title: California Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Materials Over The Internet

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Jason Charles Nicholas (54, Ramona, CA) has pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse materials over the internet. At sentencing, Nicholas faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to, 20 years in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Nicholas was arrested on September 21, 2023 in San Diego County, California, and was ordered detained pending the resolution of this case. According to court documents, on August 3, 2023, an undercover FBI agent (UC) in the Jacksonville area, posing as the parent of an 11-year-old “child,” was investigating individuals on a particular social media application (app) who were attempting to sexually exploit children. The UC began a private conversation on the app with user “cldad,” who was subsequently identified as Nicholas. Nicholas indicated his desire to meet the UC at a residence in northeast Florida to have sex with the 11-year-old “child.” However, Nicholas abruptly abandoned this plan and began threatening to expose the UC’s purported criminal sexual conduct unless the UC streamed live video of the “child” to Nicholas. The UC refused. Nicholas later apologized for threatening the UC, and the two continued online conversations for several weeks. Nicholas told the UC about his longtime practice of brushing up against and taking surreptitious photos (“creep shots”) of young girls in public places, and also that he had purportedly abused a young child after overdosing the child with medication. During an online conversation on August 17, 2023, Nicholas sent the UC six videos and two photos that depicted young children being sexually abused. Further investigation by the FBI led to the positive identification of Nicholas as a resident of Ramona, California, and revealed that he had been using the online identity of an actual person who lived in Florida. On September 21, 2023, FBI agents, with assistance from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Nicholas as he was driving to his workplace. A search of Nicholas’ cellphone revealed that it contained at least 2,532 videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, many of which depicted the sexual abuse of prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the San Diego County (California) Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and San Diego. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: The United States Settles With Borough Of Bellefonte To Make Public Meetings Accessible To Those With Hearing Disabilities

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the Borough of Bellefonte has agreed under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that proper auxiliary aides and services, including qualified sign-language interpreters are made available to those with hearing disabilities at all its public meetings. When the Borough records or broadcasts its meetings, the Borough will ensure that those meetings will have an “in frame’ American Sign Language interpreter. The Borough will also identify an ADA Coordinator, provide notice to those with disabilities on how to contact the ADA Coordinator, and establish an ADA grievance procedure. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the United States Attorney’s Office received a complaint from an individual with a hearing disability that the Borough did not provide her with an auxiliary device during in-person council meeting or have an interpreter for the taped broadcast. The Borough also did not have a process by which the disabled could request accommodations or file complaints of inaccessibility, nor did it have an ADA coordinator. After an investigation, with the Borough’s cooperation, the United States Attorney’s Office found that the complaint had merit. “The right to participate, attend, or watch public local government meetings is a fundamental right in a democracy, and those with hearing disabilities cannot be excluded” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “This agreement ensures that individuals with disabilities in the Borough will now have an ADA Coordinator who can answer questions, accept accommodations requests like auxiliary aides for council meetings, and receive disability complaints.” This investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, the Civil Rights Coordinator. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov. # # #


title: New Orleans Man Indicted  for Federal Weapons Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRIS ROBERTSON, JR. , age 24, of New Orleans, was indicted on December 1, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to the indictment, ROBERTSON, JR. has previous convictions for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and attempted illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a controlled substance. If convicted, ROBERTSON, JR. faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Sapulpa Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: A Sapulpa man was sentenced today for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced John Warner Hamilton, Jr, 48, citizen of the Quapaw Tribe of Indians, to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervision by the U.S. Probation Office. Upon his release, Hamilton will also be required to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, Hamilton secretly recording an unclothed minor child on his cellphone. He further admitted to setting up a camera to record from another room and the videos were saved to his device for later viewing. Hamilton will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals, federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Portsmouth Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Machine Gun

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

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man pleaded guilty yesterday to illegal possession of a machine gun. According to court documents, on June 9, 2022, Portsmouth Police Department received a 911 call about two men with firearms. In response, officers were dispatched to a BP gas station located on George Washington Highway in Portsmouth, Virginia. When officers arrived on scene, two men immediately fled on foot. Officers observed Brian Levarr Perry, Jr., 24, seated in a van and another man standing near the van. The other man fled on foot. Officers arrested Perry and conducted a pat down of Perry’s person. During the pat down, the officers found a Glock Model 33 firearm in the defendant’s waistband. The Glock firearm had an auto sear attached to it. Perry is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 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; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Stephen Jenkins, Chief of Portsmouth Police; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Montoya is prosecuting 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. 2:23-cr-22.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Dec. 5 was: Daniel Mark Miller, 60, of Tucson, Arizona, on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Miller faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Miller was detained pending further proceedings. The U.S. Postal Service and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-128. Jamicca Yvonne West, aka Charlie, 24, of Tacoma, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the most serious crime, West faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release on the drug charges and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge. West was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 21-92. Cole Two Moons, 24, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and strangulation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Two Moons faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Two Moons was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-126. Appearing on a criminal complaint was: Brent Michael Waller, 42, of Joliet, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Waller faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Waller was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-160. Paul Franklin, 41, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Franklin faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Franklin was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-157. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Houston Man Charged With  Making False Statements

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that J IAQIN YE , age 28, a resident of Houston, Texas, was indicted on December 7, 2023, for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) related to a government imposter scam. According to the charging documents, YE traveled from Houston, Texas, to a residence in Covington, Louisiana, for the purpose of picking up approximately $34,500.00 from the victim of a government imposter scam. When YE arrived, he was arrested by the FBI and made false statements relating to his prior involvement in similar schemes. YE faces up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment due after conviction. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. For more information on how to prevent being the victim of fraud, please visit the Federal Trade Commission website at https://www.ftc.gov/ . You can also report internet crime on the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center website found at https://www.ic3.gov/ . U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Federal Jury Finds Minneapolis Man Guilty of Receipt, Distribution, and Access With Intent to View Child Pornography

