title: Man Sentenced for Sending Death Threats to Arizona State Election Official

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: An Ohio man was sentenced today to two and a half years in prison for sending death threats to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office during Arizona’s primary and general elections. “If you threaten violence against the public servants who administer our elections, there will be consequences,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The right to vote, which is the cornerstone of our democracy, relies on the ability of election workers and election officials to perform their duties without fearing for their lives. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who threaten these public servants.” According to court documents, between Aug. 2, 2022, and Nov. 15, 2022, Joshua Russell, 46, of Bucyrus, left a series of voicemails threatening the life of an election official with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office (Victim‑1). The first message, which was sent on the day of the Arizona primary elections, accused Victim-1 of failing to protect the 2020 election and committing election fraud. Russell then said, “You’re the enemy of the United States, you’re a traitor to this country, and you better put your sh[inaudible], your [expletive] affairs in order, ’cause your days [inaudible] are extremely numbered. America’s coming for you, and you will pay with your life, you communist [expletive] traitor [expletive].” “The defendant made multiple death threats against an Arizona election official during the state’s elections. This conduct is an attack on the democratic process itself, and today’s sentence shows that perpetrators of such egregious, unlawful conduct will be held to account,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division will not tolerate threats of violence intended to undermine our free and fair elections.” Russell left another voicemail for Victim-1 on Sept. 9, 2022. In that message, Russell called Victim-1 a terrorist and a criminal, and then said that “[y]ou have a few short months to see yourself behind bars, or we will see you to the grave. You are a traitor to this nation, and you will suffer the [expletive] consequences.” “Thorough reporting leads to prompt charging and timely deterrence of those who would disrupt democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Here, a threat reported during the August 2022 primary election was charged before the end of the calendar year. Thanks to the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State for making a detailed initial report, and to the FBI for its efficient and detailed investigation.” Finally, on Nov. 15, 2022, Russell left a voicemail accusing Victim-1 of committing crimes against America and once again threatened Victim-1’s life. In relevant part, Russell said, “[w]e will not wait for you to be drugged through court. A war is coming for you. The entire nation is coming for you. And we will stop, at no end, until you are in the ground. You’re a traitor to this nation. You’re a [expletive] piece of [expletive] communist, and you just signed your own death warrant. Get your affairs in order, cause, your days are very short.” Russell pleaded guilty in August 2023 to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Boston Field Office. Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Two years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.


title: Four men sentenced for conspiracy to rob drug-traffickers

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On March 22, four defendants were sentenced to federal prison following their convictions for conspiracy to rob drug-traffickers of their narcotics, money, and other property. Three of the defendants, Palacio Valdes Farley, aka BoBo, 43, Joassaint Josiah Aristil Jr., aka JoJo, 28, Jamar Brandon Nattiel, aka Debo and D-Boy, 47, were convicted by a jury in December 2023; the fourth defendant, Andrew Francois Martin, 31, pleaded guilty in November 2023. U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman sentenced Farley, the leader of the conspiracy, to 240 months (20 years) in prison which will run consecutively to a 169-month (14 years) federal prison sentence for conspiracies to commit drug-trafficking and money laundering offenses that he is currently serving. Aristil was sentenced to 200 months (more than 16 years) in prison, to run consecutively to a 121-month (10 years) federal prison term for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence that he is currently serving. The court sentenced Nattiel to 188 months (more than 15 years) in prison. Martin was sentenced to 210 months (more than 17 years) in prison, to run consecutively to a 25-year Florida state prison sentence he is serving for an armed robbery that Martin and Farley committed in Daytona Beach, Florida, in April 2017. From May 22, 2016, until Dec. 11, 2017, Farley conspired with his co-defendants to rob drug-traffickers in California. On May 24, 2016, Farley, Martin, and other unindicted co-conspirators, committed an armed home invasion robbery of two drug-traffickers, in Van Nuys, California, during which both victims were shot multiple times. On Dec. 5, 2017, at Farley’s direction, Aristil, Nattiel, co-defendants Karen Williams and Lisa Flood, and other co-conspirators, committed an armed home invasion robbery of a drug-trafficker in Orange County, California. During the robbery, the drug-trafficker, and his wife, were restrained and held at gunpoint, while the robbers ransacked their house and stole narcotics, cash, and jewelry. Aristil, Nattiel, Williams, Flood, and another co-conspirator, then drove across the country to Miami Beach, Florida, where they delivered the stolen drugs to Farley, who was out on bond for state court charges and confined to his apartment on Collins Avenue. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announced the sentences. FBI, Miami Field Office and BSO investigated this case with assistance from the Lauderhill Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Daytona Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dwayne E. Williams and Elena Smukler prosecuted the case. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-cr-20556. ###


title: Burlington Man Charged with Distributing Controlled Substances to a Minor

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 14, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jack Gower, 36, of Burlington, Vermont, with distributing controlled substances to a person under 21 years of age. Gower entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on March 21, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Gower be released on conditions during the pretrial phase of the case. According to court records, Gower met a juvenile, on Reddit in the spring of 2023 and began selling controlled substances, including Xanax and Dilaudid, to the juvenile. In May 2023, the juvenile suffered a non-fatal overdose from controlled substances believed to have been acquired from Gower. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Gower is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Gower faces a mandatory minimum of 1 year in prison and up to 40 years in prison if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Milton Police Department. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Gower is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.


