title: Three Men Sentenced for Trafficking Drugs and Firearms

body_text: ROME, Ga. - James Lewallen Meeks, a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate, and two conspirators, Jamey Michael Latty and Mark Anthony Powell, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in trafficking firearms, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in Northwest Georgia. “While serving a sentence for a violent crime in a Georgia Correctional Facility, Meeks continued his criminal activity by brokering a number of illegal firearm and drug transactions with his co-defendants in Northwest Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Meeks will now serve two decades in federal prison after completing his state sentence, and his co-defendants are headed to federal prison as well.” “This case exemplifies our commitment to prevent drug trafficking and criminal activity from poisoning our communities,” stated ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “It also sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute the leaders and members of these violent drug enterprises.” “Our communities remain under attack by criminal drug trafficking organizations with no regard for the harm and destruction they cause,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This investigation and subsequent arrests of the individuals in this violent drug trafficking organization demonstrate DEA’s commitment to protecting our community by destroying these drug trafficking organizations.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Starting around February 2022, James Lewallen Meeks, an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo, Georgia, used a contraband cell phone to coordinate with Jamey Michael Latty and Mark Anthony Powell to sell firearms and drugs. Specifically, in March 2022, Meeks worked with Latty to sell methamphetamine in Rockmart, Georgia, and later sell methamphetamine and a Glock pistol to an individual in Cave Springs, Georgia. Meeks also coordinated repeatedly with Powell to sell methamphetamine and what turned out to be a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine to the same individual in Carrollton, Georgia. Along with the drugs, Powell sold ammunition and five firearms, including an UZI .22 caliber long rifle with a silencer, at the direction of Meeks. In April 2022, Latty separately sold ammunition and four firearms, including an AR-style rifle designed as a machine gun, to the same individual in Rome, Georgia. On June 2, 2022, Latty was arrested in Hiram, Georgia in possession of approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine. That same day, Powell was arrested in Carrollton after leading law enforcement on a vehicle chase during which approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine was thrown out of Powell’s truck window. A pistol and a substance containing fentanyl was found in Powell’s vehicle at the time of his arrest. Agents also executed a federal search warrant at a residence in Carrollton, where some of the drug and firearms transactions had occurred, and seized six firearms from the residence, including rifles, shotguns, and a pistol. Latty and Powell were prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because each had previously been convicted of a felony offense. After Latty was indicted, he fled the state and assumed a false identity. Through the efforts of multiple state and federal agencies, Latty was eventually located and apprehended by U.S. Deputy Marshals in Collinsville, Alabama. After pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II sentenced the three men as follows: James Lewallen Meeks, 39, of Dallas, Georgia, was sentenced to 20 years in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release, consecutive to the time he is already serving in state custody. Jamey Michael Latty, 45, of Centre, Alabama, was sentenced to 15 years and one month in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Mark Anthony Powell, 43, of Jackson, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years, seven months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with invaluable assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, Haralson Paulding County Drug Task Force, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Police Department, Michigan State University Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force Office, and the Special Response Team of DeKalb County, Alabama Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca M. Ojeda prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia recommends that parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following websites: www.justthinktwice.gov ; www.operationprevention.com/ ; and www.dea.gov/onepill . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Yazoo City Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Yazoo City man pled guilty today to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, Desmond Robinson, 28, was found in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop conducted by the Yazoo City Police Department. Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff is prosecuting the case. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Local Rapper Sentenced to over 14 Years in Prison for  Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Jackson, Mississippi – A local rapper was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute over 37 grams of methamphetamine. According to court documents, Ronald Cobbs, Jr. a/k/a Lil Ron a/k/a Reverend Bankroll, 39, of Jackson, was distributing narcotics at his t-shirt business located in North Mart Plaza in Jackson. Cobbs was indicted by a federal grand jury and pled guilty in February 2024 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Todd Gee and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, and Ridgeland Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton. The case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal drug trafficking in the Jackson, Mississippi, and surrounding areas. The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Springfield, Illinois Man Convicted of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Firearms Offenses

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

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on May 29, 2024, against James Russwinkel of the 20 th block of Country Lake Road, Springfield, Illinois, for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon. Sentencing for Russwinkel is scheduled for October 2, 2024, at 1:30 P.M., at the U.S. Courthouse in Springfield, Illinois before U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless. During two days of testimony, the government presented evidence that, on May 8, 2020, Russwinkel, a convicted felon, was stopped while driving and subsequently arrested by Springfield Police Officers because he had an outstanding warrant. During a search of Russwinkel, officers found a loaded 9mm magazine, a loose 9mm round, and a large amount of U.S. Currency. Police Officers then searched the vehicle and located within arm’s reach of Russwinkel, a black backpack containing over 26 grams of methamphetamine in multiple bags, a 9mm pistol without its magazine, and an even larger amount of U.S. Currency. In total, $14,637 was seized. The jury found that the defendant possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug distribution. The jury also found Russwinkel possessed the firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Russwinkel remains in the custody of U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. At sentencing, Russwinkel faces statutory penalties of not less than five years and up to forty years in prison for possession with intent to deliver five grams or more of methamphetamine; not less than 5 years in prison consecutive to the possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute charge for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and not more than 10 years in prison, for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon. The prosecution was the result of an investigation by Springfield Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanner K. Jacobs and Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government at trial. The case against Russwinkel 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: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child Pornography

