title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Firebombing a Church that Planned to Host Drag Show Events

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to 216 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for attempting to burn down a church because of its support for the LGBTQ+ community. Aimenn D. Penny, 20, of Alliance, Ohio, was arrested and charged last year with one count of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, one count of malicious use of explosive materials, and one count of possessing a destructive device. On Oct. 23, 2023, Penny pleaded guilty to the church arson hate crime and using fire and explosives to commit a felony. According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Penny made Molotov cocktails and drove to the Community Church of Chesterland (CCC), in Chesterland, Ohio. Angered by the church’s plan to host two drag events the following weekend, Penny threw two Molotov cocktails at the church, hoping to burn it to the ground. Through Penny’s guilty plea, he admitted to using force through fire and explosives, intending to obstruct CCC congregants in their enjoyment and expression of their religious beliefs. “This sentence holds Mr. Penny accountable for carrying out violence against an Ohio church because he disagreed with the way congregants chose to express their beliefs,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Such acts of extremist violence have no place in our communities and the Justice Department is committed to bringing to justice those who would use or threaten violence to prevent their fellow citizens from freely exercising their fundamental rights.” “We hope this significant sentence sends a clear and resounding message that this type of hate-fueled attack against a church will not be tolerated in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant tried to burn down a church simply because its members created space for and provided support to the LGBTQ+ community. The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute such senseless, bias-motivated violence against people exercising their constitutionally protected right to practice their religion and express their beliefs.” “Aimenn Penny will spend the next 18 years in prison because he committed crimes fueled by hate, attempting to burn down a church because its members supported the LGBTQI+ community,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Hate crimes like Penny’s hurt not only the individual target, but the entire community, causing people to fear attack based on who they love and undermining the sense of safety within places of worship. Violent, bias-motivated extremism has no place in our country, and our office will aggressively prosecute those who commit such crimes.” “Aimenn Penny is being held accountable for trying to burn down a house of worship because he disagreed with the church hosting certain events,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Individuals who commit acts of violence, destroy property, and interfere with the free exercise of religion will face justice for those crimes. As in this case, the FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will use our lawful authorities to protect our communities from such violence, and ensure those responsible pay the price.” The FBI Cleveland Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Deckert and Matthew W. Shepard for the Northern District of Ohio, Trial Attorneys Jacob Warren and Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: Drug Boss Melvin Naputi Sentenced to 360 Months Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm

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

body_text: Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Melvin John Salas Naputi, age 51, from Guam, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. Naputi was charged and convicted of Attempted Possession with Intent to Deliver Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1). The Court also ordered 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits. On August 8, 2018, U.S. Marshals executed a federal arrest warrant for Naputi at a hotel room in Tumon, Guam. A female accompanied Naputi at the room. She was present as officers conducted a safety sweep, during which drug paraphernalia was found in plain sight. The female admitted that there were illegal drugs and a firearm in the hotel room and consented to a more thorough search. Law enforcement found 15 grams of methamphetamine in an ice bucket, 4.59 grams of methamphetamine in a pouch, cocaine, drug packaging material, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and ammunition as well as $7,405 in drug proceeds. On April 4, 2021, U.S. Postal Inspection Services (USPIS) intercepted a package addressed to “Tina Lay,” which contained 926 grams of methamphetamine with a purity level of 100%. USPIS replaced the drugs with a sham substance and coordinated with task force officers for the delivery of the package to the addressed recipient. The package was delivered to a mailbox and then picked up by a male riding a motorcycle. It was tracked to a residence located in Mangilao, Guam. Task force officers entered the home once package was opened. Naputi climbed out of a window and ran away leaving behind his backpack, cell phones, the package, and the vehicle. His backpack was found to contain $24,075 in cash, plastic baggies, three scales, calibration weights, and 821 grams of methamphetamine. Two plastic bags on the front seat of the vehicle contained $71,000 in cash. Naputi was arrested in July 2023. He was found in possession of 3,442 grams of methamphetamine (roughly 7 ½ pounds) and $219,144 in cash, amounting to the illegal proceeds of drug distribution. Law enforcement also seized vehicles, electronics, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items. “Naputi was a serious threat to public safety in Guam,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “The outstanding work of our federal partners and Guam agencies brought this defendant to justice. We will continue to focus federal resources to combat drug trafficking and firearm violations in an effort to protect our communities.” “Organized trafficking of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs contributes to the unacceptable level of violence in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Those who persist in engaging in dangerous criminal conduct despite determined efforts to dissuade them will be held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge John F. Tobon. “Dismantling drug trafficking organizations and taking guns out of the hands criminals, is a critical part of our fight to reduce violent crime in our communities.” “Following the issuance of a warrant of arrest, a comprehensive law enforcement effort was undertaken to locate and capture this fugitive. During the fugitive investigation, credible information surfaced concerning this fugitive’s continuing criminal activity,” said Deputy U.S. Marshal, Pedro Patrick Cortez. “The United States Marshals Service is committed to capturing fugitives, disabling their criminal activity and keeping our community safe.” “Melvin Naputi was a fugitive for years and a drug dealer known for violence for years, if not decades,” said Resident Agent in Charge Kenneth L. Bowman. “It’s good that he will be off the streets of Guam for a long time.” “Drugs and firearms make a very deadly combination to the safety of our communities,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan E. Blais. “ATF will not stop in our mission of investigating those involved in actions such as these. This sentence sends a strong message to Mr. Salas that this behavior will not be tolerated.” “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to remove dangerous criminals who destroy and harm lives in our neighborhoods in Guam,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “Justice was served today as Naputi was sentenced for distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of firearms.” “Postal inspectors are committed to keeping dangerous weapons and controlled substances like methamphetamine out of the mail and off the street in Guam and across the United States, " said San Francisco Division Inspector-in-Charge Rafael Nuñez. "I would like to thank our law enforcement partners at the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, the Guam Police Department, and the federal government for sharing this responsibility with us.” This case was a joint investigation conducted by United States Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division – Guam Office, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspection Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Guam Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Drug Dealers Sentenced to 108 Months Federal Prison for Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendants Francisco Herrera Salas, age 43, from Barrigada, Guam and Joseph Mesa Babauta, age 48, from Agat, Guam, were sentenced each to serve 108 months in federal prison. They were convicted of Attempted Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The Court also ordered both defendants to serve 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment and to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits. In December 2020, federal agents intercepted three priority mail packages containing methamphetamine, one of which was addressed to “Frankie Salas.” The Salas package contained 1,781 grams of methamphetamine, which was replaced with a sham substance. During a controlled delivery, Salas claimed the package and drove to a location in Agat. Agents were alerted that the package had been opened. They also saw Babauta driving a vehicle away from the scene. Agents then stopped the vehicle and found the sham substance from the Salas package on the front seat. Soon after, agents stopped Salas in the same vehicle he used to pick up the package from the post office. Both Babauta and Salas had clue spray on their hands and clothing, indicating they had opened the Salas package or handled the contents. “The Postal Inspection Service continues to interdict drug trafficking in our mail system,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “We will aggressively prosecute those associated with this illicit activity. As this case demonstrates, a conviction under federal law can result in substantial penalties.” The United States Postal Inspection Services, Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division – Guam Office, and Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency investigated this matter. This case was prosecuted by Stephen F. Leon Guerrero and Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant United States Attorneys in the District of Guam.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: FORT WAYNE – On January 25, 2024, Donald E. James, age 65, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to bankruptcy fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. James was sentenced to 24 months of probation. According to documents in the case, on or about October 9, 2018, James lied in relation to his bankruptcy case filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana. James falsely stated on the Voluntary Petition of Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy, that he had not filed for bankruptcy within the last 8 years and falsely stated that he had received a briefing from an approved credit counseling agency within 180 days before the filing of the petition, both which were not true. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by Region 10 U.S. Trustee Nancy J. Gargula. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith. The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis with additional office in South Bend, IN and Peoria, IL.