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Minneapolis man guilty of receipt, distribution, and access with intent to view child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to the evidence presented at trial, beginning on or about August 2, 2020, through January 25, 2022, Michael Francis Hamer, 56, knowingly and frequently obtained, distributed, and accessed child pornography online. On multiple occasions, he used Facebook and Gmail to directly message self-identified minor victims, some as young as 11 years old, to request and distribute images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. Hamer also joined Facebook Messenger group chats that were named “Boys sex video,” “Kids Video Sex,” and “#Good Boy?,” among others, to solicit and access child sexual abuse images. Hamer was previously convicted in Minnesota state court for solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct. Hamer admitted to possessing child pornography during his 2012 conviction. Following a two-day trial before Judge Katherine M. Menendez in U.S. District Court, Hamer was found guilty yesterday on one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and two counts of access with intent to view child pornography. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hillary A. Taylor and Emily A. Polachek tried this case.


title: Texas Mother and Son Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of a Minor

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Mexican woman who legally resided in Mission, Texas, and her son, who is a U.S. citizen, were sentenced today for sex trafficking a young girl. Rita Martinez, 65, was sentenced to 360 months in prison, ordered to pay over $840,000 in restitution and surrender her house and bar to the government. Genaro Fuentes, 41, Martinez’s son and co-defendant, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution. “The Justice Department is committed to identifying and prosecuting parasitic commercial sex traffickers, like the defendants here, who use the promise of America to lure vulnerable women and children into the United States and then coerce them into commercial sex acts,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will focus the full force of our legal authority on preventing and punishing human trafficking and seeking restitution for the victims of these heinous crimes.” “Martinez’s decades-long business model was simple yet evil: travel to Mexico, entice poor, young girls across the border with false promises of a better life and then force those girls to engage in sexual acts with her bar’s male patrons,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “Martinez treated the victims like chattel, while physically and psychologically imprisoning them. Today’s sentence ensures the only person left imprisoned, for decades to come, is Martinez and sends a strong message to human traffickers moonlighting as bar owners: you’re next.” “Today’s sentence will ensure that people like Rita Martinez are no longer able to victimize anyone in vulnerable or desperate circumstances,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson for the FBI San Antonio Division. “We want to thank our partners in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for their continued assistance in bringing predators like this to justice.” According to court documents, Martinez operated a bar known at various times as Perez Lounge, Rita’s Lounge and Rita’s Sports Bar. From the spring of 2005 to the fall of 2006, the 16-year-old young girl lived with Martinez and worked at the bar. Martinez arranged for the young girl to engage in commercial sex acts with men who were customers at the bar. Martinez also accepted money from these clients before allowing them to take the young girl out of the bar to engage in commercial sex. Martinez applied the money she received from commercial sex buyers to the smuggling debt that she imposed upon the minor victim to transport her from Mexico into the United States. The FBI San Antonio Field Office, McAllen Resident Agency investigated the case, with the assistance of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Trial Attorney Kate Hill of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Sherri Zack for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Ohio Woman Pleads Guilty to Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Violation for Damaging Pregnancy Center

body_text: An Ohio woman pleaded guilty today to a misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits a person from intentionally damaging or destroying the property of a facility because that facility provides reproductive health services. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 15, Whitney M. Durant, aka Soren Monroe, 20, of Worthington, intentionally damaged the property of HerChoice, a pregnancy center located in Bowling Green, Ohio, by defacing the clinic’s building, spray painting the words, “LIARS,” “Fund Abortion,” “Abort God,” and “Jane’s Revenge.” Durant was a Bowling Green State University student at the time of the incident. “Defacing facilities that provide reproductive health services will not be tolerated in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the FACE Act to protect all patients who seek reproductive health services and all persons and facilities that provide such services.” “As reflected by today’s guilty plea, the United States will enforce federal laws that protect uninterrupted access to all clinics providing reproductive health services, whether they provide women with options that include abortion care or whether they solely encourage women to consider non-abortion alternatives,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Here, the vandalized clinic did not provide abortion care, but that did not give the defendant license to deface the clinic’s property in protest, violating federal law in the process.” “The First Amendment provides a constitutional right to peacefully protest, but Ms. Durant’s actions of defacing a reproductive health care center crossed a line,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively investigate FACE Act violations and protect every American’s access to reproductive health care services.” A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for April 9, 2024. Durant faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison for the misdemeanor charge. A federal Magistrate Judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Cleveland Field Office, Toledo Resident Agency and Bowling Green Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angelita Cruz Bridges and Wood County Prosecutor and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Dobson for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov . For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department ’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers .


title: Defendants Sentenced in Labor Racketeering Case in the Port of San Juan

component: Criminal - Violent Crime and Racketeering Section

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Court sentenced six defendants for fraudulent and extortionate schemes perpetrated in the Port of San Juan Case. On August 11, 2022, four of the defendants were charged with running a criminal enterprise dedicated to extorting and misleading shipping companies into paying fees for the loading and unloading of cargo at the Port of San Juan—Piers 9, 10, and 11—under the threat of strikes and blockades on the part of union members of the ILA-1740 of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO (“ILA”) and under false representations that companies had to pay a fee in order to be able to use “union-free labor” for the loading and unloading of cargo. The other two defendants were charged with doing “chimbos,” a scheme where the defendants used the union card of another when working at the docks so that it appeared that the union member was working. Because it appeared that the person on the union card was working, the hours worked were fraudulently counted for the non-working union member’s yearly-hour requirement to qualify for healthcare benefits in the employee-benefit plan called Plan de Bienestar UTM-PRSSA. The Court imposed the following sentences per defendant: Pedro Pastrana-González: Count 1, RICO—21 months of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, restitution of $242,042.69 Iara I. Clemente-Rivera,: Count 1, RICO—three years of probation, restitution of $150,000 Carlos C. Sánchez-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Kaito/Caito/Presidente”: Count 1, RICO—three years of probation, restitution of $10,000 Jorge I. Batista-Maldonado: Counts 1, RICO—two years of probation, restitution of $50,000 José A. Fernández-Cruz, a.k.a. “Toñito”: Count 6, Conspiracy to Willfully Convert Funds and Falsify Records of the Plan de Bienestar UTM-PRSSA—one year of probation, restitution of $3,567.17 Carlos A. Hernández-Laguer, aka “Brea”: Count 6, Conspiracy to Willfully Convert Funds and Falsify Records of the Plan de Bienestar UTM-PRSSA— one year of probation, restitution of $3,567.17 Significantly, because of the convictions, under 29 U.S.C. § 1111, all of the defendants are prohibited from serving in any position with decision making authority and other-prohibited capacities in an employee-benefit plan for thirteen years. Furthermore, Carlos C. Sánchez-Ortiz, agreed to be prohibited under 29 U.S.C. § 504 from holding union office for thirteen years. Hence, Carlos C. Sánchez-Ortiz must immediately resign from his positions as president of the union ILA-1740 and the Plan de Bienestar UTM-PRSSA. U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Megan Underwood, Northeastern Regional Director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS); Crystal Colemen, Acting Regional Director, Atlanta Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA); and Juan A. Vargas, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspector, Miami Division made the announcement. The FBI was in charge of the investigation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor—Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor—Office of Labor-Management Standards, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistance was also provided by the San Juan Municipal Police, the Carolina Municipal Police, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. The investigation was carried out in consultation with attorneys of the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the U.S. Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor O. Acevedo-Hernández prosecuted the case. ###


