title: Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Dog-Fighting Violations of the Animal Welfare Act

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 22, 2023, Antonio Casillas Montero, the owner of Stone City Kennels, was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and for possession of dogs for use in animal fighting ventures, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. According to the facts stipulated by the parties, for over 35 years, Casillas ran Stone City Kennels, which participated in over 150 dog fights. Casillas bred pit-bull type dogs for fights in Puerto Rico, México, Ecuador, Perú, the Dominican Republic, and various cities in the continental United States. During a search of his property in Humacao, several pit-bull type dogs were seized which suffered from pustules, fungus, lameness, and jaw clamping. In its sentencing memorandum (see PDF attached), the Government argued that “Casillas’s conduct is on the extreme end of the spectrum of cruelty in an already cruel form of abuse.” According to the evidence presented by the Government, Casillas would use veterinarians in Puerto Rico to obtain health certificates to send fighting dogs to the Dominican Republic on a ferry, where the dogs would be trained in the weeks before matches. During the fights, which could last for over 1.5 hours, Casillas would let losing dogs perish from their injuries, rather than removing them from a fight. During the sentencing hearing, the Government presented a video of one of Casillas’ dogs dying after a match in the Dominican Republic while being insulted for its defeat. In addition to fighting numerous dogs, Casillas organized large, international matches. He and his partners would breed fighting dogs for sale for thousands of dollars and ship them on airplanes from Puerto Rico around the world. The Government presented evidence of inquiries from potential customers in South America and Europe regarding Stone City Kennels’ dogs. Casillas would also mentor dog fighters on training techniques with steroids. Evidence presented by the Government indicated that Casillas was considered a “Caribbean legend” of dogfighting. “Dogfighting for entertainment and profit is not only cruel and inhumane, but also a violation of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “This sentencing ends the defendant’s decades-long involvement in this illegal business and hopefully will deter others.” “The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General-Investigations, actively investigates allegations of animal abuse. This agency has made animal fighting a high priority in order to demonstrate that these blatant acts of cruelty to animals will no longer be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Miles Davis. “We would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for aggressively prosecuting perpetrators of animal fighting, our federal law enforcement partners, and United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Investigative Enforcement Services for their dedicated work in this investigation.” HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos said, “This sentencing is a strong message of a firm stance against animal cruelty; we must work together to create more humane and compassionate societies. This sentencing of this individual who profited from the illegal and cruel practice of dog fighting does exactly that: hold those who profit from animal cruelty accountable.” The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gottfried of the Violent Crimes Section prosecuted the case. If you have information regarding dog fights or animal cruelty, please call PRPB Office of the Coordinator of Law 154 at (787)793-1234, extensions 3128 and 3131. ###


title: Former San Antonio Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Money Laundering

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Former San Antonio Attorney Christopher John Pettit, 56, pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, from around October 2019 to July 2022, Pettit made numerous misrepresentations that persuaded his clients to deposit money with his firm, Chris Pettit and Associates, PC, which funds the clients believed would be used for services such as living trusts, irrevocable trusts, estate planning services, investments, and real-estate transactions, but which Pettit instead misused for his own enrichment and as part of a Ponzi-type scheme. In one scheme, Pettit opened trustee accounts with client funds and simply moved the money to his own accounts, rather than using the funds for the benefit of the trust. Other fraudulent schemes included falsely promising to invest client money in high percentage bonds and instead wiring the funds to his personal account. He also falsely represented himself as a Qualified Intermediary for a 1031 real-estate exchange, which he used to convince clients to wire millions of dollars from asset sales into accounts he controlled and then misused for his own enrichment. Pettit would use his victimized clients’ funds to pay other client debts as well as to support an extravagant lifestyle. The schemes resulted in an estimated loss to the victims of between $20 million and $65 million. Pettit pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 11, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud counts and up to 10 years for the money laundering counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Field Office made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case in conjunction with representatives of the Texas State Securities Board and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Almonte and Kelly Stephenson are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Barbour County man admits to federal firearms charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Ethan D. Delauder, age 31, of Philippi, West Virginia, has pled guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents, officers conducted a traffic stop and found a sawed-off shotgun in Delauder’s vehicle. Delauder was convicted of domestic violence in Barbour County in 2018, making it illegal for him to have firearms. Deluader is facing up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.


title: Las Cruces Man Indicted in El Paso for Sexual Coercion of a Minor

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – Bradley Fariss Pieper, 27, of Las Cruces was indicted in a federal court in El Paso Wednesday, and charged with coercion and enticement of a minor. According to allegations in a criminal complaint, Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested Pieper on Sept. 9, when he attempted to meet with a person he believed was a 15-year old girl for the purpose of performing sexual acts with her. Pieper had arranged the meeting and communicated his intentions in chats on social media. The indictment charges Pieper with one count of coercion and enticement. The defendant was arrested Sept. 9 and made his initial court appearance Sept. 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anne T. Berton of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. At the Sept. 20 detention hearing, Judge Berton ordered Pieper to be detained without bond pending trial. If convicted, Pieper faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola for the HSI El Paso Division made the announcement. HSI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Osterberg is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Gonzales Man Sentenced to 150 Months in Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Irving Bobby Mitchell, age 41, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to 150 months in federal prison following his convictions for distribution of methamphetamine. The Court further sentenced Mitchell to five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. According to admissions made as a part of his guilty plea, on February 9, 2022 and February 18, 2022, under the supervision of law enforcement, a confidential source (CS) purchased methamphetamine from Mitchell during controlled buys that were witnessed by agents. On March 4, 2022, during a controlled call with Mitchell, the CS requested an ounce of methamphetamine in exchange for $350. An undercover agent from the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office rode with the CS to the agreed upon meeting location within the Middle District of Louisiana. Mitchell, the CS, and the undercover agent met inside the store to exchange the methamphetamine. The undercover agent was fitted with audio and video recording equipment. After the transaction, Mitchell called the CS to inquire about the undercover agent, who then talked with him and tried to establish a drug trafficking relationship. On March 10, 2022, agents arranged another recorded, controlled purchase of methamphetamine using the CS and undercover agent. The agent met with Mitchell in Prairieville where Mitchell distributed three ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for $980. This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Gonzales Police Department, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Jarreau, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Organized and Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Jeremy S. Johnson. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Appoints Seven U.S. Attorneys  to Advisory Committee