title: Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Child Pornography

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A Mansfield, Texas man who used Snapchat to inappropriately communicate with 14-year-old boy was sentenced Friday to 210 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Juan Aguilera Duran, 33, was charged via criminal complaint in May 2023 and was indicted in August 2023. He pleaded guilty in October 2023 to receipt of child pornography. He was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who also ordered the defendant to a lifetime of supervised release. “Our dedicated federal prosecutors are committed to taking child predators like this defendant off the street,” said U.S. Attorney Simonton. “We thank the Secret Service and Mansfield Police Department for their tireless efforts in investigating cases like this to keep the kids in our communities safe.” “The Secret Service is committed to using our forensic and investigative capabilities to help catch criminals who prey on the most vulnerable among us,” said Christina Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Dallas Field Office. “We are proud of the coordinated effort with our partners from the Mansfield Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that justice was served.” “The Mansfield Police Department values partnerships,” said Mansfield Chief of Police Tracy Aaron. “This case is a testament to the great work that occurs when agencies collaborate and work together for the common good to fight evil in our community. This particular unit is established to protect our most valuable and vulnerable, our kids. Job well done from the start to the finish.” According to court documents, on August 13, 2022, the Mansfield Police Department was dispatched to a residence in Mansfield, Texas to meet with a 14-year-old boy who received sexually explicit messages, images and videos via Snapchat from Mr. Duran. Search and arrest warrants were obtained that later resulted in Duran pleading Guilty to receiving Child Pornography. Mr. Duran later pled guilty to receiving images of child pornography on his computer. The Mansfield Police Department, Tarrant Co. District Attorney’s Office Digital Forensics and Technical Services, and Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandie Wade prosecuted the case.


title: New York Man Found Guilty Of Federal Firearms Charge

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Following a trial in the United States District Court in Greeneville, Jatally Williams, 33, of Utica, New York, was found guilty of possessing a firearm while being a prohibited person, specifically a person having been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Sentencing is set for May 16, 2024, before the Honorable Clifton Corker, in United States District Court in Greeneville, Tennessee. Williams faces a potential fifteen-year minimum mandatory and a maximum life sentence in prison pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). Evidence at trial showed that on February 4, 2022, Williams was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers on Roan Street in Johnson City. During the traffic stop, Williams admitted that he possessed a gun and officers located a 9mm pistol in Williams’ waistband. Williams’ criminal record includes prior felony convictions for robbery, burglary, and a felony drug offense. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee, made the announcement. The Johnson City Police Department led the investigation that resulted in the indictment and subsequent conviction of Williams. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom McCauley and Ryan Blackwell represented the United States at trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community face. ###


title: Man Pleads Guilty to International Money Laundering Linked to Nigerian Romance Scams and Business Email Compromises

component: Civil Division

body_text: A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday in the Southern District of Florida to money laundering for his role in funneling the proceeds of scams against American consumers and businesses to co-conspirators located in Nigeria. Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., 50, of Kissimmee, was indicted by a grand jury on July 12, 2023. According to court documents, Garcia supplied bank accounts to his co-conspirators for the purpose of receiving proceeds from romance scams, business email compromises and other fraud schemes. After receiving the criminal proceeds, Garcia used a cryptocurrency exchange to conceal and transfer the funds in Bitcoin to co-conspirators in Nigeria. Garcia personally laundered over $2.3 million of criminal proceeds and earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees. Business email compromises involve criminals hacking or spoofing business email accounts to initiate fraudulent money transfers. Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online personas to gain the trust and affection of victims, leading to financial exploitation. These schemes not only cause significant financial losses, but also deeply impact the lives of victims. “This prosecution demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting the public from complex financial crimes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This case serves as a reminder of the sophisticated methods employed by criminals and the need for vigilance in the digital age. The Justice Department remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals and groups involved in these kinds of illicit activities.” Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced in the Southern District of Florida on April 23. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Four additional defendants have been charged in this scheme but remain at large. The FBI Buffalo Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Lauren Elfner and Matthew Robinson of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Information about the Justice Department’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice .


title: Oil Companies to Pay $7.4 Million in Civil Penalties to Resolve U.S. Claims for Pipeline Spill on Allotted Tribal Land

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Holly Energy Partners-Operating L.P. and Osage Pipe Line Company LLC have agreed to pay $7.4 million in Clean Water Act civil penalties and implement corrective measures to settle claims stemming from a pipeline rupture and crude oil spill from the Osage pipeline onto land owned by members of the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma. In addition to payment of the civil penalties, the settlement requires that the two companies complete the cleanup and remediation of the impacted area and take additional steps to prepare for and prevent future spills. “Oil companies have a responsibility to prevent harmful oil spills, and today’s settlement demonstrates that those who violate this duty will be held accountable under the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We appreciate the Sac and Fox Nation’s steady involvement in monitoring the cleanup efforts for environmental, natural resource and cultural resource impacts and respect the Nation’s efforts to be caring stewards of lands owned by its members.” “The pipeline spill in this case dumped nearly 300,000 gallons of crude oil, contaminating Skull Creek and severely hampering water quality and the aquatic environment in the creek,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA and its federal partners are requiring the oil companies who caused the spill to restore Skull Creek, operate safely, and take steps to prevent future spills.” “Safeguarding Oklahoma’s natural resources is of the utmost importance for future generations,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “My office remains committed to furthering environmental justice by ensuring those responsible for oil spills remediate and rectify the impacts to our communities and tribal partners.” “The Sac and Fox Nation is a strong partner in conserving and protecting the environment and natural resources. EPA worked closely with the Nation to keep its environmental staff and leadership updated during the response and cleanup of the Osage Pipeline spill,” said Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance of EPA Region 6. “Today’s settlement is an important step in holding the company accountable for the impacts to Skull Creek and other potential effects.” The United States filed its complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma along with the notice of lodging of a proposed consent decree to resolve the case. In the complaint, the United States alleges that the two related Dallas-based companies are liable under the Clean Water Act for the crude oil spill that occurred on July 8, 2022. Osage Pipe Line Company owns the 135-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter pipeline that transports crude oil from a tank farm in Cushing, Oklahoma, to the HollyFrontier refinery in El Dorado, Kansas. Holly Energy Partners-Operating is the operator of the pipeline. The complaint alleges the spill occurred when a segment of the pipeline ruptured adjacent to Skull Creek about five miles north of Cushing. From the point of the discharge, Skull Creek flows about three more miles before entering the Cimarron River. The pipeline was operating at the time of the rupture and discharged about 300,000 gallons (7,110 barrels) of crude oil into the creek. The land where the rupture occurred, and the adjacent downstream parcel that the creek runs through, are both allotment lands owned by members of the Sac and Fox Nation. The companies, the EPA, the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Sac and Fox Nation responded to the rupture and spill. The companies are continuing cleanup work in Skull Creek under the oversight of the EPA, and the pipeline was returned to operation at reduced pressure under the oversight of PHMSA through its corrective action authority. The Sac and Fox Nation deployed tribal monitors to observe the companies’ work at the spill site and monitor for impacts to natural and cultural resources. In addition to payment of the civil penalties in the proposed consent decree, the companies will be required to complete the cleanup and remediation of the impacted area, improve their pipeline integrity management program, provide additional training for all their control room operators and expand their spill notification efforts for Tribal governments with land interests within the footprint of the pipeline. The penalties and remedial measures required by the proposed consent decree are in addition to the costs the companies have incurred to clean up the oil spill. Section 311(b) of the Clean Water Act makes it unlawful to discharge oil or hazardous substances into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines, the contiguous zone, or in connection with activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in quantities that may be harmful to the environment or public health. The penalties for this spill will be deposited in the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund managed by the National Pollution Funds Center. The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund is used to pay for federal response activities and to compensate victims for damages when there is a discharge or substantial threat of discharge of oil or hazardous substances. The Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court review and approval. A copy of the proposed consent decree is available on the Justice Department website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees .


title: California Man Sentenced To Prison For Transporting Narcotics Through The Orlando Airport

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Michael Jayson Scarlett (44, Moreno Valley, CA) to five years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The court also ordered Scarlett to forfeit his cellphone, which was used to commit the offenses. Scarlett entered a guilty plea on August 31, 2023. According to court documents, on March 5, 2023, Scarlett’s checked bag was searched during an interdiction operation at the Orlando International Airport. Inside, agents located several packages of vacuum-sealed methamphetamine. The packages were later weighed and analyzed by a forensic chemist at the DEA lab and found to contain more than 16 kilograms of methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed that Scarlett had brought narcotics from California to Florida on multiple occasions. He was paid for transporting the narcotics each time. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.


title: Terlingua Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Child Pornography

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: ALPINE, Texas – A Terlingua man was sentenced in a federal court in Alpine to 87 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, Harold Lee McMullen, 74, possessed more than 400 images depicting the sexual abuse of children. He was subjected to a search warrant after a Texas Department of Public Safety agent identified his computer’s IP address as exchanging CSAM over BitTorrent. McMullen was arrested Aug. 15, 2023 and pleaded guilty Sept. 14, 2023. “The sexual abuse of children is horrific and individuals like Mr. McMullen who further traffic such despicable material continue the harmful exploitation of these innocent children,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Along with our partners, we will continue to hold offenders accountable for their actions.” HSI and Texas DPS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Greenbaum prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Burlington Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Bank Robbery Charge

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 29, 2024, Malik Pratt, 26, of Burlington, Vermont was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss to 35 months in prison and three years of supervised release following his guilty plea to robbing the People’s United Bank branch in Burlington, Vermont on March 1, 2022. The Court also ordered Pratt to pay restitution to the bank for the amount stolen. According to court records, Burlington Police Department officers were dispatched to the People’s United Bank on North Avenue in Burlington on March 1, 2022, at 10:06 a.m. following reports of a bank robbery. Bank employees stated that the robber threatened to shoot them and demanded cash. After acquiring cash, the robber fled the bank on foot, jumping over a fence near the Ethan Allan Parkway to escape. The bank reported a total of $1,316 in U.S. currency stolen. Within weeks, Burlington detectives and federal agents identified Pratt as the robber. He was charged with bank robbery on March 18, 2022, and pleaded guilty on October 11, 2022. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the Burlington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on their collaborative investigation of Pratt. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Paul Van de Graaf. Pratt is represented by Richard R. Goldsborough, Esq. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Government Contractors Agree to Pay $3.9 Million to Resolve Claims of Misrepresenting Women-Owned Small Business Status

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – QuarterLine Consulting Services, LLC, and its parent company, Planned Systems International, Inc. (PSI), both located in Arlington, agreed to pay $3.9 million to resolve allegations that QuarterLine made false statements about its women-owned small business (WOSB) status to obtain a Defense Health Agency (DHA) task order that was set aside for WOSBs to provide physicians to an Air Force military treatment facility. “This settlement demonstrates my office’s commitment to ensuring a fair and honest playing field for companies who are called on to support the Department of Defense, and in this case, provide medical care to those serving our country,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is committed to rooting out fraud and corrupt schemes, which undermine the integrity of the Department of Defense procurement process,” said Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS working together with its law enforcement partners will continue to ensure the DoD contracting process remains fair and competitive.” “Government contractors are expected to be honest in their dealings with the government,” said Floyd Martinez, Special Agent in Charge, General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General. “GSA OIG special agents and our investigative partners are committed to holding accountable those who misrepresent themselves in order to obtain federal contracts.” “This is the latest example of the dedication and relentless focus of Criminal Investigation Division Special Agents coupled with the wide network of partnerships with military investigation organizations and federal law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly, of Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Fraud Field Office. In July 2017, QuarterLine was awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ), multiple-award contract through the DHA. The DHA IDIQ allowed small businesses to compete for task orders to provide physician, nursing, and ancillary services to supplement the medical staff at military treatment facilities throughout the country. Federal agencies could further set aside task orders for participants in the SBA’s WOSB Federal Contract program or other socioeconomic programs to help the agency meet its small business contracting goals. At the time of the DHA IDIQ award, QuarterLine was a WOSB and eligible to compete for set-aside task orders. In December 2018, QuarterLine was acquired by PSI, which caused QuarterLine to forfeit its WOSB status. QuarterLine was required to update its size certifications in GSA’s System for Award Management (SAM) within 30 days of the acquisition. In January 2019, the Air Force issued a task order proposal request through the DHA IDIQ for physician-anesthesiologists to support the military treatment facility at Joint Base San Antonio. The task order was set aside for women-owned small businesses. The United States alleged that QuarterLine submitted a proposal for the task order in which QuarterLine falsely represented that it was a WOSB and that its SAM representations were current, complete, and accurate. The United States also alleged that QuarterLine submitted false representations about its size status in response to requests from the task order’s contracting official. Based on QuarterLine’s representations, the Air Force awarded the task order to QuarterLine. PSI and QuarterLine agreed to pay $3.9 million to resolve the United States’ claims that they misrepresented QuarterLine’s WOSB status to obtain the task order. The civil claims are allegations only; there has been no admission of liability. PSI and QuarterLine provided substantial cooperation during the investigation. The settlement arises in connection with a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court and providing a copy of the complaint and evidence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery. The outcome in the case was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, DCIS, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Army CID, and GSA’s Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hochul III and assisted by Forensic Auditor Peter Melaragni. The case caption is United States ex rel. The Arora Group, Inc. v. Planned Systems International, Inc. , No. 1:21-cv-657 (E.D. Va.). A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia .


component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: Clean Water Act Settlement Addresses July 2022 Crude Oil Pipeline Rupture into Oklahoma’s Skull Creek OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Holly Energy Partners-Operating L.P. and Osage Pipe Line Company LLC have agreed to pay $7.4 million in Clean Water Act civil penalties and implement corrective measures to settle claims stemming from a pipeline rupture and crude oil spill from the Osage pipeline onto land owned by members of the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma. In addition to payment of the civil penalties, the settlement requires that the two companies complete the cleanup and remediation of the impacted area and take additional steps to prepare for and prevent future spills. “Oil companies have a responsibility to prevent harmful oil spills, and today’s settlement demonstrates that those who violate this duty will be held accountable under the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We appreciate the Sac and Fox Nation’s steady involvement in monitoring the cleanup efforts for environmental, natural resource, and cultural resource impacts and respect the Nation’s efforts to be caring stewards of lands owned by its members.” “The pipeline spill in this case dumped nearly 300,000 gallons of crude oil, contaminating Skull Creek and severely hampering water quality and the aquatic environment in the creek ,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA and its federal partners are requiring the oil companies who caused the spill to restore Skull Creek, operate safely, and take steps to prevent future spills.” “Safeguarding Oklahoma’s natural resources is of the utmost importance for future generations,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “My office remains committed to furthering environmental justice by ensuring those responsible for oil spills remediate and rectify the impacts to our communities and tribal partners.” “The Sac and Fox Nation is a strong partner in conserving and protecting the environment and natural resources. EPA worked closely with the Nation to keep its environmental staff and leadership updated during the response and cleanup of the Osage Pipeline spill,” said EPA Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Today’s settlement is an important step in holding the company accountable for the impacts to Skull Creek and other potential effects.” The United States filed its Complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma along with the notice of lodging of a proposed Consent Decree to resolve the case. In the Complaint, the United States alleges that the two related Dallas-based companies are liable under the Clean Water Act for the crude oil spill that occurred on July 8, 2022. Osage Pipe Line Company owns the 135-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter pipeline that transports crude oil from a tank farm in Cushing, Oklahoma, to the HollyFrontier refinery in El Dorado, Kansas. Holly Energy Partners-Operating is the operator of the pipeline. The Complaint alleges the spill occurred when a segment of the pipeline ruptured adjacent to Skull Creek about five miles north of Cushing. From the point of the discharge, Skull Creek flows about three more miles before entering the Cimarron River. The pipeline was operating at the time of the rupture and discharged about 300,000 gallons (7,110 barrels) of crude oil into the creek. The land where the rupture occurred, and the adjacent downstream parcel that the creek runs through, are both allotment lands owned by members of the Sac and Fox Nation. The companies, the EPA, the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Sac and Fox Nation responded to the rupture and spill. The companies are continuing cleanup work in Skull Creek under the oversight of the EPA, and the pipeline was returned to operation at reduced pressure under the oversight of PHMSA through its corrective action authority. The Sac and Fox Nation deployed tribal monitors to observe the companies’ work at the spill site and monitor for impacts to natural and cultural resources. In addition to payment of the civil penalties in the proposed Consent Decree, the companies will be required to complete the cleanup and remediation of the impacted area, improve their pipeline integrity management program, provide additional training for all their control room operators, and expand their spill notification efforts for tribal governments with land interests within the footprint of the pipeline. The penalties and remedial measures required by the proposed Consent Decree are in addition to the costs the companies have incurred to clean up the oil spill. Section 311(b) of the Clean Water Act makes it unlawful to discharge oil or hazardous substances into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines, the contiguous zone, or in connection with activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in quantities that may be harmful to the environment or public health. The penalties for this spill will be deposited in the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund managed by the National Pollution Funds Center. The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund is used to pay for federal response activities and to compensate victims for damages when there is a discharge or substantial threat of discharge of oil or hazardous substances. The Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. The proposed Consent Decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court review and approval. A copy of the proposed Consent Decree is available on the Department of Justice website at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html .


title: Duo Responsible for Three Armed Robberies in Central Indiana Sentenced to a Combined Ten ½ Years in Federal Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Corey Rice, 19, and Antonio Williams, 19, both of Indianapolis, have been sentenced to 60 and 66 months respectively in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery. According to court documents, on April 23, 2023, Corey Rice and Antonio Williams robbed a Subway restaurant located in Beech Grove. Both men approached the employees and threatened them with weapons that appeared to be firearms, demanded cash, and obtained about $400. On April 30, 2023, at approximately 5:15pm, Rice and Williams robbed Indy Smoke Time in Greenwood. They again brandished apparent firearms at the employees, demanded cash, and walked out with $570. On the same day, just 45 minutes later, Rice and Williams robbed a Family Dollar store on West Washington Street in Indianapolis, also brandishing apparent firearms. The duo left with an unidentified sum of money. Approximately ten minutes after the Family Dollar robbery, IMPD officers observed Rice and Williams arrive at an apartment complex on the Central Canal in downtown Indianapolis. Prior to making arrests, officers observed both defendants dispose of grey trash bags. Williams was subsequently interviewed and admitted that he threw the cash from the robberies into the canal after seeing police approach. “Armed robbery is a serious offense that puts innocent lives at risk for nothing more than a quick buck. These young men falsely believed they could terrorize and threaten law-abiding citizens and businesses without any repercussion,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “We are grateful for the quick actions taken by IMPD and FBI to halt these criminals in their track and reduce the possibility of even more gun violence.” “These two men used guns to intimidate workers, putting innocent people in fear for their lives so they could steal a few hundred dollars from the cash registers. The sentences imposed send a clear message that these are serious crimes and the people who utilize these violent acts will be held accountable,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Through continued collaboration with our partners, the FBI will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our communities.” FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Rice and Williams each be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following their release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who 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: U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois today commemorated National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and renewed its commitment to prosecuting human traffickers, protecting victims, and empowering survivors. Every year since 2010, the President of the United States has proclaimed January as “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” reaffirming our nation’s commitment to combatting human trafficking in all its forms. The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins in this commitment and continues to prioritize combatting forced labor, domestic servitude, and sex trafficking of children and adults throughout northern Illinois. As part of these efforts, the office works in partnership with the Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Lake County Human Trafficking Task Force , taking a multidisciplinary approach to prevention and prosecution. “Human trafficking is a brutal crime and its impact on victims is immeasurable. Our office will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the remarkable men and women who work with victims, to bring traffickers to justice. Those who exploit other human beings for personal gain must be held accountable.” -Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “The Department of Justice launched our National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking to bring the full force of the Department to the fight against human trafficking,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Since then, we’ve taken sustained steps forward to make our anti-trafficking efforts stronger than ever. We have brought human traffickers to justice, dismantled trafficking enterprises, and empowered survivors to rebuild their lives. I am proud of the progress the Department has made, but there is still much more work left to do.” Human trafficking includes sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and indentured servitude. As with many crimes of exploitation and abuse, human traffickers often prey upon members of marginalized communities and other vulnerable individuals. Traffickers often manipulate the vulnerabilities of victims on multiple levels, first offering protection and opportunity, and then coercing victims to provide labor, services, or commercial sex through a combination of physical and sexual violence, threats of physical or psychological harm, financial or debt-related threats, threats of deportation or arrest, manipulation of substance use disorder, or withdrawal of housing security or other support. Anyone with information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733. More information about the Justice Department’s work to combat human trafficking can be found here .