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 29, 2024. Shane Allan Nelson, age 38, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Nelson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2022. He pleaded guilty on February 13, 2024. The conviction stemmed from incidents between March 13, 2020, and March 18, 2020, when Nelson received materials containing child pornography. Nelson used his Apple iPhone to access the internet and direct a 16-year-old female in Delaware to send him nude photos of herself. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Nelson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Pekin Man Charged with Possessing Homemade Explosive Devices and a Firearm as a Felon

body_text: Peoria, Ill. – A Pekin, Illinois man, Dalton Lee Mattus, of the 30 th block of S. 2 nd Street, has been charged by criminal complaint with unlawful possession of homemade explosive devices and possessing a firearm as a felon, announced the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory K. Harris. The complaint alleges that, following a traffic stop on May 17, 2024, police located several syringes, a small scale, and a padlocked bag in the passenger area of Mattus’s car. Inside the bag, police located a stolen handgun and two homemade destructive devices. The devices were cylinder-shaped and were each equipped with yellow pyrotechnic fuses. Each device was glued shut on both ends with metallic BBs mixed throughout the glue. Police later searched Mattus’s apartment where they located three additional explosive devices, live firearm ammunition, and additional materials used in the construction of destructive devices. Mattus, whose record includes multiple felony convictions, was arrested on May 17, 2024, and charged in Tazewell County state court with felon in possession of a firearm. Mattus was detained following a detention hearing in state court. A preliminary/detention hearing is scheduled for June 4, 2024, at 2:30 P.M. at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois. Members of the public are reminded that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, Mattus faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Agencies participating in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Springfield Field Office, Pekin Police Department, and Peoria Police Department. Ronald L. Hanna is representing the government in the prosecution.


title: South Dakota Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – A South Dakota man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including for allegedly assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. William George Knight, 37, of Rapid City, South Dakota, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, both felony offenses. In addition to the felonies, Knight is charged with five misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings. The FBI arrested Knight on May 26, 2024, in Rapid City. He is expected to make his initial appearance today in the District of South Dakota. According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Knight attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C., and witnessed the United States Park Police (USPP) take an individual into custody. A crowd of others, including Knight, allegedly pursued the USPP to a screening facility, a glass structure, and Knight aggressively approached the glass wall four times over approximately seven minutes, each time pushing himself off the wall and gesturing toward police. Knight then put his middle fingers up to the glass and pointed menacingly at the police inside the Screening Center. Knight later made his way toward the Capitol and entered the Capitol grounds via the Maryland Avenue walkway. Knight and others were allegedly among the first rioters to breach the restricted perimeter and arrive at the West Plaza at approximately 12:57 p.m. A short while later, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officers arrived to reinforce Capitol Police and set up a barrier using bike racks on the West Plaza. It is alleged that Knight grabbed one of the bike rack barriers and fell backward because he had pulled on the barrier so forcefully. At about 1:14 p.m., Knight allegedly attempted to pull a second bike rack barrier away from a different nearby police line. After initially grabbing the second bike rack, Knight retreated before charging toward the police line and diving to grab the barrier. Court documents say that MPD officers had to deploy chemical spray to stop Knight. Knight then jeered at the police line for several minutes, pointed at them aggressively multiple times, and yelled at the police, “We ain’t leaving! We ain’t going nowhere!” and “Here are the b—. Here are the b—.” Court documents allege that at about 1:40 p.m., Knight and a large group of other rioters pushed a giant metal-framed sign toward the police line. After ramming the sign at police, Knight allegedly shoved an MPD officer and again grabbed a bike rack barrier and pulled it into the crowd, depriving the police of its use. Knight remained at the vanguard of rioters confronting officers, chanting, “Stop the steal! Stop the steal!” with other rioters. Later, at approximately 2:08 p.m., Knight is alleged to have been part of a group of rioters that pushed together against the police line on the Lower West Plaza. The police line collapsed at approximately 2:30 p.m., and Knight and other rioters made their way up one level to the Lower West Terrace. Knight remained on the Lower West Terrace for at least two hours. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Minneapolis Division, Rapid City Resident Agency, and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. In the 40 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Eight Individuals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Steal Government Property from Anniston Army Depot

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Eight individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to steal United States property from Anniston Army Depot (ANAD), announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona; Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Darrin Jones; Defense Logistics Agency Office of the Inspector General Deputy Inspector General Jerold Unruh; and United States Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent in Charge D. Todd Outlaw. According to court documents and evidence presented during a trial, police officers with the Directorate of Emergency Services and other civilian employees at ANAD stole millions of dollars in military property from warehouses at the Depot over a period of several years and delivered it to middlemen. The middlemen delivered the stolen property to the owner of a military surplus store to sell. The conspirators split the money from the sale of the stolen property. The stolen items included equipment that was designed to be attached to military weapon systems to provide operators with instant nighttime engagement capabilities and/or improved target acquisition. The following individuals were sentenced to federal prison in connection with their participation in the conspiracy: Steve Bonner , 63, of Goodwater, a middleman, was found guilty of conspiracy to steal United States property following a four-day trial. The court sentenced him to 30 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $1,873,200 to the United States Department of Defense. Jerry Baker , 63, of Hokes Bluff, a Captain with the Directorate of Emergency Services, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States property. The court sentenced him to 25 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $3,750,000 to the United States Department of Defense. Kelvin Battle , 54, of Anniston, a Sergeant with the Directorate of Emergency Services, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States property. The court sentenced him to 21 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $2,414,582 to the United States Department of Defense. Eric Matraia , 54, of Munford, a guard with the Directorate of Emergency Services, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States property. The court sentenced him to 16 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $3,000,000 to the United States Department of Defense. Shane Farthing , 42, of Gadsden, a guard with the Directorate of Emergency Services, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States property. The court sentenced him to 15 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $707,000 to the United States Department of Defense. Christopher Price , 55, of Childersburg, the owner of a military surplus store in Sylacauga, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States property. The court sentenced him to 14 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $3,940,940 to the United States Department of Defense. James Kenneth Scott , 73, of Sylacauga, a middleman, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States property. The court sentenced him to 12 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $3,500,000 to the United States Department of Defense. Scott Bunch , 54, of Alexandria, a Defense Logistics Agency supervisor, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States property. The court sentenced him to 12 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of $3,750,000 to the United States Department of Defense. “These sentences send a clear message that such criminal conduct will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “The successful investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrates the dedication of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to ensure that these defendants were brought to justice.” “I’m proud of the great work done by the investigative team and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring these government employees and their co-conspirators to justice,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Darrin K. Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Our office will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure those who steal from our military supply chain and degrade our combat readiness are held accountable.” “This is the latest example of Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division working collaboratively with federal partners to relentlessly pursue those who conspire to steal government property,” said D. Todd Outlaw, Special Agent in Charge, Southern Field Office, Army CID. “Army CID will continue to protect Soldiers, families, civilians, and warfighting assets from crimes that affect readiness and warfighting capabilities in multi-domain operations.” The Department of Defense Office of Inspector Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Defense Logistics Agency Office of Inspector General investigated the case with assistance from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys George Martin and Ryan Rummage prosecuted the cases.