title: Biotech CEO Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Securities Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to securities fraud, wire fraud, and obstruction of an official proceeding in connection with his scheme to defraud investors by making false and misleading statements about the purported development of a new, blood-based COVID-19 test, leading to millions of dollars in investor losses. According to court documents, Keith Berman, 70, of Westlake Village, was the CEO and sole director of Decision Diagnostics Corp. (DECN), a public medical device company. Berman and DECN were in precarious financial condition in the lead up to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Berman wrote in internal emails that he needed a “new story” to “raise millions.” Additionally, Berman had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of company money on personal expenditures, despite publicly claiming not to take any compensation. Faced with these financial difficulties, from February through December 2020, Berman engaged in a scheme to defraud investors by falsely claiming that DECN had developed a 15-second test to detect COVID-19 in a finger prick sample of blood. Despite his claims to the investing public, Berman knew that no such test existed. Berman also falsely told investors that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was on the verge of approving DECN’s request for emergency use authorization of its purported COVID-19 test. In truth, Berman knew that his company was unwilling and unable to meet the clinical testing required by the FDA but concealed these material facts and misled investors. As part of the alleged scheme, Berman used a fake persona to repeat false and misleading statements to investors on internet message boards, and to lull unsuspecting investors into inaction by refuting allegations of fraud and threatening potential whistleblowers with civil or criminal sanctions. Berman also obstructed a U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation into his conduct, using another false online identity to surreptitiously direct an investor to write a series of false and threatening letters to the highest levels of SEC management, including the SEC Chairman. Berman pleaded guilty to one count each of securities fraud, wire fraud, and obstruction of an official proceeding. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. USPIS and the FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Christopher Fenton, Kate T. McCarthy, and Matthew Reilly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: EDVA Seizes Three Domains Used by Lebanese Hizballah and Its Affiliates

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced today the seizure of three domains used by Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs), Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), and their members associated with Lebanese Hizballah. According to court records, the United States obtained court authorization to seize three domains registered to Verisign, Inc. – ctexlb.com, imarwaiktissad.com, and russia-now.com. These three domains are subject to seizure as assets of entities and organizations engaged in planning or perpetrating acts of terrorism against the United States, its citizens and residents, and their property. These domains also afford a source of influence over those entities and organizations. The seizure of these domains will cut off that source of support and influence. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office; and Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, announced the seizure of the domain names. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers and National Security Division Trial Attorney Jacques Singer-Emery. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-SW-698.


title: First of two defendants sentenced to prison for Christmas Day 2022 attack on power substations

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – One of two Pierce County men who vandalized electrical substations as part of a burglary scheme, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, to 18 months in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jeremy Crahan, 40, pleaded guilty in September 2023, admitting he joined co-defendant Matthew Greenwood in a conspiracy to knock out power so they could rob ATM machines. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “Power stations are a key part of our community, and they are key infrastructure. Our reliance on this infrastructure cannot be overstated, especially in the dead of winter. . . Causing damage to key infrastructure is not tolerable.” “These defendants launched a scheme that left thousands of people in the cold and dark in the middle of winter, A scheme that was dangerous – for them and for the workers that had to make repairs to the high voltage equipment,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Their motivation was greed – but all they got was a small amount of money from a restaurant cash register while doing more than $235,000 in damage.” According to the facts in the plea agreement, Greenwood and Crahan hatched the scheme to disrupt power so they could break into ATMs and businesses and steal money. On December 25, 2022, they damaged four substations: Hemlock Substation in Puyallup, Washington, owned by Puget Sound Energy. Here, the two cut through a fence and Greenwood manipulated a switch damaging equipment and cutting power for 8,000 customers. Elk Plain substation in Spanaway, Washington, owned by Tacoma Power. The men cut padlocks on the gate and Greenwood manipulated breakers to damage equipment and cause an outage. Graham substation in Graham, Washington, operated by Tacoma Power. The men cut through a perimeter fence and Greenwood manipulated a switch to damage equipment. This outage, combined with the Elk Plain substation outage, caused more than 7,500 customers to lose power. Kapowsin Substation in Graham, Washington, operated by Puget Sound Energy. The men cut through a fence and Greenwood tampered with a switch causing sparks, flame, and a power outage. Crahan shared in the planning and primarily served as a lookout during the attacks on the substations. Following the December 25, 2022, substation vandalism, the men spent time looking for additional ways to cause power outages by felling trees. The goal was to cut power so that they could burglarize businesses and steal from ATMs. Law enforcement arrested them before they could put the tree plan into action. Matthew Greenwood has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2024. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Tacoma Police Department, the Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Federal Protective Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Cars Stolen from Norfolk Southern Railyard