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the appointment of the following seven U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico, Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, Kenneth Parker for the Southern District of Ohio, Natalie K. Wight for the District of Oregon, Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, and Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia. “United States Attorneys work every day throughout the country to advance our mission of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful for the perspective the newest members of the Committee will provide on behalf of federal prosecutors across the country and the communities they serve.” In addition, the Attorney General has selected Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona to serve as the committee’s vice chair, replacing Cindy Chung, the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania who is now a judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Attorney General also thanked the following U.S. Attorneys who have completed their terms and are rotating off the committee: Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado, Brandon Brown for the Western District of Louisiana, Dawn Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan, Trini Ross for the Western District of New York, and Sandra Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. The AGAC was created in 1973 and advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Justice Department policies. The bios of all U.S. Attorneys are available here .


title: Six Charged in Cocaine and Fentanyl Conspiracy

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that six defendants have been indicted in Burlington on charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Specifically, those charged in the superseding indictment are Tyler Orvis, 40, of Milton Vermont, Christopher Purvis, 27 of Hartford, Connecticut, Alexis Sutton, 23 of Windsor, Connecticut, Russell Mitchell, 26, of Chesapeake, Virginia, Sierra Fuentes, 30, of Bristol, Connecticut, and Dorothy Wilde, 55, of Hyde Park, Vermont. To date, all six defendants have been arraigned. Most recently, Christopher Purvis appeared in the District of Vermont on October 4, 2023. Previously, on August 11, 2023, Tyler Orvis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl before United States District Judge Christina Reiss. Orvis is detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled to occur on December 5, 2023. Purvis, Mitchell, Fuentes, and Wilde are detained pending trial. Sutton was released on conditions. A trial date has not yet been set. According to court records, from September 2022 through December 30, 2022, the conspiracy involved the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in Burlington, Vermont and elsewhere. The defendants also used a residence in Milton, Vermont to store drug packaging materials. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted of a crime. As presently charged, if convicted, the six defendants face a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the federal district court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest thanked the DEA Burlington Office, and acknowledged significant assistance from the Milton Police Department, the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, the Morristown Police Department, the DEA Hartford Office, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig is handling the case for the government. Mark Kaplan, Esq. represents Tyler Orvis, Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels represents Christopher Purvis, Richard Bothfeld, Esq. represents Alexis Sutton, William A. Vasiliou, II, Esq. represents Sierra Fuentes, and John Mabie, Esq. represents Dorothy Wilde.


title: Cedar Rapids Man Convicted of Ice Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who was intercepted in a wiretap investigation conspiring to distribute large quantities of ice methamphetamine was sentenced September 29, 2023, to nearly 20 years in federal prison. Elmer Mims, age 69, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 24, 2023 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. The evidence at trial showed that the Cedar Rapids Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a wiretap investigation in late 2021 and early 2022 targeting a group of individuals who were shipping large quantities of ice methamphetamine from Los Angeles, California, to Cedar Rapids. The DEA intercepted calls over phones used by David Belton (a/k/a “Blood”) and Derek Mims (a/k/a “D Mo”) in which they orchestrated the shipment of loads of thirty to sixty pounds of ice methamphetamine. Elmer Mims was intercepted in a call in early December 2021 discussing a prior occasion during which Elmer Mims had obtained 14 pounds of ice methamphetamine for $26,000. During an intercepted call in early February, Belton and Derek Mims discussed how they were going to obtain 60 pounds of ice methamphetamine, 20 pounds for each of them and 20 pounds for “Unc,” a nickname for Elmer Mims. Less than two weeks after that call, DEA contacted local authorities in York County, Nebraska, to assist in stopping a truck that was believed to be transporting the 60 pounds of ice methamphetamine. The Nebraska officers stopped the truck and seized a tote that contained sixty, one‑pound packages of 99% pure methamphetamine. During an intercepted call on February 28, 2022, Elmer Mims and Belton discussed the seizure of the 60 pounds in Nebraska, believing that Derek Mims may have been stealing from them. In March 2022, investigators searched Elmer Mims’s Cedar Rapids residence, seizing nearly $19,000 in cash drug proceeds, a box for a Glock handgun, ammunition, a holster, a tactical vest, and over four pounds of marijuana. Elmer Mims had previously been convicted in federal court in 1985 for a heroin conspiracy that involved smuggling large quantities of heroin using drug couriers and sending drug money to Hong Kong and Nepal. Eleven other individuals were charged in the same investigation, nine of whom have been sentenced: Kiyonte Levell Sowell was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment; Albert Henry Bailey was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment; Jesus Vera was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment; Calub Joseph Storlie was sentenced to 200 months’ imprisonment; Christopher Eric Curley was sentenced to 175 months’ imprisonment; David Poitier Belton was sentenced to 396 months’ imprisonment; Derek Michael Mims was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment; Phillip Lanell Rogers was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment; Anton Tarrice Whitney, Jr. was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment Two other individuals, Robert Lee Michael Bates and Timothy Michael Webber, are awaiting sentencing. Mims was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mims was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Mims is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids consists of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Kraig Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22‑CR‑39‑CJW‑MAR.


title: Former AFGE Local Union President Pleads Guilty to Stealing Union Funds

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Tamlyn Leigh Ulin-Gilson, 56, of Reedsport, Oregon, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for stealing from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local Union 1273, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, Ulin-Gilson served as president of AFGE Local Union 1273 from January 2019 to April 24, 2021. AFGE 1273 is a federal labor organization that represents approximately 1,1000 medical support staff employed at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Healthcare System in Boise and affiliated clinics. Prior to serving as president, Ulin-Gilson served as the vice president and secretary‑treasurer for AFGE 1273. With the resignation of the other executive board members, Ulin-Gilson had exclusive and unchecked control of AFGE 1273’s bank account beginning in February 2020. She abused her authority by fraudulently misusing at least $42,674.45 of AFGE 1273’s funds on unauthorized, personal expenses. Ulin-Gilson spent at least $34,632.60 at casinos in Idaho and Nevada during this time, and also spent $7,037.35 on personal insurance premiums, and caused $1,004.50 in bank fees from the transactions. Ulin-Gilson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Department of Labor Office of Labor Management Standards, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Gun Charge

