title: Newtown Restaurant to Improve Accessibility in ADA Settlement

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement with Carminuccio’s Pizza, LLC, a restaurant located on South Main Street in Newtown, to address allegations of non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The agreement resolves a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice that alleged that Carminuccio’s Pizza, LLC (“Carminuccio’s”) was not accessible to individuals with mobility disabilities. Under the ADA, public accommodations, including restaurants, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. As part of that obligation, public accommodations must remove physical barriers to access for individuals with mobility disabilities where doing so is readily achievable. They must also ensure that renovations undertaken after the effective date of the ADA are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities to the maximum extent feasible. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Carminuccio’s will make its parking area more accessible and add a ramp to the entrance of the restaurant. In addition, the restaurant will add accessible dining tables and make a number of changes to make the bathroom more accessible. The restaurant has also agreed to comply with Title III of the ADA in all future alterations and renovations. U.S. Attorney Avery noted that the owner and operator of Carminuccio’s has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to improve their ADA compliance without litigation. The settlement agreement is effective for three years, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance during that time. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing. Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the Civil Rights Intake Specialist at the U.S. Attorney’s Office by calling 203-696-3000. Additional information about the ADA may be found at www.ada.gov , or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (833) 610-1264 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt .


title: Convicted Felon Out on Bond Charged with Possessing a Machine Gun and Drug Trafficking Crimes

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

body_text: NASHVILLE – A federal criminal complaint filed today charges Keandre Lamont Johnson a/k/a Keandre L. Waters, 27, of Nashville with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful transfer or possession of a machine gun, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski. According to the complaint, on March 21, 2024, the Metro Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) Specialized Investigations Division (“SID”) conducted a surveillance operation on South 7 th Street, in the James Cayce Housing Projects in Nashville. During the operation, officers saw Johnson, who they knew had an active warrant for his arrest out of Sumner County and arrested him. While searching Johnson once he was arrested, detectives found a Glock, Model: 27, Caliber: .40, pistol, with a “Glock Switch” Machinegun Conversion Device (“MCD”) in his pants. They also found heroin, bags of white powder, oxycodone, plastic baggies, and $400 in cash. Johnson was charged in Davidson County following this arrest. Johnson has previously been convicted of aggravated burglary and vehicle theft over $1,000, both of which are felonies. On November 11, 2024, while out on bond from the March 21, 2024, arrest, Johnson was arrested again and charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Felony Firearms offenses stemming from a shooting in East Nashville. “We remain vigilant so that those on bond will not put others at risk from their release,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “These federal charges demonstrate again our office’s commitment to protecting the community from those who wreak havoc while illegally possessing firearms.” If convicted on the federal charges, Johnson faces 37-46 months in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens is prosecuting the case. A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. # # # # #


title: California Gang Member Caught Smuggling 46 Kilograms Of Methamphetamine At Charlotte Airport Is Sentenced To 20 Years

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A member of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods was sentenced to 20 years in prison today after he was caught trying to smuggle 46 kilograms of methamphetamine through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Rashad Jamal Blanchard, 47, of Los Angeles, was also sentenced to five years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term. Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and court proceedings, on February 1, 2023, during an enforcement action at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, HSI’s Queen City Regional Border Security Task Force conducted a search of Blanchard’s suitcases. Court records show that Blanchard had boarded a flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte and had checked four suitcases. A search of three of the suitcases revealed that each contained multiple black vacuum sealed packages that contained methamphetamine wrapped in comforters. The three suitcases contained a total of 34.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Court records show that Blanchard’s fourth suitcase had been picked up from the airport’s baggage claim area by another individual who had then driven off in a vehicle. Law enforcement tracked down the vehicle and retrieved the fourth suitcase, which contained an additional 11.4 kilograms of methamphetamine. In total, Blanchard had attempted to smuggle a total of 46 kilograms of methamphetamine through the Charlotte airport. According to court documents, Blanchard has an extensive criminal record in four states – North Carolina, California, Florida and Virginia. His prior felony convictions include carjacking and bank robbery. When Blanchard was arrested in Charlotte, he was on probation for the bank robbery conviction. He was also on bond pending prosecution in California, where he is charged for allegedly possessing nearly four pounds of methamphetamine and shooting at an individual during a dispute. On November 28, 2023, Blanchard pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked HSI, CMPD, and the Queen City Regional Border Security Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.


title: Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO  Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $40 million from Conservancy

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – William A. Smith, 52, the former Chief Financial Officer for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, pleaded guilty today to federal charges from a years-long scheme to embezzle over $40 million from the Conservancy, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office and Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Detroit Field Office. Smith pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Both counts carry a statutory maximum term of twenty years imprisonment. According to court documents, William A. Smith, of Northville, was employed as the Chief Financial Officer for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Inc. (the Conservancy) from 2011 through May 2024. The Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) organization formed with the mission of developing access to the Detroit riverfront. The Conservancy envisions creation of a continuous Riverwalk from the Ambassador Bridge in the west to Gabriel Richard Park in the east, along with plazas, pavilions, and green spaces. Funding for the Conservancy is provided by both private donors and public grants. In his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Conservancy, Smith enjoyed substantial discretion in overseeing and managing the Conservancy’s financial affairs. According to the plea agreement, beginning no later than November 2012 and continuing until May 2024, Smith orchestrated a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars in funds belonging to the DRFC. The embezzlement scheme took three principal forms: First , Smith diverted Conservancy funds from the organization’s bank accounts to a bank account in the name of “The Joseph Group, Inc.,” an entity owned and controlled by Smith. The Joseph Group was not an approved vendor for the Conservancy and provided no goods or services of any kind to the organization. However, between February 2013 and May 2024, Smith transferred approximately $24.4 million from the Conservancy’s bank accounts to an account in the name of the Joseph Group. Second , Smith maintained an American Express account in the name of another of the many entities he owned and controlled, this one called “William Smith & Associates LLC.” There were four American Express credit cards issued on this account. Between November 2012 and May 2024, Smith used approximately $14.9 million in Conservancy funds to pay off purchases made on this account. None of these expenditures were authorized by the Conservancy, which maintained other credit card accounts for Conservancy purchases. Smith used the American Express account to purchase furniture, designer clothing, handbags, lawn care services, airline tickets, and other consumer goods and services for himself and his family. Third , Smith used Conservancy funds to purchase cashier’s checks from various financial institutions. These cashier check purchases were unauthorized, and Smith used the cashier’s checks for his own purposes without the knowledge or approval of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors. Smith engaged in various practices to cover up and sustain this massive fraud scheme. In some instances, Smith falsified bank statements that he provided to the Conservancy’s bookkeeper, altering or deleting unauthorized transfers on the statements in order to keep them off of the Conservancy’s books. In at least one other instance, he took out a line of credit with a financial institution (Citizen’s Bank) on behalf of the Conservancy. Smith claimed to be acting with the authorization of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors in taking out this line of credit. In fact, Smith had no such authority, and the documents he provided Citizen’s Bank purporting to show that he had such authorization were forgeries. Smith used the funds from this line of credit (which eventually totaled $5 million) to infuse monies into the Conservancy’s bank accounts to help cover up his substantial embezzlement from those accounts. According to plea documents, Smith also took complex steps to disguise the origin of the funds he embezzled from the Conservancy. He routinely transferred the stolen Conservancy monies through elaborate chains of intermediate entities, all with the intent of concealing the source and nature of those funds. The plea agreement states that the financial losses from Smith’s scheme are difficult to quantify with precision. However, Smith agreed to pay no less than $44.3 million in restitution as a result of his conduct. “William Smith admitted today to perpetrating a financial crime that is astonishing in its scope and impact,” stated United States Attorney Ison. “Smith stole over $40 million dollars from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy – a non-profit organization dedicated to creating beautiful public spaces that Detroit’s residents and visitors can use and enjoy. Smith not only betrayed the Conservancy’s trust, but he betrayed the trust of the whole community, all so that he could enjoy the trappings of wealth and comfort. I remain shocked at the scale of the fraud and the harm it has caused, and today’s guilty plea is an important step towards holding Mr. Smith accountable for his outrageous conduct.” "Mr. Smith’s deceitful actions, which spanned for more than a decade, not only broke the trust of his employer, but the entire community,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “William Smith used his position of authority to financially profit at the expense of his employer. Today’s guilty plea is a direct result of a tireless work of members from the FBI in Detroit. The FBI remains committed to working with our partners to combat these serious white-collar crimes." “William Smith held a position of trust and authority in the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, an organization created to help revitalize outdoor spaces for all of the Detroit community. Such an extreme breach of that trust, millions of dollars stolen that would have benefitted the city for years to come, is almost unfathomable,” said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI, Detroit Field Office. “IRS-CI’s role in this kind of investigation becomes even more important due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel. With the guilty plea that was announced today, we know our work to hold Mr. Smith accountable for the outright lies and theft from the conservancy will lead to an appropriate consequence.” The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John K. Neal and Robert A. Moran. The case is being investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigations.