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MATHEW MAYE , age 25, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on December 7, 2023 before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to two counts of possessing goods stolen from an interstate shipment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 659. According to court documents, on March 29, 2023, MAYE and others stole a 2023 Ford F-150 and 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks, from the Norfolk Southern Automotive Distribution Facility. The cars were moving as part of an interstate shipment of freight and destined for Ford dealerships in Louisiana and Mississippi when MAYE and his accomplices stole them. During the following week, MAYE was seen on surveillance video driving the stolen F-150 and riding as a passenger in the stolen Bronco Sport. As to each count of possessing the stolen cars, MAYE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 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 Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Former Lumentum Executive Sentenced To 24 Months For Insider Trading

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that AMIT BHARDWAJ, the former Chief Information Security Officer at Lumentum Holdings Inc. (“Lumentum”), was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods to 24 months in prison for his participation in a scheme to commit insider trading based on material, non-public information (“MNPI”) that BHARDWAJ misappropriated from his employer, Lumentum. BHARDWAJ previously pled guilty to 13 counts relating to the insider trading scheme. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Amit Bhardwaj violated the trust placed in him by his employer by tipping his associates with valuable, non-public information regarding Lumentum’s planned corporate acquisitions. Today’s sentence should serve as a stark reminder to corporate executives regularly entrusted with confidential business information that if you try to illegally profit from this information, you will pay a stiff price.” According to the allegations in the Indictment and statements made in public court proceedings: In approximately December 2020, BHARDWAJ learned that Lumentum was considering acquiring Coherent, Inc (“Coherent”). Based on this information, BHARDWAJ purchased Coherent stock and call options, then tipped three associates –– his friend Dhirenkumar Patel, another friend, and one of BHARDWAJ’s close family relatives –– and these individuals all traded in Coherent securities as a result. BHARDWAJ and Patel agreed that Patel would pay BHARDWAJ 50% of the profits that Patel earned by trading in Coherent based on the MNPI provided by BHARDWAJ. When Coherent’s stock price increased substantially following the announcement of the Lumentum acquisition, BHARDWAJ, his close family member, his friend Patel, and another friend closed their positions in Coherent securities and collectively profited by nearly $900,000. In or about October 2021, BHARDWAJ learned that Lumentum was engaged in confidential discussions with Neophotonics Corporation (“Neophotonics”) about a potential acquisition. BHARDWAJ provided this information to Srinivasa Kakkera, Abbas Saeedi, and Ramesh Chitor, and these individuals all subsequently traded in Neophotonics securities. In connection with Chitor’s trading, BHARDWAJ and Chitor agreed that Chitor and BHARDWAJ would split the profits equally. When Neophotonics’s stock price increased substantially following the announcement of the Lumentum acquisition in November 2021, Kakkera, Saeedi, and Chitor closed their positions in Neophotonics securities and collectively made approximately $4.3 million in realized and unrealized profits. After they were interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) voluntarily and served with federal grand jury subpoenas on approximately March 29, 2022, BHARDWAJ took steps to obstruct the federal investigation of their conduct. On the day of the March 29, 2022, FBI interviews, BHARDWAJ drove to the homes of certain of his co-conspirators to encourage them not to tell the federal authorities the truth about their insider trading scheme. BHARDWAJ and his associates subsequently met in person on multiple occasions and discussed, among other things, potential false stories that would conceal their insider trading scheme. They also created false documents to buttress lies regarding payments that were, in reality, related to the insider trading scheme. * * * In addition to the prison sentence, BHARDWAJ, 49, of San Ramon, California, was ordered to forfeit $547,286 and pay a fine of $975,000. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. He also acknowledged the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which separately initiated civil proceedings against BHARDWAJ. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hobson and Noah Solowiejczyk are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI Beckley

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Chase Higgins, 26, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year in prison to run consecutively to his current prison term, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 21, 2023, Higgins told an FCI Beckley staff member during a search of his person that he had a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his pants. The staff member found the shank in a leg of Higgins’ pants. The shank was a piece of plastic about six inches long, with one end sharpened to a point. Higgins admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-71. ###


title: Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update:  Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ryan Keith Kincaid, 46, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Kincaid admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area. According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2023, Kincaid conspired with other individuals to distribute quantities of cocaine in the Charleston area. During a search of Kincaid’s apartment, approximately 11 ounces of cocaine, used drug packaging consistent with approximately 26 kilograms of cocaine, a loaded pistol, and over $400,000 in cash were seized. Kincaid was ultimately responsible for trafficking 112 kilograms of cocaine which would have earned him over 3 million dollars. Kincaid is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. Kincaid and 24 other defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-31. ###


title: Saint James Parish Man  Sentenced for Violating  Federal Controlled Substances Act

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – On December 7, 2023, United States District Judge Carl Barbier sentenced CRANDALL WASHINGTON to 168 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of the indictment pending against him for both conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute, five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Specifically, WASHINGTON was indicted on November 4, 2021 for possessing with intent to distribute 909 grams of crystal methamphetamine. According to court documents, WASHINGTON was stopped in his vehicle by law enforcement with three different bags of crystal methamphetamine, weighing approximately two (2) pounds. Following completion of his prison sentence, WASHINGTON also faces five (5) years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count. U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Angelo Johnson, 27, of Beckley, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 13, 2022, Johnson sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant, while aided and abetted by another, at a Ewart Avenue residence in Beckley. Johnson admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling a quantity of methamphetamine to the confidential informant in Daniels on October 31, 2022. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-13. ###


