title: Middle District Of Florida Task Force Continues To Combat COVID-19 Fraud

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida to combat fraud related to COVID-19. This work has included complementary efforts by the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO-MDFL) Criminal, Asset Recovery, Appellate, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. “The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office continues to pursue, investigate, prosecute, and recover money from those who were engaged in fraud schemes designed to steal benefits intended for Americans coping with the myriad impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. On the criminal enforcement front, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception through June 30, 2024, the Task Force has prosecuted 89 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare. Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $84.5 million. Sixty-seven of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 22 defendants. ( See chart for criminal case details .) For example, in April 2024, a federal jury found Barrett Purvis guilty of wire fraud and money laundering. According to court records, Purvis applied for and received a $500,000 EIDL in May 2021. Although he applied on behalf of a legitimate small business he owned and operated, Purvis never intended to use any of the loan proceeds on working capital as required by the terms of the loan agreement. Instead, Purvis spent approximately half of the proceeds on gambling debt and the rest on other personal debt, including debt incurred on his girlfriend’s three credit cards. Within two weeks of receiving the loan, Purvis had used nearly all the proceeds on personal expenses, unrelated to any legitimate business. Additionally, in June 2024, Evan Graves was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit approximately $1.35 million and five Fort Myers properties he purchased using his fraudulently obtained EIDL. According to court records, between June 20 and July 23, 2020, Graves submitted 10 EIDL applications to the SBA on behalf of his various Fort Myers-based companies. To qualify for large loan amounts and advance funding, Graves falsely represented his companies’ number of employees, gross revenue, and lost rental income due to the COVID-19 disaster. In total, Graves’s fraudulent representations caused the SBA to approve all 10 loans and deposit approximately $1.35 million into bank accounts he controlled. Following disbursement of the EIDL funding, Graves unlawfully used the money to pay off personal credit card debt, fund personal investment accounts, satisfy mortgages, and purchase real estate. Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $20 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture. The U.S. Attorney General has 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. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own. The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida. The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation. United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida COVID Fraud Criminal Cases Charged Cases Defendant Charge(s) Max. Imprisonment Type of Fraud* Intended Loss Amount Tampa Division Ellyn Pinkney Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $40k Nicole Bramble-King Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $40k Devontaie Deravil Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years UI $480k Jordan Ross Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years EIDL/PPP $1.3M Tommy Louisville Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $33k Marquett James Alyson Marquett Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL/PPP $96k Willie Murray Jr. Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive HCF $5M Charles Driver Jr. Conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 5 years Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 years UI $175k Eric Canonico Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP $2.3M Alexander Leszczynski Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP $1.1M Capree Holmes Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $159k These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, Michael Kenneth, and Merrilyn Hoenemeyer Orlando Division Evan Edwards Joshua Edwards Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Visa fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 years False statements Maximum Prison Term: 30 years PPP $8M Emmet Bowens Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP $740k Latresia Wilson False statements Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years HCF $2.6M Angela Chew Conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years Bribery of a public official Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $732k These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Amanda Daniels, and DOJ Trial Attorney Keith Clouser Fort Myers Division Venera Price Mail fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years ERAP $82k Timothy Jolloff Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP/EIDL $2.1M Lisa Jolloff Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP/EIDL $2.1M Diop McKenzie Bank fraud Maximum Prison Term: 30 years Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive EIDL/PPP $237k These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling Ocala Division Henry Wade Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL $500k This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk Adjudicated Cases Tampa Division Joseph Abdo Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Illegal monetary transactions Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years PPP $500k Keaujay Hornsby Racketeering conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years UI $3M Demarius Wilson Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $18k Kareem Spann Racketeering conspiracy Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Aggravated identity theft Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive Access device fraud Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years UI $3M Barrett Purvis Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years Money laundering Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years EIDL $499k Bergeline Lexis Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years EIDL/PPP $68k Jailyn Holmes Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $28k These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, Greg Pizzo, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, and Jay Trezevant Orlando Division Robert Burns Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $57k This COVID Fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by Shannon Laurie Jacksonville Division James Wigg Wire Fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 years PPP $476k These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA, Michael Coolican, and Tysen Duva Ocala Division Passion Jackson Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $20k Nicole Harding Wire fraud Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years PPP $20k These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk Sentenced Cases Tampa Division Louis Thornton, III Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison EIDL/PPP $815k Kary Stevenson Corey Quinn Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson) Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn) UI $1M Bridgitte Keim Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison PPP $588k Wayne Ganaway Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison EIDL $300k Eriaius Bentley Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison UI $3M Rolanda Wingfield Access device fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison UI $135k Tywon Spann Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison UI $3M Randy Jones Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison EIDL/UI $250k Julio Lugo Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison EIDL/PPP $4.4M Keith Nicoletta Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison PPP $1.9M Rosenide Venant Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison EIDL/PPP $413k Melinda Hernandez Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison UI $1.5M Bri’antina Mills Wire fraud and theft of government funds Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison EIDL $10K Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria Wire fraud Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison EIDL $150k Omar Esquivel Bello Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison EIDL $242k Steve Moodie Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison UI $1.5M Richard Simpkins Conspiracy to commit money laundering Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison PPP $1.9M Devaris McClain Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison UI $85k Jalissa McDuffy Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 3 years supervised release with 6 months home detention PPP $41k Kieanna Garrett Wire fraud Sentence imposed: 60 days’ imprisonment EIDL $40k Marqus Willard Johnson Bank fraud Money laundering Sentence imposed: 18 months’ imprisonment followed by 60 moths supervised release PPP $500k Mehdi Tazi Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft Sentenced imposed: 5 years imprisonment followed by4 years supervised release UI $1.5M Tyree Wingfield Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft Sentenced imposed: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment followed by4 years supervised release UI $1.5M Dawn Ogundele Theft of government funds Sentence imposed: 2 years’ probation PPP $20k Alexander Alli Wire fraud conspiracy Sentence imposed: 13 months imprisonment EIDL $80k Charles Cunningham Bank fraud Sentence imposed: 21 months imprisonment PPP $800k These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, SAUSA Chris Poor, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon Orlando Division Daniel Johnson Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison UI $2.3M Jacquavius Smith Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison PPP $10k Johnson Eustache Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison EIDL/PPP $2.2M Joseph Harrison Conspiracy to commit wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison UI $2.1M Tomas Ziupsnys Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison PPP $2M Holly Urban Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison PPP $1.5M Joel Greenberg Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison EIDL $430k Don Cisternino Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison PPP $7.2M Keith Ingersoll Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison. EIDL $66k Jaheim Davis Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison. UI $219k Teresa McIntyre Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation EIDL $730k Brian Blake Possession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison PPP/UI $832k Joseph Faubert Bank fraud Sentenced Imposed: 5 years probation PPP $778k These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg Jacksonville Division Jacob Byrd Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation PPP $10k Deconna Burke Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation PPP $20k Desmond Williams Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation PPP $40k Kenneth Landers Wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 1 year in federal prison followed by 1 year of supervised release PPP $1.4M Christopher Daragjati Wire fraud , Theft of government funds, and Aggravated identity theft Sentenced imposed: 5 years’cisternino imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release. PPP $150k This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division was handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican Fort Myers Division Casey Crowther Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison PPP $2.7M Anthony Bruey Amber Bruey Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions Sentence Imposed : Anthony Bruey : 4 years, 3 months in federal prison Amber Bruey : 4 years in federal prison PPP/EIDL $881k Edrica Leann Watson False statement to a lending institution Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison PPP $392k Daniel Joseph Tisone Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison PPP/EIDL/MSLP $10.7M Liliana Gonzalez Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement PPP $169k Al Clint LaRoche Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison PPP $1M Denis Casseus Bank fraud and illegal monetary transaction Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years’ supervised release PPP $298k Evan Graves Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: 18 months in federal prison EIDL $1.3M Ismaelle Manuel Bank fraud Sentence Imposed: Credit for time served followed by 5 years supervised release PPP $280k These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, Jesus M. Casa, Simon Eth, and Yolande Viacava Ocala Division Lavelle Harris Wire fraud Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison PPP $1.2M This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk Types of Fraud* Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Unemployment Insurance (UI) Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Health Care Fraud (HCF)


