to court documents, Jawanda sold fentanyl and at least six firearms to an undercover agent in 2022. On March 25, 2022, law enforcement officers pulled Jawanda over for a traffic stop as he traveled on Interstate‑5 in San Joaquin County and found him to be in possession of over 30,000 fentanyl pills, a kilogram of cocaine, and a firearm. This case was the product of an investigation by the DEA, the ATF, the CHP, and the Yuba-Sutter Narcotics Enforcement Team-5. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett is prosecuting the case. Brothers Brian Keith Johnson , 25, and Branden Lamont Johnson , 23, both of Stockton, were each charged Thursday with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, law enforcement officers arrested Brian Johnson and Branden Johnson after they fled on foot from a car following a chase by officers. Brian Johnson was in possession of an assault rifle with a drum attached to it holding more than 60 rounds of ammunition. Branden Johnson was carrying a handgun. Both defendants are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions. Branden Johnson has been convicted of carrying a loaded concealed weapon, and Brian Johnson has been convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm with a large capacity magazine, and participating in a criminal street gang. This case is the product of an investigation by the ATF and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Pearson is prosecuting the case. This case is also part of Operation Ceasefire, a collaboration of the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and the Stockton Police Department to establish a peaceful community by investigating and prosecuting members and associates of criminal groups who continue to commit serious and violent felonies in the city, including individuals who have previously been prosecuted for illegal gun and gang-related crimes. Phillip Pulido, 53, of Clovis , was indicted Thursday, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm. According to court documents, on April 12, 2023, Pulido was found to be in possession of six .22-caliber rifles, a .22-caliber pistol, two shotguns, and a 9 mm handgun. Pulido had previously been convicted of felonies and is prohibited from possessing firearms. In addition, he possessed an unregistered firearm. This case is a product of an investigation by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Stokman is prosecuting the case. If Jawanda is convicted of the distribution of fentanyl or possession with intent to distribute cocaine, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million; if convicted of unlawful dealing in firearms, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000; if convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, Jawanda faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. If convicted, Brian Johnson and Branden Johnson each face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted, Pulido faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for being a felon in possession of a firearm and a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for possession of an unregistered firearm.. Any sentences, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Guilty Plea Bruce Lamont Walker , 54, of Vallejo, pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 18, 2023, to being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, Walker was convicted in 2014 for a domestic violence offense and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Walker had only been on parole for three months when a parole search resulted in the discovery of an AR‑15 style “ghost gun” (privately made without a serial number) in his bedroom. Also found was an extended magazine with 27 rounds of ammunition. Walker is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition on account of seven prior felony convictions, including two felony crimes of violence and multiple firearms related felonies. This case is the product of an investigation by the ATF, CDCR‑Division of Adult Parole Operations, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case. Walker is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25, 2023. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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: Orleans Parish Man Sentenced to 94 Months for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENDALL GILMER, JR. , age 42, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 19, 2023 to 94 months imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. GILMER previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). According to court documents, on October 18, 2021, after conducting surveillance on GILMER, Drug Enforcement Administration agents and New Orleans Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on GILMER , who was driving on North Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. A search of GILMER’s vehicle revealed 80.3 grams of methamphetamine, 10.69 grams of a mixture and substance containing heroin and fentanyl, and two semi-automatic handguns. 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. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Crow Creek Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Child Abuse

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that James Drapeau, age 35, of Crow Creek, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Child Abuse as a result of a two-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 20, 2023. The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to twenty years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. Drapeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. The evidence at trial showed that on May 24, 2022, at a residence on the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation, Drapeau became upset with a 14-year-old boy who was in his care. Drapeau threw the boy on the ground, kicked him repeatedly, and beat him with a broom stick and extension cord. As a result of the beating, the young boy sustained considerable bruising, welts, and abrasions on his head, back, arms, torso, buttocks, and legs. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case. A presentence investigation report was ordered, and sentencing has been set for July 24, 2023. Drapeau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.


title: Custer Man Indicted for Child Pornography

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Custer, South Dakota, man for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. Nathan Frisch, age 42, was indicted in March of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on April 3, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count of conviction. Restitution may also be ordered. The charges relate to Frisch downloading child pornography images from the Internet and transferring them from his laptop to the Google Drive account installed on his cellular phone. The charges are merely accusations and Frisch is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Frisch was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for June 6, 2023.