title: Smith County man sentenced for using stolen valor to defraud investors

body_text: TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for multiple violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Derek Robert Hamm, 39, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, violating the Stolen Valor Act, using a fraudulent military discharge certificate, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Hamm was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison on Dec. 7, 2023, by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker. Hamm’s sentence was the largest ever imposed in relation to a fraud scheme involving the Stolen Valor Act. The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it illegal to fraudulently wear medals, embellish rank, or make false claims of military service to obtain money, employment, property, or some other tangible benefit. As part of his sentence Hamm agreed to pay restitution of at least $2.3 million and forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal conduct, including jewelry, automobiles, and cash proceeds in the amount of $1,675,000. According to court documents, Hamm invented a persona of being a wealthy and successful war hero. Hamm held himself out to be a former member of the Army Special Forces who had served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. He claimed to have been awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Cross for his service. Hamm also represented that he was related to Harold Hamm, the billionaire oilman in Oklahoma, which he claimed gave him access to financial resources and oil industry expertise. Through this larger-than-life persona, Hamm created an extensive network of friends who introduced him to potential investors. Those investors believed Hamm’s claims and invested in what they expected to be worthwhile ventures spearheaded by a trustworthy and capable entrepreneur. In reality, Derek Hamm was nothing of the sort. Hamm was not a decorated war hero. He was no oil industry tycoon. He was not related to Harold Hamm. He did not spend investors’ funds on the latest oil industry technology or new oil wells. Within hours of receiving investors’ funds, Hamm spent their money on himself and his family, including expensive jewelry, vehicles, and vacations to expensive resorts on private charter planes. All the while, Hamm represented to investors that he had invested their money in successful oil industry projects. He continued to pump investors to keep sending him money even as their investments failed to produce any returns. “As the son of a veteran, I have a deep appreciation for the importance of military service and recognizing the valor of our servicemen and women,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “The Stolen Valor Act protects and honors veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made to our country. When people make false claims of military heroism, they diminish the true acts of bravery and heroism that Americans celebrate and tribute. Stolen valor is an insult to all those who stood in harm’s way and earned their decorations. By using stolen valor to steal from people, Hamm preyed on the victims’ love of this country and their reverence for American heroes who earned such real military awards through their sacrifices to this country.” “The defendant invented a successful and noble persona to disguise his failed business and dishonest intentions in order to steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors. In addition to pretending to be an American hero, he was found to be in possession of dozens of firearms which was prohibited due to his criminal background. Mr. Hamm could not stop breaking the law,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “I am proud that we can work with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to uphold the Stolen Valor Act and ensure that courageous attribution stays with our nation’s bravest defenders.” Hamm also pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. Hamm was convicted in Smith County in 2020 for theft of property, a state felony. As a felon, Hamm is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. According to court documents, Hamm was in possession of dozens of firearms, including several rifles with high-capacity magazines, and ammunition for those firearms. Because of his arsenal of weapons and his trained-warrior persona, Hamm scared any investors from pressing him on his failed investments. Through its investigation, the government learned that this was not the first time that Hamm had used stolen valor for his own personal benefit. In 2020, Hamm presented falsified military records to a Smith County, Texas District Court, which he successfully leveraged into a more lenient sentence. Hamm had used those same false documents to obtain Bronze Star license plates from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. After Hamm was indicted in January 2022, more than $350,000 worth of assets, including cash, vehicles, and jewelry, were seized pursuant to the Justice Department’s asset forfeiture procedures. Those assets were sold prior to sentencing and were forfeited to the government. Because Hamm did not have enough other assets to pay anything towards the $2.3 million restitution judgment, the U.S. Attorney requested for the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) to approve application of the forfeited assets to the restitution debt so that the forfeited funds could be paid to the victims. MLARS expedited the U.S. Attorney’s request and approved it in a matter of days. If you or someone you know has been a victim of Derek Robert Hamm, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 903-594-3503. Derek Robert Hamm is also known as D. Wayne Hamm II, Wayne Hamm, D. Wayne H., DW Hamm, and RD Hamm. This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence; deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor; and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tyler Field Office, with assistance from the Tyler Police Department, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the Phoenix Arizona Police Department, Smith County Adult Probation, the Texas Railroad Commission-Enforcement Division, Department of Veteran’s Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts-Criminal Investigation Division, and the United States Army Special Operations Command. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Austin Wells and Ryan Locker. ###


title: Romance Scammer Convicted at Trial of Money Laundering, Wire Fraud Conspiracies

body_text: An Aubrey woman was convicted at trial Thursday of defrauding elderly victims in romance schemes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. After 7 days of trial and 10 hours of deliberation, a jury convicted Ijeoma Okoro, 33, of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. “I am so proud of the federal agents and our office’s prosecutors in this case, who worked diligently to hold the defendants accountable for conspiring to defraud these innocent victims of money and then conspiring to launder that money,” said U.S. Attorney Simonton. “Such schemes are especially despicable because the perpetrators prey on the emotions of the people they are victimizing. Our U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively seek to bring such criminals to justice.” “Ms. Okoro and her coconspirators stole money from retirement accounts, pensions and other sources as part of several romance scams,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “These individuals preyed on unsuspecting women and men, gaining their trust and confidence, in order to ultimately empty their bank accounts. This verdict should send a clear message to those who would consider conducting or participating in these types of fraudulent financial schemes.” According to evidence presented at trial, the fraudsters assumed fake names and trolled dating sites like Match.com and Zoosk, searching for targets. Once the fraudsters had ingratiated themselves to their often divorced or widowed victims with promises of long-term commitment, the fraudsters concocted elaborate stories about why they needed financial assistance. A common story was that the fraudster had to travel overseas for work and was unable to access a bank account. To solve a work-related crisis or pay for urgent medical treatment for a family member, the fraudster asked the victims to send money to cover the expenses, promising to repay them in the near future. The trusting victims sent thousands of dollars to bank accounts opened by the defendant and her coconspirators in the Northern District of Texas. The defendant then distributed the fraudulent proceeds to coconspirators and claimed a cut for herself. The defendant now faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the wire fraud conspiracy count, up to 10 years in federal prison on the money laundering conspiracy count, and an order to repay the victims the losses that she and her coconspirators caused the victims. IRS – Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Frisco Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Walters, Jenna Rudoff and Elyse Lyons prosecuted the case.


title: Kentucky Woman Sentenced To Two Years For Forgery Of Federal Judge's Signature