title: Three Individuals Admit Tax Evasion and Other Charges after Defrauding More Than 100 Victims of Over $4.5 Million Dollars in Romance Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A husband and wife, formerly of Burlington County, New Jersey, and a third codefendant have pleaded guilty to tax evasion and other charges related to their roles in accepting millions of dollars in a romance fraud, after their conspirators met and wooed the victims on online dating sites, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Martins Friday Inalegwu, 35, formerly of Maple Shade, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to an information charging him with one count of conducting an unlawful money transmitting business and four counts of tax evasion. Inalegwu’s wife, Steincy Mathieu, 27, also formerly of Maple Shade, pleaded guilty on Nov. 28, 2023, to two counts of an indictment charging her with tax evasion. Oluwaseyi Fatolu, 56, of Springfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Jan. 8, 2024, to a count of the indictment charging her with operating an unlawful money transmitting business. All three defendants pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court. “These defendants took advantage of more than 100 vulnerable victims, preying on their loneliness to convince them to send money to scammers the victims believed were romantic partners. In this way, they stole millions of dollars. This conspiracy involved swindling, illegal money transfers and tax evasion. Our office will always be ready to work with our law enforcement partners to root out these schemes and bring the perpetrators to justice.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “All fraud schemes hurt victims who end up losing part or all of their hard-earned fortunes, savings or retirements,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “However, romance scams take on an insidious level of harm. Few of us would want to admit we fell for this type of scam, but we’re all human and scammers prey on that fact. The subjects are owning up to their crimes, but it may not provide much solace for the victims left broke and heartbroken.” “Martins Inalegwu and his co-conspirators face serious justice for stealing hard-earned money from more than 100 victims who were unaware their relationship was part of a financial fraud or romance scam,” HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said. “As always, we urge the public to remain cautious when communicating online, know the tips to recognize a scam and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. HSI Newark, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to dismantling criminal networks attempting to operate financial fraud schemes.” “Romance scams can prove costly in terms of money, but they also cause great emotional harm to victims and their families,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “The defendants cheated honest taxpayers out of millions and cheated the United States government by evading their tax liability. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates how IRS – Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners continue to use our financial expertise to identify and investigate these types of schemes.” “Romance scams frequently target elderly or vulnerable citizens and are particularly egregious crimes,” Postal Inspector in Charge, Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division, said. “Let this investigation put fraudsters on notice that with our law enforcement partners, the Postal Inspection Service will investigate and pursue those individuals who scam, harass, and steal from the American people.” According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From October 2016 to May 13, 2020, Inalegwu, Mathieu and their conspirators, several of whom reside in Nigeria, participated in an online romance scheme, defrauding more than 100 victims throughout the country. The conspirators made initial contact with victims through on-line dating and social media websites, corresponded with victims via email and phone, pretended to strike up a romantic relationship with victims, wooed them with words of love, and then requested the victims send money to them, or their associates, for fictitious emergency needs. In all instances, the individuals whom the victims believed they were speaking to did not exist, and instead they were speaking to the conspirators of this scheme. At the conspirators’ directions, victims wired money to bank accounts held by Inalegwu and Mathieu in the United States, and also mailed checks directly to Inalegwu and Mathieu. Some victims transferred money to Inalegwu and Mathieu via money transfer services, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, and others wired money to bank accounts held by conspirators overseas. Federal law enforcement agents have identified more than 100 victims, who sent over $4.5 million directly to Inalegwu and Mathieu, and several million more to conspirators. In turn, Inalegwu and Mathieu spent the victims’ money on personal expenses, withdrew money in cash, transferred money to other bank accounts they personally controlled, and transferred money to bank accounts in Nigeria and Turkey. Inalegwu used the unlawful money transmitting service provided by Fatolu to unlawfully transfer a portion of the victim money to these foreign accounts. Inalegwu and Mathieu failed to pay any taxes on the millions of dollars they accepted from victims. Each count of tax evasion is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of conducting an unlawful money transmitting business is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Philip R Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; and special agents of the United States Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton. inalegwu.sinformation.pdf


title: Former Pelco President Sentenced and Ordered to Pay More Than  $3.6 Million in Restitution

component: Tax Division

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Phillip Barry Albert, 64, of Tulsa, to 30 months imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for Tax Evasion. Judge Kern further ordered Albert to pay more than $3.6 million in restitution. According to court documents, from 2004 through 2021, Phillip Barry Albert was the President of Pelco Structural (Pelco) in Claremore, Oklahoma. In 2014, Albert directed the company controller, Don Eagleton, to have the company’s payroll service provider issue “reimbursements” to Albert from Pelco, for undocumented expenses. He then had the “reimbursements” coded in the company’s financial documents in such a way that they would not appear as taxable income. He then willfully failed to pay taxes on the “reimbursement” payments. Prosecutors pointed out that Albert was previously employed as a tax preparer. Given Albert’s intelligence and the overall sophistication of the scheme, he knew the requests for “reimbursements” did not relate to any legitimate business expense. From 2014 through 2019, Albert’s unreported income was $2,615,750. This left Albert owing more than $1 million in taxes. Because of Albert’s theft and related acts of embezzlement during his time at the company, Pelco calculates their actual total loss was more than $10 million, without taking into account the loss of business opportunities. In a separate federal case, Don Eagleton pleaded guilty to knowingly concealing Albert’s fraudulent activity from authorities. He was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,543,000 in restitution. Albert was permitted to remain on bond and ordered to voluntarily surrender on a specific date, to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The IRS Criminal Investigation and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Duncombe and Trial Attorney Meredith M. Havekost of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.


title: Tulsa Man Sentenced After Attempting to Light Victim on Fire

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Today, U.S. District Judge J. Phillip Calabrese sentenced Martin Andrew Breshears, 56, Tulsa to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country. In June 2022, Breshears assaulted the wheelchair-confined victim on two separate occasions. The first assault was with a brick. During the second assault, Breshears kicked in the victim’s door and repeatedly hit him with a lead pipe. Then Breshears doused the house and victim with lighter fluid and lit the porch on fire. Officers detained Brehsears near the fire and he admitted to assaulting the victim. A witness saw the assault, called 911, and put out the fire saving the victim. Breshears is a citizen of Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara prosecuted the case.


title: Owasso Woman Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, MELISSA FIKE , 52, of Owasso, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On March 6, 2024, Fike was charged with two counts of health care fraud. According to the Information, in 2018 Fike contracted as a licensed behavioral health practitioner for two Oklahoma counseling service providers, located in Coweta and Tulsa. As a result, Fike was eligible for reimbursement from Medicaid for providing counseling services to Medicaid beneficiaries and would receive a percentage of the reimbursement for each claim. The Information alleges that between October 2018 and September 2020, Fike submitted to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority numerous fraudulent claims for Medicaid reimbursement, resulting in approximately $171,000.00 worth of payments from the Medicaid program. Today, Fike pleaded guilty, and admitted to submitting Medicaid claims for services she never actually rendered. At sentencing, Fike faces up to 10 years in federal prison and fines totaling up to $250,000 for each count. “Protecting the integrity of Medicaid is of upmost importance because many of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens depend on these services to be available when they need it,” said United States Attorney Robert Troester. “We are proud to partner with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office in our efforts to protect Medicaid funds.” “I am proud of the tremendous work of my office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in this investigation,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “The Office of the Attorney General takes very seriously our commitment to rooting out Medicaid fraud to ensure taxpayer dollars are used correctly and that bad actors are held accountable.” This case is the result of an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Chemical Importer to Pay $300,000 in Civil Penalties for  Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances Act