title: International Fugitive Home Health Care Owner Sentenced for Fraudulently Billing Medicare

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Michigan home health care company owner was sentenced yesterday to three years and five months in prison for his role in a health care fraud conspiracy that resulted in almost $7.9 million in false and fraudulent claims for home health care services paid by Medicare Part A. According to court documents, Muhammad Zafar, 53, of Wayne County, owned and operated a home health care business in Michigan. Together with three doctors and two other home health care company owners, Zafar offered kickbacks, bribes, and other inducements to beneficiary recruiters in exchange for Medicare beneficiary information. Zafar and his co-conspirators used this information to bill Medicare for services that were medically unnecessary and not provided. Zafar pleaded guilty to submitting approximately $393,500 in claims to Medicare from his home health care company for services that were medically unnecessary, ineligible for Medicare reimbursement, and not provided as represented. On the same day that Zafar appeared in court for his initial appearance on June 17, 2015, he violated his court-issued bond, crossed the international border into Canada, and shortly thereafter flew to Pakistan. Zafar remained an international fugitive for approximately seven and a half years before returning to the United States to face the charges against him. On May 29, Zafar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office made the announcement. HHS-OIG and the FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Jeffrey A. Crapko of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Operator of Helix Darknet Cryptocurrency ‘Mixer’ Sentenced in  Money Laundering Conspiracy Involving Hundreds of Millions of Dollars

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON — Larry Dean Harmon, 41, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to three years in prison for his operation of the darknet cryptocurrency “mixer” Helix, which processed transactions involving over $300 million worth of cryptocurrency from 2014 to 2017. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office and Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division. Harmon pleaded guilty on August 18, 2021, to conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Harmon ran Helix, a darknet mixer that laundered customers’ bitcoin. Helix was connected to Grams, a darknet search engine also run by Harmon. Helix was one of the most popular mixing services on the darknet and was highly sought after by online drug dealers who needed to launder their illicit proceeds. Helix processed at least approximately 354,468 bitcoin — the equivalent of approximately $311,145,854 in U.S. dollars at the time of the transactions — on behalf of its customers, including customers in the District of Columbia. Much of those funds were coming from or going to darknet drug markets. Harmon retained a percentage of these transactions as his commissions and fees for operating Helix. Harmon worked to ensure Grams and Helix connected to or otherwise supported all of the major darknet markets at the time. Harmon developed an Application Program Interface (API) to allow darknet markets to integrate Helix directly into their bitcoin withdrawal systems. Harmon also customized features of Helix to ensure compatibility with significant markets. Investigators traced tens of millions of dollars from darknet markets to Helix. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Harmon was sentenced to three years of supervised release; a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $311,145,854; and forfeiture of seized cryptocurrencies, real estate, and monetary assets valued at over $400 million. The IRS-CI Cyber Crimes Unit and FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The Attorney General’s Ministry of Belize and the Belize Police Department provided essential support for the investigation, coordinated through the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan. The investigation was coordinated with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which assessed a $60 million civil monetary penalty against Harmon in a parallel action. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Brown of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Riane Harper and former Trial Attorney W. Joss Nichols of CCIPS, Paralegal Specialist Angela De Falco for the District of Columbia, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Riedl for the Northern District of Ohio provided valuable assistance. 19cr0395


title: Three Defendants Indicted on Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment Thursday against Francisco Cornejo-Quezada, 21, of Watsonville; and Shawn Eric Morales Sr., 51, and Renee Michele Hermann, 54, both of Hood, charging all three defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and related offenses, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, all three defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment also charges the defendants with multiple counts of distributing methamphetamine and charges Morales and Hermann with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case. If convicted, each defendant faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Former Veterans Affairs Police Officer Sentenced to 1 Year in Federal Prison for Beating Victim Approximately 45 Times with Baton

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former police officer with the Veterans Affairs Police Department (VAPD) was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison for violating a victim’s civil rights by using a department-issued baton to illegally strike a man approximately 45 times in 41 seconds at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Juan Anthony Carrillo, 46, of Alhambra, was sentenced by United States District Judge Wesley L. Hsu. At today’s hearing, Judge Hsu said, “Officers owe a special duty and have a special obligation to keep the trust of the citizens they police.” Carrillo pleaded guilty on July 26 to one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law and specifically, for using excessive force as a law enforcement officer. The 12-month prison sentence is the statutorily maximum available sentence for this offense. At around 4 a.m. on January 16, 2022, the 34-year-old victim – identified in court documents as “R.V.” – was detained by another VAPD officer on the grounds of the Medical Center. Carrillo arrived to assist the other officer and proceeded to beat R.V. with a VAPD-issued baton up to 45 times in approximately 41 seconds while R.V. screamed in pain. Most, if not all, of the baton strikes were delivered while the other officer was on top of the victim, who was unarmed. Carrillo was approximately 60 pounds heavier than R.V. and the second officer was approximately 8 inches taller and approximately 85 pounds heavier than the victim. As a result of the beating, the victim sustained injuries that included cuts on both legs and a broken bone on his right foot. The FBI, the VA’s Office of Inspector General, and the VA’s Office of Security and Law Enforcement are conducting the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Susan S. Har and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.