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On December 8, 2023, Sunshine Ann Miller, 44, currently of Whitley City, Kentucky, was sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Honorable Katheryn A. Crytzer, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Miller agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging her with forging the signature of a United States District Judge in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 505. Following her imprisonment, she will be on supervised release for two years. According to court filed documents, in August 2019, Miller sought to extort money from an elderly, bedridden resident of Scott County, Tennessee. While serving as the victim’s caregiver, Miller provided him with a counterfeit federal warrant, upon which she had forged the signature of Pamela L. Reeves. Prior to her passing on September 10, 2020, Reeves had been a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Miller’s conviction was the result of an investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The investigation was led by Secret Service Task Force Officer Jonathan Scott. Assistant United States Attorney Frank M. Dale, Jr. represented the United States. ###


title: Dominican Republic Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison and 3 Years of Supervised Release for Illegally Re-Entering the United States

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of the Dominican Republic, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 84 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of illegal reentry by a deported alien, United States Attorney Eric Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Rudys Osvaldo Torres, age 50, of the Dominican Republic on December 7, 2023. According to information presented to the court, on or about March 15, 2021, Torres, an alien who had previously been deported and removed from the United States, and who had knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully reentered the United States, was found in the United States in Somerset County, Pennsylvania without having applied for and received permission from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Mr. Olshan commended the Pennsylvania State Police and Customs Enforcement for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Torres.


title: Missoula woman admits felony for stealing U.S. Forest Service truck

body_text: MISSOULA — A Missoula woman accused of stealing a $40,000 pickup truck from the U.S. Forest Service admitted to a theft crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Kasey Nichol Hugs, 39, pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Hugs faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Sentencing was set for April 10, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hugs was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on Dec. 26, 2020, a white Dodge Ram 2500 crew cab pickup truck, valued at approximately $40,000, was stolen from the Missoula Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory. Surveillance footage showed a female, later determined to be Hugs, walking among the parked vehicles attempting to gain access to them. Hugs eventually opened the driver door of the Dodge and drove it off the lot. On Jan. 19, 2021, the truck was located on the side of Highway 200 in Lincoln. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found documents bearing the name, Kasey Hugs, a gray backpack that Hugs appeared to be wearing the night she stole the truck and several receipts from Missoula businesses. Surveillance video on the dates and times listed on the receipts depicted Hugs at those businesses. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Forest Service and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Man Convicted of Firearms Trafficking Sentenced

body_text: Fort Worth man who trafficked firearms from Texas to California to convicted felons was sentenced today to 9 years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Justin Douangmala, 41, was charged via criminal complaint in July and pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy to traffick in firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 933(a)(3). He was sentenced today to 9 years in federal prison. Mr. Douangmala is among the first defendants in the Northern District of Texas to plead guilty to an offense outlined in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act , signed into law by President Biden in June 2022. According to court documents, during a search warrant at Mr. Douangmala’s residence several firearms and drugs were located in his Fort Worth residence. Cell phone conversations further revealed Mr. Douangmala and others discussing silencers and firearms. In one of those messages, an individual asked Mr. Douangmala to send him pictures of firearms he had access to (as seen in the image below). Mr. Douangmala admitted to sending multiple firearms from Texas to California to a convicted felon. At the sentencing hearing, it was shown that Mr. Douangmala was also receiving large quantities of drugs from this individual in California that he was trafficking the firearms to in exchange. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division and Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas prosecuted the case.


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Illegal Gun Possession & Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Messiah A. Fleming, 21, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 48 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Fleming pleaded guilty to these charges on September 1, 2023. In October and November 2022, Fleming was intercepted over a wiretap speaking with a drug trafficker in Madison who was selling fentanyl pills which were designed to appear like commercially manufactured oxycodone pills. Fleming was often ordering hundreds of fentanyl pills at a time and believed to be distributing them in the Madison area. On November 24, 2022, a Madison Police Department officer observed a vehicle parked at a grocery store in Madison shortly after midnight with non-matching registration plates. The officer made contact with the driver, Fleming. The officer could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed a large quantity of cash at Fleming’s feet. When asked to see paperwork for the vehicle, Fleming stepped out of the car and shut the door. When the officer attempted to detain Fleming over a fear he would run, Fleming physically resisted and ordered his brother, who was also in the car, to grab a bag and the keys and leave. His brother did so while Fleming struggled with the officers. Once Fleming was detained, officers searched his car and found a loaded Glock 9mm handgun with an extended magazine and bullet in the chamber, in the glove box. Officers also found multiple unlabeled pill bottles containing the fentanyl pills and labeled as oxycodone, additional handgun magazines, and over $6,000 in cash. A forensic analyst later determined that Fleming’s DNA was on the Glock handgun. At the time of these incidents, Fleming was on probation for a state case involving possession of a machine gun and possession of narcotic drugs. His probation was revoked and he was sentenced to one year in state prison. At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Fleming received a significant break in his last case by receiving probation and immediately engaged in similar conduct resulting in the current federal case. He added that Fleming was dealing with a dangerous drug, fentanyl, as well as a dangerous weapon, a handgun with an extended magazine, and the sentence imposed was meant to protect the public from his conduct. The charges against Fleming were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Madison Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Oneida Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 7, 2023, Gerald B. Diamond II (age: 26), a former resident of Green Bay and an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, received a total sentence of 12 years in federal prison following convictions for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited possession of a firearm. Diamond previously pled guilty to these offenses on August 21, 2023. According to court documents, law enforcement stopped the defendant on March 6, 2023, while he was driving a vehicle east of Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Diamond was arrested on an outstanding warrant related to previous probation violations. A search of the vehicle revealed over two pounds of marijuana, 14.23 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl, 6.69 grams of fentanyl, 2.1 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, other controlled substances, numerous items of paraphernalia consistent with the use and sale of drugs, .22 caliber ammunition, and a Ruger .22 caliber revolver. Additionally, $566 in U.S. Currency was recovered from the vehicle. The other occupants of the vehicle stated that Diamond was traveling to a nearby mobile home court to supply drugs to a known drug dealer. Diamond later admitted the drugs, cash, firearm, and paraphernalia belonged to him. At the time, Diamond was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous convictions in Brown and Sawyer County Circuit Courts. Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Diamond to concurrent 12-year sentences on each count and imposed a three-year term of supervised release to be served upon his release from prison. In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the crime, the need to deter those who might consider similar actions and the need to protect the community from the destructive effects of abuse of controlled substances. The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted. The Sawyer County District Attorney’s Office and Wisconsin State Crime Lab provided valuable assistance. ### For additional information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth B. Gales at 414 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Firearm Possession and Covid-19 Fraud