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WACO, Texas – Shrieve Chemical Company, LLC, a Drug Enforcement Administration-registered importer and distributor of listed chemicals, has agreed to pay $300,000 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that it violated provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801 et seq . In December 2022, DEA diversion investigators conducted an on-site inspection of a Shrieve Chemical facility in Marlin, Texas. Following the inspection, investigators alleged that Shrieve Chemical violated certain regulatory recordkeeping requirements relating to the importation and distribution of listed chemicals; manufactured gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a List I chemical, by repackaging and relabeling, without registering as a manufacturer; and made a drop shipment of GBL to a customer without first importing the chemical to Shrieve Chemical’s registered location. Listed chemicals are chemicals designated by the DEA that, in addition to legitimate uses, can be used in the illicit manufacture of controlled substances. List I chemicals are mostly precursor chemicals that serve as key ingredients used to produce controlled substances. List II chemicals are mostly reagents or solvents. “Companies must be vigilant in following rules meant to ensure that precursor chemicals do not fall into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “My office will continue to investigate and pursue alleged violations involving listed chemicals, even absent evidence of diversion or misuse, to protect the community.” “The accountability of these chemicals is instrumental in ensuring the safety of our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux for the DEA Houston Division. “Too often these chemicals are used for the purpose of manufacturing harmful illegal drugs that end up in our communities and neighborhoods.” DEA’s San Antonio District Office Diversion Control Unit led the investigation of this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Parnham and Erin Van De Walle negotiated the settlement on behalf of the government. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Thibodaux Man Indicted for Aggravated Identity Theft, Providing False Statement to a Firearms Dealer, and Providing False Statement to a Federal Agency

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on March 22, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted BRETT GABRIEL (“GABRIEL” ), age 31, of Thibodaux, La., for aggravated identity theft, providing a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, and providing a false statement to an agency of the United States. According to court documents, GABRIEL used stolen identity information to purchase a firearm and to obtain fraudulent paycheck protection program loan proceeds administered by the federal government. The maximum penalty for the firearm offense is ten years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and up to three years of supervised release. The maximum penalty for the false statement offense is five years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and up to three years of supervised release. As to these two offenses, GABRIEL also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars. For the aggravated identity offense, the penalty is a mandatory minimum sentence of two years of imprisonment, to run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Secret Service, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Utah County Businessman Accused of Scamming $1.8M in COVID-19 Relief Funds is Arrested and Charged Federally

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah County businessman was arrested today after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City on March 20, 2024, for wire fraud. Robert Blake Molling, 41, of Lehi, Utah, is accused of fraudulently obtaining over $1.8 million in federal government disaster relief funds. According to court documents, from March 2020 to April 2022, Molling fraudulently applied for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds for two of his companies. These were funds Congress allocated for the Small Business Administration to provide low-interest loans to eligible small businesses going through financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Molling lied about his criminal history – falsely claiming that he had no criminal convictions other than minor vehicle violations. In furtherance of the crime, Molling caused multiple wire transfers via interstate commerce, and fraudulently obtained some $1,868,100 in EIDL loan funds and advances he was not eligible to receive. Molling is charged with seven counts of wire fraud. His initial court appearance on the indictment is scheduled for March 26, 2024, at 2:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachi Jepson and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Thorpe of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. The Utah Federal COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force is investigating the case, which includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of Inspector General’s U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The public is encouraged to share information about the abuse of the Paycheck Protection Program or other SBA programs by submitting a complaint here . On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: International Trafficker of Counterfeit Apple Products Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 25, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Zhiwei “Allen” Liao was sentenced in federal court today to 51 months in prison for his role as an organizer and leader of an international conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit Apple products. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit two residences along with $120,370 in U.S. currency and more than 200 Apple devices seized during the investigation. According to court documents, Zhiwei Liao and his brothers, Zhimin Liao and Zhiting Liao, led an international exchange fraud scheme involving more than 10,000 counterfeit iPhones and iPads. The Liaos imported counterfeit iPhones and iPads from China that looked genuine and included identification numbers (IMEI and serial numbers) matching identification numbers on real iPhones and iPads that were under warranty and had been previously sold to customers in the United States and Canada. At the direction of the Liao brothers, co-conspirators traveled to hundreds of Apple Stores across the United States and Canada, and attempted to exchange counterfeit iPhones and iPads for genuine iPhones and iPads resulting in a loss of $6.1 million to Apple, Inc. Zhiwei Liao then sent the fraudulently obtained, but genuine Apple products primarily to China where they were sold at a premium. In court today, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Ann Bashant said that a significant prison sentence was appropriate because Zhiwei Liao was the organizer and leader of an extensive international criminal organization that trafficked in counterfeit goods throughout North America for several years. The scheme was sophisticated and dynamic, involving counterfeit devices imported from China that looked like genuine devices under warranty. Zhiwei Liao micromanaged the operations and created a moving target for law enforcement by directing counterfeit Apple products and criminal proceeds to be sent to different co-conspirators, companies, and family members throughout the scheme. Co-conspirators supported these efforts to avoid law enforcement by exchanging the counterfeit products using a variety of false names and email accounts. The defendant’s brothers, Zhimin Liao and Zhiting Liao, who were also leaders of the conspiracy, were previously sentenced to 41 months in custody in October 2023. This case is part of a multi-year investigation led primarily by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Diego Police Department that resulted in 12 felony convictions, the forfeiture of five residences in San Diego with an estimated value of more than $4.1 million, over $250,000 in cash, and more than 200 Apple products that were either counterfeit, fraudulently obtained, or used during the criminal operations. “This was a massive, sophisticated fraud that victimized not only Apple, Inc., but thousands of Apple product owners across North America,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Theft of intellectual property and the sale of counterfeit goods are growing global problems with serious economic implications.” “Mr. Liao’s sentencing closes a major chapter in a multi-year investigation that exposed an international, elaborate scheme to sell counterfeit goods worldwide,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “This investigation would not have been successful without the unwavering dedication and persistence of our law enforcement partners. We remain diligent in the pursuit of justice to help maintain the integrity of our economy.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Salel. DEFENDANTS Case Number 19cr4407-BAS Zhiwei Liao, aka “Allen” San Diego, CA Age: 34 Zhimin Liao, aka “Jimmy” San Diego, CA Age: 36 Zhiting Liao, aka “Tim” San Diego, CA Age: 33 Dao Trieu La, aka “Selena” San Diego, CA Age: 32 Mengmeng Zhang, aka “Aria” San Diego, CA Age: 31 Tam Nguyen, aka “Kelly,” San Diego, CA Age: 39 Charley Hsu San Diego, CA Age: 41 Danny Tran Chan San Diego, CA Age: 32 Phillip Pak, aka “Teddy” San Diego, CA Age: 33 Deedee Zhu, aka “David,” San Diego, CA Age: 35 Jiaye Jiang, aka “joejoekong” San Diego, CA Age: 34 Hyo Yang, aka “Will” San Diego, CA Age: 33 SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Traffic in Counterfeit Goods – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2320 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison, $2 million fine, mandatory restitution, and forfeiture. INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Police Department San Diego County Sheriff’s Department U.S. Customs and Border Protection Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Marshals


title: Jamestown drug ring leader pleads guilty as federal trial was set to begin