title: Biloxi Restaurant and its Co-Owner Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Misbrand Seafood

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Gulfport, MS – A Mississippi corporation operating as Mary Mahoney’s Old French House restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi, pled guilty today to conspiracy to misbrand seafood and wire fraud. A co-owner/manager of the restaurant also pled guilty to misbranding of seafood. According to court documents, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, Inc., pled guilty to a felony Information, filed April 26, 2024, charging the corporation with conspiracy to misbrand seafood and wire fraud in connection with a scheme that began as early as 2002 and continued through November of 2019. Mahoney’s, founded in 1962, admitted that between December 2013 and November 2019, it and its co-conspirators, fraudulently sold as local premium species, approximately 58,750 pounds (over 29 tons) of fish that was frozen and imported from Africa, India, and South America. Additionally, Anthony Charles Cvitanovich, 55, a co-owner/manager at the restaurant, pled guilty to a felony Information, also filed April 26, 2024, charging him with misbranding of seafood during 2018 and 2019. Cvitanovich admitted that between 2018 and 2019 alone, he was involved in mislabeling approximately 17,190 pounds of fish sold at the restaurant. The scheme involved the fraudulent sale of fish by Mahoney’s and its wholesale supplier that was described on Mahoney’s menu as premium higher priced local species, such as snapper and grouper from the Gulf of Mexico, when the fish was actually other species from abroad, including Lake Victoria Perch from Africa, Triple Tail from Suriname, and Unicorn Filefish from India. Genetic testing of fish by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the fraudulent scheme. “When people spend their hard-earned dollars to enjoy the incredible local seafood on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, they should get what they paid for, not frozen fish from overseas,” said U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi. “Mislabeling food and defrauding customers are serious crimes, and this case will help convince restaurants and seafood suppliers that it is not worth lying to customers about what is on the menu.” “U.S. consumers expect their seafood to be correctly identified. When sellers purposefully substitute one fish species for another, they deceive consumers and cause potential food safety hazards to be overlooked or misidentified by processors or end users,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who put profits above public health.” Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, Inc. and Anthony Charles Cvitanovich are scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2024. Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, Inc. faces a maximum penalty of five years’ probation and a $500,000 fine, or not more than the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, whichever is greater. Cvitanovich faces a maximum penalty of three years of prison and a $10,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. The Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones and Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy F. Korzenik of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Mexican man admits to possessing images and videos of child sexual abuse material

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican citizen has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On June 30, 2023, Kevin Alejandro Santos-Moya attempted to enter the United States through the Los Indios Port of Entry. Law enforcement referred him to secondary inspection where they conducted a search of his iPhone and located child pornography. Forensic analysis of the phone resulted in the discovery of a total of 31 images and 37 videos of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. accepted the plea and has set sentencing for Sept. 5. At that time, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Santos-Moya has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Former King County Jail Guard pleads guilty to bribery and drug distribution

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A former King County Jail guard pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to bribery and distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Former jail employee Mosses Ramos, 40, of Milton, Washington had been a King County jail guard for 17 years before he was fired last year. When sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez 0n September 13, 2024, Ramos will face up to 20 years in prison. According to records filed in the case, between March and May 2023, Ramos accepted bribes to bring about a pound of methamphetamine and 100 fentanyl pills into the jail for the benefit of inmates Michael Anthony Barquet, 37, and Francisco Montero, 25. Both men are currently incarcerated. Montero is facing trial in King County Superior Court for a double homicide. Barquet is scheduled for trial on drug and bribery charges in October 2024. The web of bribes and drug trafficking extended outside the jail with three female coconspirators who are alleged associates of the two inmates: Neca Silvestre, 38, of Kent; Katrina Cazares, 38, of Burien; and Kayara Zepeda Montero, 27, of Seattle. All three remain charged in the case. Bribery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Drug distribution is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. While Ramos has accepted responsibility and pleaded guilty, the other defendants in this case have not and are presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case was investigated by the FBI and the King County Sheriff’s Office with support from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chang and Vince Lombardi.


title: Georgetown County Man Sentenced to One Year and One Day in Federal Prison for Money Laundering

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: FLORENCE, S.C. — William Dallis, 57, of Murrells Inlet, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after pleading guilty to money laundering. Evidence presented to the court showed that from June 2021 to April 2022, Dallis conducted financial transactions with cash he believed was obtained from transporting and harboring illegal aliens. To conceal and disguise the nature of the illegal cash, Dallis would take the cash received and deposit it into a bank account he controlled. Dallis would then write a check to the individual that had provided the cash after taking a percentage fee per transaction. The evidence presented revealed that Dallis received approximately $560,000.00 in cash from the individual. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced Dallis to 12 months and one day imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. As part of his plea agreement with the Government, Dallis also forfeited approximately $75,000.00. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy F. Bower is prosecuting the case. ###


title: San Antonio Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Robbing Pawn Shop and Selling Stolen Firearms Online

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in federal court to 192 months in prison for the armed robbery of a Federal Firearms Licensed pawn shop, as well as conspiring to traffic firearms stolen during the robbery. According to court documents, Antonio Hinojosa Jr., 21, conspired with others over a social media chat to rob a San Antonio pawn shop. On May 18, 2023, the group, wearing gloves, masks, and dark clothing, robbed the pawn shop and threatened store employees by brandishing firearms. They succeeded in stealing 14 firearms and more than $8,600 worth of jewelry before fleeing in a getaway truck. After the robbery, Hinojosa posted photos of the stolen firearms on social media to advertise and sell them to his contacts. Hinojosa was arrested June 26, 2023. He pleaded guilty March 7 to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms. Co-defendant, Joshua Michael Govea, whose role in the robbery was to detain the store workers at gunpoint, pleaded guilty to the robbery conspiracy and brandishing charges. Govea was sentenced to 117 months last week. Two additional co-defendants, Cesar Alan Garcia and Sebastian Louis Xavier Suarez, are pending trial and remain in custody. As is customary in the judicial process, Garcia and Suarez are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Antonio Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve prosecuted the case. ###


title: Twenty-Four Members and Associates of Jersey City Street Gang Charged with Gang-Related Offenses, Including Drug Distribution, Armed Robbery, and Financial Fraud

