title: Owners of Military Contracting Companies Sentenced for Bid Rigging in Texas

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Two military contractors were sentenced today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division, for their roles in a bid-rigging scheme involving the maintenance and repair of military tactical vehicles in Texas. The multi-year scheme secured more than $17 million in taxpayer dollars. Aaron Stephens, of Queen City, Texas, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay a criminal fine of $50,000. According to a plea agreement filed on Jan. 12, Stephens and his co-conspirators rigged bids on certain government contracts from May 2013 to January 2018 to give the false impression of competition and secure government payments. The conspirators submitted coordinated, higher-priced and non-competitive bids to ensure a designated company won each contract. Stephens and his co-conspirators rigged six different contracts for work performed for the Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas. The projects included heavy military equipment work like refurbishing armor kits for military trucks and turrets for Humvees. John “Mark” Leveritt, of Heath, Texas, was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to pay a criminal fine of $300,000. According to a plea agreement filed on July 13, 2022, Leveritt engaged in the same conspiracy from May 2013 to April 2018 involving seven bids. “Today’s sentences demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the military contracting process,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We will hold accountable those who enrich themselves at the expense of our armed forces and ultimately the public.” “Servicing heavy military vehicles and equipment are critical to the functioning of the U.S. military and its mission, so anticompetitive practices such as those used by the defendants in this case harm the military, taxpayers, and legitimate businesses alike,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “The Eastern District of Texas will vigorously prosecute those who compromise the integrity of the procurement process for greed and personal gain.” “This sentencing should stand as a deterrent to those who would engage in fraud and corruption for personal gain and is a testament to the thorough and professional effort of our investigative partnerships with the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Curran of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Major Procurement Fraud Field Office. “We will diligently continue our efforts to pursue those engaged in criminal activity that impacts the integrity of the U.S. Government and the U.S. Army.” “Today’s sentences are the result of the tireless work and dedication of multiple agencies to hold these individuals accountable for conspiring to defraud the United States government,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “The public can rest assured that we remain committed to aggressively pursuing anyone that uses government programs for their own personal gain.” The division’s Washington Criminal II section, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Dallas Fraud Resident Agency, and the FBI Dallas Field Office investigated the case Trial Attorneys Jillian Rogowski, Daniel Loveland, and Aidan McCarthy of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Office prosecuted the case. In November 2019, the Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant, and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To contact the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, or to report information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to construction or infrastructure, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force .


title: Five Amazon Marketplace Sellers and  Four Amazon Marketplace Companies Sentenced for Price Fixing

body_text: Five individuals and four companies have been sentenced for participating in a conspiracy to fix the prices of DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs sold on the Amazon marketplace. This investigation has resulted in a total of six individual guilty pleas and four corporate guilty pleas. Victor Btesh, of New York, was sentenced to 18 months in prison incarceration followed by two years of supervised release and a fine of $38,000. Btesh’s three companies – Michelle’s DVD Funhouse, MJR Prime and Prime Brooklyn – were sentenced to $156,520, $125,688 and $61,844 in criminal fines, respectively, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Additionally, Emmanuel Hourizadeh, Raymond Nouvahian, Morris Sutton, Bruce Fish and Fish’s company, BDF Enterprises Inc., were all sentenced on July 21, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Hourizadeh and Nouvahian, both of New York, were each sentenced to one month in prison, seven months of home confinement, a criminal fine of $55,000 each and two years of supervised release. Sutton, of New Jersey, was sentenced to one month in prison, five months of home confinement, a $20,000 criminal fine and two years of supervised release. Fish, of Minnesota, was sentenced to six months in prison, six months of home confinement, a $48,750 criminal fine and two years of supervised released. BDF Enterprises was sentenced to a $234,000 criminal fine. “Americans are becoming increasingly reliant on online marketplaces, making it more important as ever to protect them from being cheated on the internet,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Manish Kumar of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “These sentences reflect the division’s commitment to seeking punishment for criminal antitrust violations wherever they may occur.” “Conspiring to fix prices in online marketplaces is a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “These convictions and sentences demonstrate our office’s commitment to prosecuting price-fixing conspiracies and to protecting consumers in the Eastern District of Tennessee from paying inflated prices in online marketplaces.” “Activities related to price fixing and collusion do not promote an environment conducive to open competition, ultimately harming the consumer,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). “The sentencings in this case represent a win for all law enforcement agencies who investigate those who engage in this type of harmful conduct to ensure that justice is served.” According to court documents, the defendants agreed with co-conspirators to raise and maintain the prices of DVDs and Blu-Rays sold through Amazon marketplace storefronts, resulting in those products being sold at collusive and noncompetitive prices. Hourizadeh, Nouvahian and Sutton pleaded guilty to price fixing on Jan. 7, 2022. Btesh and all three corporate entities pleaded guilty to price fixing on Feb. 9, after having been indicted on March 16, 2022. Lastly, Fish and BDF Enterprises pleaded guilty to price fixing on Feb. 10, after having been indicted on March 16, 2022. Amazon Marketplace is an e-commerce platform that enables third-party vendors to sell new or used products alongside Amazon’s own offerings. Amazon Marketplace is owned and operated by Amazon.com Inc. The FBI New York Field Office and the USPS-OIG Contract Fraud Investigations Division investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Robert M. Jacobs, Kevin C. Culum, Elizabeth K. Noonan-Pomada and Nickolas R. Foran of the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Roach Jr. for the Eastern District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations .


title: Billings man accused of illegal possession of firearm in school zone

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

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of illegally possessing a gun near a Billings elementary school appeared today in federal court on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 49, had an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing a firearm within a school zone. If convicted, Metcalf faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Metcalf was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that from Aug. 2 to 17, the Billings Police Department received multiple calls and weapons complaints regarding Metcalf, who lives at 430 Broadwater Ave., walking on the sidewalk and around the area carrying a firearm. Broadwater Elementary School is directly across the street from Metcalf’s residence. The sidewalk and streets in front of Metcalf’s residence are public property within 1,000 feet from the school and are a “school zone” as defined in federal statutes. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents arrested Metcalf near his residence on Tuesday night, pursuant to a warrant issued by a federal judge, and executed a search on the residence at 430 Broadwater Ave. A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas K. Godfrey is prosecuting the case. The ATF and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-130. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl XXX


title: Former FBI Contractor Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia returned an indictment today charging a former FBI contractor with sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, Brett Janes, 26, of Arlington, Virginia, allegedly contacted roughly a dozen minor boys over Discord and Snapchat. He allegedly groomed the minors by telling them he worked for a U.S. intelligence agency before repeatedly threatening suicide if the minors did not continue to communicate with him. Janes allegedly enticed one victim, a 13-year-old boy whom he met through the first-person shooter game Valorant, to strip and masturbate over a live video Discord call by threatening to kill himself and by paying him money over CashApp. He allegedly enticed a 12-year-old boy to create and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM) over Discord through flattery and repeated begging. Janes allegedly received child sexual abuse material from these two minors, as well as two separate minor victims, and attempted to meet up with a minor. He also allegedly purchased hundreds of videos and images of child sexual abuse material from Telegram. Janes is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children and production of CSAM, one count of attempted coercion and enticement, and one count of receipt of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Arlington County Chief of Police Charles “Andy” Penn made the announcement. The FBI and Arlington County Police are investigating the case. Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section is prosecuting the case. Any individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been victimized by Janes are encouraged to contact the FBI at 202-278-2000 and ask to speak to the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Four Individuals Charged in Major Mail Theft and Bank Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – Four men are facing multiple federal charges for mail theft, bank fraud, identity theft and money laundering stemming from an apparent scheme involving postal collection boxes in Carbondale. Isaiah C. Jordan, 29, of Urbana, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of theft of a postal key, eight counts of mail theft, thirteen counts of bank fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Demarius L. Flakes, 29, of Blue Island, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of mail theft, six counts of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Arraigned in federal court on Monday, Brian R. Nevils, 24, of South Holland, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of mail theft, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Quentin S. Abrams, 24, of Charleston, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of mail theft, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. “Communities rely on the U.S. Postal Service to communicate with loved ones, pay bills and conduct official business,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “To protect the integrity of USPS, criminals who target mail collection boxes to steal checks and commit fraud will face serious consequences.” “This indictment is a statement that mail theft will not be tolerated,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to collectively pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.” "This announcement of indictments in our community's mail fraud investigation is a testament to the tireless efforts of our police officers and the close collaboration with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Carbondale Police Chief Stan Reno. “The alleged actions that have surfaced through this investigation are deeply concerning, as they undermine the trust and safety of our community. I want to assure the public that we will continue to work diligently to protect and serve our community, holding those responsible for these crimes accountable. Together, we will not tolerate criminal activity that threatens the well-being of our citizens." According to the indictment, the alleged fraud scheme operated from approximately March 26 through at least July 1, 2020. The defendants are accused of stealing and altering more than 100 checks mailed by more than 50 postal customers. The total estimated loss exceeds $400,000. Jordan, Flakes, Nevils and Abrams are all charged for their alleged involvement in the scheme. According to court documents, the defendants used a stolen master key to gain access to mail collection boxes throughout Carbondale. The conspiracy involved altering the payees and amounts of the stolen checks, depositing the checks into bank accounts of co-conspirators and then transferring the funds into their own accounts or of their associates. The scheme involved the Bank of Carbondale, First Mid Bank & Trust, Firth Southern Bank, Legence Bank, Regions Bank and Wells Fargo Bank—all of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury. Jordan, Nevils and Abrams were taken into federal custody, but Flakes is a fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Anyone with information about his whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Marshals in southern Illinois. The Carbondale Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service are jointly investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.