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rocco A. Beardsley, 38, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to narcotic conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl causing death, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum of life. Beardsley pleaded guilty as jury selection was scheduled to begin in his federal trial. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Evan K. Glaberson, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that between late 2018 and March 2020, Beardsley conspired with seven others sell methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. On April 9, 2019, Beardsley sold acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, which resulted in the death of an individual identified as J.A. After learning of J.A.’s death, Beardsley took steps to conceal his involvement in the drug overdose, including by directing others to destroy evidence from the death scene. Beardsley bought and sold fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and for his own use, utilizing social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities. Beardsley also utilized residences on Sampson Street and Cowden Place in Jamestown for his drug trafficking activities. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted five controlled purchases from Beardsley. In addition, Beardsley and his co-conspirators also participated in a series of money transfers in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy. During the investigation, search warrants were executed at residences associated with the drug conspiracy, during which law enforcement seized approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, 66 grams of fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of crack cocaine, a 12-gauge shotgun, and drug paraphernalia. Beardsley was previously convicted in Federal Court in 2007 of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and sentenced to serve 57 months in prison. In 2017, he was convicted in New York State Court of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Narcotic Drug Intent To Sell. A total of seven defendants were charged and convicted in this case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards III, and the Town of Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr. Sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Rochester woman pleads guilty to defrauding the IRS and NYS Tax Department during COVID

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Melanie Armstrong, 55, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson to wire fraud involving national emergency benefits, filing false claims against a government agency, and transfer of a means of identification. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that between July 2020, and August 2021, Armstrong falsely applied for New York State Department of Labor unemployment benefits under the identities of others and fraudulently collected benefits in their names. Armstrong also collected unemployment benefits in her own name by falsely representing that she had no source of income. Armstrong received $131,400.10 in benefits that she was not lawfully entitled to receive. Armstrong also applied for, but did not receive, additional benefits, resulting in a total intended loss of $250,916. In addition, between January 2019, and April 2023, Armstrong filed 19 false income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for herself, and family members and associates, claiming false and inflated wages and false and inflated federal income tax withholdings. As a result, the IRS issued tax refunds to Armstrong and the others totaling $101,255. Between January 2020, and April 2023, Armstrong also filed 17 false tax returns for herself, and family members and associates, with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance , claiming false and inflated wages and false and inflated state income tax withholdings. Armstrong attempted to obtain $45,363 in fraudulent refunds, but actually received $18,758 in fraudulent refunds. The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso, and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. Sentencing will be scheduled a later date. # # # #


title: Sacramento Resident Charged with Abusive Sexual Contact of Airplane Passenger During International Flight

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted Rajesh Kumar Kapoor, charging him with sexual abuse of another passenger during an international flight, announced U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. Kapoor was arrested this morning, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler for his initial court appearance, and was released pending trial. The indictment filed March 13, 2024, and unsealed earlier today, alleges that on January 16, 2024, Kapoor, 56, of Sacramento, Calif., was aboard a flight from the Republic of Korea to San Francisco when he engaged in abusive sexual contact with another passenger. Specifically, the indictment alleges Kapoor touched the victim’s breasts and inner thigh without the passenger’s permission. Kapoor is charged with one count of abusive sexual contact, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(b) and 49 U.S.C. § 46506(1). Kapoor’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 9, 2024, before Senior United States District Judge Edward M. Chen, for a status conference. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Kapoor faces a statutory maximum of two years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. In addition, as part of any sentence a court may order an additional period of supervised release and restitution, if appropriate; however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, as applicable, and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Chou is prosecuting this case with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum and Marina Ponomarchuk. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Assault Of Intimate Partner By Strangulation

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Colby Eric Dean Ballard, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner in Indian County. The Indictment alleged that on or about April 4, 2023, Ballard assaulted the victim by strangulation. The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Judge Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Ballard was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.


title: Justice Department Launches the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center

body_text: The Justice Department launched the National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center (the Center) which will provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement officials, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, clinicians, victim service and social service providers, community organizations, and behavioral health professionals responsible for implementing laws designed to keep guns out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others. “The launch of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center will provide our partners across the country with valuable resources to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The establishment of the Center is the latest example of the Justice Department’s work to use every tool provided by the landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to protect communities from gun violence.” ERPO laws, which are modeled off domestic violence protection orders, create a civil process allowing law enforcement, family members (in most states), and medical professionals or other groups (in some states) to petition a court to temporarily prohibit someone at risk of harming themselves or others from purchasing and possessing firearms for the duration of the order. In 2023, the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) awarded $238 million to states, territories, and the District of Columbia under the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), which was created by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and is designed to help jurisdictions implement crisis intervention strategies, including ERPO programs. In addition, OJP awarded $4 million to support training and technical assistance under Byrne SCIP, including $2 million that was awarded to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions to establish the ERPO Resource Center. In collaboration with OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Center will support states, local governments, law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, clinicians, victim service providers, and behavioral health and other social service providers in their efforts to implement ERPO programs to fit local needs, share resources and promising practices with the field, and help ensure that funding received through Byrne SCIP is effectively utilized. “Supporting our law enforcement and community partners in curbing the scourge of gun violence is more critical than ever,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “In addition to other resources leveraged across the Justice Department, this Center will provide communities with new tools and technical assistance to help them implement effective crisis intervention strategies and reduce gun violence.” “OJP’s investment in ERPO programs demonstrates the Department’s commitment to addressing the gun violence crisis in the United States,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “This crisis cannot be solved at one level of government. We must use all of our resources and collaborate at the federal, state, and local levels to find innovative, evidence-based, and holistic solutions to help keep American communities safe.” Through the Center and its newly launched website , states, local governments, law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, clinicians, victim service providers, and behavioral health and other social service providers will have direct access to critical information that will enhance their ability to reduce firearm homicides and suicides. The website will be maintained and updated to include newly developed resources for the field created through the Center, in partnership with BJA. The website also provides a platform for the Center to highlight emerging and promising practices in successful ERPO implementation and connect states and localities to innovative strategies to reduce gun violence and save lives. As of this month, 21 states and the District of Columbia have enacted ERPO laws. Successful and effective ERPO implementation requires a comprehensive and holistic approach that incorporates a wide range of stakeholders. The Center is designed to provide resources consistent with that need.