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Demetrius S. Washington, 27, was sentenced on December 6, 2023, to a total of 108 months imprisonment: 96 months for possession of a weapon by a felon and a consecutive 12 months for wire fraud. In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Washington was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $10,843.84 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government presented evidence that Washington, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a loaded Glock firearm with a 50 round drum magazine when he was arrested in connection with an unrelated case in March 2022. The government presented evidence that the recovered Glock firearm was test-fired and shell casings were entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). The NIBIN system reported a connection between the recovered firearm and an October 2021 shooting in Springfield. That connection was confirmed by the ATF’s Forensic Science Laboratory. Additional evidence showed that during the October 2021 crime, Washington gave the firearm to a juvenile who, moments later, fired multiple shots at an occupied sedan in the parking lot of a gas station. No one was injured in the shooting. Further evidence indicated Washington was actively trying to obtain additional firearms during the six months between the shooting and his arrest on unrelated state charges. Additional evidence showed that Washington fraudulently obtained over $10,000 from the Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. During the hearing, Judge Lawless noted that, as a result of Washington’s conduct, innocent citizens of Springfield had to flee for safety. Judge Lawless further remarked that the sentence was necessary to protect the public and deter others from similar crimes. Washington remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service, where he has been since his federal arrest on April 26, 2022. The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by a felon and three counts of wire fraud on April 14, 2023, before United States Magistrate Judge Karen L. McNaught. The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person at the time of Washington’s offense were up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The statutory penalties for wire fraud are up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. “The ready availability of guns has caused an unacceptable spike of violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “For the protection of our community, we warn individuals contributing to such violence that federal, state, and local government agencies are working together to hold you accountable. We also will continue to prosecute COVID fraudsters and work to recover pandemic relief funds that were fraudulently obtained.” “This case illustrates how Crime Gun Intelligence such as NIBIN helps law enforcement prioritize offenders who illegally possess firearms that were used in shootings,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the Central District of Illinois United States Attorney for prosecuting these felon in possession cases, holding accountable those who create such havoc in our community.” “The Springfield Police Department is committed to preventing gun violence and holding those accountable who choose to break the law,” said Springfield Police Department Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations Sara Pickford. “This successful prosecution is another example of the flourishing partnership that has developed between the Springfield Police Department, ATF, and the United States Attorney’s Office.” “The U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, investigating, and pursuing those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means,” said Stephen S. Webster, United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge, Springfield Resident Office. “We are proud of our partnerships with the federal, state, and local agencies who work collectively to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.” The Springfield Police Department investigated the firearms case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case against Washington is part of a committed effort to combat gun violence in Sangamon County, Illinois, by law enforcement including the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Secret Service investigated the wire fraud case, with assistance from the Springfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution. The firearms case against Washington 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. COVID-19 disaster relief benefits are intended to help people and businesses suffering as a result of the pandemic. If members of the public suspect that anyone fraudulently obtained or misused benefits, they should contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NDCF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submit the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hotline staff will obtain information regarding complaints, which will then be reviewed by law enforcement officials. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.


title: Duquesne Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Material Depicting Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: PITTSBURGH – A resident of Duquesne, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. George Cobbs, age 41, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 14, 2021; September 22, 2021; and September 30, 2021, Cobbs attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 90 years in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, Cobbs remains detained. Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Duquesne Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cobbs. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Cantina owner and son receive significant sentence for forcing young girl to engage in commercial sex

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A Mexican woman, who legally resided in Mission, and a local Texan have been ordered to federal prison for sex trafficking a young girl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Rita Martinez, 65, pleaded guilty June 30. Her son - Genaro Fuentes, 41, entered his plea Jan. 26 and admitted his role working at the bar and helping to facilitate the commercial sex. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 360-month term of imprisonment for Martinez, while Fuentes was ordered to serve 72 months. Martinez and Fuentes were also ordered to pay $840,000 and $20,000 in restitution to the victims, respectively. In addition, the court forfeited the bar and the home of Martinez. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from eight victims, including a woman who was only 12 years old when Martinez brought her from Mexico and started trafficking her as a sex worker in her cantina. Prior to handing down the prison terms, Chief Judge Crane noted some people just have evil in their hearts. “Martinez’s decades-long business model was simple yet evil: travel to Mexico, entice poor, young girls across the border with false promises of a better life and then force those girls to engage in sexual acts with her bar’s male patrons,” said Hamdani. “Martinez treated the victims like chattel, while physically and psychologically imprisoning them. Today’s sentence ensures the only person left imprisoned, for decades to come, is Martinez and sends a strong message to human traffickers moonlighting as bar owners: you’re next." “Human trafficking cannot be tolerated, especially those who exploit many victims and use the promise of America to lure vulnerable women and children into the United States, only to coerce them into commercial sex acts,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department remains committed to identifying and prosecuting human trafficking cases, and seeking restitution for the victims who survived these heinous crimes.” “Today’s sentence will ensure that people like Rita Martinez are no longer able to victimize anyone in vulnerable or desperate circumstances,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson for the FBI San Antonio Division. “We want to thank our partners in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for their continued assistance in bringing predators like this to justice.” For decades, Martinez smuggled unwitting women and girls from Mexico into the United States and compelled them to engage in commercial sex work in a cantina she owned and operated in Mission known as Perez Lounge, Rita’s Lounge and Rita’s Sports Bar. Martinez arranged for the young women and girls to engage in commercial sex acts with men who were patrons at the bar. She accepted money from these clients before allowing them to take them out of the bar to engage in the commercial sex. Martinez claimed she applied the money she received from the commercial sex to the smuggling debt she imposed upon the victims for their illegal transport from Mexico into the United States. In addition to working for Martinez, many victims were forced to reside in Martinez’s home. Martinez and Fuentes will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the TABC. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Sherri Zack prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorney Kate Hill of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: St. Petersburg Man Charged With Making Threats Of  A Mass Shooting