title: Sioux Falls Man Found Guilty of Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Sky Thomas Roubideaux, age 23, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 20, 2023. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Roubideaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. Roubideaux, using his cellular phone, attempted to knowingly entice a minor individual, namely an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old male, to engage in sexual activity. This case was investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for July 10, 2023. Roubideaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Readout of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Visit to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: On Friday, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan as well as federal and local law enforcement partners. In Detroit, Attorney General Garland met with U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison, along with attorneys and the staff at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. Attorney General Garland was briefed on a community partnership named “One Detroit” designed to reduce violent crime in the City through a multi-faceted program of crime prevention, services for the re-entry of returning citizens, and focused law enforcement. One Detroit is the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s comprehensive violence reduction initiative that links evidenced-based strategies with a coalition of stakeholders in the community, government, and law enforcement. The core of the initiative is partnership. By bringing together leaders in government, the community, and law enforcement, and aligning their work, the One Detroit partnership will work to reduce violence through engagement, coordination, and action. One Detroit includes aggressive investigation and prosecution of the relatively small number of individuals responsible for the most violence. But the One Detroit partners recognize that violence must be prevented and not just punished. And so, the One Detroit partners will also develop and foster meaningful community relationships, promote prevention and intervention programs, and emphasize prisoner reentry programs that involve the community. Attorney General Garland praised the One Detroit community partnership as critical to addressing violent crime in Detroit. He shared his support for the work that U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison and the Office’s attorneys and staff are doing to combat violent crime through prevention, intervention and fostering community relationships. After the briefing, Attorney General Garland met with federal law enforcement officials in Detroit and spoke about the importance of tackling the problem of fentanyl in both the U.S. and Mexico. Attorney General Garland also met with local law enforcement and commended the strong working relationship between local, state, and federal law enforcement. His visit to Detroit concluded with an address to the staff of the U.S. Attorney’s office.


title: Nevada Man Pleads Guilty In Multimillion-Dollar Fraudulent Check Scheme

body_text: LAS VEGAS - A Nevada man pleaded guilty today to using fraudulent checks to steal money from victims’ bank accounts. According to court documents, Michael Zeto, 77, of Las Vegas, partnered with foreign telemarketers, who provided Zeto with the names, bank account numbers, and other personal information for American consumers. Many of these consumers had purchased no products or services from the telemarketers and had not authorized anyone to debit their bank accounts. Zeto used the information provided by his telemarketing partners to create fraudulent checks payable to companies he controlled and debited consumers’ bank accounts. Many of Zeto’s victims were retirees and other older adults. “The defendant was a vital link in a scheme with foreign telemarketing partners to steal money from American victims’ bank accounts,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting older Americans from fraud and to prosecuting people who knowingly help fraudsters.” “With our increasing use and dependency on technology, fraudsters have found new ways to scam unsuspecting Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Americans, and Nevadans in particular, can be assured that our office is committed to investigating and prosecuting elder financial fraud scams.” “Today's guilty plea holds the defendant accountable for his role in a multimillion dollar fraudulent check scheme that targeted the bank accounts of American consumers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Bundy of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General Chicago Division. “The FDIC-OIG remains dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who seek to defraud elderly and vulnerable Americans, and threaten the integrity of the banking system.” “This conviction is the direct result of a diligent investigation by hardworking Postal Inspectors and our partners at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça of the FDIC-OIG Chicago Division. “Working together, their perseverance unraveled the defendant’s complex scheme to defraud some of our nation’s most vulnerable victims and delivered the justice that each victim deserved. We are proud of the investigative team’s efforts to uphold the mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to protect postal customers and consumers from fraudsters.” Zeto pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The USPIS and FDIC-OIG are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Daniel Zytnick and Timothy Finley of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. The department urges individuals to be on the lookout for unauthorized debits to their accounts. Check your bank, credit card, and other financial statements and contact your financial institution if you see a charge you do not recognize. Report any fraudulent debit you identify to law enforcement. Reports may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. ###


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – MARVIN YOUNG , a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 13, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon to forty (40) months incarceration after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment. Judge Fallon ordered that YOUNG be placed on supervised release for three (3) years following his release from imprisonment. YOUNG was also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Count 1 charged YOUNG with possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). According to court records, on July 8, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and multiple state agencies conducted a joint operation to utilize proactive police patrol in high crime areas of New Orleans. During the operation, YOUNG was observed lifting his shirt revealing a firearm tucked into his waistband. YOUNG was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of a felony. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: San Francisco Man Sentenced To 63 Months In Prison For Fleecing Victims In Fraudulent Investment Schemes