title: New Orleans Man Indicted For Federal Drug and Weapons Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DJOHN BRYANT (“BRYANT”) , age 31, of New Orleans, was indicted on July 19, 2024 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts. BRYANT is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, tapentadol, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and he is charged in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). As to Count 1, BRYANT faces up to twenty years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. According to court documents, on or about February 4, 2024, BRYANT possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, tapentadol, and marijuana within the Eastern District of Louisiana. BRYANT also illegally possessed a Glock Model 27, .40 caliber handgun and ammunition, in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute those drugs. As a previously convicted felon, BRYANT was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated 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. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced for Dealing Crack Cocaine While Armed Inside a Northwest Dollar Store

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Tavon Lyles, 34, a convicted felon from Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 90 months in prison, to run consecutive to any other sentence, in connection with dealing crack cocaine inside a variety store to undercover police officers while he was armed with a Glock 22 semi-automatic handgun, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Lyles pleaded guilty on October 11, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and another count of unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. In addition to the prison term, Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered Lyles to serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on December 14, 2020, about 6:40 p.m., members of MPD Narcotics and Special Investigations Division (NSID) were conducting a buy-bust operation in the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW. Undercover officers (UC) approached Lyles inside a Dollar Plus store and asked Lyles if he had change for a $100 dollar bill. Lyles pulled out money to make change and simultaneously pulled out a plastic bag containing several smaller zips containing a white rock-like substance. The undercover officers left the store, discussed what they saw, went back, and approached Lyles again. Lyles asked how much cash they had, and the UCs replied that they had $40. Lyles reached into his pants and pulled out two blue zips containing a white rock-like substance and handed them to one of the UCs. The UC handed Lyles two $20 bills of prerecorded currency. The UCs left the store and signaled that the buy was good. The arrest team moved in. Lyles struggled briefly with officers as they placed him under arrest. As they attempted to handcuff him, an officer felt a hard object in Lyle’s front waistband which felt like a firearm. The officer asked Lyles if the firearm was loaded, and Lyles confirmed it was. The officers handcuffed Lyles and removed a Glock 22 semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity magazine from his waistband. From Lyle’s pockets, officers recovered cocaine base (crack) weighing a total of 32.73 grams. In addition, officers recovered $1,071 in cash which included the two $20 bills of MPD pre-recorded currency. Lyles admitted that he knew that he possessed the firearm and ammunition, that the firearm was loaded, and that he knew he had prior felony convictions for which the potential penalty was more than one year of incarceration. This case was investigated by the MPD’s Narcotics and Special Investigations Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. 21cr0010