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Twenty-four people have been charged for their respective roles in gang-related offenses, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud; conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine; Hobbs Act robbery; and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. The defendants are scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court; four defendants remain at large. (See chart below.) “Street gangs that are allegedly engaged in violence and narcotics distribution drastically diminish quality of life for those who live in affected communities. As alleged, members and associates of the Booker T street gang committed serious crimes, including using a firearm to commit a robbery, conspiring to distribute fentanyl, and conspiring to commit bank fraud. The charges in this case against 24 defendants demonstrate that, along with our law enforcement partners, we will work tirelessly to root out alleged gang-related criminality in order to make our communities safer.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “ATF remains unwavering in our pursuit of trigger pullers and firearms traffickers,” Ross A. Marchetti, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said. “Utilizing crime gun intelligence allows law enforcement to disrupt the shooting cycle by focusing on those individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the gun violence that plagues our neighborhoods. The arrests today demonstrate ATF’s commitment to working with our local, state, and federal partners to address the violent gang and drug-related activity that endangers the safety of our communities. Our collaborative efforts are essential in bringing accountability to violent offenders, combatting threats to the public, and reducing violent crime.” “These arrests underscore the importance of collaborative work in law enforcement,” Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. “No one should feel unsafe in their own neighborhood, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to addressing the public safety concerns of our residents. By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we are expanding and sharing resources that will ensure that those who commit a crime are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” “As law enforcement officers, our most important job is to protect the citizens of the communities we serve,” Jenifer L. Piovesan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “Today’s arrests are a great example of how we, along with our law enforcement partners, can make a positive impact in our communities by going after and arresting bad actors who plague the communities law abiding citizens call home.” “Today’s large-scale operation serves as a great example of the strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in New Jersey,” Christopher Nielsen, Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division for the US. Postal Inspection Service, said. “The ability to share resources and intelligence has resulted in dismantling a criminal network involved in violent crimes, narcotics trafficking, and bank fraud schemes – which impacts all citizens in our state. Postal Inspectors are proud to be part of the task force working to combat and prevent these crimes.” “The successful takedown of this criminal network and removal of violent actors from our community is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our law enforcement officers as well as the critical partnerships between the Jersey City Police Department and leading state and federal agencies in protecting public safety,” Jersey City Public Safety Director James Shea said. According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Several defendants are members and associates of a neighborhood-based street gang that operates in the area of the Booker T. Washington Housing Complex in Jersey City. The Booker T street gang is responsible for multiple acts of gang-motivated violence in Jersey City, including homicides and shootings. The investigation revealed that the gang runs a drug trafficking operation in and around the housing complex and distributes large quantities of controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Eleven members and associates of the organization are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine. In addition, from December 2022 through May 2024, members, associates, and individuals affiliated with the Booker T street gang engaged in a fraudulent check scheme. The defendants charged in the bank fraud conspiracy obtained fraudulent checks, including checks they had printed; stolen checks they had altered; or checks that had been purchased from, or traded with, other conspirators or third parties in exchange for a fee or percentage of profits. The defendants then deposited the fraudulent checks into bank accounts that they controlled in order to gain access to the funds. The bank fraud scheme resulted in losses exceeding $100,000. Fifteen defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Two individuals associated with the Booker T street gang – Juan Hemingway, aka “Hort,” and Stephon Murphy, aka “Turk,” are charged with Hobbs Act robbery and unlawful use of a firearm arising from an armed robbery that occurred on May 6, 2024, during which Hemingway and Murphy robbed the victim of items including controlled substances. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the supervision of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti in Newark; investigators of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; and detectives of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked special agents of the DEA’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; deputy United States marshals of the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos; Officers with Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo; officers of the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Matthew Eiskant; officers of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Anthony Cureton; officers of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Fritz Fragé; officers of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; officers of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone; officers of the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Edward T. Cetnar; and members of the Bayonne Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Geisler. The investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The Jersey City VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Barchini and Christopher Fell of the Office’s OCDETF/Narcotics Unit. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. bookert.complaint.pdf *denotes at-large Defendant Age Charges Potential Penalties Joseph Dupont, aka “Tips” 30 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances Up to 30 years 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years Darion Hemingway, aka “A-boog” 33 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years Juan Hemingway, aka “Hortz,” aka “Glizzy” 27 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances Hobbs Act robbery Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence Up to 30 years 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years Up to 20 years 7 year mandatory minimum; up to life Abdin Reed, aka “Dean” 50 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances Up to 30 years 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years *Darius Hemingway, aka “Debo” 29 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years *Aswad Williams, aka “Ock” 33 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years Daquan Franklin, aka “Big Trigga” 22 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances Up to 30 years 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years Darius McGeachy, aka “Black” 27 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years *Khalis Dutton, aka “Kha” 39 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years Aziz Rourk, aka “Ock” 29 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years David Bryant, aka “Hood” 35 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances 5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years Kai Robinson, aka “Kai Glizz” 26 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Tony Page, aka “Tony Cz” 28 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Chajuan Hemingway, aka “Juan” 36 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Stephon Murphy, aka “Turk” 23 Hobbs Act robbery Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence Up to 20 years 7 year mandatory minimum; up to life Muhammado Diokhane, aka “Mo” 23 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Logan Jamison, aka “Lo” 24 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Danique Simpson, aka “Biz” 31 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Alvin Burroughs 34 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years *Robert Fletcher, aka “Chevy” 27 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Jermain Young 39 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Messiah Green, aka “Half” 22 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Jasuan Posey, aka “Jah” 23 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years Linda Graham 34 Conspiracy to commit bank fraud Up to 30 years


title: Drug trafficker sent to prison for importing 22 kilos of cocaine through RGV