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Robert Trout III (19, St. Petersburg) with knowingly transmitting in interstate commerce a true threat. If convicted, Trout faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. According to the complaint, Trout posted a video on Instagram making threats to go to New York City and “cause havoc on the subway” by shooting “anybody” that Trout sees. Trout further threatened that this shooting would occur on the evening of Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023, and stated “if you’re from New York City, do not take the train on Thursday evening.” While making these threats, Trout displayed multiple firearms, including two semi-automatic firearms with extended clips containing a total of 60 bullets while stating “that’s sixty shots - that’s sixty people dead.” Several recent postings on Trout’s Instagram account in conjunction with witness statements allowed law enforcement to identify Trout as the person responsible for making the threats. Trout made his initial appearance in federal court, in Tampa, Florida on December 7, 2023, and was ordered detained pending further proceedings. A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Pinellas Park Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke Padgett.


title: Bridgeport Teen Charged with 2 Gunpoint Robberies

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a four-count indictment charging DERRICK RIVERA, 19, of Bridgeport, with offenses related to two armed robberies of Bridgeport businesses. As alleged in the indictment, on November 11, 2022, Rivera committed a gunpoint robbery of a barbershop located on Wood Avenue in Bridgeport, and, on November 25, 2022, Rivera robbed a restaurant located on Wade Street in Bridgeport. During the second robbery, Rivera discharged a firearm, injuring the owner of the restaurant. The indictment charges Rivera with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years; and one count of discharging a firearm during a robbery, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 10 years. The indictment was returned on November 28, 2023. Rivera appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. Rivera has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 25, 2023. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of the Stratford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.


title: Armed repeat offender, who triggered neighborhood lock-down, sentenced to six years in prison

body_text: Seattle – A 42-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Pedro Fernandez Kent triggered a neighborhood lockdown in January 2023 when he fled police in North Seattle. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez noted that firearms coupled with drug dealing often lead to deadly results “Everyone recognizes first of all how dangerous the particular conduct was in this case…” According to records filed in the case, on January 15, 2023, Seattle Police were responding to a domestic violence report in North Seattle when they spotted the distinctive car driven by the suspect, Pedro Kent. Kent attempted to flee from police crashing his car into two curbs, rupturing the tires. Kent abandoned the car and ran into the yards of neighboring homes. Video from area cameras show Kent with a handgun in his hand as he ran into a backyard. Police converged on the area, alerting residents to stay in their homes with the doors locked. One couple called police reporting that the defendant appeared to be hiding in their backyard. A K-9 officer helped take Kent into custody. In addition to the gun Kent carried when he ran from the car, police located a carbine rifle in the car as well as distribution amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Kent also had a hatchet and a dagger in the car as well as scales and plastic baggies for drug distribution. Kent was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous King County convictions for burglary, theft, assault, and trafficking in stolen property. The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson. 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: Anaconda man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for attempted coercion, possession of child pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA — An Anaconda man who was convicted by a federal jury of attempting to coerce and entice a minor into engaging in sexual intercourse and of possessing child pornography was sentenced today to 12 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. After a three-day trial that began on July 24, the jury found Christopher Todd Boudreau, 42, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered $21,000 in restitution. In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in July 2022, law enforcement, working in an undercover capacity on the internet, received a “friend request” from Boudreau. The undercover provided a phone number, and Boudreau initiated a text conversation. The undercover identified herself as a juvenile girl. Communications progressed, and Boudreau arranged to meet the undercover in Missoula. Boudreau repeatedly indicated his interest to engage in intimacy and stated that intimacy meant “sex.” Law enforcement arrested Boudreau on July 28, 2022, when he arrived at a location to meet the undercover. Law enforcement served a search warrant on Boudreau’s residence and found electronic media that contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. XXX


title: Jury Convicts Denver Man of Fentanyl, Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearm

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Denver, Colorado, man has been convicted at trial for transporting fentanyl and methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus and for illegally possessing a firearm. Ahmad Rashad Rhodes, 44, was found guilty on Thursday, Dec. 7, of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on March 20, 2023, when Rhodes arrived on a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California. As passengers disembarked, a police drug-sniffing dog alerted to the scent of illegal drugs in a suitcase in the undercarriage of the bus as well as a backpack in the passenger compartment of the bus. Officers determined both items belonged to Rhodes and contacted him. After a brief struggle, Rhodes was taken into custody when he admitted to officers he had a gun in the crossbody bag he was wearing. Officers searched Rhodes and found a key chain in his coat with two metal pill holders attached; one pill holder contained 61 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl and the other contained 33 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl. In the crossbody bag Rhodes was wearing, officers discovered 3,200 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl, a clear plastic baggie that contained 60 grams of methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .38-caliber pistol. Officers searched the rest of Rhodes’s luggage and found a digital scale, over 100 unused small, plastic baggies and marijuana. Rhodes was taken into custody when he admitted to officers that he had a gun inside the fanny pack he was wearing. Officers searched Rhodes and found a key chain in his coat with two metal pill holders attached; one pill holder contained 61 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl and the other contained 33 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl. Rhodes told officers he was enroute to Louisville, Kentucky, and was fleeing from Colorado due to a pending drug-trafficking case in which he was set to be sentenced. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rhodes has eight prior felony convictions related to the use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including two convictions in Colorado for which he pled guilty and then failed to appear for sentencing, and a prior felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than an hour before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Wednesday, Dec. 6. Under federal statutes, Rhodes is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on April 11, 2024. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan A. Baker and Gregg R. Coonrod. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.