component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia returned an indictment today charging a former FBI contractor with sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, Brett Janes, 26, of Arlington, Virginia, allegedly contacted roughly a dozen minor boys over Discord and Snapchat. He allegedly groomed the minors by telling them he worked for a U.S. intelligence agency before repeatedly threatening suicide if the minors did not continue to communicate with him. Janes allegedly enticed one victim, a 13-year-old boy whom he met through the first-person shooter game Valorant, to strip and masturbate over a live video Discord call by threatening to kill himself and by paying him money over CashApp. He allegedly enticed a 12-year-old boy to create and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM) over Discord through flattery and repeated begging. Janes allegedly received child sexual abuse material from these two minors, as well as two separate minor victims, and attempted to meet up with a minor. He also allegedly purchased hundreds of videos and images of child sexual abuse material from Telegram. Janes is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children and production of CSAM, one count of attempted coercion and enticement, and one count of receipt of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Arlington County Chief of Police, Charles “Andy” Penn, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney McKenzie Hightower is prosecuting the case. Any individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been victimized by Janes are encouraged to contact the FBI at 202-278-2000 and ask to speak to the child exploitation and human trafficking task force. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-140. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Effingham County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Offenses

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A U.S District judge sentenced an Effingham County man to 188 months in prison after he admitted guilt to two federal drug charges. Tyler R. Schumacher, 37, of Altamont, Illinois, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine. “This hefty prison sentence is a nod to the efforts of law enforcement officers working to disband drug distribution rings in southeastern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I applaud the collaboration between departments to apprehend this criminal.” According to court documents, Schumacher conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Effingham County from 2019 until June 2022. On Feb. 22, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Schumacher’s Effingham County residence and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, money bands, an assortment of plastic bags and more than $5,000 in cash. Following his prison sentence, Schumacher will serve five years of supervised release. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $200 in special assessments. The investigation was conducted by the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, the Effingham City Police Department, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force. Assistance was also provided by the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office.


title: Human smugglers receive maximum sentence

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 36-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy involving the transportation of undocumented aliens throughout South Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury deliberated for approximately 45 minutes before returning guilty verdicts Dec. 14, 2022, against Andres Beltran Jr., and Jose Luis Beltran Mondragon, 28, both of Houston, following a three-day trial. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Beltran to serve a total of 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court noted the sophistication and organization it took to plan and execute the multiple alien transport events. Mondragon was previously ordered to serve the same sentence. “These men were hands-off coordinators who thought they could hire others to do their dirty work and not get caught,” said Hamdani. “The swift jury verdict and today’s 10-year prison sentence, the maximum, shows otherwise. This office is committed to prosecuting every part of a human smuggling operation, from the drivers to the ones pulling the strings.” On several occasions from February through June 2020, Beltran, Mondragon and others transported multiple groups of undocumented aliens from Rio Grande City north toward Laredo for the anticipated final destination of Houston. The Beltran smuggling organization housed the undocumented aliens at a ranch in Rio Grande City until additional members of the organization would then transport the undocumented aliens north. Both Beltran and Mondragon would drive down from Houston, coordinate with the drivers, scout the area for law enforcement and accompany the transport drivers back north in tandem. The Beltran smuggling organization would typically transport the aliens in the bed of trucks through private ranch roads in an effort to circumvent the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoints. The jury heard evidence of a rollover accident caused during a transport event which resulted in serious injury to one of the aliens. Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement apprehended over 100 undocumented aliens attributable to the organization. At trial, Beltran and Mondragon attempted to convince the jury they just happen to be in the area of the smuggling events each and every time. The jury did not believe the defense claims and found them guilty as charged. Beltran and Mondragon have both been and will remain in custody pending transfer to U.S. Bureau of Prisons facilities to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP and Starr County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Matthew Phelps prosecuted the case.