title: District Man Sentenced for First-Degree Murder While Armed in Shooting Death of 17-Year-Old

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Mussay Rezene, 31, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 45 years in prison, yesterday, by the Honorable Robert D. Okun, for first-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. The murder took place in an alley in Northwest Washington. Rezene was found guilty in January, following a jury trial. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9 p.m. on September 18, 2021, Brayan Villatoro was riding in a vehicle with a group of friends heading to a family party. On the way, the victim asked the driver to make a stop so he could meet with someone at the 1300 block of Nicholson Street Northwest. Once they arrived at the location, the victim got out of the vehicle and waited in front of an apartment building. The defendant arrived a short time later in a vehicle that, later, proved to be stolen. Rezene led the victim into a nearby alley. Moments later, shots rang out and the 17-year old victim was hit with eight bullets. Rezene fled the area as did the victim’s friends. Officers arrived at the scene a short time after the shooting and discovered that Brayan Villatoro had succumbed to his injuries. Rezene was identified in surveillance video as wearing distinct shoes and clothing. These same shoes were later seen in a photograph of Rezene along with two other individuals, which was posted on social media after Mr. Villatoro’s murder. Cell-site data also showed Rezene was present both at the scene of the murder and along the path of the stolen vehicle. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives who assisted with evidence recovery and cell site data analysis and testimony. U.S. Attorney Graves also thanked others who worked the case, including: Paralegal Specialist Mabry Johnson, Lead Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman, Victim Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez, Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Maenylie Watson, and Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Clark and Colleen Kukowski, who prosecuted the case.


title: Purported Aircraft Leasing Business Pays $700,000 To Resolve Alleged Violations of FAA Safety Regulations

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced today that Campbell Oil Company (“Campbell Oil”); Executive Aircraft Services, Inc. (“EAS”); Brian D. Campbell; and David Taylor Stephens have agreed to resolve allegations that they conducted illegal charter flights, contained in the March 10, 2023, Complaint filed by the United States captioned United States v. Campbell Oil Company et al. , No. 7:23-CV-265 (the “Complaint”). The settlement resolves allegations, which are more fully laid out in the Complaint, that beginning at least as early as April 2017 and through March 2019, the defendants operated more than 150 paid, passenger-carrying flights in violation of Federal Aviation Administration safety regulations. Federal law recognizes two types of aircraft leases: “wet leases,” in which an aircraft lessor also provides crew and other services, and “dry leases,” in which an aircraft lessor provides only the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that lessors who make aircraft available pursuant to wet leases satisfy heightened safety and certification requirements. Pilots who conduct flights pursuant to wet leases also must satisfy heightened requirements for training, testing, and competency. Federal law further requires “commercial operators”—individuals or entities that hold themselves out as willing to transport person or property for compensation—to comply with those same heightened certification and safety standards. The settlement resolves allegations that Campbell Oil and EAS entered into “sham” dry lease agreements, which purported to lease aircraft without any pilot or other services. However, according to the Complaint, the leases were, in substance, wet leases because Campbell Oil and EAS, through their President Brian Campbell, allegedly made the aircraft available to their customers in conjunction with pilot services offered by David Stephens and other pilots with whom Defendants had relationships, all without complying with the heightened safety and certification standards mandated by law for wet leases and commercial operators. Defendants allegedly also held themselves out to the public as offering air charter services, including by paying commissions to Stephens for soliciting customers for the air charter business. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Defendants agreed to pay a $700,000 civil penalty. Defendants are no longer operating the aircraft leasing business that is the subject of the allegations resolved in the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Federal Aviation Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Kasper represented the United States. The United States’ factual and legal assertions are allegations only, and there has been no admission or judicial determination of liability. The civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Defendants, nor a concession by the United States that its potential claims were not well-founded. Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are available on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-CV-265.


title: Former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - John W. Oxendine, the former Georgia State Insurance Commissioner, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in which a co-conspirator and he referred unnecessary medical tests to a lab company in Texas in return for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks. “John Oxendine, as the former state-wide insurance commissioner, knew the importance of honest dealings between doctors and insurance companies,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “But for personal profit he willfully conspired with a physician to order hundreds of unnecessary lab tests, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. He will now be held accountable for violating the public’s trust.” “This scheme to bill for unnecessary services has no place in our healthcare system,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “It not only increased healthcare costs for all beneficiaries, but they also violated the trust of patients. John Oxendine not only profited from this scheme but took it a step farther and directed another to lie to federal agents to try and cover up the fraud.” “Individuals who participate in kickback schemes risk undermining the integrity of federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to aggressively investigate anyone engaging in illicit activities to protect taxpayer-funded federal health care programs from abuse by bad actors.” “Today’s plea should serve as a strong deterrent to those in positions of power who seek to exploit and defraud TRICARE, the military’s healthcare system relied on by our service members, retirees, and their families,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Darrin K. Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “This investigation is part of an ongoing effort by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service to work with our law enforcement partners and aggressively investigate allegations of healthcare fraud that affect the Department of Defense and put its personnel at risk.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: John Oxendine conspired with Dr. Jeffrey Gallups and others to submit fraudulent insurance claims for medically unnecessary Pharmacogenetic, Molecular Genetic, and Toxicology testing. Physicians associated with Dr. Gallups’s ENT practice were pressured to order these medically unnecessary tests from Next Health, a lab in Texas. As part of Oxedine’s health care fraud scheme, Next Health agreed to pay Oxendine and Dr. Gallups a kickback of 50 percent of the net profit for eligible specimens submitted by Dr. Gallups’s practice to the lab company. In connection with the scheme, Oxendine gave a presentation at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead where he pressured doctors in Dr. Gallups’s practice to order the unnecessary tests. Next Health later submitted insurance claims seeking more than $2,500,000 in payments from private health insurers for the unnecessary tests. The insurance companies paid almost $700,000 to Next Health because of these fraudulent claims. Next Health then paid $260,000 in kickbacks to Oxendine and Dr. Gallups. Some patients were also charged for the tests, receiving bills of up to $18,000. To conceal the kickback payments, Oxendine and Dr. Gallups arranged for the payments to be made from Next Health to Oxendine Insurance Services, Oxendine’s insurance consulting business. Oxendine used a portion of the kickback money to pay debts for Dr. Gallups: a $150,000 charitable contribution and $70,000 in attorney’s fees. When a compliance officer at Dr. Gallups’s practice raised concerns about the kickbacks, Oxendine told Dr. Gallups to lie and say the payments from Oxendine to Dr. Gallups were loans. He directed Dr. Gallups to repeat the lie after he was questioned by federal agents about Next Health. And when interviewed about Next Health by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in connection with a private lawsuit, Oxendine falsely denied working with the lab company or receiving money from the business. This case is related to United States v. Gallups , criminal no. 1:21-cr-00370-SCJ, in which Dr. Jeffrey Gallups pleaded guilty to health care fraud. Sentencing for John W. Oxendine, 61, of Johns Creek, Georgia, is scheduled for July 12, 2024, at 10 am before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Huber and David A. O’Neal are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Downtown Benson Business Owner Who Trafficked Pounds of Methamphetamine and Cocaine Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – Jimmy Waylon Johnson, age 59, was sentenced to 179 months and a $50,000 fine for his role as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine across Eastern North Carolina. Johnson pled guilty to two drug trafficking charges and one money laundering charge on December 11, 2023. “We are partnering with law enforcement to get illegal drugs off our streets and make our communities safer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Southeastern North Carolina must stay a safe place for our families and businesses. Drug traffickers like Johnson will be prosecuted and spend time behind bars.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, officials from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Duplin, Johnston, and New Hanover County Sheriffs’ Offices, were involved in a multi-year investigation into Johnson’s drug activity. Through joint undercover operations, traffic stops, and search warrants, law enforcement determined that Johnson was a leader in the drug trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine in at least four counties, stretching from Benson down to Wilmington. Johnson’s drug distribution began as early as 2015 and lasted until his arrest in 2021. At times, Johnson used his gambling machine business, Benson Arcade, in downtown Benson to facilitate the drug trafficking. Along with kilograms of methamphetamine, Johnson would provide video gambling machines to subordinates who would run video gambling in bars, residences, backyards, and motorcycle clubs. Local law enforcement indicate that some of these locations also became hotbeds for methamphetamine distribution and addiction. On October 14, 2021, law enforcement executed search warrants at Benson Arcade and Johnson’s residence. This resulted in the seizure of $8,000, a kilogram of methamphetamine, and half a kilogram of cocaine. There were also several items observed and seized at Benson Arcade related to the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. As part of the investigation, four additional co-conspirators were indicted and previously sentenced: Edward Neal Huffman, New Hanover County, 180 months for drug distribution and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; Johnie Wayne Culpepper, New Hanover County, 108 months for drug distribution and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; Michelle Marie Boring, New Hanover County, 84 months for drug distribution; Leigh Beverly Davis, Wake County, 100 months for drug distribution and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and Randall Norris, Duplin County, 30 months for drug distribution. The investigation into Johnson and the above co-conspirators also resulted in the seizure of 32 firearms, a bulletproof vest, and several hundred rounds of ammunition. As part of his guilty plea, Johnson admitted to buying a motorcycle worth approximately $17,000, using drug money. This motorcycle was seized and forfeited by law enforcement. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-321-FL.