title: Former Teacher Admits Producing Child Pornography with Hidden Cameras

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former St. Louis County, Missouri teacher on Monday admitted possessing child pornography and producing child pornography with hidden cameras. Joseph R. Gutowski, 42, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of producing of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography. Gutowski admitted hiding cameras in his office at Lafayette High School in Wildwood and in his home. He secretly filmed minors and traded some of those images with others online, his plea agreement says. He was also a member of an underground child pornography group on Mega, a cloud storage service, and traded videos he’d secretly recorded of an adult in the “Club Creep” group on Mega. Gutowski tried to delete child sexual abuse material from nearly all of his electronic devices before they were seized by law enforcement, his plea says. He deleted 25,377 files from his Dropbox account alone. Gutowski is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, 2024. The production charge carries a potential penalty of 15 to 30 years in prison and the receiving charge carries a potential penalty of five to 20 years in prison. The FBI and the St. Louis County Police Department Special Investigations Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Georgia Man with Seven Prior Felony Convictions Pleads Guilty to Armed Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: ATHENS, Ga. – A Northeast Georgia resident with a lengthy criminal history pleaded guilty to armed drug trafficking charges in federal court today. Mandrell Antwoin Hull, 43, of Winterville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. Self, III on July 22. Hull faces a minimum mandatory of 15 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of life in prison. His sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Repeat offenders who continually disregard the law and whose actions harm our communities must be held accountable,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will continue to do everything in our power to support the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement to uphold the law and keep our neighborhoods safe.” "Criminals like Hull continue to plague our communities with blatant disregard for the safety of others and reckless indifference to the law. It is only through our local and federal partnerships that we are able to put a stop to these violent repeat offenders,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Special Agent of FBI Atlanta's Athens office. “This case is another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to keeping the streets of Georgia safe for everyone in our community.” According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Hull was serving supervised release for a 2018 federal conviction for marijuana distribution in Case No. 3:17-CR-24-CAR. On April 11, 2023, officers with the United States Probation Office (USPO) reached out to the FBI in Athens to request their assistance in conducting a search of Hull’s residence in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, because USPO believed that Hull was storing illegal drugs inside his residence. That same day, agents and officers searched his Winterville property and located cocaine, $32,826 in drug proceeds and a loaded 9mm pistol. Records show that Hull has five prior felony convictions in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County and one prior felony conviction in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, in addition to his prior federal felony conviction for which he was serving supervised release at the time of this crime. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. This case is a 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 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. The case was investigated by the FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Three Memphis Men Receive Significant Federal Sentences after Carjacking and Robbery Spree

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Three Memphis men have been sentenced to a total of 66 years in federal prison after being convicted of three carjackings and three business robberies that occurred in the spring of 2022. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today. According to the information presented in court, Jermiah Jones, 24 , Kevontae Harper, 22 , and James Payne, 21 , participated in a crime spree that included three carjackings and a series of armed robberies of Memphis businesses. All three men pled guilty to three counts of carjacking, three counts of business robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Harper to 25 years of imprisonment on February 14, 2024; Payne to 15 years of imprisonment on March 1, 2024; and Jones to 26 years of imprisonment on July 17, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force, a collective comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Rogers and Jermal Blanchard, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated this case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Owner of Home Health Care Company Convicted of Multimillion Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Westford woman was convicted Friday, July 19, 2024 following a nine-day jury trial in federal court in Boston in connection with a home health care fraud scheme. Faith Newton, 56, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of health care fraud, and three counts of money laundering. The jury found the defendant not guilty on one count of money laundering conspiracy. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Newton was arrested and charged along with co-defendant Winnie Waruru in February 2021. “Ms. Newton deliberately orchestrated a scheme to defraud MassHealth and took advantage of her patients and their families in the process. She chose to violate the trust of government agencies and the broader community to treat herself to million-dollar cash bonuses, a lavish house and a Maserati. This conduct is unacceptable, and she will now pay the price for her choices,” said Acting United States Joshua S. Levy. “Newton billed for countless patient visits that never happened or were unnecessary. Our office is committed to protecting patients and our health care system from fraud and deception, and we will continue to hold those illegal actors accountable for their actions.” “Newton orchestrated a massive $100 million health care fraud scheme that targeted the Medicaid program, funding her lavish lifestyle at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Today’s guilty verdict underscores the commitment of HHS-OIG and our partners to protecting the integrity of our federal health care system, and it should also serve as a stern warning to criminals who contemplate engaging in similar illegal schemes.” “Faith Newton’s flagrant greed and theft orchestrated through her healthcare fraud scheme is disgraceful. The jury’s verdict further demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to not only protecting the America taxpayers but also the most vulnerable of citizens,” said Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office. “By stealing from MassHealth, Newton not only stole from federally-funded programs and taxpayers, but she then used those proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle for herself. As a direct result of Newton’s scheme, these programs had fewer available funds to assist the individuals who truly needed the help.” “As Faith Newton’s greed and wealth increased, her elaborate $100 million home health care fraud scheme collapsed. For years, her company billed taxpayers for home health services they did not provide, were not authorized, or were not medically necessary. She paid kickbacks, laundered illegal proceeds, and even bought a Maserati,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Our health care system is under constant attack by fraudsters who have pilfered billions of dollars from Medicare and other health care benefit programs. Today’s verdict should be a warning to others that committing healthcare fraud will not be tolerated.” From January 2013 to January 2017, Newton was a part owner and operator of Arbor Homecare Services LLC. Newton and others engaged in a conspiracy to use Arbor to defraud MassHealth of at least $100 million. Specifically, evidence at trial demonstrated that Arbor, through Newton and others, failed to train staff, billed for home health services that were never provided or were not medically necessary and billed for home health services that were not authorized. Arbor, through Newton and others, paid kickbacks for patient referrals, regardless of medical necessity. They also entered sham employment relationships with patients’ family members to provide home health aide services that were not medically necessary and routinely billed for fictitious visits that Newton knew did not occur. Newton used the laundered proceeds of the $100 million scheme to purchase a house and a Maserati. Newton’s co-defendant, Waruru, pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy in September 2022 . She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18, 2024 before U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. Newton’s previous trial, beginning on June 26, 2023, ended in a mistrial during jury deliberations on July 10, 2023. The charges of health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the money involved in the laundering. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; HHS SAC Coviello; IRS SAC Chavis; and FBI SAC Cohen, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Brady and Christopher Looney of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: California Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ildiberto Gonzalez Jr., 30, of San Bernadino, California, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. Gonzalez admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2023, Gonzalez was directed by co-conspirator Alejandro Gallegos to deliver approximately 196 pounds of methamphetamine and four kilograms of cocaine from California to Bluefield, West Virginia. Gonzalez transported the controlled substances in his 2009 Freightliner semi-truck with attached trailer. On March 22, 2023, Gonzalez met a West Virginia co-conspirator in a Bluefield parking lot. There, Gonzalez exchanged the shipment with a box that he believed contained approximately $400,000 as payment for the controlled substances. Gonzalez was driving away from the transaction in his semi-truck when law enforcement pulled him over. Gonzalez notified Gallegos by phone during the traffic stop. Officers seized his cell phone and a loaded 9mm pistol that Gonzalez also had in the truck’s cab. Gonzalez admitted that he previously delivered boxes containing controlled substances in approximately January 2023 from California to the individual in Bluefield at the direction of Gallegos. Gonzalez admitted he received cash for that transaction that he took back to California and gave to Gallegos. Gonzalez and Gallegos are among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. Gallegos, also known as “Alex,” “Rooster,” “G” and “Primo,” 41, of Hacienda Heights, California, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Gonzalez and Gallegos are among 29 defendants who have pleaded guilty. Another defendant, Mark Leslie Lively, 57, of Kenna, was found guilty on July 17, 2024, by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Indictments against the remaining defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-32. ###