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Derrick Lamont Johnson, age 43, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Johnson to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited. According to admissions made as a part of his guilty plea, on February 19, 2019, 911 received a call that Derrick Johnson was outside a residence threatening an individual with a gun over an encounter that occurred earlier that day. When the police arrived, they found Johnson at the front door, unarmed. Johnson was immediately detained in cuffs and placed in the back of a police unit. Once Johnson was safely in police custody, the caller told police that the gun Johnson had was in the trunk of their car. With the caller’s permission, officers entered the automobile and recovered a shotgun from the trunk. Prior to possessing the firearm, Johnson had been convicted in East Baton Rouge Parish of aggravated flight from an officer in March 2003, simple robbery in September 2003, and felon in possession of a firearm in January 2012. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Lundin Craig.


title: Indiana Man Indicted for Sending Violent Anti-Semitic Threats to Four Offices of the Anti-Defamation League

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Indiana returned an indictment charging Andrzej Boryga, 67, with sending threatening communications to Anti-Defamation League offices around the country. The indictment charges Boryga with four counts of willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. The defendant was also charged with choosing his victims because of their actual or perceived religion. According to the indictment, Boryga is alleged to have left voicemails containing threats to kill Jewish people at Anti-Defamation League offices located in New York, Texas, Colorado and Nevada. If convicted on all counts, Boryga faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Boryga Indictment


title: Owner of the Sportsmans Grille in Williamsburg Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Williamsburg man pleaded guilty yesterday to tax fraud. According to court documents, from 2016 to at least 2020, Stephen G. Genakos, 62, was the sole owner and managing director of Sarantos, Inc., a Virginia corporation, having made a Subchapter S election, doing business as a restaurant, Sportsmans Grille, in York County. Since 2016, Genakos skimmed U.S. currency from the Sportsmans Grille. In 2020, Genakos listed the Sportsmans Grille for sale for $795,000. In 2021, undercover agents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) made contact with Genakos. During this operation, Genakos provided IRS agents the chance to view the true books and records of the Sportsmans Grille. For tax years 2016 through 2020, Genakos filed materially false tax returns for himself and his business, Sarantos Inc. Genakos pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a materially false tax return and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty of three 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 Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mack Coleman and Brian Samuels are 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. 4:23-cr-37.


title: Zapata resident admits to defrauding public assistance programs and community members

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 45-year-old woman has entered a guilty plea to bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Mirza Lydia Rodriguez admitted to defrauding Falcon International Bank in a scheme that lasted five years. In April 2020, law enforcement began investigating Rodriguez after receiving several reports of identity theft from Zapata residents. Authorities discovered Rodriguez claimed to be a tax preparer or could assist others with unemployment benefits. Multiple victims sought assistance from Rodriguez based those representations. Rodriguez collected and stored the victims’ personal identifying information (PII) at her residence. In October 2021, authorities conducted a search and seized tax returns, W2s, bank records, birth certificates, Social Security cards and credit cards, all in other individuals’ names. Authorities also seized multiple spiral notebooks that contained approximately 1000 pages of PII. Law enforcement obtained copies of Rodriguez’s bank records and discovered she received direct deposits from tax refunds, COVID-19 stimulus checks and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) unemployment benefits. All deposits were meant for other individuals to include the victims who reported the theft. During her plea, Rodriguez admitted to submitting a fraudulent application to Laredo Housing Authority (LHA) for public assistance in May 2015. She used her banking information and a relative’s PII on the application without permission. The application was approved, and Falcon International Bank, which maintains LHA’s accounts, began disbursing housing assistance payments to Rodriguez. The bank disbursed 57 housing and 43 utility assistance payments totaling $32,715. Additionally, Rodriguez received 16 deposits addressed to three individuals totaling $30,505. The victims admitted they used Rodriguez’s services for assistance with unemployment benefits and never received any money. The TWC issued letters to the victims indicating they owed thousands of dollars. Part of Rodriguez’s guilty plea includes restitution payments to LHA and TWC. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña accepted the plea and will sentence Rodriguez at a later date. At that time, she faces up to 30 years in federal prison. Rodriguez has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. The FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety-Texas Rangers, Zapata County Sheriff’s Office and Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, TWC and the LHA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.


title: Harpers Ferry man charged with theft of government property, illegal gun sales