title: Four Massachusetts State Troopers, Two Others Arrested for Alleged Bribery Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Two current and two former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) troopers are among six charged in a 74-count indictment in connection with an alleged conspiracy to falsify records and give passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants, including individuals who had failed or did not take the CDL skills test, in exchange for bribes. The following individuals have been indicted on three counts of conspiracy to falsify records; three counts of conspiracy to commit extortion; three counts of extortion; six counts of honest services mail fraud; 31 counts of falsification of records; 27 counts of false statements; and one count of perjury: Gary Cederquist, 58, of Stoughton; Calvin Butner, 63, of Halifax; Perry Mendes, 63, of Wareham; Joel Rogers, 54, of Bridgewater; Scott Camara, 42, of Rehoboth; and Eric Mathison, 47, of Boston. Butner and Mendes were arrested yesterday in Southern and Middle District of Florida, respectively. They will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. The remaining defendants were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. this afternoon. According to the charging document, MSP Sergeant Cederquist was in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit, of which Trooper Rogers and retired Troopers Butner and Mendes were members. Members of MSP’s CDL Unit were responsible for administering CDL skills tests. Test requirements for CDLs are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The CDL skills test is a demanding, in-person test that consists of three segments: Vehicle Inspection, in which an applicant is tested on their knowledge of the vehicle; Basic Control Skills, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to perform certain maneuvers; and the Road Test, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to drive a commercial vehicle on an open roadway. In Massachusetts, the pass rate was 48% in 2019, 44% in 2020, 41% in 2021 and 41% in 2022. Test scores reported by members of MSP’s CDL Unit are material to whether applicants meet federal requirements for, and therefore whether the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is permitted to issue said applicants, CDLs. Class A CDLs are required to drive combination vehicles (e.g., tractor-trailers). Class B CDLs are required to drive heavy single vehicles (e.g., box trucks, school buses). According to the charging document, between in on or about May 2019 and January 2023, Cederquist, Butner, Mendes, Rogers and others conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their skills tests whether or not they actually passed, using the code word “golden” to identify these applicants who received special treatment. The indictment alleges that the following texts, some by Cederquist and others by Butner, were sent about some of these applicants: “Your buddy passed yesterday he owes you that’s an automatic Fail leaving the door open!!!;” “This guys a mess. Lol. He owes u a prime rib 6inch. 4 compounds and no watch;” “Your buddy is a mess. He owes you big time. He will be fine though. Anything for you;” “Golden mess. ??????;” “He’s a mess Class A truck 2psi loss with truck running truck cut our again while timing ????;” and “Total mess this guy I think some time we should just do what we can but not golden.” Each of these applicants received a passing score on their skills test. Additionally, it is alleged that Cederquist gave preferential treatment to four Class A CDL applicants who were MSP Troopers by falsely reporting that each trooper took and passed a Class A skills test. In reality, however, it is alleged that the Troopers did not pass the skills test and that they drove a vehicle which did not qualify as a Class A vehicle. It is alleged that Cederquist conspired with his friend Camara, who worked for a truck-driving school in Brockton, to accomplish this offense. It is further alleged that Cederquist conspired with his friend Mathison, who worked for a spring water company that employed drivers who needed CDLs, to give passing scores to certain applicants affiliated with the water company. The indictment alleges that Cederquist gave passing scores to three such applicants who actually failed, in exchange for bribes of free inventory from the water company, such as cases of bottled Fiji, VOSS and Essentia water, cases of bottled Arizona Iced Tea, and coffee and tea products, all of which Mathison delivered to an office trailer at the CDL test site in Stoughton. The indictment alleges that Cederquist sent Mathison a text describing one of these applicants as “an idiot,” who had “no idea what he’s doing,” and “should have failed about 10 times already.” It is alleged that Cederquist then texted Mathison that Mathison’s boss “owes big time.” The indictment also alleges that Butner assisted with this conspiracy, including by giving Mathison a key to the Stoughton yard so that Mathison could drop off water company inventory even when the test site was closed. The indictment alleges that Mendes also took part in the conspiracy, including by accepting cases of Fiji and VOSS water from Mathison immediately after administering an incomplete skills test to a new driver for the water company, with Mathison helping to put the cases in Mendes’s cruiser. It is alleged that on one occasion Mathison texted Cederquist that he was heading to the water company’s warehouse in Bridgewater, writing: “Was heading to Bridgewater seeing if you all need anything on return trip. Did you get a new key for the midnight express,” to which Cederquist replied, “Not yet but I need Voss and Italian toast espresso and some decaf for an old timer at the office.” According to the charging document, in addition to Mathison’s bribes of free inventory from the water company, Cederquist accepted additional bribes in exchange for using his official position as the Sergeant in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit to give preferential treatment to certain CDL applicants including, but also a $750 granite post and mailbox; a new driveway valued at over $10,000; and a snow blower valued at nearly $2,000. The indictment alleges that Cederquist described one such applicant as “horrible,” and “brain dead,” but gave him a passing score anyway in exchange for the snow blower. All CDL recipients identified as not qualified in the course of this investigation have been reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. The investigation remains ongoing. The charges of conspiracy to falsify records each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of conspiracy to commit extortion each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of extortion each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of honest services mail fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of falsification of records each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of false statements each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of perjury provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Teen Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Selling Drugs, Guns in St. Louis and Fenton

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a teen from Jefferson County, Missouri to 70 months in prison for selling guns and drugs in St. Louis and Fenton. Donye “El Baggo” Peace, 19, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November to four counts of distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of dealing firearms without a license. Peace admitted selling cocaine to undercover agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Aug. 19, 2022, Aug. 26, 2022, Sept. 7, 2022, and Sept. 15, 2022. He also sold a Glock pistol to the agent on September 7 and two more pistols on September 15. Peace’s publicly accessible Instagram account had a hyperlink to a Telegram group chat page called “Local Pharmacy,” which offered drugs for sale and provided a phone number. He later created a Telegram group chat called “LocalAmmunitions,” which offered firearms for sale. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen prosecuted the case.