title: Leader of Sampson County Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 15 Years

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Seth Allen Hall, 29, was sentenced to 190 months in prison for his involvement in the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl after fleeing from law enforcement on four separate occasions. On August 16, 2024, Hall pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, and a quantity of fentanyl; possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. “This defendant led three different Sheriff’s Offices on reckless chases that put innocent drivers at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “We won’t stand for drug traffickers who consistently put our law enforcement officers in danger.” “This sentence reflects the destructive impact on the community caused by this defendant,” said Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant who leads Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, covering North and South Carolina. “HSI is committed to holding those accountable who distribute their poison into our communities.” “The Sampson County Sheriff's Office remains committed to eradicating drugs in our community. We are proud of our continued relationship with our federal partners. These partnerships have proven to be a valuable asset in investigations and justice,” said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Hall has been supplying kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl for several years. In December 2022, Hall fled from law enforcement at speeds exceeding 130mph before crashing and being apprehended by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Following the crash, law enforcement seized methamphetamine and fentanyl. In June 2023, HCSO deputies approached a parked vehicle that Hall was a passenger in. When law enforcement attempted to remove Hall from the vehicle, he climbed into the driver’s seat and fled down the highway. On July 14, 2023, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) observed Hall driving a vehicle and pulling a trailer, which was fishtailing on the highway. The SCSO deputy attempted to stop Hall, but Hall fled in the vehicle and then fled on foot after jackknifing the vehicle in the middle of the road. Law enforcement located a handgun on the ground near where Hall was ultimately arrested. Inside his vehicle, deputies located digital scales, syringes, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine. Roughly fifteen days later, the Onslow County Sherriff’s Office (OCSO) attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Hall. He refused to comply and drove over 130mph before striking two other vehicles, jumping the curb, crashing, and running away. He was quickly apprehended. A search of his person and vehicle revealed cash, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, 22 grams of fentanyl and xylazine, cocaine, and multiple cell phones. Hall has prior felony convictions for possession of heroin in 2019 and 2020, as well as attempted trafficking by transportation and attempted trafficking by possession in 2019. Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. HSI, the SCSO, HCSO, OCSO, and the ATF investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Peaden prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-0041.


title: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Crimes

component: Tax Division

body_text: A New York man pleaded guilty to employment tax crimes for not collecting and paying over employment taxes from the wages of his company’s employees. According to court documents and statements made in court, Victor Aguayo, of Nassau County, was owner and president of Mabel Interior Design Inc., an interior painting business in Westbury, New York. Aguayo was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes from his employees’ wages, reporting those wages and withholdings to the IRS quarterly and paying those withheld taxes to the IRS quarterly as well. Instead, Aguayo paid his employees approximately $3.6 million in cash wages but did not withhold or pay taxes from those wages. In addition, he caused false quarterly tax returns to be filed that did not report those cash wages. As a result, Aguayo caused a tax loss to the IRS of $545,743. Aguayo is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. 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 made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Joseph D. G. Castro of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Chief Financial Officer pleads guilty to $1M embezzlement scheme

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A North Carolina man pled guilty today to defrauding his business partner of approximately $1.2 million. In September 2015, James Marshall Cesena, 39, and his business partner, identified in court records as E.P., formed a company identified as Company A. E.P. was the majority owner, and Cesena had a minority stake. From September 2015 to August 2023, Cesena served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this role, Cesena managed Company A’s financial matters and controlled Company A’s bank accounts. Cesena took advantage of his position as CFO to embezzle over a million dollars. Between 2016 and 2023, Cesena directed hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to his personal accounts, while informing E.P. that Company A had cash flow issues and was in financial difficulty. Because of these deceptions, E.P. periodically had to delay or forego receiving her salary. Cesena used Company A’s credit cards and corporate accounts to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal purchases that had not been authorized by the Company A. This included expenditures on vacations, travel and airfare, amusement parks, school, home improvements, and living expenses. From 2020 to 2023, Cesena took out a credit card in E.P.’s name without her knowledge and consent and charged approximately $75,000. To conceal his fraud, Cesena generated false financial statements, which he provided to E.P. and their business consultant. Cesena also masked his personal expenditures in Company A’s accounting software by labeling them as legitimate corporate expenditures. For example, sizeable payments for alcohol and cruise packages were reported as “Office Expenses.” He then provided these fraudulent records to Company A’s tax preparer. The financial data misreported Company A’s total gross receipts and expenses, and the information was then packaged into corporate tax returns. To cover Company A’s chronic cash-flow issues caused by his sizeable distributions from corporate accounts, Cesena took out high-interest loans in the name of Company A and E.P., without E.P.’s knowledge or consent. To convince loan officers that he was authorized to take out the loans, Cesena misrepresented that he owned as much as 75% or 80% of Company A. Cesena received at least five loans or lines of credit, on at least one of which Company A ultimately defaulted. In 2019, Cesena created an email account with Company A’s domain in the name of E.P., which he used to apply for business loans and monitor E.P.’s credit. Cesena used E.P.’s name, date of birth, social security number, and other personal information to fraudulently open accounts or obtain money. In total, Cesena fraudulently took $1,195,878 through direct transfers, charging personal expenses to Company A’s accounts, and charges to the credit card in E.P.’s name. Cesena is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2025. He faces up to 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David E. Geist, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Morgan is prosecuting the case. Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Likhitha Butchireddygari assisted in the prosecution of this case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-223. This release was updated to reflect a change in the date of sentencing from Jan. 29, 2025, to April 9, 2025.


title: Former Federal Employee Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Kidnapping His Wife, Who Was Murdered After Her Abduction