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Matthew Raymond, age 47, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has been charged with theft of government property and firearms charges. According to court documents, Raymond was employed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a facility that disposes of decommissioned service weapons and firearms and parts seized by the agency. Raymond allegedly stole firearms and firearms parts from the facility. He is accused of selling some of the stolen property. Raymond is charged with theft of government property, engaging in the business without a license, possession of a stolen firearm, obliterated serial number, and possession of an unregistered firearm. He is facing up to 10 years in federal prison for each of the theft, stolen firearm, and unregistered firearms charges and up to 5 years for each of the business and obliterated serial number charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Salem is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating. 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: McLaughlin Woman Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2023. Jessica Black Cloud, age 24, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Black Cloud was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter by a federal grand jury in August of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023. On April 19, 2022, Black Cloud was driving a vehicle in Corson County within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and she had two passengers with her. She was drinking vodka and was under the influence of alcohol and her blood alcohol content was .248%, or more than three times the legal limit. At some time after 3:00 AM, she drove into a curve in the roadway on U.S. Highway 12, lost control of her vehicle, over-corrected, and entered the ditch. Her vehicle spun out of control and ultimately rolled. One of her passengers was partially ejected and died at the scene. A second passenger remained in the vehicle and had minor injuries. Black Cloud was also ejected and injured, but received medical care and recovered. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case. Black Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: North Redington Shores Man Sentenced To More Than 17 Years In Federal Prison For Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Alexander Leszczynski (24, North Redington Beach) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for three different fraud schemes in which he attempted to obtain more than $10 million. The court furthered ordered Leszczynski to forfeit the proceeds and facilitating property of the offense—$337,000—and ordered Leszczynski to pay a total of $621,000 in restitution to the victims of the offenses. According to the court documents, Leszczynski used fictitious religious organizations—Love & Bliss, Aura, Inc., King Neptune, Inuyasha, Inc., Rhone, Inc., King Cobra, Inc., Tinnitus Institute of Love & Bliss, Inc., and King Country Road, Inc. entities—to engage in numerous frauds. The schemes included fraudulently applying for Payroll Protection Plan (“PPP”) loans totaling approximately $1.3 million, engaging in a check kiting scheme, and attempting to deposit more than $3 million of worthless checks into the Love & Bliss, Inc. business account. Leszczynski laundered the proceeds of the PPP and check kiting schemes through multiple accounts in an effort to conceal those proceeds from the United States and forestall its recovery. The United States ultimately seized $337,000 from an account Leszczynski controlled and, when he discovered that the money had been frozen, he attempted to have it released by producing a fabricated pardon purportedly signed by former President Donald Trump. In a separate fraud scheme, Leszczynski filed fraudulent warranty deeds purporting to deed to himself and his businesses 10 properties around the United States collectively valued at more than $300 million. When property owners and attorneys attempted to correct the fraudulent deeds, Leszczynski responded by sending harassing and threatening letters, emails, and faxes. Among the victims of Leszczynski’s deed scheme were Victim 1 and Victim 2. In April 2022, a grand jury in the Middle District of Florida charged Leszczynski with the PPP, check, and deed frauds, as well as multiple counts of money laundering in case United States v. Alexander Leszczynski , 8:22-cr-155-MSS-SPF. He was arraigned on May 17, 2022, and ordered detained. In August 2022, the FBI became aware that while incarcerated at the Pinellas County Jail, Leszczynski sought out a hitman to kill Victim 1 and Victim 2. Leszczynski reported to a confidential informant that he had $45,000 hidden at his home available to pay someone to kill the victims. Leszczynski relayed to the confidential informant that his pending criminal case (the fraud case) would have to be dropped if the victims were dead. The confidential informant agreed to put Leszczynski in contact with a purported hitman, who was an undercover agent. On September 8 and 9, 2022, Lesczcynski had calls with the undercover agent. Among other details, Leszczynski shared the names, addresses, physical descriptions, and approximate ages of Victim 1 and Victim 2, and provided additional details that would allow the undercover agent to find photographs of Victim 1 and Victim 2 online. Leszczynski also negotiated a price, settling on paying $30,000, and repeatedly assured the undercover agent that he wanted Victim 1 and Victim 2 dead. Leszczynski pleaded guilty to both cases in November 2022. He later withdrew his plea in the murder-for-hire case, but again pleaded guilty in June 2023. Since he pleaded guilty to both cases, Leszczynski has written numerous letters—intercepted by the United States—attempting to solicit others to come forward and fraudulently take responsibility for his crimes. Leszczynski’s sentencing in the murder-for-hire case is pending before U.S. District Judge James Moody, in case number 8:22-cr-155-MSS-SPF, on November 7, 2023, at 9:45 a.m. The fraud case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Largo Police Department, the Indian Shores Police Department, and the Palm Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Jones. The murder-for-hire case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.


title: St. Francis Man Convicted of Assault

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Edward Wilson, a/k/a Eddie Wilson, age 41, of St. Francis, South Dakota of Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 4, 2023. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. On May 29, 2023, shortly after 8:00 am, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to St. Francis after the victim called 911 reporting an assault. The victim reported to officers that Wilson had assaulted her the night prior, punching her in the face and kicking her in the body numerous times. The responding officers noticed marks on the victim’s face and body consistent with her statement. Wilson later sent text messages to the victim, stating that in a prayer he apologized for what happened and swore he’d never lay a hand on the victim. Wilson has previously been convicted of domestic assault on two separate occasions in U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. A presentence investigation will be ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Kenel Woman Sentenced for Child Abuse

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Kenel, South Dakota, woman convicted of Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on October 2, 2023. Bobbi Rey Yellow Fat, age 41, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Yellow Fat was indicted for Child Abuse by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. She pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023. In early August of 2022, Yellow Fat was caring for her three-year-old child in Kenel, which is in Corson County and within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The child sat on a mop that was soaked with a household cleaning solution. The child had eczema and a history of skin issues which exacerbated the injuries to her through the exposure. Other older children in the defendant’s household asked the defendant to get the child medical care, but she did not. The defendant did not take reasonable steps to address the injuries to the child. The child developed skin infections, suffered bleeding wounds, and was exposed to severe physical pain for over a week through the defendant’s lack of appropriate care and abuse. After law enforcement officers were notified, the child received medical care and healed. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case. Yellow Fat was released after sentencing and must report to prison by October 24, 2023.


title: Cape Coral Man On Federal Supervised Release Carrying Tactical Swords, Nunchucks, And Loaded Firearm Sentenced To More Than Five Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Basilio Amaury Bron, Jr. (43, Cape Coral) to five years and four months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for violating his federal supervised release. Bron must serve his sentence for violating his supervised release consecutive to his sentence on the underlying federal charge. According to court documents, at around 5:00 p.m. on March 12, 2022, Bron drove an SUV carelessly and in excess of 100 miles per hour northbound on Interstate 75 in Sarasota County near the Laurel Road exit. A Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Bron’s vehicle for speeding. The deputy conducted a background check which revealed that Bron was a convicted felon and currently on federal supervised release in the Middle District of Florida. During the traffic stop, the odor of marijuana emanated from Bron’s vehicle, and two 20-inch tactical swords were visible near the driver’s seat and the driver’s door. Bron also admitted to having a firearm in the vehicle. The deputy located a SCCY CPX-1 9mm pistol, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, inside the vehicle’s center console and a bag containing 4 grams of marijuana. The deputy also recovered a pair of nunchucks from the driver’s seat pocket. Bron later admitted to ATF agents that he had possessed the firearm, handled it multiple times, and sold marijuana. In 2016, Bron was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A Chee and Michael Kenneth. 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: Indiana Man Indicted for Sending Violent, Anti-Semitic Threats to Four Offices of the Anti-Defamation League