title: Charleston Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Weapon and Drug Violations

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Joshua Nathaniel Strader, 41, of Charleston, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Evidence presented to the court showed that Strader was released from federal prison for a firearm and controlled substances violation in November 2019. Five months later, on April 25, 2020, officers with the North Charleston Police Department attempted to stop Strader’s vehicle based on a stolen vehicle investigation. Strader led police on a dangerous and high-speed chase through residential areas, crashed into a civilian vehicle, and ultimately lost control and ended up in a ditch. Strader ran from the vehicle, but officers quickly caught and arrested him. Officers searched Strader and found a .9mm pistol, 76.9 grams of crack cocaine, and 13 grams of powder cocaine in his pockets. Strader was on federal supervision at the time of this arrest. Strader has multiple felony convictions on his record prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. This was his second conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Strader to 71 months imprisonment to be followed by four years of court ordered supervision for the April 2020 incident, and 36 months imprisonment for the federal supervised release violation. These sentences will run consecutively resulting in a total of 107 months imprisonment. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the North Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Harrisburg Man Sentenced To 65 Months’ Imprisonment For Possessing Ammunition As Previously Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Robles, age 43, formerly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to serve 65 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and $100 in financial penalties based upon his guilty plea to possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in August 2021, Robles was operating a motorcycle at a high rate of speed on I-81 in Cumberland County. A Pennsylvania State Trooper attempted to stop Robles and a high-speed chase ensued where speeds reached up to 115 mph and Robles crossed the median into oncoming traffic. Robles was eventually stopped and found in possession of heroin, marijuana, and cocaine base, as well as a .9mm Polymer handgun with no serial number, known as a “ghost gun,” loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. Prior to the August 2021 incident, Robles was previously convicted of a state felony drug offense in 2021 and a federal drug offense in 2002 that prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Rashad Trice, Who Killed Two-Year-Old Wynter Cole-Smith, Pleads Guilty To Kidnapping Resulting In Death

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Faces Mandatory Life Sentence GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Rashad Trice, 27, pled guilty to Kidnapping Resulting in Death. Trice was indicted in July 2023 for Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Kidnapping a Minor. Sentencing is scheduled to proceed at 3 p.m. on July 19, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker. Trice faces a mandatory life sentence. “What happened is heart-wrenching, but today marks an important step forward as we seek justice for Wynter Cole-Smith’s family and the people of Michigan,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “I’m incredibly grateful to FBI Michigan, the Lansing Police Department, and the more than two dozen other local, state, and federal partners who came running to help.” As part of his plea agreement attached, Trice admitted that he kidnapped two-year-old Wynter Cole-Smith from her home in Lansing, Michigan on July 2, 2023, after a dispute with her mother. Trice took Wynter and drove to an alley in Detroit where he killed her and left her body. Investigators discovered her remains three days later. According to the initial complaint , on July 2, 2023, a woman reported to the Lansing Police Department that she had been attacked by Trice and ultimately fled her apartment to escape him. When police responded to her apartment, Trice and the woman’s daughter, Cole-Smith, were no longer present. A white Chevrolet Impala had also allegedly been stolen. On July 3, police attempted to stop the white Chevrolet Impala in St. Clair Shores and the driver attempted to flee. Police apprehended the driver, Trice, but Cole-Smith was not in the car. Cell site information showed the approximate path Trice’s phone had recently taken, which prompted law enforcement to start conducting searches for Cole-Smith in specific areas. On July 5, 2023, law enforcement found Cole-Smith’s body in Detroit. Previous press releases can be viewed below. Rashad Trice Trial Date Set for April 16 in Wynter Cole-Smith Case Trice Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment In Wynter Cole-Smith Case Trice Indicted For Kidnapping Resulting In Death And Kidnapping A Minor In Wynter Cole-Smith Case U.S. Attorney Totten Announces Federal Charges In The Kidnapping Of 2-Year-Old Wynter Cole-Smith “Thank you to U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and his office for bringing this case across the finish line,” said Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee . “My hope is this will give Wynter’s family, friends, and all of the law enforcement partners who were and are still affected by this tragedy a sense of closure.” “Our primary objective during this investigation and judicial proceedings was to ensure justice for Wynter Cole-Smith and her family,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “We stand in solidarity with our law enforcement partners to hold Rashad Trice accountable for his actions and bring closure to the family so they may begin to heal.” This case was investigated by the FBI and Lansing Police Department, along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Air Marshal Service, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Michigan State Police, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety, Michigan Department of Corrections, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office, Eaton County Sheriff's Office, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Macomb County Sheriff's Office, Detroit Police Department, Detroit Public Schools Community District Department of Public Safety, Eastpointe Police Department, St. Clair Shores Police Department, Bloomfield Hills Police Department, Dearborn Police Department, Sterling Heights Police Department, West Bloomfield Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Southfield Police Department, Northville Township Police Department, and Clinton Township Police Department. # # #