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former federal law enforcement agency employee was sentenced today to 480 months in federal prison for plotting to abduct and kill his estranged wife, who was strangled to death in 2016. Eddy Reyes, 38, of Covina, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who at today’s hearing called the crime “heinous” and “a product of pure evil.” Reyes pleaded guilty on April 19 to one count of kidnapping resulting in death. Reyes was a civilian employee of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of his wife’s death and when he was arrested in this case in April 2021. He has been in federal custody since his arrest. “This defendant carried out a despicable, cold-blooded murder of his own wife and now appropriately faces the consequences,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and our appreciation to the investigators and prosecutors who ensured that justice was done in this case.” “Mr. Reyes abandoned his commitment to law enforcement and tried to get away with a calculated brutal murder,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s sentence exemplifies a true commitment to law enforcement and finding justice. May it bring solace to Claudia's family in El Salvador.” Reyes met the victim, Claudia Sanchez Reyes, in El Salvador in 2014. Reyes eventually married the victim and brought her and their son to the United States. Court documents previously filed in this case allege a history of domestic abuse by Reyes against his wife, who obtained temporary restraining orders against him in 2014 and 2016. By 2016, Reyes suspected his wife was having an affair and he decided to kill her. Reyes then contacted his estranged half-brother – a one-time gang member and gravedigger in El Salvador identified in court documents as “P.O.,” who is now deceased – about killing Claudia Reyes. On May 6, 2016, Reyes telephoned his wife at her job and told her that he wanted to take her to dinner that night and told her not to take an Uber home, which was her usual practice. At approximately 8 p.m. that night, Reyes drove a rented Hyundai Santa Fe and picked her up from work, after previously lying to her that the vehicle was a gift. Instead of taking his wife out to dinner, Reyes drove to his mother’s house in Orange, pulled into the garage and closed the door. Once the door was closed, P.O. jumped from the SUV’s cargo area into the back seat and grabbed the victim, who was in the front passenger seat. P.O. punched Claudia Reyes in the face, cutting her lip, then took a seat belt and strangled her. She was 21 years old. Reyes helped P.O. push the victim’s dead body from the front passenger seat into the SUV’s cargo area. The following day, Reyes drove to the Santa Ana apartment he shared with his wife, turned on her telephone he had turned off the night before, and, posing as his wife, used her phone to send a text message to one of her co-workers saying she would not be in to work that day. P.O., also using the victim’s phone, texted a paralegal working for the victim’s divorce lawyer that stated she no longer needed the lawyer’s services. P.O. also used Claudia Reyes’ phone to text her mother and, pretending to be the victim, he wrote that she had met another man, was leaving Reyes and their son, that she was about to disconnect the phone, and wishing her a happy Mother’s Day. On May 19, 2016, Reyes drove to a parking lot at Los Angeles International Airport and threw in the trash a backpack containing a blanket and rags that P.O. used to wipe down the seatbelt and interior of the SUV where Claudia Reyes was killed. Reyes filed a missing person report four days later, but, according to the criminal complaint, when contacted by the police, Reyes refused to answer questions, despite having filed the report, until several days later at his lawyer’s office. The police conducted an investigation that revealed co-workers heard Claudia Reyes fighting with her husband on May 6 soon before he picked her up in the rented SUV, according to the affidavit in support of a criminal complaint, which notes detectives later found a drop of Claudia Reyes’ blood in that vehicle and a cadaver dog indicated that a dead body had been in the SUV. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not tolerate misconduct, on or off duty,” said Todd Siegel, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), Special Agent in Charge, Los Angeles. “CBP OPR Los Angeles Field Office’s efforts in this case is a testament to CBP’s commitment to preserving the honor of its overwhelmingly professional workforce, and its core values of vigilance, integrity, and service to our country.” The FBI, the Santa Ana Police Department, and the Orange County Violent Gang Task Force, which is comprised of several federal, state, and local agencies, investigated this matter. Assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, the Irvine Police Department, and the Transnational Anti-Gang Unit of El Salvador. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory W. Staples of the Orange County Office prosecuted this case.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Senior Citizen

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Darnell Peoples, 22, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today, to orally raping a senior citizen at her home, in Southeast Washington earlier this year, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Peoples pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of first-degree sexual abuse. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for an agreed-upon twenty-year prison term. Following his prison term, Peoples will be required to complete a term of supervised release and register as a sex offender for the remainder of his lifetime. The Honorable Anthony C. Epstein scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2025. According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, on June 11, 2024, the victim was working in her yard. Peoples approached the victim from behind, displayed a knife, and told the victim to get on her knees. When the victim informed Peoples that she could not get on her knees, Peoples grabbed her and threw her to the ground. Peoples then pulled down his pants and exposed his penis. He pulled the victim’s head toward his penis and told the victim, “Shut up, shut up, put it in your mouth.” While the victim was screaming and shouting “No,” Peoples forcefully inserted his penis into the victim’s mouth multiple times. The defendant was arrested on the same day and has been in custody ever since. The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Sourbeer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Meridian Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Federal Gun, Drug, and Obstruction Offenses

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Bart Thomas Martin, 29, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for drug trafficking, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and obstruction of justice, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, Martin operated a drug trafficking operation where he received large quantities of drugs in the mail and further distributed those drugs in Idaho. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrested Martin in April 2024 in possession of approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine. Martin was booked into jail and later made a phone call to another individual requesting that individual remove evidence from his apartment. Investigators subsequently seized a safe from Martin’s apartment, which contained large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as five firearms. “This case is an excellent example of the successful cooperation between federal and state law enforcement here in Idaho,” U.S. Attorney Hurwit said. “Lengthy prison sentences are part and parcel of federal drug trafficking and firearm crimes. Our Project Safe Neighborhoods team does a great job making our streets safer.” “Traffickers like Martin and their operations continue to wreak havoc on our communities,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti. “He will spend more than a decade behind bars because of the great work by Inspectors, Officers and Prosecutors across the state of Idaho. Partnerships like Project Safe Neighborhoods are what deliver these kind of results. We will continue to do the work day in and day out to serve our communities and bring these traffickers to justice” “This case demonstrates the severe consequences that accompany drug trafficking and firearm-related crimes in Idaho. The Idaho State Police remains dedicated to working alongside federal partners to bring individuals to justice and to protect our communities from the dangers of illicit drugs. ISP is committed to continuing our efforts to curb drug trafficking and prevent the harm it inflicts on our state,” said Investigations Lieutenant Jack Catlin of the Idaho State Police. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Martin to complete four years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Idaho State Police for their work on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Zebari prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Two KC Area Brothers Indicted for Possessing Machine Guns

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Mo., area men have been indicted by a federal grand jury, in separate cases, for illegally possessing machine gun conversion devices. Demetrius Harris, also known as “Meech,” 24, of Kansas City, Mo., and his brother, Darius R. Harris, also known as “D” and “D2,” 22, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in two separate indictments returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Those indictments were unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants. The initial court appearances were held today for Demetrius Harris and on Thursday, Nov. 14, for Darius Harris. Demetrius Harris was charged with one count of illegally possessing and transferring machine guns – an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber rifle with an AR-type machine gun conversion device and two AR-type machine gun conversion devices – on Jan. 24, 2024. Darius Harris was charged with two counts of illegally possessing and transferring a Glock-type machine gun conversion device on two separate occasions, on Oct. 30, 2023, and on Nov. 9, 2023. Machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto searsa,” are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns that fire multiple shots automatically through a single pull of the trigger, enabling more rapid and often less accurate gunfire. Whether or not they are attached to a firearm, these devices constitute machine guns under federal law. It is therefore illegal to possess, sell, or use machine gun conversion devices. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. They were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Statement Of U.S Attorney Damian Williams On The Conviction Of Alvin Eusebio

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: “As evidence has shown during the trial of Alvin Eusebio, the 174 th Street Crew was a large-scale narcotics organization, principally operating in Washington Heights. Earlier today, Eusebio was convicted in connection to this crew that operated an organized and sophisticated operation, staffing managers to ensure 24/7 coverage, and even disciplining members who missed work or demanding proof of illness (such as a doctor’s note or picture of a positive COVID-19 test). All to pump narcotics onto our streets, including deadly fentanyl. Eusebio’s federal conviction is indicative of the consequences facing those who peddle massive amounts of illegal narcotics on New York’s streets.”