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 37-year-old resident of Sacramento, California, has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to import narcotics through the Rio Grande Valley for further distribution into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Shaun Michael Simmons pleaded guilty Oct. 11, 2023. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Simmons to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Simmons had an aggravating role by acting in a leadership capacity over other members of the organization. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane also noted Simmons’ criminal history. On June 14, 2022, Dustin Oliver entered the United States from Mexico in a vehicle with an attached trailer through the Anzalduas Port of Entry in Mission. Upon initial inspection, law enforcement conducted an X-ray scan, observed anomalies in the trailer floor and referred Oliver to secondary inspection. Through a physical search, law enforcement discovered 20 packages of narcotics concealed within aftermarket compartments located in the trailer floor. The packages weighed approximately 22 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine. The investigation revealed another co-conspirator, Ericka Iesha Thomas, recruited Oliver in Austin to import a controlled substance. Simmons had recruited Thomas to find an individual to transport narcotics from Mexico into the United States. Simmons coordinated and provided instructions for the pickup and drop off of the narcotics transport trailers and provided co-conspirators with money to make the trips to Mexico and back to the United States. Both Oliver, 35, Indiana, and Thomas, 30, California, were previously sentenced to 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release for their respective roles in the conspiracy. Simmons will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case.


title: Irvine Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Firebombing Planned Parenthood Clinic and Plotting to Attack Electrical Substation in O.C.

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa in March 2022 and planning to attack an electrical substation in Orange. Tibet Ergul, 22, of Irvine, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney, who also ordered him to pay $1,000 in restitution. Ergul pleaded guilty on February 29 to one felony count of conspiracy to damage an energy facility and one misdemeanor count of intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility. “This defendant’s hatred toward others led him to plotting and carrying out violence,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We will not allow bigoted intolerance to divide us. My office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute crimes motivated by hate in order to keep our community safe.” “Mr. Ergul chose violence and destruction while targeting a wide array of innocent victims with whom he disagreed ideologically, putting their lives at risk,” said Amir Ehsaei, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our partners on the JTTF will continue to seek out violent extremists before they strike and ask anyone with information about potential attacks to contact us immediately.” “I'm proud of the successful interagency coordination as seen in this case to prevent further acts of violence by Mr. Ergul,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Battaglia of the NCIS Marine West Field Office. “NCIS, along with our partners, remain committed to deter domestic terrorism against our fellow Americans.” In February and March of 2022, Ergul and Chance Brannon, 24, of San Juan Capistrano, agreed to use a Molotov cocktail to damage a Planned Parenthood clinic in Orange County. Ergul and Brannon, who at the time was an active-duty United States Marine, targeted the clinic because it provided reproductive health services and they wanted to encourage others to engage in similar violent acts. Ergul and Brannon also wanted to make a statement about abortion, scare pregnant women away from obtaining abortions, deter doctors, staff, and employees at the clinic from providing abortions, and intimidate the clinic’s patients. On March 12, 2022, in Ergul’s garage, Ergul and Brannon knowingly assembled a Molotov cocktail. During the early morning hours of March 13, Ergul and Brannon – disguised in dark clothing, masks, hoods, and gloves – drove to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, ignited the Molotov cocktail and threw it at the clinic’s entrance, intentionally starting a fire. Due to the fire and the resulting damage, the clinic was forced to temporarily close and reschedule approximately 30 patient appointments. Ergul further admitted in his plea agreement that in June 2022, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade , he and Brannon planned to use a second Molotov cocktail to attack another Planned Parenthood clinic. Ergul and Brannon abandoned this plan after seeing law enforcement near the targeted clinic. Ergul also conspired with others, including Brannon, to damage a Southern California Edison electrical substation to debilitate Orange County’s power grid. Ergul and his accomplices planned to attack the substation by using firearms or a Molotov cocktail that Ergul possessed in his garage. Ergul and Brannon consulted with an associate about surveillance, drone operations and firearms. In March 2023, Ergul messaged an associate to say he had found a substation in Orange to target. Ergul sent the associate aerial photographs of the substation and suggested doing a “drive-thru” at 3 a.m. At one point, Ergul also sent Brannon a letter in which he wrote: “The rifle is in a box in my room waiting to be used in the upcoming race war” and discussed a desire to murder politicians and journalists. Ergul and Brannon did not carry out this attack prior to their arrest in this case. During the early summer of 2023, Ergul and Brannon also discussed and researched how to attack the Dodger Stadium parking lot or the stadium’s electrical room on a night celebrating LGBTQ pride, including by using a device that could be detonated remotely, Ergul admitted in his plea agreement. Brannon and Ergul exchanged sabotage manuals and discussed doing “dry runs” to “case” the stadium. Law enforcement arrested Ergul and Brannon two days before Dodger Stadium’s scheduled “Pride Night.” Ergul, who has been in federal custody since June 2023, is the third and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Last month, Brannon was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in the attack and plots. Brannon pleaded guilty in November 2023 to one count of conspiracy, one count of malicious destruction of property by fire and explosives, one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, and one count of intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility in violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. On May 13, Judge Carney sentenced Xavier Batten, 21, of Brooksville, Florida, to 3½ years in federal prison for advising Ergul and Brannon on how to construct the Molotov cocktail used in the Planned Parenthood attack. Batten pleaded guilty on January 19 to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated this matter. The Costa Mesa Police Department and the Costa Mesa Fire Department provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Justice Department Trial Attorney Jacob Warren from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.