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A federal judge sentenced a Mexican national to five years in federal prison for trafficking marijuana into the United States. Carlos Arturo Quintana , 41, of Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico, was identified as the Police Chief of Namiquipa, as well as the Namiquipa Plaza Boss for the Juarez Cartel, and extradited to the United States in August of 2022. According to court records, in March 2011, a confidential informant (CI) ordered 600 kilograms of marijuana from Elmy Hermosillo Trujillo, a key figure in the Juarez Cartel, known for trafficking large quantities of drugs into the United States annually. The Juarez Cartel, one of Mexico's oldest and most influential criminal groups, had diversified into various illicit activities beyond drug trafficking, including human trafficking, arms trading, kidnapping, extortion, and large-scale fuel theft from the government. On March 19, 2011, the CI met with Quintana , who arrived wearing a police uniform, driving a marked police vehicle, and was accompanied by other uniformed officers. Quintana and the other officers delivered the 600 kilograms of marijuana in a dump truck. The CI then placed a GPS tracking device with the marijuana. By March 26, 2011, the tracker revealed the marijuana's location at a storage facility in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, prompting a law enforcement raid resulting in arrests, a fatality, and the confiscation of drugs, firearms, and communication devices. On January 18, 2024, Quintana pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana, intending and knowing that said controlled substance would be unlawfully imported into the United States. Today, Quintana was sentenced to a term of 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Las Cruces-Doña Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Quintana from Mexico. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Randy M. Castellano are prosecuting the case. # # # 24-111


title: Randolph County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Possession and Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO – A 46-year-old Archdale man was sentenced today to a total of 360 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC). According to court records, acting on tips provided to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and other agencies, the Archdale Police Department interviewed KEVIN THOMAS FAISON on January 31, 2021. During the interview FAISON admitted to viewing and exchanging images of child pornography online. The following day, FAISON gave written consent to the search of three smartphones in his possession. On one of the phones, investigators discovered more than 300 images of child pornography, including multiple images that appeared to have been produced by FAISON. Forensic analysis of FAISON’s other phones revealed additional images of child pornography, including images produced by FAISON. United States District Court Judge Loretta C. Biggs sentenced FAISON to a 120-month term of imprisonment for the possession of child pornography count and to a 240-month term of imprisonment for the production of child pornography count and ordered that the terms run consecutively. Upon release from prison, FAISON will be subject to lifetime supervised release. In addition, FAISON was ordered to pay restitution to victims totaling $32,500.00 and special assessments totaling $5,000.00. He pleaded guilty to one count each of possession and production of child pornography on November 9, 2022. The case was investigated by the Archdale Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey A. Freeman and JoAnna G. McFadden. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . ###


title: U.S. Attorney Charges Convicted Sex Offender Who Had Fled To Mexico With Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor And Distribution Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that KENNEDY CARTER, a convicted sex offender who had fled to Mexico from probation in Oregon following a conviction for encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree in that state, was arrested yesterday evening and charged with sexual exploitation of a child and other child sex offenses. Yesterday, March 21, 2024, CARTER was deported from Mexico by Mexican immigration authorities and arrived at San Francisco International Airport, where he was arrested by the FBI upon arrival. CARTER will be presented today in San Francisco federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The charges unsealed today reflect the tenacity of the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners who tracked down this alleged recidivist sex offender to Mexico after he fled from probation in Oregon. The defendant went to great lengths to avoid responsibility for his alleged unconscionable actions, but we relentlessly pursue justice for victims of child sexual abuse, and those responsible will face the full weight of the law, no matter where they may hide.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Kennedy Carter, a convicted sex offender, allegedly coerced a 12-year-old girl to send him sexually explicit photos and videos of herself over the Internet. Carter’s arrest reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting children from dangerous sexual predators. Crimes of this nature are inexcusable, making victims out of some of our most vulnerable members of society. We urge parents to continue having conversations with their children about safe online surfing and encourage the public to come forward with information that could help us identify other potential victims in this or any other case.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] From at least on or about May 20, 2023, through at least on or about May 29, 2023, CARTER knowingly induced, enticed, and coerced a 12-year-old female minor located in Putnam County (“Victim-1”) to engage in sexually explicit conduct, to take sexually explicit photos and videos of herself engaging in such conduct, and to transmit them over the internet to CARTER. In addition, from at least on or about May 20, 2023, through at least on or about May 29, 2023, CARTER knowingly distributed material that contained child pornography, including photographs and videos of another minor female (“Victim-2”) to Victim-1 over the Internet. Finally, because CARTER is required by federal or any other law to register as a sex offender, and is so registered, and has committed a felony offense involving a minor in engaging in sexual exploitation of a minor, he is also subject to an enhanced penalty as charged in the Complaint. Any individuals with information concerning KENNEDY CARTER and any individuals who may have encountered someone using the WhatsApp username 5215591447960@s.whatsapp.net or the aliases “Mikey Portuguez Perez” or “Javed Montero,” please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or https://tips.fbi.gov . * * * CARTER, 27, previously of Corvallis, Oregon, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child, which, because of his prior state conviction in Oregon for encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, carries an enhanced mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison; one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, which, again due to his prior conviction, carries an enhanced mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison; and one count of penalties for registered sex offenders, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to run consecutive to any sentence imposed for the underlying offense of sexual exploitation of a child. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Williams also thanked law enforcement partners in Mexico, the Benton County Probation Office in Benton County, Oregon, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California for their assistance. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret N. Vasu is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: United States Attorney's Office Collected More Than $22 Million in Fiscal Year 2023