title: Felon Sentenced to 95 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Crack Cocaine, the Illegal Possession of Four Firearms, Ammunition, a Machine Gun Conversion Device, and Violating Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court in connection to his distribution of crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, ammunition, and a machine gun conversion device (otherwise known as a “Switch”), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Joseph Taylor, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 95 months in federal prison. Taylor was sentenced to a total of 77 months on one count of drug distribution, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm – the Switch. Taylor was also sentenced to a consecutive sentence of 18 months for violating the conditions of his supervised release in committing these crimes. “The defendant, a serial felon, was undeterred by his previous federal convictions and supervised release,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Taylor’s drug sales coupled with his illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and a Switch has resulted in his incarceration in federal prison for more than 7 years, thus protecting the community from his unrelenting criminal conduct.” "Possession of firearms by convicted felons is inherently dangerous for society," said Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson, ATF Boston Field Division. "But that danger increases exponentially when prohibited individuals possess firearms containing switches that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Within a matter of a few seconds, such firearms can fire multiple rounds with a single squeeze of the trigger. Today’s sentence should send a clear message that anyone who possesses a machine gun conversion device will be prosecuted federally and face serious consequences." On three occasions in November 2023 and January 2024, Taylor sold crack cocaine to an individual who was cooperating with the Manchester Police Department. When law enforcement searched Taylor’s residence, they found money that had been used in the controlled buys, four firearms, ammunition, magazines and other firearm accessories, and a 3D-printed Switch. One of the firearms had previously been reported to the Manchester Police Department as stolen. Taylor did not register the machine gun conversion device (Switch) on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) as required by the National Firearms Act. Taylor had previously been convicted of four felonies and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. At the time he committed these crimes, Taylor was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and John Kennedy prosecuted the case. ###


title: Shelbyville Woman Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Former Employer

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Shelbyville, Kentucky woman was sentenced today to 3 years and 1 month in federal prison for engaging in a scheme to defraud her former employer. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service made the announcement. According to court records, Amy Hall, 38, was sentenced to 3 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for seven counts of wire fraud. The charges in this case stemmed from Hall’s scheme in which, while employed as the Accounting Controller for a Louisville, Kentucky design and construction company, she used her access and position to make unauthorized payments totaling $262,897.69, for her own personal benefit and the benefit of others, on the company’s bank account, a related company’s bank account, and a company credit card without the companies’ knowledge or authorization. Hall was also ordered to pay restitution to the two victim companies in the amount of $262,897.69. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Elver prosecuted the case. ###


title: Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for St. Louis County Cab Driver’s Fatal Robbery

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Monday sentenced a man who instigated the fatal robbery of a cab driver in Hazelwood, Missouri in 2022 to 30 years in prison. Tywon Harris, now 21, was one of four teens involved in the robbery of Dewight Price, 54, on April 24, 2022. All four have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. On April 24, 2022, after leaving a party in downtown St. Louis, Harris called for a cab. He and the three other teens had walked to a gas station in the 700 block of North Tucker Boulevard. Harris and Trishawn Jones were each armed with a semiautomatic handgun, but Harris gave his to Coron Dees to carry in a cross-body bag. The four planned to take the taxi to a fake address near Jeremiah Allen’s home, then run away without paying. After learning that they would have to prepay for the ride, they began discussing plans to rob Price. In court Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel said Harris “took the lead in planning” the robbery, which led to everything that followed. The teens told Price to drive to Hazelwood Central High School, thinking there would be no witnesses there at that time. Dees and Jones then robbed Price at gunpoint. After Price handed cash to Jones, Price grabbed a firearm he kept in his door. Allen warned the others that Price had a gun. Price began to get out, but Harris opened his door, knocking Price to the ground. Jones saw Price’s gun and fired once, striking Price in the torso. The teens then ran away without aiding Price or calling for help. Dees, now 21, and Allen, 20, pleaded guilty to a robbery charge. Jones, 20, and Harris pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting in the commission of a murder. Dees is serving a 17-year prison sentence. Jones was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Allen was sentenced to 12 ½ years in prison. The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel prosecuted the case.


title: Two Southern Utah Men Sentenced in Cougar Hunting Crime in Violation of the Lacey Act