title: Two San Bernardino Brothers Involved in Marijuana Armed Robbery that Resulted in Victim’s Death Sentenced to Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – Two brothers have been sentenced to terms in federal prison for their roles in a July 2021 armed robbery of a marijuana dealer in San Bernardino, which resulted in the victim’s death from gunshot wounds, the Justice Department announced today. Martrell Patrick Shaw, 20, of San Bernardino, one of two people who robbed the victim, was sentenced late Monday by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal to 20 years in federal prison. At a separate hearing on Monday, Judge Bernal sentenced Rontrell Brainell Shaw, 22, of San Bernardino, the robbery crew’s getaway driver, to 14 years in federal prison. Both defendants were ordered to pay $14,342 in restitution to the victim’s father for funeral expenses. Martrell Shaw pleaded guilty in May 2023 to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. Rontrell Shaw pleaded guilty in March 2023 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. According to court documents, on July 31, 2021, co-defendant Dillion Jones, 20, of San Bernardino, the Shaw brothers’ cousin, placed an order with the victim – identified in court documents as “D.M.” – for one pound of marijuana. Jones placed the order knowing that neither he, Martrell Shaw nor Rontrell Shaw had enough money to pay for it. Instead, the trio planned to rob the victim at gunpoint. Jones and Martrell Shaw brought a loaded firearm with them while Rontrell Shaw acted as their driver. Once the victim arrived at what he thought was the drug deal location in San Bernardino, Martrell Shaw and Jones robbed him at gunpoint. During the robbery, one of the robbers discharged the firearm twice, striking the victim in the neck and torso. Martrell Shaw and Jones then stole the marijuana and a firearm belonging to the victim, who later died from the gunshot wounds he suffered. Rontrell Shaw then picked up Martrell Shaw and Jones and drove away to avoid detection by law enforcement. Shortly after picking them up, Rontrell Shaw learned the victim was shot during the robbery, and he eventually learned that the victim died from his wounds. “These defendants’ greed and violence led to the death of the victim,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Their disregard for human life has left the victim’s family and friends devastated. My office’s priority is public safety and today’s sentences show our continued determination to punish and deter violent criminals.” “These violent individuals clearly have no regard for life,” said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “In this instance, greed outweighed humanity. Today is a win for justice and a heavy message to the community. Law enforcement will combine their resources and all our areas of expertise to find these trigger pullers. We will build the cases and win, they will lose.” Jones pleaded guilty in September 2023 to one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of discharging a firearm in during a crime of violence resulting in death, and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 1, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Bernardino Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Peter H. Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case.


title: Woman Sentenced for Leadership Role in Visa Fraud, Identity Theft, and Human Smuggling Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A New York woman was sentenced today to two years and one month in prison for her role in a multi-year visa fraud, identity theft, and immigrant smuggling conspiracy that brought Armenian citizens into the United States for profit. According to court documents, Stella Boyadjian, 53, of Rego Park, led a transnational network of co-conspirators who engaged in a widespread visa fraud scheme to bring Armenian citizens into the United States by fraudulently claiming to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the Armenians were members of performance groups, and thus qualified for P-3 “Culturally Unique Artist” visas. The P-3 nonimmigrant visa classification allows foreign nationals to temporarily travel to the United States to perform, teach, or coach as artists or entertainers, under a program that is culturally unique. A U.S. employer or sponsoring organization is required to submit a USCIS Form I-129 Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker, along with supporting documentation, attesting that the performances in the United States are culturally unique. Boyadjian ran a non-profit organization called Big Apple Music Awards (BAMA) Foundation based in Rego Park. She used the BAMA Foundation as well as formal and informal music industry contacts in the United States and Armenia to perpetuate the scheme. Boyadjian and others solicited Armenian citizens who wanted to come to the United States and charged them between $3,000 and $15,000 for P-3 visas facilitated by Boyadjian and others submitting fraudulent Form I-129 Petitions to the USCIS. To accomplish this, Boyadjian and other associates in Armenia acquired fraudulent performer certificates and organized staged photo sessions where the aliens wore traditional Armenian folk outfits to appear to be traditional Armenian performers. After being trained by Boyadjian and her conspirators on how to answer questions from USCIS visa adjudicators, the individual aliens presented these certificates and photos to U.S. consular officers during their visa interviews. Once the Armenians entered the United States, some would pay Boyadjian and her associates additional money to be included in another fraudulent petition asking for P-3 visa extensions. Some aliens overstayed their visas and remain unlawfully in the United States. Boyadjian previously pleaded guilty in March 2019 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, commit visa fraud, and unlawfully bring aliens to the United States, one count of visa fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, and Director of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Carlos F. Matus made the announcement. The DSS’ Criminal Fraud Investigations and Overseas Criminal Investigations Divisions investigated the case, with assistance from the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security, Center Fraud Detection Operations in Vermont. Deputy Chief Rami S. Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John O. Enright for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case.


title: Lake Worth Man Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Straw Purchasing Firearms

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Charles David Mobley (50, Lake Worth) to two years in federal prison for making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. Mobley entered a guilty plea on April 4, 2022. According to court documents, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) identified Mobley as a potential black-market firearms dealer after law enforcement recovered several firearms purchased by Mobley in connection with separate criminal investigations. Undercover ATF agents subsequently engaged in five different straw purchases from Mobley between July 2021 and August 2021. For each purchase, Mobley went to federally licensed firearms dealers, bought firearms requested by the undercover agents, and falsely certified in ATF paperwork he was purchasing the firearms for himself. Mobley subsequently provided the undercover agents with the purchased firearms. In total, Mobley straw-purchased nine firearms for the undercover ATF agents, some of which had large-capacity magazines attached. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. 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: Florida Man Arrested For Role In Multimillion-Dollar Medicare Scheme Based On Fraudulent Billing For Durable Medical Equipment

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the arrest of ALAN SWISS on charges of health care fraud and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. SWISS is the third defendant charged, following the arrests in December of co-defendants ERIN FOLEY and TED ALBIN. As alleged in a four-count Indictment unsealed today, SWISS ran two medical supply companies that illegally submitted more than $17 million in claims to Medicare, submitting those claims through a Medicare billing company run by FOLEY and ALBIN. FOLEY and ALBIN are charged with using that billing company to bill Medicare for more than $25 million in fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (“DME”), on which Medicare and related private insurers paid out more than $9 million. SWISS was presented this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Matthewman in West Palm Beach, Florida, and ordered to appear again in the West Palm Beach federal courthouse on February 5 for a removal hearing. In Manhattan, the case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants devised a scheme to get rich quick by fraudulently billing Medicare, a taxpayer-funded service, for medical equipment. Their alleged scheme bilked taxpayers of millions of dollars, and fraudulent practices such as this can drive up the cost of health care for everyone. Close watch for fraud must be paid to our taxpayer-funded programs to ensure fairness for all Americans who rely on these critical systems for medical care.” According to statements made in court and publicly filed documents in this case: [1] From approximately 2016 through April 2019, SWISS operated Tropical Medical Marketing, Inc., a call center which cold-called Medicare beneficiaries and used their personal and medical information without the beneficiaries’ knowledge or consent to prepare orders for DME. SWISS then sold these DME orders to co-conspirators who illegally obtained purported signatures or “authorizations” of health care providers so that fraudulent claims could be submitted to Medicare for reimbursement. From approximately 2017 through April 2019, SWISS also operated two DME supply companies: Modern Medical Equipment, Inc., which SWISS used primarily to bill Medicare directly under Medicare Part B, and A&E Medical, Inc., which SWISS used primarily to bill private insurance companies under Medicare Part C, also known as “Medicare Advantage.” To obtain the DME orders that SWISS used to support his unlawful claims to Medicare, SWISS used two unlawful methods: (i) purchasing such orders outright, and (ii) using patient information that SWISS had generated through his call center and purchasing the purported signatures or authorizations of health care providers. SWISS caused the two DME supply companies that he controlled to submit claims to Medicare for more than $17 million — through the billing company operated by FOLEY and SWISS — on which Medicare paid out nearly $5 million. FOLEY and ALBIN owned and controlled Grapevine Professional Services, Inc. (“Grapevine”), a billing company that they used to bill Medicare for more than $25 million, and to collect more than $9 million, through claims based on orders for DME that had been unlawfully sold and bought. Most of these unlawful purchases of DME orders were by Grapevine customers that were registered with Medicare as DME supply companies. Additional unlawful purchases were made directly by FOLEY and ALBIN through three DME supply companies that they themselves owned and controlled. Once these DME orders were unlawfully purchased, FOLEY and ALBIN used those orders as the basis for fraudulent claims to Medicare and to private insurers covered by Medicare Part C. Approximately 70% of the fraudulent billing submitted by Grapevine came from the two DME supply companies controlled by SWISS. In addition, FOLEY and ALBIN acted as brokers of DME orders, introducing Grapevine customers who wished illegally to buy DME orders to co-conspirators who illegally sold them orders. In return for such introductions of buyers to sellers, FOLEY and ALBIN received additional kickbacks, both in the form of cash and in the form of additional DME orders. FOLEY and ALBIN also profited through these introductions by gaining additional illegal billing business for Grapevine. Following these introductions, FOLEY and ALBIN continued to oversee the relations between buyers and sellers of DME orders, for example by tracking how many orders particular sellers owed to particular buyers. * * * SWISS, 51, of West Palm Beach County, Florida, is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; health care fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Raymond Lewis and Rushmi Bhaskaran are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] The Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Mexican National Charged with Smuggling Firearms into Mexico from the United States