title: Dallas Man Sentenced for Role in Human Smuggling Organization

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A Dallas man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens. According to court documents, Sedrick Zelitis Smith, 47, was a member of a human smuggling organization, coordinating transport of migrants who arrived in Laredo from Mexico, serving as the go-between for organization leadership and load drivers during smuggling events, and assisting in the theft and procurement of tractor trailers. On multiple occasions, Smith traveled between Dallas, San Antonio and Laredo to assist with smuggling loads. He also served as a driver for the organization, smuggling migrants from Laredo to San Antonio, using his commercial driver’s license. Smith’s arrest was the result of an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations beginning in May 2021. Agents learned that the human smuggling organization had smuggled more than 900 migrants from Laredo to San Antonio inside tractor trailers in at least 19 human smuggling events. The loads ranged from approximately 30 migrants to more than 100 packed into a single trailer. Nine others have been indicted in the case. Bryan Adamson, Ronnie Joe Branch, Eliseo Loredo, Rodney Edward Shavers, Mark Algie Holliday, Francisco Arredondo-Colmenero, and Debbie Marie Gonzales await court proceedings. Fredi Zagala-Servin was sentenced in April to 97 months in prison for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens. Norman Lee Walker Jr. was arrested May 21. “With the rise of human smuggling in recent years, it is absolutely critical that we send a message to criminals throughout all levels of these organizations that their crimes at the expense of vulnerable individuals are serious, they are dangerous, and we are here to readily prosecute,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I appreciate the dedication of our partners at HSI and our Joint Task Force Alpha initiative. Their efforts have been essential in taking down this HSO and many others. We’ll continue to dismantle these groups and serve justice together.” “Justice was served for a human smuggler responsible for coordinating the transportation of hundreds of noncitizens from Laredo to San Antonio. These noncitizens were crammed into tractor trailers, during multiple smuggling events in the stifling Texas heat,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “HSI is committed to aggressively target human smugglers and smuggling organizations who continually victimize people for profit.” HSI and JTFA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Brown prosecuted the case. The indictments and convictions of these defendants are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California. Dedicated support is also provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division that are part of JTFA, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 295 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 230 U.S. convictions; 170+ significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. ###


title: Florida Man Charged with Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

body_text: Wilmington, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on May 28, 2024, charging Blaine Murphy, 56, of Naples, Florida with wire fraud and making false statements in connection with fraudulent loan applications submitted as part of the federal Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, announced David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware. According to the indictment, Murphy fraudulently applied for loans designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March and June 2020, using the names of nine separate businesses, Murphy submitted, or participated in the submission of, PPP loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration and its authorized lenders. These applications falsely inflated average monthly payroll and number of employees of those companies in an attempt to obtain funds from the PPP. Murphy also falsely stated that he did not own or commonly manage other businesses, and he provided false and fraudulent tax documents in connection with most of his loan applications. Murphy obtained over $350,000 as a result of this fraudulent scheme. U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “During a generational public health crisis, this defendant took advantage of a federal government program intended to help keep small businesses and their employees afloat. The defendant’s fraudulent behavior came at the expense of his fellow citizens. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware brings these charges to hold him accountable for his actions.” Murphy is charged with wire fraud and making false statements on loan applications. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. The FBI Baltimore Division’s Dover Resident Agency conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan C. Williamson and Jesse S. Wenger are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER . On May 17, 2021, the U.S. Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the U.S. Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across the federal government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to combat fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to combating COVID-19 fraud, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus /combatingfraud. Anyone with information about allegations of fraud or attempted fraud involving COVID-19 funding can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. blaine_murphy.pdf


title: Houston fraudster heads to prison for possessing counterfeit identities, checks and credit cards

body_text: HOUSTON – A 43-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Wade Zollinger pleaded guilty Nov. 13, 2023. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Zollinger to serve 63 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted it had a duty to issue a fair sentence on behalf of Zollinger’s victims. At the time of the plea, Zollinger admitted to fleeing from law enforcement in a stolen vehicle. They apprehended him and located numerous counterfeit identification documents. These included credit and debit cards, personal checks belonging to others, counterfeit U.S. currency as well as counterfeit U.S. currency plates used for the manufacture of currency. They also found multiple ledgers detailing the personal identifiable information of others. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Zollinger’s residence and recovered additional evidence of the same type. Secret Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grace Murphy and James Hu prosecuted the case.


title: Cleveland Resident Pleads Guilty to Committing Drug Trafficking and Firearm Crimes in Western Pennsylvania

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Justin Nichols, 30, pleaded guilty before United States Senior District Judge David Stewart Cercone to committing the following crimes on July 3, 2023: (1) possession with intent to distribute of 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin and of a quantity of cocaine at an address in Sharon, Pennsylvania; (2) possession with intent to distribute of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, of 100 grams or more of heroin, and of a quantity of cocaine at a second location in Sharon; and (3) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Mercer County Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nichols.


title: Woodbridge man pleads guilty to fraudulent check scheme

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge man pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. According to court documents, from August 2021 to July 2022, Jason Banks, 27, participated in a scheme to defraud banks by cashing or depositing fraudulent checks. At least one conspirator had obtained a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) arrow key, used by mail carriers to unlock USPS collection boxes, apartment panels, or parcel lockers. The conspirators used the key to steal mail, much of which included checks. The conspirators created fraudulent checks, either by altering stolen checks or using information from stolen checks to create new fraudulent checks. Banks recruited accountholders who would share their bank account, PIN, and personally identifying information with him, which he would then provide to another conspirator. That conspirator supplied at least one fraudulent paper check to Banks or the other accountholders, who would deposit the fraudulent checks into their accounts. At other times, a conspirator would electronically deposit the fraudulent checks into the accounts of one of the other accountholders. After the fraud proceeds were deposited, Banks coordinated the transfer of the funds to himself, from which he generally took a percentage and forwarded the rest of the funds to other conspirators. The overall bank fraud conspiracy caused an actual loss of at least $501,096.15. Banks recruited at least four people to provide their bank account and personally identifying information to the conspirators and shared the personal identifying information of at least 25 individuals, some of whom were victims of identity theft. Banks is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 28 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 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 considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police; Ajay Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Troy W. Springer, Special Agent in Charge of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Shartar and Kathleen Robeson are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-91.