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A U.S. District Court Judge sentenced the final defendant today in a crime that involved a Utah licensed big game outfitter and his employee/cougar hunting guide in the District of Utah. The two defendants were sentenced separately for their involvement in a crime that defrauded hunters by leading canned hunts for commercial gain, in violation of the Lacey Act. Wade Lemon, 63, of Holden, Utah, was sentenced July 18, 2024, to two months’ imprisonment, ordered by the court to pay a $10,500 fine, and a one-year commercial ban on federal land. According to court documents, and statements made during his change of plea hearing, Lemon admitted to illegally participating in “canned” mountain lion hunts on January 24, 2021 and December 15, 2020 on Federal BLM and National Forest Service land. Utah law prohibits “canned hunts” of mountain lions. A canned hunt means that a cougar is treed, cornered, held at bay or its ability to escape is otherwise restricted to allow a person who was not a member of the initial hunting party to arrive and take the cougar. The federal Lacey Act prohibits selling in interstate commerce any wildlife taken or sold in violation of state law. The Lacey Act defines the “sale” of wildlife to include providing guiding or outfitting services. Lemon owns and operates Wade Lemon Hunting based in Holden, Utah. Lemon advertises his business on his website and boasts nearly 100% success rates yearly. However, Lemon has cheated in illegal canned cougar hunts and has defrauded hunters. Kacey Alan Yardley, 47, of Enoch, Utah, was sentenced July 22, 2024, to six months’ bench probation, after he pleaded guilty to his involvement in an illegal canned cougar hunt with Lemon. As part of his probationary terms, Yardley is banned from federal land for commercial purposes. According to court documents, and statements made at his change of plea hearing, Yardley worked for Lemon as a cougar hunting guide and houndsman. On December 15, 2020, while on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, Yardley admitted that during a canned hunt, a cougar was held at bay and its ability to escape was otherwise restricted to allow a hunter who was not a member of the initial hunting party to arrive and attempt to take the cougar. “This is a unique and important case because hunting is an important part of Utah’s culture,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “Canned hunts are illegal because they create an unfair advantage and can lead to inhumane treatment of the animals. It is also unfair to hunters who paid thousands of dollars for a guide and had no idea that they were participating in a canned hunt. My office and our law enforcement partners take these crimes seriously because they negatively impact our state and the hunting community.” “The Forest Service issues special use permits to many outfitters and guides who provide a valuable service to the public. This case was important to help ensure the legitimacy of permitted services,” said Fishlake Forest Supervisor Mike Elson. The case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service and the Utah Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ruth Hackford-Peer and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ben Willoughby of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Former CEO of Startup Software Company Pleads Guilty to Payroll Tax Fraud Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty today to not paying more than $14 million in employment taxes and not filing personal tax returns. According to court documents and statements made in court, Andrew Park, 49, of Bedford, was the co-founder and CEO of a startup technology company. Park was responsible for all financial matters related to the company, including for filing the company’s quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying over Social Security, Medicare and income taxes withheld from the employees’ wages to the IRS, as well as the Social Security and Medicare taxes the company owed. He was also responsible for collecting and paying over state and local employment taxes to those respective governments. From the company’s founding in 2014 through the third quarter of 2021, Park withheld these federal, state and local taxes from the employees’ wages but did not pay them over as required by law. He also did not pay over the portion of the employment taxes that the company owed. Park did so even though a payroll service company that he hired to process the employees’ payroll regularly notified him that the taxes were due and in more than one instance was notified by an employee that the amount paid to Social Security listed on her W-2 did not match what was reported by the Social Security Administration. From 2013 through 2020, Park also did not file individual tax returns as required by law, despite the fact that he paid himself a salary of approximately $250,000 each year. In total, Park caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $14 million, as well as additional losses to state and local taxing authorities. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge of willful failure to account for and pay over payroll taxes, and one year in prison for the charge of willful failure to file a tax return. Park also faces additional penalties including supervised release and fines, as well as the payment of restitution to the IRS and other taxing entities. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young for the District of New Hampshire made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Chief Eric Powers of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter for the District of New Hampshire are prosecuting the case.


title: Sixth Nigerian National Sentenced for International Scheme That Defrauded Elderly U.S. Victims

component: Civil Division

body_text: A Nigerian national was sentenced today to 85 months in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme. With today’s sentencing, each of the six defendants connected with this matter has been sentenced. According to court documents, Amos Prince Okey Ezemma, 50, was a member of a group of fraudsters that sent personalized letters to elderly victims in the United States, falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died years before in Portugal. Victims were told that before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees and taxes and were instructed to make other payments. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims. The defendant and his co-conspirators also convinced former victims to receive money from new victims and then forward the fraud proceeds to others. “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will continue to pursue, prosecute and bring to justice transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This case is testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime. I want to thank the members of the Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Spanish National Police, National Crime Agency and Portuguese Judicial Police for their outstanding contributions to this case.” “This investigation is a great example of the results the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners strive to achieve,” said Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the USPIS Miami Division. “We will continue to identify and dismantle transnational groups targeting American citizens and using the mail to further their schemes to defraud. Justice has no borders.” “Targeting the elderly for pure financial gain is beyond shameful, it’s morally reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Fransisco B. Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona. “Protecting such a vulnerable population is not just the responsibility of family members but also law enforcement agencies like HSI and our partners. Together, we are a force multiplier committed to apprehending those who scam our seniors. Let these lengthy sentences serve as reminders that HSI will not tolerate criminals who are motivated by greed.” Each of Ezemma’s five co-defendants has been sentenced to prison for their roles in the scheme. On June 21, 2023, the Honorable Kathleen M. Williams sentenced Emmanuel Samuel to 82 months in prison. On July 25, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Jerry Chucks Ozor to 87 months in prison. On Aug. 29, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham to 90 months in prison. On Oct. 20, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Kennedy Ikponmwosa to 87 months in prison. And on Nov. 2, 2023, Judge Williams sentenced Peter Ezennia Neboh to 128 months in prison. Judge Williams also ordered Ezemma and his co-defendants to pay more than $6 million in restitution to their over 400 victims. The Consumer Protection Branch, USPIS and HSI investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and Europol all provided critical assistance. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who 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. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov .


title: Palmer man charged with multiple aviation violations

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a Palmer man with illegally operating an aircraft. According to court documents, William Marsan, 56, is allegedly the owner and pilot of a private aircraft in Alaska. In June 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received a report that Marsan did not radio his intention to take off from an airport in Palmer and operated the aircraft against the flow of landing traffic, resulting in a near mid-air collision with another aircraft attempting to land. Law enforcement investigated the June 2023 incident and discovered that Marsan was allegedly operating an aircraft without a valid license or valid registration. They also discovered he had allegedly obscured the identification number on the side of the aircraft with stickers. As a result of the investigation, the FAA issued an Emergency Order of Revocation of the defendant’s Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which required the immediate surrender of his pilot license or the filing of an appeal of the decision within 10 days. Marsan allegedly failed to file an appeal or surrender his license but has continued to operate his aircraft until the date of this indictment. Marsan is charged with one count of operating an aircraft without an airman certificate in violation of 49 U.S.C. §46306(b)(7), one count of operating an unregistered aircraft in violation of 49 U.S.C. §46306(b)(6)(A) and one count of operating an aircraft displaying a false registration mark in violation of 49 U.S.C. §46306(b)(3). The defendant was arrested on July 18 and will make his initial court appearance on July 23 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Regional Administrator Michael O’Hare of the FAA, Alaska Region made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the FAA, Alaska Region are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bradley is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Machinegun

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – XAVION WATTS (“WATTS”) , age 21, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on July 17, 2024, before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to Possession of a Machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). The Possession of a Machinegun charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Judge Africk scheduled sentencing for October 30, 2024. Court documents reveal that on October 29, 2022, NOPD patrol officers on foot patrol in the 400 block of Bourbon Street saw a pistol handle shaped object resembling a concealed firearm, protruding from under WATTS’s shirt. When officers approached WATTS , he fled on foot but was apprehended. Officers recovered the firearm/machine gun, specifically, a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter, with a fully automatic switch, that had fallen out of his waistband during arrest. The firearm was loaded with one live round in the chamber and twenty-one live rounds in the extended magazine. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agents tested the pistol and found it functioned as a fully automatic machine gun, due to the Glock conversion device it contained. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.


title: Large-Scale Counterfeit Pill Manufacturer Charged with Drug Offenses and Pandemic Loan Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – A Cambridge man was arrested on July 18th in connection with an ongoing investigation of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Over the course of the past four years, the defendant is alleged to have been responsible for the manufacturing of over 200 kilograms of counterfeit pills. Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK,” a/k/a “Michael Sylvain,” 33, of Cambridge was charged with possession of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud. The defendant appeared in U.S. District Court and was detained pending further court hearings. “The sprawling manufacturing of illegal drugs alleged in this case is as dangerous as it is appalling. It is alleged that Mr. Oppenheimer illegally manufactured hundreds of kilograms of lethal drugs in order to continue to saturate our streets with deadly drugs,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office is dedicated to stopping the flow of fentanyl into our communities, which, as evidenced by these charges, includes shipments from China. This case is yet another example of the critical collaboration between federal law enforcement partners and the Massachusetts State Police to prevent illegal narcotics from reaching our streets.” “The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force has arrested Schuyler Oppenheimer – an alleged large-scale counterfeit pill manufacturer – who’s accused of producing a massive number of pills that looked like regular prescription Adderall or Percocet, but in reality, contained methamphetamine or fentanyl. Each alleged sale was a potentially deadly transaction for customers – or anyone else who stumbled upon these deceptive drugs,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Drug dealers making money off the misery of others is bad enough, let alone this dangerous bait and switch. Taking Oppenheimer off the street should send a message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not cede our cities to drug manufacturers, traffickers, and other violent criminals. We’re working hard every day to make our communities safer.” “Fentanyl and methamphetamine being distributed in the form of fake pills is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Massachusetts. The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify those who are responsible for distributing deadly drugs.” “The defendant is accused of crimes that reflect his alleged disregard for the public's safety and wellbeing. He allegedly spearheaded a clandestine lab operation that included evidence of fentanyl precursors, and bore the potential to destroy countless lives,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI New England is proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners at the state, local, federal levels in confronting the deadly drug epidemic directly and forcefully.” “Oppenheimer’s sophisticated operation has shown the utter disregard for the people in our communities.” said John Mawn, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police. “I applaud the tireless work by the members of the MSP and our Law Enforcement partners assigned to the Task Force. Oppenheimer’s arrest will hopefully make a significant impact to the affected communities and stop the destruction of lives.” Oppenheimer is alleged to be technically skilled in the chemical processes used in the synthesis of fentanyl, the compounding of controlled substances for distribution, and the manufacturing of counterfeit pills. As alleged in court documents, recipes, pill press molds used in the manufacturing process, documents and invoices demonstrating that Oppenheimer purchased numerous pill presses and parts for pill presses from online vendors were seized. It also alleged multiple packages shipped from China to Oppenheimer and various female associates of Oppenheimer that contained pill press parts, were also seized. According to court documents, through the review of orders and invoices from companies selling powders and other substances used in the pill manufacturing process, it is alleged that since 2019, Oppenheimer obtained over 200 kilograms of these filler powders. According to the recipes recovered during the investigation, when manufactured into counterfeit pills, 200 kilograms of filler powder equates to millions of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Additionally, Oppenheimer is alleged to have communicated directly with an illegal chemical supplier based in China. During this conversation, Oppenheimer allegedly inquired about the availability of controlled substances and fentanyl precursor chemicals and sought to purchase kilogram quantities of these substances. Fentanyl precursor chemicals are substances that can be used to synthesize raw fentanyl in a laboratory setting. It is alleged that Oppenheimer sought to synthesize his own fentanyl through the importation of these fentanyl precursor chemicals. Oppenheimer is also alleged to have obtained over $40,000 through two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications that were submitted in April 2021 over the internet. Oppenheimer is also alleged to have submitted false statements concerning his income through self-employment for the 2019 tax years and provided false tax return documents substantiating that income. During the execution of a search warrant on Parker Street in Cambridge, over five kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were seized. Based on prior felony convictions, Oppenheimer is prohibited from possessing firearms. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least ten years and up to life in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. The charge of wire fraud provided for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting US Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; DEA Acting SAC Belleau; HSI SAC Krol; Jennifer B. De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Interim Colonel Mawn, Jr of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cambridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Baltimore Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegal Possession Of A Firearm And Ammunition And Is Sentenced To Four Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Jermaine Washington, age 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty on July 19, 2024 to a federal charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was sentenced to serve a term of four years of incarceration. The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department. Washington has previously been convicted of armed robbery in Maryland state court in 2006 and again in 2013. According to his guilty plea, on May 6, 2022, Baltimore Police Department officers performed a traffic stop near the 1700 block of Ramsay Street after noticing that a vehicle – later found to be driven by Washington – had an inoperable brake light and tag light, and expired registration. After stopping the car and identifying Washington, officers determined Washington had an outstanding state arrest warrant for domestic assault. Officers also examined the interior of Washington’s vehicle using a flashlight and observed a handgun in plain view on the driver’s-side floorboard. The officers then entered the vehicle and recovered a Sig-Sauer .40 caliber handgun loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. As a part of his plea agreement, Washington admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition as a result of the two previous armed robbery convictions. As a part of his plea agreement, Washington and the government agreed that Washington would be sentenced to a term of 48 months (four years) in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson accepted this plea agreement today and, upon Washington’s request, held a contemporaneous sentencing hearing, imposing the agreed-upon term of 48 months incarceration, and sentencing Washington to a subsequent term of three years supervised release. 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 Barron commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven T. Brantley, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Fraudulently Obtain Unemployment and COVID-19 Benefits