title: Distributor of ANOM Hardened Encrypted Devices Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Osemah Elhassen of Sydney, Australia, was sentenced in federal court today to 63 months in prison for participating in a worldwide conspiracy to distribute hardened encrypted communication devices to criminal syndicates to facilitate drug trafficking and other crimes. Elhassen was one of 17 defendants indicted in San Diego in 2021 in connection with Operation Trojan Shield, an international law enforcement effort in which the FBI secretly operated an encrypted messaging network used by criminals, leading to the arrests of hundreds worldwide. According to court records, the platform was known as ANOM. While ANOM’s criminal users unknowingly communicated on the system operated by the FBI, agents catalogued more than 27 million messages between users around the world whose criminal discussions were covertly obtained and reviewed by the FBI. The platform was taken down in June 2021. Please see Operation Trojan Shield in 2021 . Elhassen pleaded guilty in May 2024 to Count 1 of a superseding indictment charging him and the others with a racketeering conspiracy in connection with the ANOM enterprise. A citizen of Australia, Elhassen was a Colombia-based distributor of ANOM devices who was also directly involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. Elhassen admitted that around November 2019, he became a member of the ANOM enterprise. According to his plea agreement, he admitted to helping accomplish the illegal objectives of that enterprise, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice offenses. To that end, Elhassen distributed ANOM devices to criminal end-users for over a year and a half, and in doing so, facilitated the importation, exportation, and distribution of at least 15 kilograms of cocaine and the laundering of proceeds from the enterprise’s illegal activities. According to the government’s sentencing filings, Elhassen’s ANOM messages show significant distribution of ANOM devices in Colombia and other places. His messages also show that Elhassen participated in providing ANOM device support and arranging subscription renewals, among other sales and price-setting activity. Elhassen was arrested in Colombia in June 2021 and was extradited to the Southern District of California in May 2023. He pleaded guilty in May 2024. “Despite use of sophisticated technology and extreme measures to conceal the criminal enterprise, Mr. Elhassen could not thwart federal investigators,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The sentence today demonstrates that even those who go to the greatest lengths to hide will be held to account.” “Evidence collected during Operation Trojan Shield showed that distributors of ANOM devices, like Mr. Elhassen, were not merely providing a messaging service but enabling and facilitating Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “Today’s sentence should send a strong message to the users and distributors of these types of devices. The FBI will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners on new and innovative strategies to combat the ever-evolving threat posed by transnational criminal organizations.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua C. Mellor, Mikaela L. Weber, and Peter S. Horn. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Elhassen. The United States also thanks Colombian law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance. Three other defendants in this case have pleaded guilty, including Dragan Nikitovic, aka Dr. Djek; Edwin Harmendra Kumar, aka Edwin Harmendra Valentine; and Miwand Zakhimi, aka Maiwand Zakhimi. They are scheduled to be sentenced in December 2024 and January 2025. A trial for four other defendants is scheduled for March 10, 2025. Eight other defendants in the case are yet to be extradited to the United States, and one is a fugitive. For further information on investigations and prosecutions of encrypted communication providers, see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/fbi-s-encrypted-phone-platform-infiltrated-hundreds-criminal-syndicates-result-massive (ANOM), https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/sky-global-executive-and-associate-indicted-providing-encrypted-communication-devices (Sky Global), and https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/chief-executive-communications-company-sentenced-prison-providing-encryption-services (Phantom Secure). Operation Trojan Shield is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. DEFENDANT Case Number 21cr1623-JLS-17 Osemah Elhassen Age: 51 Sydney, Australia SUMMARY OF CHARGES Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1962(d) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, and fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation Drug Enforcement Administration United States Marshals Service Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs Australian Federal Police Swedish Police Authority Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau National Police of the Netherlands EUROPOL


title: Lafayette Area Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – Matthew Matherne , 46, of Broussard, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court for production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Robert L. Summerhays sentenced Matherne to 210 months (17 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. According to information presented in court, in late November of 2023, Matherne met a 15 year old minor female from another state online and began communicating with her. In December of 2023, Matherne traveled from the Lafayette area to the state where the minor female resided and picked her up and drove her back to his residence in the Lafayette area. While there, Matherne began having sex with the minor female. He also took images of the child engaging in sexual activity with him, as well as numerous images of the child in which she was naked or partially naked. After the minor female had been in Matherne’s home for several weeks, she contacted her mother and told her where she was. The mother then contacted the Lafayette Police Department. The victim was found and cooperated with law enforcement. Officers with the Lafayette Police Department obtained a search warrant on Matherne’s residence. Upon execution of the search warrant, officers found and seized Matherne’s cell phone which contained the images of the minor female. An indictment was returned charging Matherne and he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography on May 30, 2024, and admitted that he did in fact use his cell phone to produce the sexually explicit images of the minor female. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lafayette Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Luke Walker. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . # # #


title: Man Who Carjacked Delivery Driver is Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison

body_text: WASHINGTON – Dennis Vanison, 31, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, was sentenced today, to 84 months in prison for his participation in the May 2023 carjacking of a delivery driver, and carrying a pistol without a license, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Anthony A. Spotswood, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department. Vanison pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of carrying a pistol without a license, in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, on August 13, 2024. Judge Robert A. Salerno also sentenced Vanison to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. According to the government’s evidence, Vanison and an unidentified accomplice carjacked a food delivery driver on May 2, 2023. The victim had just dropped off a delivery in the 2400 block of Wagner Street Southeast when Vanison’s accomplice stole items from the victim’s car. When the victim went to retrieve his belongings, Vanison and his accomplice attacked the victim and attempted to take his phone. During the attack, the accomplice produced a gun and pointed it at the victim, and at Vanison’s direction, snatched the victim’s keys from his pocket. Vanison and his accomplice then fled the scene, driving away in their car and the victim’s car, respectively. The next morning, members of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department encountered Vanison inside an SUV several feet from the victim’s car, which was parked and idling in an alley. Vanison’s cellphone and keychain were found inside the victim’s car, and a fully loaded pistol was found at Vanison’s feet inside the SUV. Vanison was apprehended on May 3, 2023, and has been in custody ever since. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Spotswood, and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They also acknowledged those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Assistant U.S. Attorney Omeed A. Assefi; Investigative Analyst Stephen Jones; Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Renee Prather; and Paralegal Specialist Marcella Trader. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Parron and Daniel Bromwich, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Cheyenne man sentenced to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm

body_text: Zachary James Hernandez , 43, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on March 27, 2023, the Cheyenne Police Department responded to shots fired in the 800 block of West 6 th Street in Cheyenne. According to witnesses, the defendant showed up at the residence and began firing shots before demanding that an occupant of the house come out. Once the occupant was out of the house, Hernandez forced her into his vehicle at gunpoint, pointed the gun at another witness, then drove off. Police located the vehicle nearby and initiated a traffic stop. Hernandez was arrested and officers located a Sig Sauer SP 2340 .40-caliber pistol in the vehicle. During questioning, Hernandez admitted to being a felon and to knowing that he was not allowed to possess a firearm. Hernandez was indicted on July 19, 2023, and transferred to federal custody in June of 2024. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 21. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Nov. 14. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . Case No. 23-CR-00101


title: Easton Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that John R. Young, 47, of Easton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to 360 months of imprisonment and lifetime supervised release, with victim restitution to be determined at a later date, for production of child pornography. Young was also ordered to forfeit various electronic devices. According to court documents, the FBI had been investigating a site on the dark web dedicated to child pornography. The investigation identified Young as a user of the website who had posted child pornography there. On October 17, 2023, FBI and other law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Young’s residence and seized various electronic devices. Young’s devices were found to contain thousands of images of child pornography, including one that Young had produced and posted to the website. Young admitted to law enforcement that he was a user of the dark web site and that he produced the image of child pornography found on the website, which involved a child under 10 years old. Young also admitted that he possessed other images of child pornography on his devices. Finally, Young admitted using a secret video recording device disguised to look like a pen to attempt to produce additional child pornography. On October 17, 2023, the FBI arrested Young, and in June of this year, he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. “Not only was John Young a prolific collector of child pornography, he sexually exploited a child to produce such an image and shared it with other predators,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “His actions are unconscionable. My office and the FBI are working every day to find and bring to justice anyone victimizing children by creating or trading these horrible images of sexual abuse.” “Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and sexual exploitation of them is one of the most devious crimes the FBI investigates,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This sentence is testament to the dedication of the Allentown Resident Agency and our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office in the pursuit of justice for these victims.” 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 United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia's Allentown Resident Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Boscia and Kyle Reynolds of the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.


title: Patrick Bryant Hawley Arrested For Sexual Exploitation Of Children

body_text: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — On November 14, 2024, Patrick Bryant Hawley, 42, of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, was arrested in Chattanooga by agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges involving sexual exploitation of children. An initial appearance was held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, in the United States District Court in Chattanooga, before United States Magistrate Judge, Honorable Susan K. Lee, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Hawley was detained following this proceeding. An arraignment is scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2024. A trial date will be set at a later time. The details of the charges are outlined in the arrest warrant and supporting affidavit, which are filed as public records in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. United States Attorney, Francis M. Hamilton, III, of the Eastern District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge, Rana Saoud, with HSI, and Special Agent in Charge, Joseph E. Carrico, with FBI made the announcement. HSI encourages anyone who believes that they or someone they know has been a victim of child exploitation should contact HSI at (877) 4-HSI-TIP or online at www.ice.gov/tipline . Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. ###


title: 13 Arrested after Investigation into Drug Trafficking from New Britain Car Dealership

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New Britain Police Chief Matthew Marino today announced that the following 13 individuals were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging each with drug distribution offenses: WILFREDO ORTIZ , aka “Will” and “P,” 44, of Bristol MICHAEL LUISI , aka, “Mike,” 51, of Berlin ELI SAMUEL OFARRILL-FERNANDEZ , aka "Eli” and “Maple,” 46, of New Britain SAMUEL MARTINEZ , aka “Sammy,” 48, of Rocky Hill TASHIA BRIDGES , aka “Cheena,” 34, of Torrington DIMAS RODRIGUE Z, aka “Dima” and “D,” 55, of Meriden JOSE M. ORTIZ , 52, of New Britain JOSE L. ORTIZ , 47, of New Britain RICHARD BEAUDOIN , aka “Rich,” 52, of Newington RICHARD ZINA , aka “Rich,” 42, of Ludlow, Mass. CURTIS ROOTH , aka “Scooter,” 36, of Portland JOSE RIVERA , 35, of Rocky Hill JEMUEL VEGA-GOMEZ , 24, of New Britain As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, since February 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department have been conducting an investigation into a drug trafficking organization, headed by Wilfredo Ortiz and Michael Luisi, that was operating out of Supreme Automotive, a car dealership located at 494 Main Street in New Britain. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and approximately 15 controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily cocaine. In association with yesterday’s arrests, investigators conducted court authorized searches of Supreme Automotive and residences and other locations connected to the drug trafficking organization and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, approximately $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles. Each defendant is currently charged with possession with intent to distribute/distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Certain defendants may face additional charges and penalties. Wilfredo Ortiz, Luisi, Ofarrill-Fernandez, Martinez, Bridges, Rodriguez, Rooth, and Vega-Gomez are currently detained, and Jose M. Ortiz, Jose L. Ortiz, Beaudoin, Zina, and Rivera are released on bond. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police, and the New Britain, Hartford, West Hartford, Waterbury, Naugatuck, East Hartford, Brookfield, Milford, Norwich, Orange, North Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and Manchester Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth, Reed Durham, and David Nelson through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Lockport man pleads guilty to distributing child pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gerard Dzierzanowski, 52, of Lockport, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2023, Dzierzanowski began communicating with who he believed was a 13-year-old girl using the Whisper Messenger application. The communications later transitioned to Kik Messenger, another online application. Dzierzanowski thought he was communicating with an actual 13-year-old girl, when in reality, he was communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer, who was involved in an investigation aimed at identifying users of Whisper and Kik attempting to engage in criminal sexual activity with children. The undercover officer repeatedly advised Dzierzanowski during the Kik chat that she was 13 years old. Dzierzanowski sent multiple images that meet the definition of child pornography. Dzierzanowski also sent videos that depicted a prepubescent female child engaged in sexually explicit behavior with an adult male. During the online conversations, Dzierzanowski requested the 13-year-old girl engage in sexually explicit behavior with him. The defendant also sent a “selfie” of himself, and a sexually explicit video of himself. In August 2023, a search warrant was executed at Dzierzanowski’s residence, during which multiple digital items, which contained images and videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, were seized. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Who Distributed Lethally Potent Doses in the District and Maryland Sentenced to 63 Months in Federal Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Mynor Josue Fernandez Alfaro, 24, of Dundalk, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 63 months in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking scheme that distributed thousands of doses of lethally potent fentanyl in Washington D.C. and Maryland. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, Chief Marcus G. Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Fernandez Alfaro, aka “Mino,” pleaded guilty on June 21, 2024, to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the 63-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Ana C. Reyes ordered Fernandez Alfaro to serve four years of supervised release. According to court papers, Fernandez admitted that, along with co-defendant Edward Steven Monge, 23, of Beltsville, Maryland, he supplied co-conspirator Jennifer Echeverria Flores with more than 4,500 blue pills that contained varying concentrations fentanyl. Echeverria Flores then sold the pills to an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) in five transactions between February and July 2023 in Washington, DC and Maryland. More than half of those pills contained more than what DEA estimates is a lethal concentration of fentanyl, 2 milligrams per pill. As part of his guilty plea, Fernandez Alfaro admitted that he distributed fentanyl to other redistributors and clients besides Echeverria Flores. Social media posts indicate that Fernandez Alfaro was involved in a lucrative distribution scheme as early as October 2022. Monge advertised the drugs for sale on his social media, while Fernandez Alfaro provided the drugs to customers and coordinated payment through his own CashApp account. Between July 2022 and July 2023, the pair netted more than $150,000 in incoming Cash App transactions, while not otherwise legitimately employed. Despite this large volume of digital payments, evidence suggests that Fernandez Alfaro and Monge primarily accepted payment for these pills in cash. Fernandez Alfaro’s Instagram account and cell phone contained dozens of photographs of him with significant amounts of cash, boasting of the scheme’s success. Fernandez Alfaro posted photos to social media accounts where he boasted about his lucrative fentanyl sales. In addition to his distribution of significant quantities of fentanyl, Fernandez Alfaro, a citizen of El Salvador, used at least four different firearms to protect his supply and profits through intimidation and threats of violence. Many of these firearms appeared to have extended magazines or were military-style rifles. Co-conspirator Monge was sentenced on May 29, 2024, to 96 months in prison for his role in this scheme. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This investigation additionally was an effort of Montgomery County Police under the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN). MCIN was launched in 2017 and provides grant funding and strategic support through the Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to MCIN member sites to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations through inter-agency collaboration and data sharing to make Maryland safer. The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services (GOCPP) funded this project. This matter was investigated by the DEA – Washington Division. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Henek, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section. Valuable assistance was provided by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Leiter and Javier Urbina. 24cr119


title: Jury convicts Lenexa man of federal loan fraud

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas businessman of submitting false information on applications to secure loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is a federal government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Scott W. Anderson, 53, of Lenexa was found guilty of four counts of false statement in a loan application, four counts of wire fraud, and six counts of aggravated identity theft. Anderson was part owner of Riley Drive, a company that operated restaurants in Kansas and Iowa. In 2018 and 2019, Anderson applied for separate loans from SBA on behalf of Riley Drive. At the time Anderson submitted the applications the company was a defendant in civil lawsuits. Anderson falsely responded “no” to questions on the loan applications concerning whether he or companies he controlled were involved in any legal actions. The SBA approved a loan to Riley Drive in March 2018 for $3,600,000. The company defaulted in June 2019, causing a loss to the SBA of $2,173,766. Additionally, the SBA approved a loan in April 2019 for $700,000. The company defaulted on the loan in June 2019, causing a loss of $658,141. The Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Computer Programmer Convicted for Helping Run One of the Biggest Illegal Television Show Streaming Services in the United States

body_text: After a two-week trial, a federal jury in Las Vegas yesterday convicted a Cuban citizen and U.S. permanent resident for helping operate an illegal streaming service with one of the largest quantities of infringing works. The defendant, who was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, is the eighth and final defendant to be convicted in the case. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Yoany Vaillant, 43, worked as a computer programmer for Jetflicks, an online, subscription-based service headquartered in Las Vegas that permitted users to stream and, at times, download copyrighted television episodes without the permission of relevant copyright owners. At one point, Jetflicks claimed to have 183,285 different television episodes, far more than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or any other licensed streaming service. At Jetflicks, Vaillant worked directly with Kristopher Dallmann and Jared Jaurequi, who were convicted of criminal copyright offenses by a different jury earlier this year. According to his resume, Vaillant had 15 years of computer programming experience when he started at Jetflicks and knew 27 computer languages. During the four-and-a-half months that Vaillant worked at Jetflicks he made significant contributions to the operation of the service, including fixing issues affecting the automated downloading, processing, syncing, uploading, and streaming of Jetflicks’ inventory of infringing television episodes. Evidence at trial showed that Vaillant and his co-conspirators scoured the internet to find infringing television programs from pirate sites around the world — including some of the biggest sites specializing in infringing content such as The Pirate Bay, RARBG, altHUB, and Nzbplanet — using automated software and computer scripts that ran nonstop. Vaillant and his co-conspirators reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization and streamed the infringing programs to tens of thousands of paid subscribers located throughout the United States, often providing episodes to subscribers the day after the shows originally aired on television. The vast scale of Jetflicks’ piracy affected every significant copyright owner of a television program in the United States and resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the U.S. television show and streaming industries. Vaillant was one of eight defendants indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2019 for running Jetflicks. In that case, Vaillant’s co-defendant Darryl Polo, a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to four criminal copyright counts and one money laundering count, which related to Jetflicks as well as another illegal streaming site he operated. Co-defendant Luis Villarino, also a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement at Jetflicks. The court sentenced Polo to four years and nine months in prison and Villarino to one year and one day in prison. In February 2022, the court transferred the case to the District of Nevada for trial. The court in the District of Nevada subsequently severed Vaillant’s case from the other remaining five defendants — Dallmann, Jaurequi, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, and Peter Huber — and those defendants were tried in Las Vegas last June. Dallmann ran the Jetflicks operation with assistance from Jaurequi and Courson; Garcia was in charge of customer support and helped obtain television show content; and Huber provided computer programming services. A jury found all five defendants guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, and Dallmann was also found guilty of three additional counts of criminal copyright infringement and two counts of money laundering by concealment. This was the largest internet piracy case by volume of infringed works — and first illegal streaming case — ever to go to trial. The court will sentence Dallmann, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, Huber, and Vaillant on Feb. 3 and 4, 2025. The court will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti, Trial Attorney Michael Christin, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher S. Merriam of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.


title: Computer Programmer Convicted For Helping Run One Of The Biggest Illegal Television Show Streaming Services In The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS — After a two-week trial, a federal jury in Las Vegas yesterday convicted a Cuban citizen and U.S. permanent resident for helping operate an illegal streaming service with one of the largest quantities of infringing works. The defendant, who was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, is the eighth and final defendant to be convicted in the case. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Yoany Vaillant, 43, worked as a computer programmer for Jetflicks, an online, subscription-based service headquartered in Las Vegas that permitted users to stream and, at times, download copyrighted television episodes without the permission of relevant copyright owners. At one point, Jetflicks claimed to have 183,285 different television episodes, far more than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or any other licensed streaming service. At Jetflicks, Vaillant worked directly with Kristopher Dallmann and Jared Jaurequi, who were convicted of criminal copyright offenses by a different jury earlier this year. According to his resume, Vaillant had 15 years of computer programming experience when he started at Jetflicks and knew 27 computer languages. During the four-and-a-half months that Vaillant worked at Jetflicks he made significant contributions to the operation of the service, including fixing issues affecting the automated downloading, processing, syncing, uploading, and streaming of Jetflicks’ inventory of infringing television episodes. Evidence at trial showed that Vaillant and his co-conspirators scoured the internet to find infringing television programs from pirate sites around the world — including some of the biggest sites specializing in infringing content such as The Pirate Bay, RARBG, altHUB, and Nzbplanet — using automated software and computer scripts that ran nonstop. Vaillant and his co-conspirators reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization and streamed the infringing programs to tens of thousands of paid subscribers located throughout the United States, often providing episodes to subscribers the day after the shows originally aired on television. The vast scale of Jetflicks’ piracy affected every significant copyright owner of a television program in the United States and resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the U.S. television show and streaming industries. Vaillant was one of eight defendants indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2019 for running Jetflicks. In that case, Vaillant’s co-defendant Darryl Polo, a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to four criminal copyright counts and one money laundering count, which related to Jetflicks as well as another illegal streaming site he operated. Co-defendant Luis Villarino, also a computer programmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement at Jetflicks. The court sentenced Polo to four years and nine months in prison and Villarino to one year and one day in prison. In February 2022, the court transferred the case to the District of Nevada for trial. The court in the District of Nevada subsequently severed Vaillant’s case from the other remaining five defendants — Dallmann, Jaurequi, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, and Peter Huber — and those defendants were tried in Las Vegas last June. Dallmann ran the Jetflicks operation with assistance from Jaurequi and Courson; Garcia was in charge of customer support and helped obtain television show content; and Huber provided computer programming services. A jury found all five defendants guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, and Dallmann was also found guilty of three additional counts of criminal copyright infringement and two counts of money laundering by concealment. This was the largest internet piracy case by volume of infringed works — and first illegal streaming case — ever to go to trial. The court will sentence Dallmann, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, Huber, and Vaillant on Feb. 3 and 4, 2025. The court will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti, Trial Attorney Michael Christin, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher S. Merriam of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. ###


title: San Francisco Man And New York Man Charged In Scheme To Defraud Investors

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – A federal grand jury indicted Avi Fogel, now known as Avi King, and Christos Chrestatos each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Fogel was also charged with one count of false writings to a government agency and an additional count of wire fraud. Fogel, 47, of San Francisco (who was also known as, in addition to Avi King, Aaron Rose, Aaron Rothchild, and Aaron Gilman), self-surrendered on Nov. 7, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland that same day. Chrestatos, 45, of Long Island, N.Y., also known as Chris Silverman, was arrested today, and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of New York. According to the indictment filed Oct. 3, 2024, and unsealed Nov. 7, 2024, defendants allegedly engaged in an investment fraud scheme wherein they purported to be producers in the entertainment industry with close ties to “A-list” actors, directors, and other celebrities. Fogel allegedly met potential victims in a variety of places, such as dating websites and shared taxi rides. At various times, defendants claimed to be producers at “Universal.” The indictment alleges that the men lied to victims about their ability to arrange investment and product integration deals in feature films, documentaries, and television series when they knew they had no actual connection to the productions and no affiliation with Universal. Defendants allegedly created entities, including Suzy and the Sock Dragon Media Group, LLC, Rhinoheart Films, LLC, and The Book Media Group, LLC, to entice investors to invest in their fraudulent scheme. According to the indictment, Fogel and Chrestatos fraudulently obtained investments from multiple victims totaling approximately $167,100, and used the funds for purposes other than as represented to investors. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Fogel submitted a fraudulent loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, ultimately receiving $52,400. Fogel allegedly claimed that his company, Suzy and the Sock Dragon Media Group, LLC, was engaged in “entertainment services,” had $125,000 in gross revenues and sold $20,000 in goods, amounts that were derived from the money obtained through defendants’ investment fraud scheme. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. Both defendants were released on bond. Fogel’s next scheduled appearance is on Dec. 9, 2024, for a status hearing before the Honorable Araceli Martínez-Olguín, U.S. District Judge. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture for the charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in counts one to five. Additionally, if convicted, Fogel faces a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture for the wire fraud charge in count six, and five years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture for the false writings to a government agency charge in count seven. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Kleinman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. Avi Fogel Indictment


title: Man Who Robbed Same Bank Twice Sent to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who was convicted of robbing a particular bank in 2014, was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison for -- again -- robbing the same bank. Jonathan Bird-Necklace, age 32, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2024, guilty plea to bank robbery. Evidence in the case revealed that Bird-Necklace was discharged from Iowa Department of Corrections on January 10, 2024, for the 2014 bank robbery. 13-days later, on January 23, 2024, Bird-Necklace entered a particular bank, passed a teller a note demanding $15,000, and threatening to shoot him if he raised the alarm. Despite wearing a disguise, masking his movements, and briefly escaping, officers of the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department solved the robbery and apprehended Bird-Necklace within just hours of the crime. Beyond his repeated bank robberies, Bird-Necklace has repeatedly committed other serious offenses, and violated the rules of the Iowa Department of Corrections while he was incarcerated. Bird-Necklace was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Bird-Necklace is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by Sioux City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-4024. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Mason City Man Sent to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm

body_text: Jason Keys, age 41, from Mason City, Iowa was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison after a June 28, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Evidence in the case revealed in January 2023, Keys was identified as a person distributing methamphetamine. Law enforcement utilized a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase of methamphetamine, however, Keys had no methamphetamine to sell. The following day, Keys contacted the confidential source and advised that he had a revolver for sale. Law enforcement utilized the source to conduct a controlled buy of the firearm from Keys. Keys has a lengthy criminal history and was previously convicted of numerous burglaries and thefts, as well as multiple convictions for domestic abuse assault, assault, and controlled substance offenses. Keys was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 78 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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. Keys is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-3016. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Man Tied to Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced 11 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Drugs in Sioux City

body_text: A San Diego man who was part of a drug trafficking organization was sentenced November 14, 2024 to 11 years in federal prison. Adrian Ibarra-Manzo, age 29, from San Diego, California, received the prison term after a June 26, 2024, guilty plea to 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Ibarra-Manzo’s co-conspirator, Ramon Serrano, 31, of San Bernardino, California, is set to be sentenced on December 12, 2024, for 1 count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Evidence in the case revealed Ibarra-Manzo was part of a conspiracy based in Mexico and California that was responsible for distributing approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Ibarra-Manzo was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 132 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Ibarra-Manzo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force and the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-4022. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Court Sentences Florida Woman to Thirty Three Months  Imprisonment for Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – On November 14, 2024, United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Christall Doris Peavy of Crestview, Florida, to 33 months imprisonment for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Documents filed with the Court established that on March 8, 2023 a deputy with the Conecuh County Sheriff’s Office stopped Peavy on Highway 84 for traffic violations. During the traffic stop Peavy admitted to having various drugs in the vehicle and the deputy decided to search the vehicle. The deputy called for a female officer to come to the scene and perform a pat down of the defendant. A female officer from the Evergreen Police Department arrived and when the officer was performing the pat down she noticed a large bulge in the defendant‘s brassiere. When the female officer tried to retrieve the item causing the bulge Peavy became very combative and started snatching away and officers had to take Peavy into custody. Officers found that the defendant had a large plastic bag containing four smaller baggies with a powdery white substance in her brassiere. The substance was later tested and found to be fentanyl, weighing approximately 132 grams. Peavy possessed the fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Conecuh County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Evergreen Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.