title: Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced for Conspiring to Violate Export Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of conspiring to violate export laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence of one year of probation and a $2,500 fine on Derby Clerfe, 44. According to information presented to the Court, Clerfe purchased nine handguns and provided them to another individual who would arrange for their export to Haiti without filing the export information required by federal law. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement’s New York Field Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Clerfe.


title: Brockton Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Coercing at Least Three Minors to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for coercing three minors to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Zaire Aquil Lodge, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 15 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release. In January 2024, Lodge pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receipt of child pornography. On various dates in 2021, Lodge created a false online persona of a teenage boy which he used to convince at least three minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct and send him sexualized images of themselves. Additionally, Lodge knowingly received and attempted to receive CSAM between February and October 2021. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Justice Department and State Coalition Restore Competition for College Athletes at NCAA Division I Institutions

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department filed a proposed consent decree to prohibit the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the largest national organization regulating intercollegiate athletics, from enforcing the Transfer Eligibility Rule, from enforcing the Rule of Restitution against anyone in connection with the Transfer Eligibility Rule and from implementing rules imposing similar restrictions between Division I colleges and universities. On Jan. 18, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division joined a civil lawsuit under the Sherman Act against the NCAA to end the NCAA’s Transfer Eligibility Rule. The department alleged that the rule limited competition for college athletes and restricted their ability to transfer to colleges and universities that provided better educational and athletic opportunities for them. The amended complaint, filed by the Justice Department, 10 states and District of Columbia, also alleged that the NCAA’s Rule of Restitution was anticompetitive because it deterred college athletes from challenging anticompetitive rules in court. The proposed consent decree, if approved by the court, enjoins the NCAA from enforcing the Transfer Eligibility Rule and from adopting any similar rule in the future. In order to remedy harms caused to college athletes by the Transfer Eligibility Rule, the proposed consent decree requires the NCAA to issue an additional year of eligibility to certain qualifying college athletes who were previously deemed ineligible to participate as a result of the Transfer Eligibility Rule for a season or any portion of a season. “Free from anticompetitive rules that unfairly limit their mobility, Division I college athletes will now be able to choose the institutions that best meet their academic, personal and professional development needs,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This resolution is a testament to the benefits of federal and state enforcers working together to ensure free markets and fair competition for all Americans.” The amended complaint alleged that the NCAA’s one-time-transfer rule unreasonably restrained competition in the markets for athletic services in men’s and women’s Division I basketball and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football, as well as for athletic services in all other men’s and women’s Division I sports. The rule forced college athletes who transfer more than once to sit on the sidelines for an entire season before they were eligible to compete in NCAA athletic competitions at their new school. The amended complaint further alleged that the restriction limited college athletes’ bargaining power and harmed both their educational and athletic experiences. The NCAA’s Division II, which had a similar Transfer Eligibility Rule, has already revised its rule to remove a year-in-residence requirement for transfer students. As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days following the publication to Chief, Media, Entertainment & Communications, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 7000, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest. Anyone with information about anticompetitive conduct in college sports or any other violations of the antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov . View the complaint here. View the consent decree here. View the competitive impact statement here.


title: Hancock Man Sentenced for Assaulting FBI Special Agent

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Hancock man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for assaulting a federal officer. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Alan Howell Parrot , 69, to probation for two years and a $5,000 fine. A federal jury found Parrot guilty on November 29, 2023, following a one-day trial. According to evidence presented at trial, on June 22, 2023, FBI special agents were executing a federal search warrant at Parrot’s residence in Hancock. While the agents were trying to enter the residence, Parrot attempted to close the door and became combative, kicking one agent in the abdomen and pushing her backwards, resulting in injuries to her arm and elbow. The FBI investigated the case. “Alan Parrot’s attack on an FBI special agent is yet another reminder of the danger law enforcement officers face on a daily basis – and the successful prosecution of Mr. Parrot should serve as a warning to all that if you assault and injure a law enforcement officer, the consequence is a felony conviction. Assaults on officers will be met with a swift response and will not be tolerated,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division . ###


title: Morgan County Man Admits to Firearms Trafficking Scheme

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Russell Allen Perry, 44, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, pled guilty today to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents and statements made in court, the scheme involved another defendant purchasing firearms at licensed dealers in Morgan and Berkeley Counties and distributing those firearms for resale. Perry and others assisted in illegally selling nearly 50 firearms. Perry faces up to 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.


title: Gangster Disciple Leader Sentenced to 35 Years In Prison for Three Shootings in 2020 and Related Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jean Fremont, also known as “Juno” and “Bigga Twirl,” was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 35 years in prison for his participation in three shootings occurring on November 7 and 9, 2020, committed by members and associates of the No Love City (NLC) gang, a subset of the Flatbush-based Folk Nation Gangster Disciples gang (GD). Fremont was convicted by a jury in November 2022 on eight counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to murder rival gang members in-aid-of racketeering, two counts of attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering, two counts of assault in-aid-of racketeering, one count of attempted assault in-aid-of racketeering and two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with multiple shootings in Brooklyn in November 2020. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence. “Fremont will spend decades in prison for attempting to murder individuals for the sole purpose of defending his gang’s reputation,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Incarcerating Fremont and his co-defendants for a long period of time for their ruthless acts of violence and complete disregard for human life will serve to protect the community while sending a message of deterrence to others who foolishly seek status by choosing to join violent gangs.” Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office and the New York City Police Department for their assistance in the case. As proven at trial, Fremont and his co-defendants are all members or associates of NLC. Fremont was also a leader of NLC, having served on its five-member “Steering Committee.” The November 2020 shootings, in which several individuals were injured, were committed on behalf of GD in retaliation for the theft of a gold chain and pendant from Fremont by rival gang members following the filming of a music video in Brooklyn. On November 7, 2020, a chain with a pendant featuring the letters “SPMB” that was closely associated with NLC’s leader was stolen from the defendant by gang rivals. In response, members of NLC retaliated by engaging in a series of shootings in rival gang territory. In the resulting violence, three victims were shot and survived their wounds. Seven other members and associates of GD that were charged with Fremont have been convicted of crimes including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, assault and firearms-related offenses for their conduct related to the November 2020 shootings. Lorenzo Bailey was sentenced to 34 years’ imprisonment; Quincy Battice was sentenced to 32 years’ imprisonment; Oluwagbenga Agoro was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment; Hans Destine was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment; Deryck Thompson was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; Ricardo Hapburn was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment; and McKoy Lima was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Dana Rehnquist and Sophia Suarez are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : JEAN FREMONT (also known as “Juno” and “Bigga Twirl”) Age: 32 Brooklyn, New York Other Defendants Convicted at Trial : OLUWAGBENGA AGORO (also known as “Gee Banga”) Age: 24 Brooklyn, New York LORENZO BAILEY (also known as “Renzo” and “St. Clair Bailey”) Age: 35 Brooklyn, New York QUINCY BATTICE (also known as “Hush Dinero” and “George Ayala”) Age: 35 Brooklyn, New York Defendants Who Pleaded Guilty HANS DESTINE (also known as “YL Flocks”) Age: 32 Brooklyn, New York RICARDO HEPBURN (also known as “Riko Floxks”) Age: 22 Brooklyn, New York MCKOY LIMA (also known as “Mak”) Age: 29 Brooklyn, New York DERYCK THOMPSON (also known as “Benzo,” “DBenzo” and “Kenzie”) Age: 25 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-293 (S-1) (WFK)