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Andrzej Boryga, 67, with sending threatening communications to Anti-Defamation League offices around the country. The indictment charges Boryga with four counts of willfully transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. The defendant was also charged with choosing his victims because of their actual or perceived religion. According to the indictment, Boryga is alleged to have left voicemails containing threats to kill Jewish people at Anti-Defamation League offices located in New York, Texas, Colorado and Nevada. If convicted on all counts, Boryga faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “Preventing and prosecuting hate crimes is a top priority for the Justice Department and my office,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “We want to ensure the public that if a crime is motivated by bias, it will be investigated, and the perpetrators held responsible for their actions. We encourage anyone impacted by a hate crime to report violations to the FBI or through the U.S. Attorney’s Office website .” Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, Herbert Stapleton made the announcement. The FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office investigated this case. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, who are prosecuting this case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Polk County Drug Trafficker Convicted For Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Floyd Hintteon Green, Jr. (62, Winter Haven) has been found guilty, following a bench trial before United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber, of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Green faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial, Green was stopped by officers from the Winter Haven Police Department for an illegal tint violation. During a search of Green’s vehicle, K-9 units alerted their handlers to the presence of narcotics. The officers recovered a large toiletry bag containing approximately 437.2 grams of pure substance methamphetamine. Green later admitted to being a drug dealer, knowing the methamphetamine was present in the vehicle, and to selling it for approximately $2,600 per pound. Green also admitted to previously serving a sentence in Florida State Prison for drug trafficking. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha J. Newman and David W.A. Chee.


title: United States Attorney and Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Announce Appointment of Deputy Prosecutor Carlee Bittle as a Special Assistant United States Attorney

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, WA – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref and Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae jointly announced today that Carlee Bittle, who serves as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Grant County, has been appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) for the Eastern District of Washington. As a SAUSA, Bittle will prosecute cases in both state and federal court, focusing primarily on crimes against children. In making this announcement, U.S. Attorney Waldref reiterated her office’s commitment to holding accountable those who harm children: “We will continue to prosecute the area’s most dangerous criminals to the fullest extent. Today’s announcement should serve as yet another signal to those who victimize children that such crimes will not be tolerated in our communities.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “Federal, State, Tribal, and local partnerships are essential to building safer and stronger communities in Eastern Washington. Many of these partnerships exist on the law enforcement level, including through joint task forces and cross deputization agreements.” U.S. Attorney Waldref further emphasized, “By combining federal and state resources, we are able to accomplish more to keep our communities safe than we otherwise could.” The SAUSA program applies this same principle to criminal prosecution – permitting experienced prosecutors to handle criminal cases in both state court and federal court. Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae similarly addressed the importance of utilizing state and federal partnerships to address crime against children, “As a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and a SAUSA, Carlee Bittle will have the ability to rely on both federal and state laws to prosecute those who commit crimes against our children, allowing us to better protect children and achieve justice on behalf of children who are harmed.” Both U.S. Attorney Waldref and Prosecuting Attorney McCrae also commended SAUSA Bittle’s commitment and dedication to public service. Bittle has served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Grant County since July of 2017. She is primarily responsible for the prosecution of SAU cases. The Special Assault Unit (SAU) prosecutes sex offenses, crimes against children and crimes of domestic violence. Newly appointed SAUSA Bittle expressed her continued desire to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. “I’m excited to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office, while also continuing my work as a state prosecutor in Grant County. It is an honor to work with the talented state and federal investigators, who devote their careers to protecting young children from physical and sexual abuse. Through combined state and federal efforts, we can make Grant County a safer place to live, work, and raise our families.” During a resent visit to the federal courthouse in Spokane, SAUSA Bittle was sworn in as a member of the federal bar for the Eastern District of Washington. Photographs of SAUSA Bittle are included below.


title: Former Soldier Indicted for Attempting to Pass National Defense Information to People’s Republic of China

body_text: A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington was arrested today on an indictment charging him with two federal felonies: attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, will appear in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California later today and will be brought to the Western District of Washington for further court proceedings. “Individuals entrusted with national defense information have a continuing duty to protect that information beyond their government service and certainly beyond our borders,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen. “The National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who violate that duty.” “Joseph Daniel Schmidt was once a trusted guardian of our nation’s secrets and swore an oath to defend and protect U.S. national security,” said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “As alleged by the government, Schmidt betrayed his promise and potentially placed our nation at risk in his attempts to pass national defense information to Chinese security services. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American people and U.S. national security." “Members of our military take a sworn oath to defend our country and the Constitution. In that context the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking – not only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington. “I commend the FBI for their diligent work to end his alleged efforts to betray our country.” According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After his separation from the military, Schmidt allegedly reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later, the Chinese security services via email offering information about national defense information. In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and allegedly continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service. He allegedly retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks. Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until this week when he scheduled to fly to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport. Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg for the Western District of Washington and Deputy Chief Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Schmidt Declaration Schmidt Indictment


title: Mother Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Providing a Firearm to Essa Williams, Alleged Shooter of Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Erika LaRae Williams, 52, of Tempe, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan to 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty on May 22, 2023, to Making a Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm. On September 3, 2020, Ms. Williams purchased a Taurus G3 pistol from AZESB, LLC. (dba Mo Money Pawn), a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), in Phoenix. Ms. Williams purchased this firearm for her son, Essa Williams, only five months after his release from the Arizona Department of Corrections for several violent felony convictions. During the purchase of the firearm, Williams completed the Firearms Transactions Record, known as ATF Form 4473. Ms. Williams swore that she was the actual purchaser of the firearm while knowing she was purchasing the firearm on behalf of Essa Williams. Pursuant to a federal search warrant, the ATF seized and searched Ms. Williams’ cellular telephone, which revealed a lengthy text exchange with Essa Williams during the purchase of the Taurus G3 pistol. Essa Williams asked his mother via text message which firearm was purchased, what other options were available, and whether his mother’s background check went through. Ms. Williams provided Essa Williams details about who assisted in the purchase, and confirmed the purchase was complete. Essa Williams is pending trial in Maricopa County Superior Court for shooting Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan on December 14, 2021. The Taurus G3 pistol was not the firearm that was used to shoot Officer Moldovan. On March 10, 2022, pursuant to a search warrant, ATF seized the Taurus G3 pistol from Erika Williams’ residence. This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00277-PHX-SPL RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-150_Williams # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Jury convicts Hays man of sexually abusing minor girl on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A federal jury on Oct. 5 convicted a Hays man of sexually abusing a minor girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. After a three-day trial that began on Oct. 3, the jury found Daniel Jacob Werk, 38, guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, as charged in an indictment. Werk faces a maximum of 15 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Werk was released on conditions pending further proceedings. “Werk used his position with the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, which is intended to help at-risk Native youth, to recruit a minor girl into the program. Hours after learning the victim was only 15 years old, Werk, who was 36 at the time, started having repeated sexual encounters with the victim. Our office will work tirelessly with our federal law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who seeks to sexually abuse a child. The jury’s verdict is a validation of those ongoing efforts,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that from July 2021 to October 2021, Werk repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old girl on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Werk, who was the program coordinator for the Fort Belknap Grassland Restoration Project, a program designed to provide opportunities for at-risk Native youth, recruited the girl, identified as Jane Doe, into the program and then repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Tax preparer pleads guilty to falsifying returns

body_text: HOUSTON – A tax service operator has admitted to willfully preparing a false 2018 joint income tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. As part of her plea, Lynettia Profit admitted that from 2016 to 2019, she operated JNL Tax Services in Houston. She admitted she often placed false education credits and Schedule C items on the returns she prepared, generating larger refunds to which her clients were not entitled. According to the plea, she would make money by charging preparation fees that were deducted from refunds paid to clients. Profit pleaded guilty to an information charging her with one count of aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false return. Specifically, she admitted to placing two false American Opportunity Tax Credits in the amount of $2,500 each on the joint return as well as $70,743 in false expenses that were listed on the Schedule C. This resulted in a tax loss of approximately $22,101. Profit took responsibility of $336,847 in loss to the IRS and has agreed to pay that amount in restitution. U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal will impose sentencing Jan. 24, 2024. At that time, she faces up to three years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Andrew Swartz are prosecuting the case.


component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington was arrested today on an indictment charging him with two federal felonies: attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 29, will appear in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California this morning and will be brought to the Western District of Washington for further court proceedings. “Individuals entrusted with national defense information have a continuing duty to protect that information beyond their government service and certainly beyond our borders,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen. “The National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who violate that duty.” “Joseph Daniel Schmidt was once a trusted guardian of our nation’s secrets and swore an oath to defend and protect US national security,” said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “As alleged by the government, Schmidt betrayed his promise and potentially placed our nation at risk in his attempts to pass national defense information to Chinese security services. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American people and U.S. national security." “Members of our military take a sworn oath to defend our country and the Constitution. In that context the alleged actions of this former military member are shocking – not only attempting to provide national defense information, but also information that would assist a foreign adversary to gain access to Department of Defense secure computer networks,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington. “I commend the FBI for their diligent work to end his alleged efforts to betray our country.” According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After his separation from the military, Schmidt allegedly reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later, the Chinese security services via email offering information about national defense information. In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and allegedly continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service. He allegedly retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks. Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until this week when he scheduled to fly to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport. Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg for the Western District of Washington and Deputy Chief Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Salem Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Salem, Mass. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Andrew R. Sorrento, 35, pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Jan. 10, 2024. In July 2022, Sorrento was identified as an individual distributing CSAM via social media and text messages. During a search of Sorrento’s Salem residence on Dec. 9, 2022, his cell phone was seized and found to contain 23 images and seven videos depicting CSAM – including images of a child under 12-years-old. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Calgary (Canada). Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Telemedicine Nurse Practitioner Charged with $7.8 Million Durable Medical Equipment Fraud Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A Virginia-based nurse practitioner has been charged in connection with a $7.8 million telemedicine fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and knee braces. Daphne Jenkins, 64, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. According to the charging documents, between December 2018 and April 2020, Jenkins worked with a telemedicine company to sign orders for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment. It is alleged that these orders signed by Jenkins were pre-populated based on telemarketing calls made to Medicare beneficiaries, that Jenkins never had any contact with the beneficiaries herself and had no medical relationship with the patients, and that she generally signed these orders without even reading them. It is alleged that once Jenkins signed these orders, the telemarketing company sold the orders to DME suppliers and laboratories, which then submitted claims to Medicare. As a result of Jenkins’ alleged participation in this conspiracy, over $7.8 million in claims were submitted to Medicare for DME that was medically unnecessary, based on false documentation, and tainted by kickbacks. The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides 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 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Carol S. Hamilton, Regional Director, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor; and Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigation Service, North East Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Alexandra Brazier and Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Units are 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: 29-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegal Firearm Possession After Shooting Down Law Enforcement Drone

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Wendell Doyle Goney (52, Mount Dora) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Goney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on July 11, 2021, deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary at a 10-acre business property in Mount Dora. As deputies were using a law enforcement drone to assist with the outdoor search, the drone was destroyed by gunfire from a neighboring property. Deputies responded to the neighboring property and were confronted Goney, who admitted that he had just shot down the drone with a .22 caliber rifle. Goney claimed that the drone had been “harassing” him. Goney then admitted to the deputies that he could not lawfully possess a firearm because he was a convicted felon. A record check confirmed his 29 prior Florida felony convictions, which included aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, illegal drug possession, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Goney is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr. 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: SDTX and RI USAOs jointly resolve False Claims Act violation

body_text: HOUSTON – U.S. Attorney’s Offices in two districts have resolved a civil investigation into RPS Group Inc, a global professional services firm, that will result in a recovery of over $465,000, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani and Zachary A. Cunha, U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of Texas and Rhode Island, respectively. RPS Group Inc. held several contracts with the federal government. Between June 2011 and July 2020, in order to maximize revenue and avoid hitting budgetary ceilings, the company unlawfully engaged in a practice of moving recorded labor hours between government projects with different funding sources, according to the allegations in the investigation. RPS also allegedly submitted invoices for work that was not performed on government contracts and falsely inflated employee billing rates. These practices occurred across numerous government contracts and resulted in the submission of false invoices to multiple government agencies, according to the allegations. The conduct was brought to the government’s attention both through an RPS corporate disclosure and through complaints four former employees had raised. As part of a civil settlement, RPS Group Inc. will pay $465,293. At the time of the conduct alleged in this matter, RPS Group’s headquarters in the United States were located in Houston with a subsidiary in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Another company has since acquired it. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Venezia and Bethany Wong of the Southern District of Texas and Rhode Island, respectively, litigated this matter. Department of Commerce - Office of Inspector General (OIG), Army Criminal Investigation Division, Coast Guard Investigative Service, General Services Administration – OIG, National Aeronautics and Space Administration – OIG, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Environmental Protection Agency – OIG, Department of Interior - OIG, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service.


title: Florida Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Narcotics Laws

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A Florida resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Jossian Ayala-Ruberte, 55, of Kissimmee, Florida pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine from March of 2019 through September of 2020 before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Ayala-Ruberte is one of thirteen defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Ayala-Ruberte was intercepted orchestrating and directing the movement of cocaine through the mail for redistribution. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of 40 years, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The DEA in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; the DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Ayala-Ruberte. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Sells Man Sentenced to 107 Months for Assault and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Alan Flores, 53, of Sells, Arizona, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 107 months in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Flores pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to a Child Under the Age of 16 Years and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. On September 17, 2021, Flores, an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, assaulted a 12-year-old juvenile by stabbing the juvenile in the face with a knife. Flores, who is a convicted sex offender, also failed to abide by his registration requirements and was not living at the address listed on his sex offender registration documents. These offenses occurred on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Tohono O’odham Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances M. Kreamer Hope, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR 22-1321-TUC-JCH RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-151_Flores # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Lame Deer man admits assaulting partner on Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man accused of assaulting a woman on two separate occasions on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation admitted to multiple crimes today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Curtis Leo Crazymule, 45, pleaded guilty to assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial bodily injury, assault of a dating partner by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon. Crazymule faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Crazymule was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that Crazymule and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were in a romantic relationship when, in December 2022, Crazymule assaulted the victim while in a parked vehicle when she wanted to drive because of his level of intoxication. Crazymule headbutted, bit and strangled the victim, causing her to almost lose consciousness. The Bureau of Indian Affairs police responded, and the victim was transported by ambulance to a clinic in Lame Deer for treatment of injuries. In a second assault in January 2023, the government alleged that Crazymule assaulted Jane Doe at a residence with a baton, striking her on the head and knocking her unconscious. Two persons witnessed the assault. Crazymule denied striking the victim with a baton or any other object. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI and Indian Health Service conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Nurse Charged with Tampering with Lorazepam Vials

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging SEAN FALZARANO, 37, of Southbury, with five counts of tampering with a consumer product. Falzarano is a Registered Nurse. The indictment alleges that, on January 31, 2022, Falzarano took five vials containing 2mg/ml of Lorazepam solution that he knew was intended to be dispensed to patients, removed the Lorazepam solution from the vials, replaced it with saline, and returned the adulterated vials to be used in medical procedures. The indictment was returned on October 3. Falzarano appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending trial. Each charge of tampering with a consumer product carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Falzarano’s nursing license is currently suspended. This matter is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.


title: Connecticut Investment Advisor Admits Defrauding Clients of $2.7 Million Through Cherry-Picking Scheme

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that JONATHAN VINCENT GLENN, 54, of Greenwich, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to defrauding investment clients through a “cherry-picking” securities scheme. “Cherry-picking” is a fraudulent securities trading practice in which the responsible individual executes trades without assigning those trades to a particular trading account until the individual determines whether or not the trade has become profitable or suffered losses. The responsible individual then allocates the profitable trades to favored accounts – often the individual’s own accounts – and assigns unprofitable trades to disfavored client accounts. According to court documents and statements made in court, Glenn owned Glenn Capital LLC, also known as GlennCap LLC, an investment advisory firm headquartered in Greenwich. Through Glenn Capital, Glenn provided clients with portfolio management services including asset selection and asset allocation. Glenn managed all of Glenn Capital’s advisory clients’ accounts and was authorized to make trading decisions on each client’s behalf without seeking approval for each trade. Glenn placed trades on behalf of advisory clients, himself, or family members by trading directly in the relevant individual account, or by placing block trades in Glenn Capital’s omnibus account and allocating the block trades among the relevant individual accounts. Glenn Capital’s Code of Ethics required Glenn to determine and document the specific allocation of each block trade prior to the execution, and to allocate block trades to individual accounts at an average price. In pleading guilty, Glenn admitted that he defrauded clients by retroactively allocating profitable omnibus-account trades to favored clients, family, and personal accounts, and unprofitable omnibus-account trades to non-favored-client accounts. Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in the Code of Ethics, Glenn did not determine the allocation of block trades until after they were executed, when he knew if the trades were profitable in the hours following the execution. When a block purchase of an equity security increased in value in the hours after the purchase, Glenn generally realized the profits by selling the security. He then allocated those profits to favored-client, family, firm, and personal accounts. When a block purchase of an equity security decreased in value, Glenn generally allocated those block purchases to the non-favored-client accounts. Glenn did not inform his clients that he was “cherry picking.” Instead, he gave the false impression that he allocated trades fairly and according to a pre-determined allocation methodology. Through this scheme, Glenn defrauded more than 45 clients of a total of more than $2.7 million. Glenn pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years and a fine of up to approximately $5.4 million. Glenn is released pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 28. This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has settled fraud charges with Glenn and GlennCap LLC. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Bangor and Houlton Area Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Florida man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Rogelio Rios , 34, to 60 months followed by four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution. Rios pleaded guilty on April 27, 2023. According to court records, between May 2018 and July 2018, Rios obtained methamphetamine from Florida and distributed it in locations around Bangor and Houlton through a group of co-conspirators. On July 12, 2018, a truck driven by Rios and in which a co-conspirator was a passenger was stopped by law enforcement in Lincoln. A search of the vehicle revealed multiple grams of methamphetamine and nearly $20,000 in cash in the co-conspirator’s bag. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated this case. ###


title: Richmond Man Sentenced for Two Armed Carjackings in Central Virginia

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

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for brandishing firearms during two separate carjackings. According to court documents, on April 13, 2021, Treon Jackson, 37, had a Ruger 9mm firearm in hand when he approached the first victim in Richmond. The car that Jackson had been using had run out of gas and he wanted to travel to Petersburg. Approximately five minutes prior to committing the first carjacking, Jackson texted an individual telling them that he was looking for a car. Just minutes later, Jackson approached the victim with his gun drawn while they were parked outside a residence where the victim was working. Jackson pointed the firearm at the victim and demanded that they get out of their work truck. The victim complied with Jackson’s demand and Jackson entered the victim’s truck and drove away from the area. Jackson then traveled to Chesterfield, arriving at a restaurant parking lot about 30 minutes after the first carjacking. He parked the work truck and waited next to an SUV. When the second victim exited the restaurant a few minutes later, Jackson got out of the truck and pointed the firearm at the second victim, demanding the keys to the SUV. The second victim also complied and Jackson drove away in the SUV. Chesterfield police were able to determine the SUV that Jackson had carjacked was in Petersburg. There, a Petersburg Police Officer noticed the SUV fitting the description of the carjacked vehicle. As the officer attempted to stop the SUV, Jackson fled at a high rate of speed, running through multiple stop lights in an effort to get away. As he was about to get onto Interstate 95 North, the SUV was remotely disabled by a stolen-vehicle tracking system installed in the SUV and Jackson was taken into custody. Investigators located the keys to both stolen vehicles insidethe SUV, along with the high-capacity Ruger 9mm firearm, which was loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition with a round in the chamber. As part of his plea, Jackson admitted that he had committed the two car jackings by force, violence, and intimidation with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Colonel Jeffrey S. Katz, Chesterfield County Police Department; and Travis C. Christian, Chief of Petersburg Bureau of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Mastandrea-Miller and Avi Panth prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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. 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. 3:21-cr-81.


title: Alabama Man Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison For Transferring Machinegun Conversion Devices And Theft Of Government Funds

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Ivan Hollingsworth (35, Florence, AL) to 10 years in federal prison for transferring machinegun conversion devices and theft of government funds. The court also ordered Hollingsworth to forfeit $46,426.91, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense involving the theft of government funds. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Hollingsworth to pay the same amount in restitution to the Social Security Administration. Hollingsworth had pleaded guilty on April 10, 2023. According to the plea agreement, Hollingsworth manufactured and transferred hundreds of 3D printed auto sears, which are parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. Hollingsworth advertised his 3D printing business through social media. Between December 2021 and March 2022, Hollingsworth communicated with an undercover ATF agent and negotiated the sale and transfer of hundreds of auto sears, which he delivered from Alabama to Florida via the U.S. Postal Service. On March 17, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Hollingsworth’s residence and located a machinegun, 111 3D printed auto sears, 11 silencers, and three 3D printers. Additionally, court records show that beginning in June 2018, and continuing through October 2022, in the Northern District of Alabama, Hollingsworth stole and converted to for his own use $46,426.91 in funds belonging to the Social Security Administration. Those funds represented Social Security disability benefits intended for another person. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda. 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: Possession of Machinegun Conversion Devices Leads to 65 Month Sentence in Federal Prison for Purcell Man

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MICHAEL ADRIAN ALLEN SMITH , 37, of Purcell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 65 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction and unlawful possession of machine guns, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On March 1, 2023, Smith was charged by information with felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of machine guns. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on February 10, 2023, a federal search warrant was issued for Smith’s residence after probable cause was shown Smith was in possession of ammunition. Smith is a convicted felon in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, for possession of a controlled substance for sale by an armed person with a firearm. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives served the warrant, and found two machinegun conversion devices, which enable a firearm to fire more than one round for each pull of the trigger. On March 22, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to Counts 1 and 2. As part of his plea, Smith admitted to possession of two machine gun conversion kits, the possession of which is prohibited under federal law. At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Smith to serve 65 months in federal prison. In announcing the sentence, the court noted Smith’s criminal history which includes convictions for domestic violence offenses, and the illegal sale of firearms present in the community. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. Reference is made to court filings for further information.


title: Worcester Man Arrested for Passport Fraud and Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man was arrested today for allegedly using a stolen identity to apply for a United States passport after he had unlawfully reentered the United States following deportation. Rohan Andrew Brown, 56, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Worcester on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien, one count of passport fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon, Brown was detained pending a hearing set for Oct. 12, 2023. According to the charging documents, Brown was previously deported in August 2002. It is alleged that, sometime after his is removal, Brown unlawfully reentered the United States. In May 2023, Brown allegedly used another person’s identity to apply for a United States passport. The charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of passport fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester Branch Office 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: Cheyenne Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl

body_text: Kyle Aubrey Rozell, age 34, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 85 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on October 4, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Rozell was indicted by a federal grand jury in Wyoming and pleaded guilty to the charges in July. According to court documents, on August 23, 2022, Cheyenne Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the defendant. Pursuant to a lawful search, officers found over 200 fentanyl pills, $2,900 in cash, drug paraphernalia, and a cell phone in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Rozell was using that cell phone to buy and sell fentanyl pills. This crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Cheyenne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom. Case No. 23-CR-00043


title: Indiana Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. — A Cambridge City, Ind., man, John Carico, 56, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, on August 31, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Carico and Gary Voiles. During the stop, a canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers then asked Voiles to step out of the car. At that point, Carico slid into the driver’s seat and fled the scene. Carico made contact with one of the officers as he fled and then led police on a lengthy pursuit, with speeds in excess of 100 mph. Law enforcement eventually stopped the vehicle. When tracing the route of the chase, law enforcement recovered a bag with 741 grams of methamphetamine that Carico had thrown from the vehicle. Voiles has also entered a guilty plea in the case and is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2023. Under federal law, Carico must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Bobby Jones, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by FBI and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship. -END-