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Min Jin Zhao was sentenced to over five years in prison and ordered to pay $1,883,503.93 in restitution for defrauding investors in two separate investment schemes, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Vince Chhabria, U.S. District Judge. Zhao, 60, of San Francisco, pleaded guilty to the charges on February 6, 2023. According to his plea agreement, Zhao admitted he devised and participated in fraudulent schemes targeting two separate victims. In the first scheme, Zhao convinced his victim that he would invest her money using a corporation he called “Big Block Consulting, Inc.” (BBC). From 2017 to 2021 Zhao claimed he would invest her money through BBC, convincing his victim to hand over her retirement for a 10% monthly return. Zhao admitted he knew the victim for three years prior to the point at which he convinced her to hand over her savings to him. Zhao also admitted in this plea agreement that he did not invest any of the over $2 million the victim gave him for her retirement. In documents filed in connection with Zhao’s sentencing, the government argued that Zhao’s victim trusted him because she believed Zhao was a dear friend; the victim gave Zhao her entire retirement savings, leaving her with so little to spend that she, at times, was forced to send him text messages in which she requested small sums so she could pay for personal expenses. Zhao admitted in the plea agreement that he used the funds in part to purchase a condominium in Indian Wells, Calif. In the second scheme, Zhao falsely asserted to his victim that he was a film executive at Sony. Zhao admitted in his plea agreement that from 2018 to 2021, he attempted to convince his victim to invest $500,000 in BBC in exchange for allowing his victim to become an executive producer on BBC’s movie projects. Zhao acknowledged in his plea agreement that he was never associated with Sony, nor was he ever a film executive. Zhao admitted that he and his victim signed a written contract and the victim forwarded to Zhao a money wire in the amount of $300,000. Zhao admitted he did not invest the money as he promised his victim he would. The government submitted documents asserting that Zhao’s victim borrowed the $300,000 from a family member to provide the funds for the investment. On January 5, 2022, a federal grand jury handed down a superseding indictment charging Zhao with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Zhao pleaded guilty to all three counts. In addition to the prison term, Judge Chhabria ordered Zhao to serve a three-year period of supervised release and to pay $1,883,503.93 in restitution. Judge Chhabria also issued an order of forfeiture for Zhao’s interest in the Indian Wells property. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alethea Sargent is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.


title: Six Men Arrested, Charged With Conspiracy To Steal And Re-Sell Restaurant Cooking Oil

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Guodeng Chen, Didi Huang, Fangfang Yan, all of Pittsford, NY, Ruimao Yang, Yan Han, and Wen Xiao Zhang, all of New York, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy and the transportation and sale of stolen goods in interstate commerce. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendants conspired to commit a series of thefts of used cooking oil, which can be refined into biodiesel fuel and re-sold for $4.00 to $5.00 per gallon, from numerous restaurants within and around Monroe County. In April 2022, Monroe Country Sheriffs’ Deputies encountered several of the defendants, in the middle of the night, pumping used cooking oil out of privately-owned holding tanks and into box trucks that contained a large storage tank. Deputies followed the box trucks to warehouses located at 300 and 350 Commerce Drive in Rochester, where they observed the defendants pumping the oil out of the trucks and into the warehouse. During the execution of search warrants at 300 and 350 Commerce Drive, deputies discovered 12,461 gallons of unrefined oil, worth over $73,000. A review of documents and records found during the search warrants revealed that the defendants sold and shipped the stolen oil to a refinery located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Investigators traced two specific shipments totaling of 95,320 gallons of oil from the defendants’ warehouse in Rochester to the refinery in Erie, PA. The defendants were paid $60,051 for these two shipments. The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and were released on conditions. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Former Wyoming County Corrections Officer Indicted On Child Pornography Charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging James D. Sutton, 37, of Depew, NY, with distribution and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, in October 2021, Sutton, a former Wyoming County Corrections Officer, distributed child pornography. In addition, on February 7, 2023, Sutton possessed images of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor on three different cellular telephones. Sutton was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on April 24. 2023. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: West Seneca Man Charged With Production, Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Corey Beasley, 37, of West Seneca, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in January 2023, a West Seneca police officer received a report that sexually explicit images were found on a tablet belonging to Beasley. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at Beasley’s residence, during which 16 electronic devices were seized. A forensic examination of the devices recovered several naked and sexually explicit images of a minor victim. In addition, other images of suspected child pornography were found on Beasley’s devices. Beasley made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was held pending a detention hearing on May 2, 2023. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Edward Baker and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Niagara Falls Man Arrested On Cocaine Charge After Leading Police On A Brief Car Chase