component: USAO - Tennessee, Middle

body_text: NASHVILLE – United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee recovered $22,670,748.85 for crime victims and American taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2023. “The dedicated public servants in our office responsible for protecting the public fisc and disgorging criminal proceeds have, once again, done a tremendous job on behalf of taxpayers and crime victims in Middle Tennessee,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “In 2023, they recovered well over $22 million for federal government programs and victims of crime.” Of the money collected, $19,217,743.17 was collected in civil cases, primarily through actions brought pursuant to the False Claims Act which provides that the United States may recover up to three times the amount of money that had been fraudulently obtained from government programs, And, $2,323,187.68 was in the form of money judgments in criminal cases for victims of crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also collected $1,129,818 through asset forfeiture in criminal and civil cases during Fiscal Year 2023. The pursuit of recovery as a result of fraud committed against the United States through affirmative civil enforcement is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This includes actions to recover monies lost due to fraud or other misconduct against the United States and the pursuit of monetary penalties and injunctive relief to address on-going violations of federal laws. One of the primary objectives of asset forfeiture is to take the profit out of crime. Both the proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes are subject to forfeiture. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also initiates legal proceedings and takes other necessary actions to enforce collection of all federal debts in the Middle District of Tennessee. These debts include criminal fines, criminal restitution orders and civil judgments filed against judgment debtors, as well as unsecured civil debts referred from federal agencies. # # # # #


title: Montana Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Wolf Point, Montana, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on March 18, 2024. Marcus Cloke, age 19, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Cloke was indicted for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in May of 2023. He pleaded guilty on December 7, 2023. As part of an inmate exchange agreement, Cloke was transferred to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Corrections Facility in Mission, South Dakota, from the Fort Peck Adult Correctional Facility in Poplar, Montana. The defendant was serving a sentence after being convicted in Fort Peck Tribal Court. On May 6, 2023, the defendant was housed in the disciplinary unit refusing to go to his individual cell. A correctional officer entered the unit to speak to the defendant. Rather than going back to his cell, the defendant struck the officer in the face and a struggle ensued, with the defendant continuing to throw punches at the officer. The officer wrestled the defendant to the floor to gain control. The defendant, however, was able to grab the officer’s baton and struck the officer in the head numerous times. As the two continued to wrestle, the defendant was able to gain an advantage and position himself on top of the officer. The defendant then used his fists to strike the officer in the face and body. The officer had significant swelling to his right eye, lacerations to his lip, forehead, and scalp, and bruising to his tongue, left ear, and right jaw. The officer received staples for his scalp laceration and sutures for his forehead laceration. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Corrections Facility. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. Cloke was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Inmate at FCI Miami pleads guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine inside a federal prison

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On March 21, an inmate serving a 60-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Miami pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. During a routine search at FCI Miami, correctional officers found Pedro Jose Collazo-Prieto with more than 50 grams of cocaine, divided among 21 plastic baggies, and one larger, unsealed plastic bag, also containing cocaine. In addition to the cocaine, Collazo-Prieto was found with more than 17 grams of marijuana. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 31 before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez. Collazo-Prieto faces up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Warden Grant Heuett of FCI, Bureau of Prisons (BOP) made the announcement. FBI Miami, Homestead Resident Agency, and BOP, Special Investigative Section (SIS), investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Noonan-Pomada is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20456. ###


title: New Jersey man admits sexual abuse of passenger while on flight from New Jersey to Bozeman

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA — A New Jersey man on March 21 admitted to repeatedly touching a woman who was seated next to him on a commercial flight from New Jersey to Bozeman, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Piyush Mathew, 31, of Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States as charged in an indictment. Mathew faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for July 31 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Mathew was released pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that Mathew and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were seated next to each other on a commercial airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Bozeman on Sept. 7, 2023. During the flight, Mathew, pretending to be asleep, touched Jane Doe multiple times on different parts of her body, including her thighs, fingers, arms, stomach, and breasts. Jane Doe, who was afraid of Mathew, leaned forward at one point, but Mathew then placed his hands on her side. Upon arrival in Bozeman, Jane Doe, still in fear of Mathew, hoped to alert the flight crew of Mathew’s behavior, however, Mathew stood immediately behind her for deboarding, and she felt she was unable to tell the flight crew. Jane Doe asked another male passenger, identified as C.B, whom she did not know, to pretend to be her husband’s friend and stay with her as they left the airplane. C.B. told investigators he observed Mathew lean toward Jane Doe during the flight and that Jane Doe “looked like she was about to cry” after they landed. When law enforcement approached Mathew in New Jersey and told him they were investigating an incident that occurred on the flight, Mathew responded, “Did she complain that I was touching her?” Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Gallatin Airport Authority, and Bozeman Airport Police conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Bay St. Louis Woman Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Gulfport, MS – A Bay St. Louis woman was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 pills containing fentanyl. Emma Kate Stoute, 19, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. According to court documents, on August 29, 2023, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration followed up on a written complaint alleging drug trafficking at the Motel 6 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Agents surveilled the motel and narrowed down the suspected parties and rooms. Agents observed a red Toyota Camry arrive at the hotel to pick up two of the individuals suspected of selling drugs. Agents followed the vehicle across state lines and observed the occupants of the vehicle participate in what appeared to be a drug transaction in Louisiana. After the transaction, agents followed the Camry back into Mississippi and conducted a traffic stop. Stoute was one of the occupants of the vehicle and was in possession of 50 pills containing fentanyl. A subsequent search of Stoute’s cell phone confirmed that she was trafficking fentanyl pills. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. The DEA reports that two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, and one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. More facts on fentanyl can be found at https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl and https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl . On November 27, 2023, Stoute pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon In Brandon Road Rage Shooting Sentenced To Eight Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced James Eugene Smith (44, Wimauma) to eight years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court also ordered Smith to forfeit the firearm and ammunition. Smith entered a guilty plea on December 18, 2023. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of January 14, 2023, Smith was driving west on Bloomingdale Avenue in Brandon, Florida. Smith believed that a driver in a black sedan was brake checking (applying brakes and causing the following vehicle to slow down) him, while a separate driver prevented Smith from passing. Smith eventually passed both cars using the bi-directional center lane before brake checking the black sedan in return. The driver of the black sedan eventually drove around Smith. Smith and the driver of the black sedan then exchanged gunfire. Smith, in an alleged attempt to see the tag of the black sedan, made a U-turn. After making the U-turn, Smith spotted a gray sedan that he thought was the black sedan. Smith opened fire, endangering the lives of the two victims – the driver and a passenger in the front seat. The gray sedan then turned into a gas station. Smith followed the vehicle into the gas station, again firing at it. Neither victim was shot. At the time of the incident, Smith had multiple prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. 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.