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso, announced that David Fehr Wiebe appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with smuggling goods from the United States. Wiebe, 51, of Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico, will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 3, 2023, Wiebe applied for entry into the United States at the Antelope Wells Port of Entry in Hachita, New Mexico. Wiebe stated that he had just departed the same point of entry but had turned around when he was denied entry into Mexico because he lacked the proper documentation to export a vehicle which he was towing. Customs and Border Protection Officers referred the vehicle for secondary inspection, during which time officers located two handguns wrapped in cellophane beneath the center console. Officers placed Wiebe under arrest. When officers asked Wiebe if he understood why he was being arrested, Wiebe responded that it was because of the firearms in the vehicle. Officers asked Wiebe how many firearms where in the vehicle and he stated that there was a total of 14. Officers located four rifles between the back seat and the back panel of the vehicle, three handguns, and multiple shotguns. During a subsequent interview, Wiebe told officers that he purchased the firearms in Seminole, Texas with the intent of smuggling them to Mexico and that he was going to be paid $350 for each weapon. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charges, Wiebe faces up to 10 years in prison. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Saltman is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint # # # 24-41


title: New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics Distribution Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JERRARD SANTIAGO, 43, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to narcotics distribution offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, this investigation began after an individual who had purchased narcotics in a restroom of the Mohegan Sun Casino on May 18, 2021, overdosed on the casino floor and died approximately 11 days later. On February 3, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl and heroin from Santiago. On February 14, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl and cocaine from Santiago. Santiago pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 22. Santiago has been detained since his arrest on March 30, 2023. This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mohegan Tribal Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Settles Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Against Roosevelt Care Centers

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a proposed consent decree today to resolve its lawsuit against Roosevelt Care Centers (RCC) for violating Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. According to the complaint, which was filed in federal court on March 20, 2023, Roosevelt Care Centers unlawfully terminated a dietary worker whose disability inhibited her ability to lift objects heavier than 20 pounds. Prior to her termination, the employee had been successfully working at RCC for approximately 18 years and remained able to perform the essential functions of her position. Nonetheless, Roosevelt Care Centers terminated the dietary worker’s employment due to her disability without engaging in an interactive process to provide her with a reasonable accommodation. “Qualified individuals with disabilities must be given an equal opportunity to be part of the workforce. This settlement reflects the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to ending discriminatory employment practices and protecting the civil rights of all employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger Under the terms of the consent decree, which must be approved by the court, RCC has agreed to pay $50,000 in compensation to the complainant. The settlement also requires RCC to train its staff on the ADA and to periodically submit reports about its compliance with the consent decree. Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against a qualified individual on the basis of disability. An employer may not demote, terminate, or deny employment opportunities to an employee who is otherwise qualified if the demotion or termination is based on the need to make reasonable accommodations for the employee. U.S. Attorney Sellinger created a Civil Rights Division with the sole focus on enforcing federal civil rights laws, including the ADA, with the goal of protecting and upholding the civil rights of those in our community. This matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s newly formed Civil Rights Division based on a referral from the Newark Area Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov , or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thandiwe Boylan of the Civil Rights Division in Newark. roosevelt.complaint.pdf roosevelt.decree.pdf


title: Federal Indictments Allege International Organized Crime Syndicate Imported and Exported Narcotics Across North America