title: Conspiracy Hatched over Instagram Leads to Waterville Man’s Guilty Plea for Firearms Theft

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Waterville man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiring to steal firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and stealing firearms from that dealer. According to court records, in April 2022, Damiean Marcial-Alexander, 21, and a coconspirator broke into a Waterville firearms dealer and stole multiple firearms, including a Glock, Model 17 Gen5 9mm pistol and a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver. According to an ATF Theft/Loss Report submitted by the store owner, 15 firearms in all were reported stolen, six revolvers and nine semi-automatic pistols. Evidence collected included Instagram and text messages planning the theft, including a map to the location from Marcial-Alexander’s apartment, as well as photos of the two men holding some of the stolen firearms. Marcial-Alexander faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Waterville Police Department. ###


title: Lawrence Man Indicted for Drug Conspiracy Involving 32 Kilograms of Cocaine

body_text: BOSTON – A Lawrence man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Victor Berroa Mercedes, 31, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Berroa Mercedes will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the charging document, on May 4, 2024, Berroa Mercedes allegedly met with a cooperating source and accepted delivery of 32 kilograms of suspected cocaine in a Woburn parking lot. During his subsequent arrest, it is alleged that Berroa Mercedes dropped a plastic bag containing $32,800 in cash while attempting to flee from officers. He was immediately apprehended. The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police, Massachusetts State Police and Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mulcahy is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Broward Deputy Sheriff Sentenced to  Federal Prison for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Stephanie Diane Smith, 54, of Sunrise, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 7 months in prison for participating in a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme in which she received two loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). In March 2024, a federal jury in Fort Lauderdale found Smith guilty of two counts of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. Smith was employed as a deputy sheriff with the Broward Sheriff’s Office when she applied for the PPP loans in 2021. As established at trial, the PPP loans were based upon materially false gross income information for two sole proprietorship businesses, Children 1st Basketball Training and Agape Smith Vending. The fruits of this scheme resulted in Smith’s unlawful receipt of $31,108. U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn imposed the sentence following a hearing. The sentence includes a 3-year term of supervised release following imprisonment, restitution in the amount of $31,108, a $2,000 fine, and forfeiture. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri, FBI, Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker of the Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-OIG); and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) made the announcement. FBI Miami, FRB-OIG, and BSO investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Snider and Trevor Jones prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Grove is handling asset forfeiture. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-60203. ###


title: St. Albans Man Charged with Possessing Firearm as Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on May 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Quentin Suggs, 37, of St. Albans, Vermont, with possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony. Suggs entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on May 29, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Suggs be detained pending further proceedings in this matter. According to court records, Milton, Vermont police responded to reports of an active home invasion on March 25, 2024. Upon arrival, officers located an injured man later identified as Suggs. Interviews of witnesses and bystander video footage revealed that Suggs had broken into the backdoor of a residence while brandishing a handgun, resulting in an occupant of the residence resisting Suggs and ultimately disarming him. Law enforcement recovered a .380 Bersa handgun at the scene with a defaced serial number, which witnesses reported Suggs had possessed, as well as a backpack attributed to Suggs that contained zip ties and a hammer. Suggs is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2012 conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Suggs is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Suggs faces up to 15 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Milton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Suggs is represented by Jessica L. Burke, Esq. and Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven L. Barth. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Fall River Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Oxycodone Pill Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man was sentenced today for his role in a drug distribution conspiracy involving thousands of oxycodone pills. Austin Gonsalves, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 41 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gonsalves was also ordered to forfeit $16,130. In May 2024, Gonsalves pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Gonsalves was arrested and charged along with five others in July 2023 for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone pills across Southeastern Massachusetts. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023 . Between at least February 2023 and May 2023, Gonsalves obtained hundreds of pills at a time, allegedly from co-defendant Kenneth Veiga, in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars and redistributed the pills to others. On one occasion alone, Gonsalves paid $22,000 to obtain 800 oxycodone for further distribution. A search of Gonsalves’ Fall River residence in July 2023 resulted in the seizure of approximately $16,000 in cash and approximately 400 oxycodone pills. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Havre meth dealer sentenced to more than five years in prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Havre man who admitted selling methamphetamine was sentenced today to five years and four months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Stephen Eric Engelhardt, Jr., 41, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to distribution of meth. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged that in March 2023, members of the Montana Tri-Agency Task Force began investigating Engelhardt’s involvement in meth trafficking. On two occasions, Engelhardt and his co-defendant, Tayla Wren Overlie, sold meth in a controlled operation in April 2023. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at their residence and recovered drug paraphernalia, meth, ammunition, numerous firearms and U.S. currency. Overlie was sentenced to five years and four months in prison for her conviction in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The Tri-Agency Task Force and the FBI conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX