title: South Texan admits to distributing fentanyl through the mail

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 36-year-old Brownsville resident has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 1,741 grams of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani. Heriverto Ramirez packaged 494 grams of fentanyl for distribution to a trailer park in Houston using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), concealing the dangerous narcotic in the shell of a tankless hot water heater. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence of Ramirez and discovered an additional 1,247 grams of fentanyl and 8.48 kilograms of cocaine. During the year-long investigation, authorities learned Ramirez coordinated cocaine distribution from his home while also distributing cocaine and fentanyl through USPS. “This case is a perfect example of how Fentanyl, a potent and deadly opioid, is overtaking every aspect of the illicit drug trade,” said Hamdani. “Experts consider a lethal dose of fentanyl to be 2 milligrams. Ramirez was caught mailing half a kilogram of fentanyl through the USPS, creating a potentially deadly hazard for anyone handling the package. Now he faces his own consequences.” Sentencing has been set for Oct. 11. At that time, Ramirez faces up to life in federal prison. He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Eyes is prosecuting the case.


title: Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to $1.4M Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man pleaded guilty today to defrauding the U.S. government of approximately $1.4 million in tax revenue by preparing false tax returns on behalf of his unsuspecting clients. According to court documents, between 2016 and 2020, Lawrence Appiah-Osei, 58, ran a tax preparation business called New Look Enterprise out of his home in Alexandria. From at least 2017 through 2020, Appiah-Osei executed a scheme to fraudulently inflate the tax refunds of his clients. To do so, Appiah-Osei falsely claimed that his clients operated businesses that lost thousands of dollars each year. These fraudulent losses drove down the clients’ taxable income and increased the clients’ tax refunds. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) estimates the Appiah-Osei’s actions resulted in a tax loss of approximately $1.4 million to the federal government. Appiah-Osei is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3. He faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hood is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-113.


title: Madison Felon Sentenced to 6 Years for Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Donquil D. McLemore, 20, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. McLemore’s sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervision. McLemore pleaded guilty to this charge on February 17, 2023. On June 30, 2022, McLemore was a passenger in a stolen car in Madison when he and the other two occupants of the car crashed into a truck with a trailer. McLemore and the other occupants of the car battered the two individuals inside the truck. Then, while fleeing the scene, McLemore and the others drove past the truck and one of the occupants pointed a gun and fired a shot at the victims. The car crashed a few miles from the scene where the shot was fired, and McLemore fled the crash site and was arrested at a nearby lot. He was found in possession of a loaded.380 caliber handgun. McLemore’s DNA was later found on the handgun. McLemore was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on five prior felony convictions. At the time of this incident, McLemore was on state probation for three separate cases. He was also out on bond on two pending state criminal cases. At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that McLemore was a young defendant with a disturbing history as a juvenile. He stated that McLemore’s gun possession was “especially concerning because of his history of past violence.” The Court highlighted McLemore’s “unrelenting criminality,” concluding that the protection of the public was a driver of the sentence. Finally, Judge Conley commented that McLemore had “traveled an extremely destructive path” and determined that a lengthy prison sentence was warranted. Roland J. Scott III, one of the other occupants in the stolen car, was sentenced by Judge Conley to 8 years in prison on May 18, 2023, for possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and maintaining a drug trafficking place. Scott was sentenced for conduct related to this investigation as well as additional crimes not connected to McLemore. The charge against McLemore was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Kathryn E. Ginsberg prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Seymour Man Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Cash and Cigarettes in Month-Long Robbery Spree

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN GALARZA, 25, of Seymour, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing 11 robberies of convenience stores and smoke shops in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York in 2022. According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 27 and March 22, 2022, Galarza and others, using facsimile firearms that are designed to appear similar to real firearms, robbed the following retail locations of cash, cigarettes and other items: February 27 – Scott’s Village Mobil Gas Station, 843 Farmington Avenue, Farmington March 2 – Mystic Mobil Gas Station, 66 Whitehall Avenue, Mystic March 3 – Shell Gas Station, 168 Bridge Street, East Windsor March 3 – Food Bag, 960 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Southington March 5 – Valero Gas Station, 1 Main Street, Ellington March 5 – Sunoco Gas Station, 446 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor March 8 – Smoker’s Discount World, 636 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield March 16 – Cove Smoke Market, located at 841 Cove Road, Stamford March 19 – 7-Eleven in Salem, New Hampshire March 19 – Smoker’s Depot, located at 399 West Main Street, New Britain March 22 – 7-Eleven in Katonah, New York Galarza was arrested on April 19, 2022. On January 9, 2023, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of Hobbs Act Robbery. Galarza is detained. Efrain Deleon and Gilberto Deleon, both of New Britain, participated in most of these robberies and have pleaded guilty to related charges. They await sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, and the Farmington, Stonington, East Windsor, Southington, Windsor, Wethersfield, Stamford, New Britain, Salem (N.H.), and Somers (N.Y.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Rahul Kale.


title: Texas Man Charged with Kidnapping Girl at Gunpoint then Repeatedly Assaulting Her on Road Trip Before His Arrest in Long Beach

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today indicted a Texas man who allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint in Texas, drove her to California, and sexually assaulted her multiple times before his arrest in Long Beach last week. Steven Robert Sablan, 61, of Cleburne, Texas, is charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. His arraignment is scheduled for July 31 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. According to the indictment and an affidavit previously filed with a criminal complaint in this matter, on July 6 in San Antonio, the victim was walking down a street when Sablan, driving a gray Nissan Sentra, approached her. Sablan allegedly raised a black handgun to his side and told the victim to get in the car, saying “If you don’t get in the car with me, I am going to hurt you.” Fearing for her life, the victim obeyed Sablan, court documents allege. Sablan allegedly began driving with the victim in the car and asked her how old she was. The victim replied she was 13 years old, and – after later mentioning she had a friend in Australia – Sablan allegedly told the victim he could take her to a cruise ship to visit this friend, but she had to do something for him first. He then repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim, according to court documents. Over the next two days, Sablan allegedly drove the victim from Texas to California and sexually assaulted her at least two more times. On the morning of July 9, Sablan parked the car in a lot in Long Beach and took their clothes to a laundromat for washing. While Sablan was in the laundromat, the victim stayed in the car and wrote “Help me!” on a piece of paper to try and get someone’s attention. A witness telephoned law enforcement, who upon arrival saw Sablan standing outside the vehicle and saw the victim – who mouthed the word “Help” – inside the car, court documents state. During a search of the vehicle, officers retrieved a black BB gun, a “Help me” sign, and a pair of handcuffs. Law enforcement determined the victim was a reported runaway missing person from San Antonio. If convicted of both charges in the indictment, Sablan would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter. The Cleburne (Texas) Police Department provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Washington Man Sentenced for Involvement in Shooting Death of Coeur d’Alene Teen

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COEUR D’ALENE – Matthew James Holmberg, 20, of Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced Monday, July 17, 2023, to 19 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. According to court records, Holmberg was involved in distributing a variety of controlled substances, including fentanyl pills. In 2021, Holmberg met Dennen Trey George Fitterer-Usher, 24, of Spokane Valley, Washington. Holmberg recruited and began bringing Fitterer-Usher to drug deals with him as an armed bodyguard. On May 31, 2021, Gabriel Casper, 18, Vadin Bartlett, 19, and Ashton Creech, 18, met Holmberg and Fitterer-Usher near Cherry Hill in Coeur d’Alene. Though Casper had arranged to purchase $300 worth of pills, he and the others were armed and arrived at the deal with the intent of robbing Holmberg. Casper, Bartlett, and Creech got into Holmberg’s vehicle, and Casper attempted to steal the pills. Fitterer-Usher then pulled his firearm and shot Casper six times. While Bartlett and Creech fled from the gun fire, Holmberg sped off with Casper still in the vehicle. Several blocks later, Casper was pushed from the moving car and left to die. Despite attempts by civilians and EMS to save him, Casper ultimately succumbed to his wounds. Local, state, and federal officers began an immediate investigation into Casper’s death. Despite attempts by Fitterer-Usher and Holmberg to conceal the crimes, they were both eventually located and arrested. “The sentence imposed in this case, and in the multiple other prosecutions arising from this investigation, show that our office and our law enforcement partners will spare no effort in seeking justice against those who commit violence and distribute drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. "Amidst tragedy and unwarranted loss, the tenacity of our investigators and the relentless work by the U.S. Attorney brings justice for a grieving family and community,” said Colonel Kedrick Wills, Director of the Idaho State Police. “This unfortunate case serves as a solemn reminder of our commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure those who violate it face consequences." “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to aggressively investigate individuals like Holmberg who use the U.S. Mail in support of their criminal activities,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti. “This should also serve as a reminder to those who abuse our community by peddling dangerous narcotics; law enforcement will find you and bring you to justice. Cases like these don’t come together without collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners and we thank all agencies involved.” “This incident is another sad example of the death and despair that fentanyl brings to our communities but also shows the resolve of DEA and our federal, state, and local partners in bringing evildoers to justice,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. Fitterer-Usher was also charged federally with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was previously sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill in December of 2022 to more than 14 years of federal prison time. Bartlett and Creech were both prosecuted by the state of Idaho for attempted robbery. Bartlett was sentenced to a suspended sentence of 5 years fixed, followed by 7 years indeterminate and was placed on probation after completing a rider. Creech was sentenced to an imposed sentence of 4 years fixed, followed by 11 years indeterminate and is currently serving his time in the Idaho Department of Corrections. As part of their investigation, officers learned that Holmberg had been selling fentanyl-laced pills for several months via social media websites, including SnapChat. The investigation revealed Holmberg had delivered fentanyl pills to Michael Stabile, a 15-year-old, Lake City High School student in Coeur d’Alene. On May 10, 2021, Michael Stabile overdosed and died from fentanyl poisoning. Stabile’s death was one of several reasons that U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford sentenced Holmberg to 228 months in federal prison. Holmberg, upon completion of his prison sentence, was also ordered to serve an additional three years of supervised release. The investigation also resulted in the arrest and prosecution of multiple individuals in Washington and Arizona who were involved in obtaining tens of thousands of fentanyl pills from a source in Mexico, via Arizona, and distributing those pills in Washington and North Idaho. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for severe pain management and prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges. While prescription fentanyl can be diverted for misuse, most cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl that is sold through illicit drug markets for its heroin-like effect. Idaho in general has seen a massive influx of these pills in the last several years. The pills are mass-produced by criminal drug networks and falsely marketed as legitimate prescription pills. The pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall). It is difficult to tell the difference between an authentic pill and a counterfeit pill. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Lake Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Idaho State Police, which led to charges. He also commended the work of other agencies who participated and assisted in the investigation of the sources of supply, which resulted in the arrest and conviction of multiple individuals in Washington and Arizona. Agencies who assisted include the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, Lakewood Police Department, Medford Police Department, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, Centralia Police Department, Chehalis Police Department, Shoshone County Sherriff’s Office, Washington Department of Corrections, United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DEA Centralia Post of Duty, and certain DEA Task Forces: JNET, Tucson Strike Force, and Phoenix Group 16 DEALERS. These prosecutions are a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing a Firearm and Conspiring to Make False Statements in the Acquisition of Firearms

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Woonsocket, Rhode Island man was indicted and arrested in connection with federal firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Mario Marques, 25, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to make false statements during the acquisition of firearms, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Marques will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date. According to the charging documents, Marques was legally prohibited from purchasing firearms but conspired with another person to purchase six firearms for him. The guns were purchased from five separate federally licensed firearms dealers in New Hampshire, between September 30 and November 20, 2021. Marques is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm for possessing a Springfield Armory Model XD, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol purchased in New Hampshire during the course of the conspiracy. The charges provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes, which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: New Jersey woman indicted for investment fraud

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A New Jersey woman has been charged in an international investment scheme involving the alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Diana Mae Cazenas Fernandez, also known as “Diana Fernandez Koporan,” “Dana Fernandez,” and “Dajana Ko,” 37, of Bergenfield, New Jersey and Serbia, has been indicted on four counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud. According to court documents, Fernandez operated companies called “The Self Made Success” and “Diana Mae K., LLC” and used social media and email to solicit investors, offering “no-risk” and “guaranteed” investment opportunities. Multiple victims, including one from Marion County, West Virginia, invested an aggregate amount of over $300,000. When it was time to deliver returns on the investments, Fernandez made false claims as to why dividends couldn’t be paid and then used investors’ money for her own benefit. Fernandez was arrested in Serbia where she is being held pending extradition. She faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Homeless Center Employee Admits Stealing More Than $70,000 in Government Checks Intended for Unhoused

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 20, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Charisse Elaine Alexander pleaded guilty in federal court today to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, admitting that she stole 66 government-issued checks intended for unhoused individuals while working at the San Diego (Neil Good) Day Center for Homeless Adults. According to her plea agreement, Alexander was employed at the San Diego (Neil Good) Day Center in April 2021 when she and her then-boyfriend devised a scheme to steal government checks sent to unhoused individuals receiving their mail at the Center. Alexander exploited her access to the mailroom to steal mail containing checks sent by the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Internal Revenue Service, and State of California. At least 56 individuals, most unhoused and of extremely limited financial means, had checks stolen by Alexander between April 2021 and January 2023. Alexander, 55, admitted that she would steal the checks from the Center’s mailroom, divide them with her then-boyfriend, and that they would forge the signature of the intended recipient and deposit the check into their respective bank accounts. The money was eventually withdrawn at ATM locations in California and Nevada, many inside or near casinos. In total, Alexander agreed that she and her co-conspirator received at least $73,466.43 in stolen government money as a result of their fraud conspiracy. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Alexander has agreed to make full restitution for the money stolen by both her and her co-conspirator. “This crime victimized dozens of individuals, many of whom may not know that they had their checks stolen,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This defendant exploited a position of trust and caused financial hardship to those least able to go without their retirement benefits, veteran’s pensions, tax returns, and public aid.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General for discovering and investigating this crime. “Ms. Alexander preyed upon a vulnerable community and her criminal actions deprived them of their vital Social Security benefits,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “My office will continue to investigate those who conspire to steal the Social Security benefits of others for their own gain. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill for their work in prosecuting this case.” Alexander was released on bail pending her sentencing hearing, which is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz on October 12, 2023, at 1 p.m. If you or someone you know were receiving mail at the San Diego (Neil Good) Day Center for Homeless Adults between 2020 and 2023, and believe that mail may have been stolen, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at the number listed above, or the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271. DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr1460-BTM Charisse Elaine Alexander Age: 55 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCIES Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General


title: Terrebonne Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug Trafficking Crimes

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WILLIAM AUTHUR BRYANT, JR. , age 29, from Terrebonne Parish, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Count 1), distribution of methamphetamine (Count 2), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Count 5), use of a communication facility (Count 4), two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Counts 6 and 7), and being a felon in possession of a firearm (Count 8), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 843(b), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2, 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 922(g)(1), and 924(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. BRYANT took part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout Terrebonne Parish and surrounding areas for over a year. On Counts One, Two, and Five, BRYANT faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. On Count Four, BRYANT faces up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to one (1) year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. On Counts Six and Seven, BRYANT faces a minimum of five (5) years imprisonment up to life imprisonment to run consecutive to any other terms of imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and up to 5 years of supervised release. On Count Eight, BRYANT faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000.00. As to each count, BRYANT faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Houma Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Former Union Officer Sentenced to 140 Months in Prison for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, and Embezzlement

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – Brian Ahakuelo (age 61) was sentenced today in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor to 140 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for conspiracy, wire fraud, and embezzlement for crimes committed while he was employed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”) Local 1260 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $209,391.72. A federal trial jury found Ahakuelo and his wife, Marilyn Ahakuelo (age 59), guilty of those crimes after a four-week trial on November 21, 2022. Brian Ahakuelo has been detained in custody since the jury verdict. Brian Ahakuelo and Marilyn Ahakuelo were both convicted of one count of conspiracy and 42 counts of wire fraud, and also convicted of embezzlement of a labor union asset (six counts and three counts, respectively). Brian Ahakuelo alone was convicted of 19 counts of money laundering. Judge Gillmor previously sentenced Marilyn Ahakuelo to 70 months in prison for her convictions. At trial, the evidence showed that Brian Ahakuelo, who served as IBEW’s Business Manager and Financial Secretary, hired family members at high salaries and authorized the use of union funds for personal purposes, including extravagant travel for himself and those loyal to him. In the case of one family member hired by Brian Ahakuelo, little legitimate work was performed. The evidence at trial also showed that Brian and Marilyn Ahakuelo used union funds to purchase personal trips to the mainland, and that Brian Ahakuelo engaged in self-dealing by using union funds to purchase a truck already owned by Marilyn Ahakuelo while allowing her to continue to use it. When his activities largely depleted the union’s coffers, Brian Ahakuelo, with the help of Marilyn Ahakuelo and other union employees, rigged a vote on a resolution to increase membership dues. The voter fraud caused members to pay an additional $3.7 million in dues over approximately eighteen months. “Labor leaders have a fiduciary duty to their members, and in this case, the jury returned its verdict after hearing extensive testimony and reviewing voluminous documentary evidence of Brian and Marilyn Ahakuelo’s criminal violation of that duty,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure criminal consequences in a court of law when this type of misconduct occurs.” “Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey once said, ‘America is a living testimonial to what free men and women, organized in free democratic trade unions, can do to make a better life.’ Unfortunately, Brian and Marilyn Ahakuelo used their union to better their own lives, causing immense harm to all their fellow union members,” said Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “Let today’s sentence be a cautionary tale to other would-be fraudsters that IRS-CI is committed to bringing criminals like the Ahakuelos to justice.” “Brian Ahakuelo betrayed the trust of the union membership to protect and safeguard their union’s funds for the benefit of its members. The Office of Labor-Management Standards will continue to protect unions by bringing to justice, and seeking restitution from, any official who chooses to use union funds for their own benefit,” said Ed Oquendo, District Director, Los Angeles District Office, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. “Brian Ahakuelo betrayed the hardworking union members of the IBEW Local 1260,” said Hawai`i Attorney General Anne Lopez. “This case demonstrates the commitment of the Hawai`i Department of the Attorney General to collaborate with our federal partners in investigating and prosecuting those who abuse their positions of trust in this state. I extend profound gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Department of Labor for their outstanding work on this case.” This conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-CI, Department of Labor – Office of Labor Management Standards, and State of Hawaii Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and W. KeAupuni Akina prosecuted the case.


title: District Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison  For Distributing Drugs and Illegally Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Demarco Boyd, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for his convictions on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Boyd pleaded guilty on March 24, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (one of which was a machinegun). In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered 60 months of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, in June of 2022, the Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) was investigating individuals involved in narcotics distribution around the 3600 block of Hayes Street NE, Washington DC, including hand-to-hand transactions and controlled buys in the area of the 3600 block of Hayes Street NE. After making a controlled purchase of cocaine base from Boyd, on June 16, 2022, officers executed a search warrant at an apartment occupied by Boyd, his pregnant girlfriend, and her young child. Boyd was present at the time and dropped a Glock firearm and a black backpack containing a “Draco” style firearm out of one window of the apartment onto the grass below. The Glock 19 pistol had an illegal “giggle” converter switch, which is designed to enable the firearm to expel more than one round of ammunition with a single pull of the trigger, making the firearm a machinegun. The “Draco” style firearm had a large capacity magazine loaded with 28 rounds. From the apartment, officers also seized distributable amounts of phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine base, fentanyl, and marijuana, as well as various drug paraphernalia. DEA lab results indicate that law enforcement seized at least 583 grams of marijuana, 110 grams of cocaine base, 40 grams of PCP, and 2.77 grams of fentanyl. MPD also found and seized $5,129 of U.S. currency. The defendant admitted that he possessed the two firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, and that he knew he was a convicted felon at the time he possessed them. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of the detectives and patrol officers of the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Henek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: United States Attorney Escalona Announces Recent Indictments Aimed at Reducing Violent Crime Across the Northern District of Alabama

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today, United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced that continued efforts to combat violent crime have led to federal firearms charges against 12 individuals. These indictments are the result of the collaborative efforts of federal and local partners to identify and focus enforcement on individuals who illegally purchase and possess firearms in the Northern District of Alabama. “Felons who illegally possess firearms are major contributors to violent crime in this district,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “The fundamental goal of our violent crime work is to focus our enforcement actions on the individuals and criminal activities that drive violent crime in our communities. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect our communities and to reduce the number of firearms in the hands of prohibited people.” Last month a federal grand jury indicted 12 individuals across the Northern District of Alabama on a variety of federal firearm charges. DeKalb County Mark Anthony Clines , 59, of Rainsville, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Miguel Angel Rojas , 31, of Valley Head, was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm. Etowah County Michael Wesson , 66, of Southside, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Jefferson County Robert Elijah Allen , 29, of Birmingham, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Somer Lemere Ross , 27, of Birmingham, was charged with making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee dealer during the purchase of a firearm. Ross falsified documents by specifically stating that she was the actual buyer when in fact she was buying the firearm for an individual who was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Cornelius Abodur Brownlee, Jr., 21 , of Ensley, was charged with illegally possessing a machine gun, that is, a Glock 9mm pistol equipped with a “Glock switch” and possession of an unregistered firearm. Roderick Jimelle Needham , 23, of Birmingham, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Kenneth Lamont Crawford , 51, of Birmingham, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Mark Anthony Clifton , 37, of Cedar Bluff, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Shelby County Dennis Dewayne Dothard , 39, of Birmingham, was charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm in during and in relation to a violent crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. St. Clair County Christopher Allen Grooms , 40, of Ashville, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Tuscaloosa County Isiah Teanthony Joy , 31, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm. These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the Department of Justice’s violent crime strategy to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders collaborate to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally-based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Three Men Sentenced for Armed Carjacking

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Three Tennessee men were each sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison for committing an armed carjacking of two victims at a gas station in Bolivar, Tennessee. According to court documents, on Nov. 9, 2020, Delvion Beard, 22, Quadarius Greer, 21, and Bryson Townsley, 21, all of Jackson, stole an Audi A4 from two victims at gunpoint. Beard and Greer abruptly entered the back seat of the car and forced the victims to drive from the gas station at gunpoint. Townsley followed them in a second car. Along the way, Beard and Greer forced the driver into the back seat and Beard took control of the car, driving it to a residential complex. When they arrived, the three defendants used physical force and guns, including an AK-47 pistol, to take the victims out of the car, rob them, and drive away in the stolen vehicle. One victim suffered injuries during the attack. The defendants threatened to kill both victims if they reported the incident to the police. “The choice of these armed carjackers to terrorize innocent victims for personal gain was cowardly and reprehensible,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentences demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to vigorously prosecuting those who use weapons and violence to dominate our public spaces and deprive our citizens of safety in their own communities.” “Individuals committing gun violence are causing havoc in West Tennessee. Armed carjackings, in particular, threaten basic notions of what it means to feel safe in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “Citizens throughout our district can be assured that the Department of Justice, along with state and local law enforcement partners, tirelessly work together to protect the innocent and bring to justice those who commit violent acts.” “Carjackings are a senseless but seriously violent crime that threaten the lives of innocent victims in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office, “Law enforcement refuses to tolerate this criminal behavior, and the FBI will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to target, identify, and bring each and every violent offender to justice.” The FBI and Bolivar Police Department investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department. Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Parham for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.


title: St. Paul Felon Sentenced to 9.5 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 115 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing multiple firearms while on federal supervised release, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on September 27, 2022, a 911 caller reported seeing two males in a Ford Fusion on I-94 brandishing and pointing firearms. The caller also reported hearing a gunshot. Two Minnesota State Patrol squads located the Ford Fusion and conducted a traffic stop. The driver and the passenger, later identified as Antonio Maurice Hughes, 29, fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. After the St. Paul Police responded with a K9 unit, Hughes exited the wooded area and was taken into custody. When the K9 retraced Hughes’s flight path, officers found the defendant’s driver’s license, other personal papers and effects, and two loaded semiautomatic pistols. On November 15, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Hughes’s apartment and recovered two additional firearms, both with attached high-capacity magazines. One of those firearms was determined to have been stolen. This conduct occurred while Hughes was on supervised release following two 2016 federal convictions for firearms violations. Because of Hughes’s prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. On January 24, 2023, Hughes pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms as a felon and admitted to possessing the other two firearms. He was sentenced earlier today by Senior Judge David S. Doty. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.


title: Rochester Man Sentenced To Five Years In Prison On Gun Charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Omri Green, 28, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that in the early morning hours of October 15, 2022, Rochester Police Officers working the downtown “bar detail” responded to gunshots heard in the area of Haags Alley and Richmond Street. Upon entering the alley, officers identified Green and another individual. During a pat frisk of Green, they located a loaded .40 caliber handgun in his waistband. They also recovered a .40 caliber ammunition casing on Charlotte Street. In 2014, Green was convicted of a felony and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and 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 sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito. # # # #


title: Jamestown Felon Going To Prison For Gun Possession

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Angelo Pollino, 35, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2012, Pollino was convicted in Chautauqua County Court of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree and Burglary in the Third Degree, and was sentenced to serve one to three years in prison. As a result, Pollino is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. On January 24, 2019, Pollino and two other men broke into and burglarized a home in the Town of Ellicott, NY. Pollino and the others took a .380 caliber pistol, a .38 caliber revolver, a Glock pistol, and various bank and credit cards of the victim. The following day, the three men utilized the victim’s bank and credit cards at various locations in New York and Pennsylvania. Pollino then traded the pistol and revolver for heroin. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss. # # # #


title: Justice Department And FTC Seek Comment on Draft Merger Guidelines

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are releasing a draft update of the Merger Guidelines (Draft Guidelines), which describe and guide the agencies’ review of mergers and acquisitions to determine compliance with federal antitrust laws. The goal of this update is to better reflect how the agencies determine a merger’s effect on competition in the modern economy and evaluate proposed mergers under the law. Both agencies encourage the public to review the draft and provide feedback through a public comment period that will last 60 days. “Unchecked consolidation threatens the free and fair markets upon which our economy is based,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These updated Merger Guidelines respond to modern market realities and will enable the Justice Department to transparently and effectively protect the American people from the damage that anticompetitive mergers cause.” “Competitive markets and economic opportunity go hand in hand. Today, we are issuing draft guidelines that are faithful to the law, which prevents mergers that threaten competition or tend to create monopolies. As markets and commercial realities change, it is vital that we adapt our law enforcement tools to keep pace so that we can protect competition in a manner that reflects the intricacies of our modern economy. Simply put, competition today looks different than it did 50 — or even 15 — years ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division. “There will be a substantial process for the public to review and provide comments before we finalize these guidelines.” “Open, competitive, resilient markets have been a bedrock of America’s economic success and dynamism throughout our nation’s history. Faithful and vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws is key to maintaining that success,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “With these draft Merger Guidelines, we are updating our enforcement manual to reflect the realities of how firms do business in the modern economy. Informed by thousands of public comments — spanning healthcare workers, farmers, patient advocates, musicians, and entrepreneurs — these guidelines contain critical updates while ensuring fidelity to the mandate Congress has given us and the legal precedent on the books.” The Justice Department and FTC protect competition through enforcement of the antitrust laws and other federal competition statutes. Since 1968, the agencies have issued and revised Merger Guidelines to enhance transparency and promote awareness of how the agencies carry out that charge with respect to mergers and acquisitions. The Draft Guidelines build upon, expand, and clarify frameworks set out in previous versions. At the outset, the Guidelines give an overview of 13 principles, or “guidelines,” that the agencies may use when determining whether a merger is unlawfully anticompetitive under the antitrust laws. These guidelines are not mutually exclusive, and a given merger may implicate multiple guidelines. The document then describes in greater depth the frameworks and tools that may be used when analyzing a merger with respect to each guideline. The 13 Guidelines are: Mergers should not significantly increase concentration in highly concentrated markets; Mergers should not eliminate substantial competition between firms; Mergers should not increase the risk of coordination; Mergers should not eliminate a potential entrant in a concentrated market; Mergers should not substantially lessen competition by creating a firm that controls products or services that its rivals may use to compete; Vertical mergers should not create market structures that foreclose competition; Mergers should not entrench or extend a dominant position; Mergers should not further a trend toward concentration; When a merger is part of a series of multiple acquisitions, the agencies may examine the whole series; When a merger involves a multi-sided platform, the agencies examine competition between platforms, on a platform, or to displace a platform; When a merger involves competing buyers, the agencies examine whether it may substantially lessen competition for workers or other sellers; When an acquisition involves partial ownership or minority interests, the agencies examine its impact on competition; and Mergers should not otherwise substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly; The agencies have amended the Merger Guidelines several times since the first Merger Guidelines were released in 1968, including in 1982, 1984, 1992, 1997, 2010, and 2020. In January 2022, the agencies announced a broad initiative to evaluate potential updates and revisions to the Horizontal Merger Guidelines, issued in 2010, and the Vertical Merger Guidelines issued in 2020. Following a public comment period, which included a request for information , more than 5,000 members of the public — including consumers, workers, state attorneys general, academics, businesses, trade associations, practitioners, and entrepreneurs — contributed feedback. The agencies also conducted four listening sessions that highlighted the potential for mergers and acquisitions to undermine open, vibrant, and competitive markets in industries ranging from food and agriculture to health care. In revising the Merger Guidelines, the agencies focused on three core goals. First, the Draft Guidelines should reflect the law as written by Congress and interpreted by the highest courts. The Guidelines are built around statutory text and relevant case precedent, citing cases in order to clarify the connection between the law and the analytic frameworks described. The Draft Guidelines also make clear that they are not a substitute for the law itself, and do not create new rights or obligations. Second, the Draft Guidelines should be accessible, increasing transparency and awareness. Third, the Draft Guidelines should provide frameworks that reflect the realities of our modern economy and the best of modern economics and other analytical tools. The public is invited to provide comments to the Draft Guidelines at www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2023-0043 for a period of 60 days. The deadline is Sept. 18. The agencies will use the public comments to evaluate and update the draft before finalizing the Guidelines. For a detailed fact sheet on the Draft Guidelines, please visit www.justice.gov/atr/d9/2023-draft-merger-guidelines .


title: Final Defendant Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for a Racketeering Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband into the Chesapeake Detention Facility

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, sentenced Bernard Bay, age 53, of Baltimore, to 51 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy at the Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF), in Baltimore, Maryland. Judge Russell ordered that Bey’s federal sentence be served consecutive to the 10 year sentence that Bey is currently serving for possession of a stolen firearm. Bey, who was a leader in the conspiracy, is the final defendant in the conspiracy to be sentenced. Three former correctional officers (COs), three other detainees, and two outside “facilitators” pleaded guilty or were convicted after trial for their roles in the conspiracy, which involved paying bribes to correctional officers to smuggle contraband, including narcotics, tobacco, and cell phones, into the prison. Bey’s co-defendants were sentenced to between 18 and 51 months in federal prison. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, CDF is run by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) pursuant to a contract with the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and is used for the housing of federal pretrial detainees. According to his plea agreement, from at least 2018 through June 2020, Bey conspired with other detainees, employees and associates of CDF to smuggle contraband into CDF, including narcotics, cell phones, and tobacco, in exchange for bribe payments. Bey had a romantic relationship with CO Talaia Youngblood and she met with outside facilitators at Bey’s direction to receive contraband and bribe payments, as well as the cellular telephone that she used to communicate with Bey. For example, in March 2020 Bey sent a note to CO Youngblood telling her that an outside facilitator would be providing her with marijuana and CDs and DVDs to smuggle into CDF. Bey also told Youngblood to contact a second outside facilitator, whom Bey called “Fatman,” so that Fatman could provide her with a pair of designer sunglasses as a bribe. As detailed in his plea agreement, during the Spring of 2020, Bey made a $500 bribe payment to another CO through an outside facilitator after CO Youngblood stopped showing up to work. In August 2018, Bey paid a bribe to a third CO, Andre Davis, who then smuggled a smart watch and a package containing tobacco into CDF for Bey. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Robert I. Goldaris, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: American man who sexually abused multiple Filipino girls sentenced to 50 years

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Stephen Gordon Grimes has been sentenced for producing child pornography overseas and transporting the material to the United States. Over the course of three years, he recorded videos of his sexual abuse of girls as young as four years old. “Grimes exploited poverty in the Philippines to gain access to multiple young girls,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He sexually abused these children for multiple years and recorded the crimes. His sentence rightly reflects the harm that he inflicted on these children.” “I’m thankful for the successful resolution of and I’m happy that the victims can begin the healing process knowing that this predator will no longer be able to prey upon them,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its law enforcement partners around the globe work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable population and hold those who seek to prey upon them, accountable.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: around 2009, Grimes met two Filipino women in an online chat room. These women, who were sisters, agreed to arrange for Grimes to sexually exploit young girls in the Philippines, including the children of one of the women. Grimes worked as a civilian contractor on a Navy ship and often traveled to the Philippines at the end of each contract. He paid one of the women $500 a month to gain exclusive access to his child victims while he was in the Philippines. Beginning no later than February 2016 and continuing until May 2019, Grimes used a GoPro device to record his sexual abuse of Filipino girls between the ages of four and 13 years. He also used a cell phone camera to record his sexual assault of the girls. When Grimes traveled from South Korea to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on September 29, 2020, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confiscated his computers, cell phone and other electronic devices. A subsequent analysis of these items revealed that he had produced 340 videos and 650 images of his abuse of Filipino girls. The analysis of his computer also showed that he downloaded 523 videos and 4,470 images of child pornography from the internet. Following Grimes’ arrest, HSI special agents undertook an operation that led to the rescue of the girls whom he had exploited and resulted in the local prosecution of the two women who conspired with Grimes. Stephen Gordon Grimes, 51, of Lompoc, California, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Grimes was found guilty by a jury on April 7, 2023, of multiple counts of producing child pornography outside the United States, attempting to transport child pornography, and possessing child pornography. Parole does not exist in the federal prison system. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul R. Jones and Amy M. Palumbo prosecuted the case. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Gloucester County Man Convicted of Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A federal jury convicted a Gloucester County, New Jersey, man for narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Javier Osorio, 43, of Deptford, New Jersey, was convicted following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court. Osorio was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to documents in this case and the evidence at trial: Osorio conspired with others to distribute cocaine and over one kilogram of heroin, which was recovered from his apartment. Osorio was arrested while driving with his conspirators from New Jersey to Brooklyn to sell an additional quantity of heroin, which was recovered from the vehicle. In addition to the drugs recovered from his apartment, law enforcement also recovered a loaded stolen firearm from under Osorio’s mattress. At sentencing, Osorio faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years on each count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute heroin is punishable by a maximum penalty of life in prison. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term; the count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Each count also carries a potential $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation leading to these charges. He also credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez for its assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney George L. Brandley of the Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the Office’s Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf .


title: Five Sentenced to Prison on Federal Drug Charges

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced the final defendant of five total co-conspirators for his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine operation in southern Illinois. Robert Smith, 42, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison. Smith pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to launder money. The case involved more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine distributed in the Southern District of Illinois. Co-conspirator William Moore, 39, of East St. Louis, pled guilty to five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to launder money. He received a 30-year federal prison sentence on April 20, 2022, and he will serve five years of supervised release. Michael Huffman, 37, of Salem, Illinois, pled guilty to one count of distributing methamphetamine, one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He received an 8-year federal prison sentence on Oct. 27, 2022, and he will serve three years of supervised release. Stacey Barkley, 36 of Caseyville, Illinois, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on Sept. 15, 2021, and she will serve three years of supervised release. Michael Greene, 54, of St. Louis, pled guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He received a 25-month federal prison sentence on Feb. 9, 2023, and he will serve four years of supervised release. “Trafficking dangerous and addictive drugs into and around southern Illinois will earn conspirators time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thanks to this collaborative effort by law enforcement, more criminals are behind bars.” "Despite the attention given to fentanyl, methamphetamine remains the top drug seized by quantity in Southern Illinois and is still responsible for destroying many lives," said Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration division that leads DEA investigations in Southern Illinois, as well as Missouri and Kansas. "DEA and our federal, state and local partners are dedicated to stopping drug distribution and money laundering operations like this one to protect our citizen's lives and health from the menace of illicit drugs." “Whenever someone involved in drug trafficking is sentenced to prison, it’s a victory for local communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “Drug traffickers are in business to make money and they don’t care who they hurt to achieve that objective. The special agents of IRS-CI are proud to use their financial expertise to help find and disrupt drug trafficking networks and put a stop to the harm they do to communities.” According to court documents, DEA agents investigated the defendants for distributing methamphetamine in St. Clair County from February to October 2019. In recorded buys, confidential sources purchased more than 750 grams of methamphetamine from Moore on five occasions at a restaurant in East St. Louis. On July 9, 2019, Greene received more than 58 grams of methamphetamine from Moore with intent to distribute. On July 10, 2019, agents seized a package of 6,310 grams of methamphetamine before Huffman could retrieve at Moore’s request. On Aug. 19, 2019, agents arrested Barkley in possession of more than 100 grams of methamphetamine from Moore. In court proceedings, Smith was held responsible for supplying more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine from California in the drug operation led by Moore. In furtherance of the financial crime conspiracy, Moore laundered drug proceeds for Smith to facilitate the trafficking operation. DEA led the investigation with support from the IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Fischer prosecuted the case. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces 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.


title: Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

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

body_text: A Texas woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. According to court documents, in or around April 2022, Patricia Hart, 24, and her boyfriend, Gregory Massey, were arrested in New Orleans. While Massey was in custody, Hart conspired with Massey on recorded jail calls to engage in sex trafficking, including by locking one victim outside, hitting her, withholding her identity documents, and scaring her with a firearm. Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. As a result of her plea, Hart must also participate in the sex offender registration and notification program. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.


title: North Carolina Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Heroin Distribution and Firearms Offenses

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Raleigh, North Carolina, man with ties to Trenton was sentenced to 151 months in prison for distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Dennis Cheston Jr., aka “Beans,” 42, previously pleaded guilty before former Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to two counts of an indictment charging him with distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Following Judge Wolfson’s retirement, the case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner, who imposed the sentence on July 18, 2023, in Trenton federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From October 2017 to October 2018, law enforcement investigated a large narcotics conspiracy that operated in Trenton and elsewhere. Conspirators Jakir Taylor, aka “Jak,” and Jerome Roberts, aka “Righteous,” obtained regular supplies of hundreds of bricks of heroin from conspirator David Antonio, aka “Papi,” which Taylor, Roberts, and their conspirators then redistributed for profit in Trenton and elsewhere. On multiple occasions, Cheston – a convicted felon with ties to the Trenton area – traveled from North Carolina to Trenton and obtained quantities of heroin from Taylor for redistribution. During one intercepted telephone call between Taylor and Cheston, Cheston advised Taylor that the heroin bearing an ink stamp that read “Top Secret” was of high quality and that Cheston’s customers in North Carolina liked it. During the course of these drug transactions, Cheston agreed to travel from North Carolina to Trenton to supply Taylor with multiple firearms in exchange for future supplies of heroin. Cheston had previously brought multiple firearms from North Carolina to New Jersey, but had provided them to other individuals instead of Taylor. In an Aug. 25, 2018, intercepted call however, Cheston promised to bring all future guns to Taylor first. On Sept. 8, 2018, law enforcement tracked Cheston as he traveled from North Carolina to Trenton. Shortly after his arrival, law enforcement officers arrested Cheston as he exited the Trenton Transit Center. During a subsequent search of Cheston’s backpack, law enforcement recovered a 9-millimeter Smith & Wesson handgun – one of the guns that Cheston had agreed to provide to Taylor over the wiretap. In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner sentenced Cheston to three years of supervised release. Taylor and Antonio previously pleaded guilty and Roberts was previously convicted at trial. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Steve Wilson; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jonathan Bucchere; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of chief John Fine; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Charlotte Business Owner And Disaster Relief Loan “Consultant” Is Indicted For $1.2 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Charlotte has returned a criminal indictment charging Glynn Paul Hubbard, Jr., 45, of Charlotte, with wire fraud and money laundering, for allegedly obtaining more than $1.2 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Relief Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program loans for himself and his customers, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Karen Wingerd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI), Charlotte Field Office, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to allegations in the indictment, from March 31, 2020, to August 1, 2020, Hubbard, Jr. submitted fraudulent PPP loan and EIDL applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA-approved lenders, seeking to obtain relief funds for his businesses, Borrow My Ride, Balanced Society Corporation, The Regins Corporation, and GGGAB, Inc. To obtain the relief funds, the indictment alleges that Hubbard, Jr. falsified information in loan applications and supporting documentation, and provided false financial information, fake employment data, and fraudulent tax returns for his businesses. As a result of the scheme, the indictment alleges that Hubbard, Jr. received more than $570,000 in fraudulently obtained relief funds. The indictment further alleges that Hubbard, Jr. also executed the scheme by submitting false and fraudulent applications for PPP and EIDL funds on behalf of customers, causing more than $660,000 in relief funds to be disbursed to his customers. Hubbard, Jr. allegedly promoted the fraudulent scheme through personal referrals and in social media posts where he advertised that he was a PPP loan/EIDL consultant. Over the course of the scheme, Hubbard, Jr. allegedly received improper loan preparer fees for his services totaling more than $150,000, and, to avoid detection, he allegedly required customers to pay the loan preparation fees in cash, via cashier’s checks, or wire transfers. “Safeguarding taxpayer dollars and protecting disaster relief programs from fraud is a priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Federal prosecutors are working side-by-side with investigators dedicated to identifying pandemic-related schemes and holding accountable individuals who sought to exploit COVID-19 economic relief programs put in place to help small businesses in a time of grave need.” “During the pandemic, the defendant allegedly took advantage of a program intended to provide critical relief for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Wingerd. “IRS Cl is committed to bringing to justice to those who have exploited the pandemic for personal gain and have stolen from America’s taxpayers.” The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for the money laundering offense is 10 years in prison and a $2500,000 fine. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King credited IRS CI for the investigation which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caryn Finley and Cassye Cole with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are in charge of the prosecution. 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 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 www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Five Individuals Charged in Multi-State COVID-19 Relief Program Fraud Scheme

body_text: riveraetal.complaint.pdf CAMDEN, N.J. – Five individuals were charged for their roles in fraudulently obtaining federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and for laundering the loan proceeds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Two other individuals pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining PPP and EIDL loans. Eric Rivera, 43, of Norcross, Georgia, is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He made is initial appearance in federal court in the Northern District of Georgia and was released on $10,000 unsecured bond. Lisa Smith, 60, of Cornelius, North Carolina, and Sieff Robert Sargeant, 43, of Island Park, New York, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Smith had her initial appearance in the Western District of North Carolina and was released on $25,000 unsecured bond. Sargeant is scheduled to make his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio in Camden federal court. Adrienne Ponzo, 48, of Bear, Delaware, is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and remains at-large. James Wessels, 53, of Middletown, Delaware, is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He made his initial appearance before Judge Donio and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. According to the criminal complaints: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The CARES Act also authorized the Small Business Administration to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses that were experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To obtain a PPP or EIDL loan, a qualifying small business was required to apply and provide information on its operations, including the number of employees and expenses. In addition, businesses generally had to provide supporting documentation. According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court: In one conspiracy, Rivera conspired with Smith, Sargeant, and others to defraud the PPP loan program. Rivera recruited individuals – including Sargeant – who owned businesses with minimal operations, employees, revenues, and profits, and introduced them to Smith. Smith prepared fraudulent PPP applications for these businesses and created false tax returns that were created solely for purposes of applying for the PPP and EIDL loans and were never submitted to the IRS. The applicants, including Sargeant, electronically signed the applications, which were then submitted to lenders. Rivera received payments of 15 to 50 percent of the loan proceeds for his role in orchestrating this scheme. In the second conspiracy, Rivera conspired with Ponzo and others to defraud the EIDL loan program. He recruited individuals who owned businesses with minimal operations, employees, revenues, and profits and introduced them to Ponzo, who prepared fraudulent EIDL applications for these businesses and caused them to be electronically submitted to the Small Business Administration. Rivera received payments of 15 to 50 percent of the loan proceeds for his role in orchestrating this scheme. In the third conspiracy, Rivera conspired with Smith, Wessels, and Sargeant to structure the PPP loan proceeds and paperwork to conceal that the proceeds actually were being spent on non-payroll expenses. Rivera and Smith introduced Sargeant to Wessels, who created fake payroll checks and provided them to Sargeant. Sargeant distributed the fake payroll checks to friends and family members, who cashed the checks and returned the majority of the cash to Sargeant. Smith then used the fake payroll documentation to submit a loan forgiveness application for Sargeant’s business that falsely stated that Sargeant spent 66 percent of the loan amount on payroll expenses. The counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud are each punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The count of conspiracy to commit money laundering is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Earlier this month, Yasha Barjona, 67, and William Ingram, 43, each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen Williams to one count of bank fraud conspiracy. According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court: Ingram and Barjona owned businesses with minimal operations, employees, revenues, and profits. Rivera introduced Ingram and Barjona to Ponzo and Smith. Ponzo prepared fraudulent EIDL applications for Ingram’s and Barjona’s businesses and Smith prepared fraudulent PPP applications for Ingram’s and Barjona’s businesses. Ingram and Barjona electronically signed and submitted these applications, which contained materially false and fraudulent information about the businesses and included false tax returns that were created solely for purposes of applying for the PPP and EIDL loans and were never submitted to the IRS. Ponzo and Smith also prepared fraudulent EIDL and PPP applications for businesses controlled by associates of Barjona. Barjona and his associates received approximately $724,300 in PPP and EIDL proceeds and paid kickbacks to Rivera of approximately 50 percent of the loan amounts. Ingram received approximately $551,600 in PPP and EIDL proceeds and paid kickbacks to Rivera of approximately 15 percent of the loan amounts. After Ingram received the PPP loans, Rivera and Smith introduced Ingram to Wessels, who prepared fake payroll documents to conceal that the proceeds were being spent on non-payroll expenses. Sentencing for Ingram’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023, and for Barjona, Nov. 15, 2023. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Regional Office; special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire in Philadelphia; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott; and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to the charges and guilty pleas. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman and Attorney-in-Charge Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden. The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. barjona.information.pdf riveraetal.complaint.pdf ingram.information.pdf


title: Cleveland Man Found Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Firearms Possession

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – William Sims, 45, of Cleveland, Ohio, was found guilty on Monday of all seven drug trafficking and firearms charges against him after a five-day trial by jury before U.S. District Court Judge Dan Aaron Polster. The charges included possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, crack, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents and testimony, on November 26, 2021, after completing controlled purchases of crack cocaine from William Sims during the prior week, Cleveland Police detectives executed a search warrant on Sims’ home. During the search, detectives found Sims in possession of approximately 154.5 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 124.51 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 78.59 grams of fluorofentanyl and fentanyl, as well as numerous mixtures containing other narcotics like cocaine and heroin. The majority of the drugs were found in Sims’ bedroom, in close proximity with two loaded firearms and ammunition found under Sims’ bed. Sims is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2023. Sims faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, although his sentence will be determined by many factors and may be higher than the mandatory minimum. The judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors. This case was investigated by the Cleveland Police Department, and First District Detective Ryan McNamara and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Payum Doroodian and Alejandro Abreu.


title: Paralegal Is Charged With Embezzling $1.5 Million From Law Firm's Clients

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jennifer Elaine Roarke, 54, of Hickory, N.C., was indicted on wire fraud charges for embezzling more than $1.5 million from the clients of a law firm where she was employed, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to allegations in the indictment, from 2007 to 2021, Roarke, who is also known as Jennifer Claveria, was employed as an assistant and a paralegal for a law firm in Hickory, North Carolina. The law firm handled, among other things, the administration and management of trusts for clients, including the trusts’ bank accounts. As part of her duties, Roarke was responsible for opening mail, depositing checks into trust bank accounts, and processing invoices. As alleged in the indictment, from 2015 to 2021, Roarke misused her access and position with the law firm to embezzle more than $1.5 million from the trusts of the law firm’s clients. Roarke executed the embezzlement scheme by making hundreds of unauthorized wire transfers from bank accounts associated with the law firm’s clients’ trusts into bank accounts controlled by Roarke. Roarke allegedly used the embezzled funds to pay for personal items, make mortgage, car, and credit card payments, and to fund an extravagant lifestyle. The information and charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King credited the FBI for the investigation which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassye Cole with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Scott County Man Sentenced to 294 Months for Role in Money Laundering Conspiracy

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Georgetown, Ky., man, Demarkus Nemetz, 24, was sentenced on Monday to 294 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and promotional money laundering. According to his plea agreement, Nemetz admitted to knowingly and voluntarily participating in a conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. After other conspirators distributed controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine, Nemetz would collect the proceeds of the drug sales, count and package the money, and then conduct financial transactions with the proceeds by delivering the packages to couriers for the larger drug trafficking organization. Nemetz admitted that he was responsible for at least $1.5 million but less than $3.5 million in drug proceeds. During the investigation, DEA agents seized 7 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of cocaine, 6 firearms and approximately $650,000 in cash drug proceeds. Eleven defendants were charged in the drug or money laundering conspiracies. Six defendants pled guilty, including Nemetz, who pleaded guilty in November 2022. Three defendants proceeded to trial in April 2023, on conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and promotional money laundering. All three were found guilty by the jury and are pending sentencing. Two others have already been sentenced. Eduardo Hernandez Alfaro, of Lexington, was sentenced to 78 months and Humberto Saucedo-Salgado, also of Lexington, was sentenced to 97 months. Under federal law, Nemetz must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. -END-


title: Retired Oklahoma Police Officer to Serve 15 Months for Threatening to Kill Federal Law Enforcement Officers at Airport

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, CHARLES DEAN LACK , 56, of Wayne, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 15 months in federal prison for threatening to murder federal law enforcement officers, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. On August 17, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Lack. Count 1 charged him with threatening to murder federal law enforcement officers, and Count 2 charged him with interstate transmission of a threatening communication. On April 19, 2023, Lack pleaded guilty and admitted to threatening to kill TSA officers at Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA). According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on or about August 5, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned Lack had communicated his intention to visit WRWA and kill federal officers once he arrived. The affidavit states Lack traveled to WRWA on three separate occasions to scout the area and determine where federal officers were located within the airport. At a sentencing hearing on July 14, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Lack to serve 15 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, along with Lack’s history and characteristics. This case is the result of investigations by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Dillon and Mark Stoneman prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for more information.


title: Ocala Gang Member Arrested For Possessing A Firearm As A Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Clinton Darnelle Kaham (24, Ocala) resulting from an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, Kaham faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A federal grand jury had returned the indictment on July 11, 2023. According to evidence presented in court, on approximately July 6, 2022, officers from the Ocala Police Department found Kaham, a gang member, in possession of a loaded firearm. The firearm had previously been reported stolen from Marion County. Kaham has previously been convicted of a felony, possession of heroin (2021), and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 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 is being investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.


title: Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Drug Offense, Possessing Gun and Distributing Drugs While Awaiting Sentencing

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PEDRO GOMEZ, also known as “Nito,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 76 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics, and for possessing a firearm and distributing drugs while awaiting sentencing in his federal case. According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2016, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of heroin/fentanyl from Gomez. On April 20, 2017, Gomez pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to possession with intent to distribute heroin. On May 6, 2022, Gomez, who was awaiting sentencing and released on bond, was arrested after he was found in possession of a stolen handgun and distribution quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana. Gomez’s criminal history includes felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Gomez has been detained since his arrest. On February 14, 2023, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Thompson sentenced Gomez to 30 months of imprisonment for his original narcotics offense, and a consecutive 46 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally-based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.