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joshua Lambert, 36, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $10,616 in restitution for conspiring to steal public money, property or records. Lambert admitted that he fraudulently obtained $10,616 in unemployment benefits, including COVID-19 supplementary funds, while in state and federal custody. According to court documents and statements made in court, Lambert had been receiving legitimate unemployment benefits from June 2020 until on or about September 28, 2020, when he was incarcerated on state and federal charges. Lambert admitted that he conspired with a family member to receive unemployment benefits fraudulently while he was incarcerated. The family member accessed the WorkForce West Virginia website from a St. Albans residence for 32 consecutive weeks and falsely certified that Lambert was entitled to unemployment benefits. WorkForce West Virginia administers the unemployment compensation program for the State of West Virginia. Lambert admitted that he was not entitled to the benefits because he was incarcerated and unavailable to work. Lambert was released from incarceration on or about April 8, 2024. Lambert admitted that he fraudulently applied for and received more than $10,616 in unemployment compensation benefits from at least September 2020 through at least May 2022. Lambert further admitted that the unemployment benefits he fraudulently obtained included supplementary funds provided by the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Lambert has fully paid the $10,616 in court-ordered restitution. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the WorkForce West Virginia Integrity Section and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman prosecuted the case. 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 . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-39. ###


title: New Orleans Man Charged With Violating Federal Gun Control Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DENZEL LEE (“LEE”) , age 34, from New Orleans, was indicted on July 19, 2024 for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) in May of 2024. LEE had previously been convicted of three felonies. If convicted, LEE faces a maximum sentence of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release for up to three years, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. According to court documents, on or about May 5, 2024, LEE illegally possessed a Mossberg & Sons Model MC2SC, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic handgun. Due to his criminal history, LEE knew that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. LEE’s criminal history included a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to Over 17 Years for Firearm and Drug Crimes

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal judge recently sentenced Desmond Woods , 43, of Memphis to over 17 years in federal prison for possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to court documents, in October 2020, Woods was stopped by security guards at a local apartment complex for loitering. Upon detaining Woods and searching his belongings, the guards found a Glock 22 caliber pistol, approximately 17 grams of cocaine, and a digital scale. Woods was arrested by the Memphis Police Department (MPD). In a second incident, in July 2021, security guards at a different apartment complex attempted to contact Woods, again, for loitering. After a brief chase, the guards detained Woods, searched him, and found an API .45 caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, approximately 61 grams of cocaine, and a digital scale. In a third incident, Memphis Police officers responded in June 2022 to an emergency call involving Woods and found him in possession of a Del-ton 5.56 caliber rifle loaded with 50 rounds. Woods was a convicted felon at the time of the incident. Woods pled guilty in March 2024 to three counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of cocaine possession with intent to distribute, and two counts of possession of a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony. United States Chief District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes sentenced Woods on July 18, 2024, to a total of 207 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 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 for federal prosecution by the PSN Gun Task Force and the Memphis Police Department. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jermal Blanchard, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WILL WILLIS (“ WILLIS“ ), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 18, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, in June 2023, the New Orleans Police Department conducted video surveillance in New Orleans, when an officer saw WILLIS with a bulge in his waistband consistent with a firearm. When police officers responded, WILLIS and another individual, ran. WILLIS attempted to discard his gun, but it discharged. After police arrested WILLIS , they found two handguns, a Glock Model 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a nine-millimeter handgun, along with one spent shell casing, in his flight path. WILLIS admitted to possessing one of the guns, after having been convicted of four prior felony offenses. Judge Ashe sentenced WILLIS to 46 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Judge Ashe also ordered WILLIS to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.


title: Baltimore Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Federal Prison For His Role In Murder For Hire Conspiracy

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin today sentenced Tyrik Braxton, a/k/a “Son-Son,” age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 25 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for the use and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death, in connection with a murder-for-hire conspiracy. A co-defendant solicited Braxton and others to murder victim Juan Ross in exchange for money and in the course of the murder-for-hire Braxton aided and abetted his co-conspirators who discharged firearms, resulting in the death of Ross. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Chief Gregory Der of the Howard County Police Department; and Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson. According to the plea agreement, on October 4, 2020, Howard County Police responded to a shooting in the area of Basket Ring Road in Columbia. Victim Juan Ross was found shot and killed at the scene, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Braxton admitted that he accepted money and assisted the co-conspirators who shot the victim, knowing that the victim was going to be killed. A co-conspirator accused the victim Juan Rossof cooperating with law enforcement, including on a live social media conversation on September 9, 2020, and in text messages. The victim was arrested on drug and weapon charges on September 5, 2020, but was released on bail after being interviewed by police. Braxton admitted that a co-conspirator solicited him to kill the victim and that he accepted payment from the co-conspirator to commit the murder. As detailed in the plea agreement, the defendant used interstate commerce facilities, specifically cellular telephones and a vehicle, in the commission of the murder-for-hire. On November 20, 2020, HCPD executed a series of search warrants, including at Braxton’s residence. Braxton was in his bedroom when law enforcement arrived to execute the warrant and he was placed under arrest. Law enforcement recovered a .45-caliber handgun with magazine and ammunition under the mattress in Braxton’s bedroom; a blue backpack containing $2,134 in cash, located under the bed and Braxton’s iPhone, located next to the bed. The phone contained photos of Braxton and his co-conspirators and Braxton admitted that they were his co-conspirators in the murder-for-hire of the victim. On January 11, 2023, Judge Rubin sentenced co-defendant Daquante Thomas, age 22, of Baltimore, to 35 years in federal prison for discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. Thomas admitted that he was one of the shooters. On February 27, 2024, Judge Rubin sentenced co-defendant Jourdain Larose, a/k/a “JBlacc,” age 29, of Ellicott City to 40 years in federal prison his role in the murder for hire conspiracy. Larose admitted that he solicited others to kill the victim in exchange for payment. This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the ATF, the Howard County Police Department, and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution and thanked the FBI, the Maryland State Police, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Baltimore Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Hagan, who is prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Chinese national indicted for importation of enough chemicals to make millions upon millions of fatal doses of fentanyl

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - A 48-year-old Chinese national has been indicted for his part in a conspiracy involving the importation of what is believed to be the largest amount of fentanyl precursors found in the Southern District of Texas and one of the largest in the country, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Minsu Fang aka Fernando is expected to make an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo July 23 at 11 a.m. Authorities originally arrested Fang in New York City, New York, June 19 on an arrest warrant based out of Laredo. “We charged this defendant for importing enough fentanyl precursor chemicals from China to kill millions of Americans,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, and the Justice Department is committed to breaking apart every link in the global fentanyl supply chain.” “My office is focused on disrupting and dismantling the transnational criminal organizations flooding the United States with fentanyl, a drug that is killing our children,” said Hamdani. “Fang allegedly imported over 2,000 kilograms of raw materials from China destined for various places in Mexico used in the manufacture of fentanyl. This historic seizure represents a multi-agency collaboration that prevented the production of millions upon millions of deadly doses of fentanyl-laced pills.” “To end the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) starts where the harm begins – with the Chinese chemical companies and the individuals that are selling chemicals to those who make and sell the fentanyl that is killing Americans. This work led DEA to Minsu Fang, who is charged with selling more than 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl precursors. This marks one of DEA’s largest seizures of fentanyl chemicals to date in the United States,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The DEA is laser-focused on saving American lives by disrupting the entire global fentanyl supply chain that is responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl. By disrupting Fang’s operations, DEA and our partners saved countless lives in the United States. A federal grand jury charged Minsu Fang aka Fernando July 17 in a four-count indictment under seal with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance for purpose of unlawful importation, conspiracy to import a controlled substance and conspiracy to export a controlled substance. “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the supply of illicit opioids at every point in the drug supply chain: internationally, at our nation’s borders, and in communities throughout the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, HSI San Antonio . “The partnerships in this investigation were key to securing this indictment. The threat imposed by fentanyl dictates that agencies not only deconflict and coordinate, but to also collaborate. This investigation and prosecution are the perfect example of collaboration across agencies and throughout the country.” The now unsealed charges allege Fang and his associates shipped over 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China into the United States and on to Mexico in approximately 100 separate shipments between August and October 2023. Fang and his co-conspirators were able to avoid law enforcement interdiction of the shipments by declaring them to have a de minimis value, less than $800, and commingling the boxes containing the precursor chemicals with similarly low valued import items, according to the charges. As a result, each of the shipments were allegedly admitted into the United States without a detailed inspection of the individual contents. Once in the United States, Fang, through co-conspirators, shipped the chemicals into Mexico, according to the charges. If convicted, Fang faces up to life on each count of conviction as well as a $10 million fine. The DEA and HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Heather Rae Winter are prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. #OnePillCanKill