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jonathan Bersani, 31, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the Niagara County Drug Task Force (NCDTF) alerted the Homeland Security Investigations BEST Team of suspected drug activity being conducted by Bersani. The task force then conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine from Bersani. On April 14, 2023, as investigators were surveilling Bersani on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls, he struck two vehicles, including a law enforcement vehicle, before fleeing the area. Bersani’s tire eventually burst on Buffalo Avenue, at which time he fled on foot before being taken into custody. Approximately 200 yards away, law enforcement discovered a black bag that approximately 192 grams of suspected cocaine. An electronic scale was also found in the area. Investigators also seized a satchel bag that Bersani was wearing, which contained bulk US currency. That same day, a search warrant was executed at Bersani’s Linwood Avenue residence, during which investigators seized approximately 14 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately four grams of suspected cocaine, three glass dishes, a fork, plate, and knife, all with white residue, and metal knuckles. Bersani was ordered released on conditions following a detention hearing this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti and Homeland Security Investigations BEST Team, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: New Orleans Man Indicted  for Violations of Federal  Firearms and Drug Laws

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - BURNEAL CARNEY , age 28, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted today in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Specifically, CARNEY is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). If convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, CARNEY faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment , a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. Additionally, he also faces payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee for each charged count. United States Attorney Evans stated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Rochester Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine And Gun Charges

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christian G. Cruz, 25, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on August 2, 2022, in the area of 1248 N. Clinton Avenue in Rochester, police officers observed Cruz showing a firearm to another male. When officers approached Cruz, they observed the outline of a firearm in his pocket and asked for identification. Cruz reached towards his pocket where the gun was, so the officers grabbed his arms, eventually taking him into custody after a brief struggle. Officers found the loaded handgun in the pocket of Cruz’s shorts. They also found 61 small plastic vials of cocaine, four wax paper envelopes containing fentanyl, and a knotted sandwich bag containing cocaine, in another pocket. The matter was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. 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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito. Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa. # # # #


title: Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty  to Federal Gun and Drug Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LANCE STEVENS , age 27, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on April 20, 2023 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a six-count indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act. STEVENS was charged with two counts of drug trafficking in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of those drug trafficking offenses in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). According to court documents, STEVENS was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives on two separate occasions in 2021. At the time of each arrest, STEVENS , a convicted felon, possessed illegal narcotics that he intended to sell and firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. For Count 1, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tramadol, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least two years of supervised release for trafficking marijuana, and at least one year of supervised release for trafficking tramadol. For Count 4, possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. For Counts 2 and 5, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, STEVENS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison on each count, which must run consecutive to each other and to any other count, a maximum $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. For Counts 3 and 6, felon in possession of a firearm, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment on each count, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. STEVENS must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit. * * *


title: Three Charged With Participating in Cook County Property Tax Bribery Scheme

body_text: CHICAGO — The owner of a Chicago-area fence installation company, along with two Cook County Assessor’s Office (CCAO) employees, have been charged in a bribery scheme. As noted within the indictment, from approximately February to November 2017, ROBERT MITZIGA, 65, owner of Fence Masters, Inc. is alleged to have conspired with an executive of another company (Company A), BASILIO CLAUSEN, 51, of Crown Point, Indiana, who was employed by the CCAO as a residential field inspector, LUMNI LIKOVSKI, 47, of Burbank, who was employed by the CCAO as a director of taxpayer services, and Lavdim Memisovski, who was employed by the CCAO as a commercial group leader, to bribe the CCAO employees in return for reduced property assessments for properties owned by Fence Masters and Company A. Mitziga has also been charged separately with bribing Clausen, Likovski, and Memisovski; Likovski has been charged separately with accepting a bribe as a public official. Memisovski was charged separately by information on July 6, 2022 for conspiring to accept bribes. He pled guilty to having engaged in a bribery scheme with the owner of a Chicago area construction company from 2016 to 2019. Mitziga’s company, Fence Masters, and Company A had properties in Cook County that were being re-assessed by CCAO. The two companies appealed the re-assessed values of their properties to the CCAO. As agents of the CCAO, Clausen, Likovski, and Memisovski accepted bribes from Mitziga and the Company A executive in the form of golf outings, food, and drinks. In exchange, Clausen and Likovski circumvented the regular system of random assignment of appeals to route the appeals to Memisovski, who reduced the assessed values on the properties. The indictment is announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vikas Didwania and Richard Rothblatt. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charges carry a possible sentence range of 5 to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.