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Ten people were arrested in multiple cities over the past day in relation to two federal indictments charging members of an organized crime syndicate who allegedly conspired to traffic and import hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances from Mexico through Los Angeles for export to Canada or re-distribution throughout the United States. Arrest and search warrants were executed this morning by a coalition of international law enforcement partners in various cities, including Los Angeles; Sacramento, California; Miami; Odessa, Texas; and the Canadian cities of Montreal, Toronto and Calgary. In addition to those arrested, two defendants were already in state custody, and seven defendants are fugitives, including three Mexicans who allegedly supplied wholesale quantities of narcotics to the traffickers in the United States and Canada. The investigation, known as “Operation Dead Hand,” resulted in two federal grand jury indictments returned under seal in Los Angeles earlier this month. The indictments, which were unsealed today, collectively charge 19 individuals for their alleged roles in the organized crime syndicate, including Mexico-based suppliers who brought large quantities of narcotics into the United States, United States distributors, a Canadian who led an exportation organization, Canadian-based semi-truck drivers who operate in the United States, and a large-scale Canadian trafficker and Italian organized crime figure, Robert Scoppa, whom investigators allege was purchasing massive quantities of drugs on a wholesale basis. “Today’s charges and arrests across North America reflect the Justice Department’s close coordination with our Mexican and Canadian partners to disrupt international narcotics trafficking,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “These cases provide yet another example of how our agents and prosecutors work side-by-side to uncover and dismantle organized criminal networks peddling and profiting from deadly drugs.” “Drug trafficking is a global problem being driven by sophisticated, organized crime groups who put profits over people’s lives,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Motivated by greed, these criminals destroy lives, devastate families, and wreak havoc in our community. But this case shows that we will collaborate with our international partners to bring these criminal networks to justice. Those who traffic in highly addictive and dangerous drugs will be held accountable.” “Until today, the organized members of this conspiracy operated with impunity throughout the many thousands of miles that comprise the North American continent, poisoning communities along the way,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The strength of this partnership cannot be overstated. The agents and detectives on this case did an outstanding job of pooling resources and worked seamlessly across borders toward a mutual goal of putting this massive drug pipeline out of business.” Investigators developed information indicating the organized crime group used Canadian “handlers” and “dispatchers” who travelled from Canada to Los Angeles for short amounts of time. The handlers coordinated the pick-up and delivery of large shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine, which were loaded onto long-haul semi-trucks destined for Canada. Wholesale quantities of fentanyl were seized as a result of the investigation. The transportation was coordinated by a network of drivers working with dozens of trucking companies who made numerous border crossings from the United States to Canada via the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, the Buffalo Peace Bridge, and the Blue Water Bridge. The indictments allege illicit drug trafficking activity cumulatively involving approximately 845 kilograms (1860 pounds) of methamphetamine, 951 kilograms (2,092 pounds) of cocaine, 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of fentanyl and 4 kilograms (nearly 9 pounds) of heroin. Over $900,000 in cash was seized during the investigation. The estimated wholesale value of the narcotics seized was between $16-28 million. “Today, organized crime knows no boundaries,” said Michel Moore, the Chief of Police of the Los Angeles Police Department. “It is through the international cooperation between LAPD, the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and others that we were able to apprehend and charge multiple individuals who have imported significant amounts of drugs into this country. I am proud of our continued work with our federal and international partners to bring safety to our respective communities, and reduce the lives lost by these illicit drugs.” “Organized crime groups continue to bring increasingly toxic drugs into our communities, a trend that has had a devastating impact on many Canadians, and most regrettably, our children and youth,” said Royal Canadian Mountain Police Chief Superintendent, Mathieu Bertrand. “As Canada's national police force, the RCMP is dedicated to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into our country, looking beyond our borders to where these threats originate and stopping them at the source. Operation Dead Hand demonstrates the close work we do with our international partners to combat transnational organized crime, helping keep our communities safe on both sides of the border.” “Customs and Border Protection’s partnerships with international, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are a key component of our efforts to combat the transnational organized crime threat and prevent the movement of dangerous illicit drugs,” said Cheryl M. Davies, the Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Los Angeles Field Office. “CBP will continue to invest in these partnerships as we work together to keep dangerous drugs out of our communities.” “California is safer today thanks to this collaborative effort between our federal and local law enforcement partners,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Illicit drugs such as fentanyl can kill and have no place in our neighborhoods. I am proud of the task force officers working hard in our L.A IMPACT task force, and inspired by their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Californians.” U.S. v. Sandoval: An 18-count indictment returned on January 4 charges 10 defendants for their roles in an organization which allegedly began operating on an unknown date and continued to on or about March 2023. The charges in the indictment allege two drug trafficking conspiracies; conspiracy to import cocaine; drug exportation conspiracy; distribution/possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of ammunition. The defendants charged in this indictment are: Jesus Ruiz Sandoval Jr., 45, of Guadalajara, Mexico; John Joe Soto, 42, of Guadalajara, Mexico; Eduardo Carvajal, 50, of Guadalajara, Mexico; Roberto Scoppa, 55, of Montreal, Canada; Ayush Sharma, 25, of Brampton, Canada; Subham Kumar, 29, of Calgary, Canada; Carlos Barragan, 51, of Long Beach, California; Corell Carbajal Garcia, 38, of Hemet, California; Humberto Luis Bermejo, 26, of Odessa, Texas; and Esteban Sinhue Mercado, 24, of San Jacinto, California. Sandoval Jr., who is currently a fugitive, is believed to be a large-scale drug trafficker involved in importing drugs from Mexico into the United States for distribution. John Joe Soto is believed to work under Sandoval. Eduardo Carvajal, also an alleged large-scale drug-trafficker, is believed to export drugs from the United States to Canada. Robert Scoppa is an alleged Canadian drug trafficker with close ties to an Italian organized crime family in Montreal. Barragan is an alleged drug trafficker who lives in the United States. Sharma and Kumar are semi-truck drivers involved in exporting drugs to Canada. U.S. v. Sidhu: A 23-count indictment returned on January 3 charges nine defendants for their roles in a related criminal enterprise which allegedly operated from at least September 2020 through February 2023. In addition to a drug trafficking conspiracy, the indictment alleges a drug exportation conspiracy and substantive counts of distribution/possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants charged in this indictment are: Guramrit Sidhu, 60, of Brampton, Canada; Ivan Gravel Gonzalez, 32, a resident of both the Dominican Republic and Montreal, Canada; Daniel Antonio Trejo Huerta, 43, of Riverside, California; Ignacio Lopez, 53, a resident of Santa Ana, California; Daniel Joseph Alan Herrera, 27, of Miami; Orlando Velasco Jr., 29, of Stanton, California; Angel Larry Sandoval, 32, of Bell Gardens, California; Jorge Pina Nicols, 22, of Long Beach, California; and Bryan Ureta Valenzuela, 24, of Ontario, California. Sidhu is alleged to have orchestrated the trafficking and exportation of large-scale quantities of controlled substances to Canada working with several co-defendants described as suppliers. Ivan Gravel Gonzalez is alleged to be part of Sidhu’s exportation team based in the United States. Sidhu, also known as “King,” is charged with one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. According to the indictment, Sidhu occupied a position of organizer, supervisor and manager, and in this role obtained substantial income and resources. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, each defendant would face maximum penalties ranging from 40 years to life in federal prison. If convicted, Sidhu would face a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted, Sandoval and Carvajal each would face a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. This case is part of an ongoing investigation by international law enforcement partners including the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and law enforcement authorities in Mexico. Significant assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs; the FBI’s Legal Attaché Offices in Mexico City, Ottawa and New Delhi; and the FBI Field Offices in Miami, El Paso and Buffalo provided substantial assistance and support. Operation Dead Hand 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. Assistant United States Attorney Brittney M. Harris of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Final Defendant in Online Romance Scam Sentenced to 72 Months’ Imprisonment, Ordered to Pay $6.4M in Restitution Jointly

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Nelly Idowu, 39, of Provo, Utah, was sentenced today to six years’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release, after a federal jury found her guilty of one count of money laundering conspiracy and two counts of money laundering in an online romance scam. Idowu is one of four defendants sentenced in a two-year scheme that cost victims over $6 million. According to the evidence presented at trial, from 2017 to 2019 Idowu participated in an online romance scheme that involved creating fake online dating profiles to befriend and romance victims. Idowu, and her co-conspirators, led these victims to believe the fake persona they were engaging with had an urgent and financial need, none of which were legitimate. The victims targeted were mostly widowed and divorced women over 65-years-old. These significant life changes often occurred very late in life after many years of being accustomed to the company and support of a partner. Many victims suffered significant financial loss in the final years of life, with some losing their entire life savings. Codefendants Emmanuel Osaigbovo Adesotu, Nnamdi Joel Chukwu, and Julius Omene Fredrick were each previously convicted by guilty plea to a money laundering conspiracy. Adesotu was sentenced to a term of 36 months’ imprisonment, Fredrick was sentenced to a term of 46 months’ imprisonment, and Chukwu was sentenced to a term of 12 months’ imprisonment. Each defendant was ordered by the court to pay $6,444,787.16 in restitution jointly for the victims. “Idowu and her co-conspirators preyed on unsuspecting and vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “The defendants gained their trust and convinced them to send large sums of money, leaving many of the victims in financial despair. My office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to prosecute these online scams, and seek justice for the victims.” “Scammers like Idowu know exactly how to prey on their victims’ vulnerabilities, and sadly, the financial and emotional consequences can be absolutely devastating,” said Shohini Sinha, Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI is committed to investigating these perpetrators and continuously works to raise awareness about romance scams. Think twice before you share personal information online, be wary of online suitors who are quick to establish a relationship and gain your trust, and don’t send money to someone you’ve never met. If you think you’re a victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.” The investigation was conducted by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Provo Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys Carl LeSueur and Mark Woolf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. The FBI encourages those engaged in online relationships to review and become familiar with information about romance scams on its website FBI.gov. Additionally, if you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311 and online at the Office for Victims of Crime.