title: Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Richard Crisman was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Crisman, 39, of Albuquerque, pled guilty to possession of child pornography on April 12, 2023. This was Crisman’s second conviction for possession of child pornography. He previously pled guilty to receipt of a visual depiction of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on Feb. 24, 2012, and was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison followed by 25 years of supervised release. According to court documents, on April 7, 2021, during a routine field visit to Crisman’s residence in Rio Rancho, the US Probation Officer noticed an unauthorized USB device attached to his computer and confiscated the device. A search of the device and Crisman’s other devices revealed thousands of images and videos of children under the age of 18 engaging in sex acts. When questioned, Crisman admitted to downloading the Child Sexual Abuse Material. Upon his release from prison, Crisman will be subject to lifetime supervised release. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Anderson C. Hatfield is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-198


title: United States Obtains $607,284 Crop Insurance False Claims Act Judgment Against Klickitat County Farm Owner

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, WA – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that the United States had successfully obtained a $607,284 fraud judgment against Rick T. Gray (Gray) and Gray Farms & Cattle Co. LLC (Gray Farms) for submitting false and fraudulent claims for crop insurance for farm businesses owned by Gray in Klickitat County, Washington. The Court determined that Gray and Gray Farms were liable under the False Claims Act for defrauding the federal crop insurance program, and imposed the maximum damages and penalties sought by the United States. The federal crop insurance program, run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides a mechanism through which participating farm owners may obtain monetary subsidies and financial protection against losses to their crops. If a participating farm owner experiences loss due to weather or other factors, the farm owner may submit a claim for indemnity from those losses. Crucial to participation in the program is that the farm owner must disclose all sales of product during a given crop year. In 2015, Gray submitted claims for loss on behalf of his farm businesses and received hundreds of thousands of dollars in indemnity payments. In September 2021, the United States filed a Complaint pursuant to the False Claims Act, a federal statute that protects the public from fraud against federal programs, alleging that Gray had submitted false crop insurance claims during 2015 by knowingly failing to disclose tens of thousands of bushels of wheat that Gray sold during that crop year, and affirmatively misrepresenting his wheat production and sales for the year. In a judicial order dated August 21, 2023, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice granted summary judgment on behalf of the United States with respect to the United States’ False Claims Act claims, finding that the undisputed evidence demonstrated that Gray knowingly submitted false claims and made false statements material to payment by knowingly failing to disclose and misrepresenting more than 35,000 bushels of wheat that he sold during crop year 2015, leading to Gray fraudulently receiving $180,428 in indemnity payments to which he was not entitled. The False Claims Act calls for treble (triple) damages as well as additional penalties for each false claim submitted. Therefore, in addition to finding both Gray and Gray Farms liable, the Court imposed total judgment of $607,284 in treble damages and the maximum possible penalties. “The Federal Crop Insurance program was created in the wake of staggering losses, poverty, and famine caused by the Dust Bowl,” said United States Attorney Waldref. “It not only protects our farmers and farm workers, but protects our community’s food supply, and helps to keep food affordable. Attempting to cheat the system by claiming losses for crops that in fact were not lost but that the farm owner successfully sold, is simply unconscionable. I’m so grateful for the exceptional investigative and analytical expert work performed by the USDA’s Office of Inspector General and the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, which uncovered this fraud during a thorough investigation, and then continued to support the public’s interest during protracted litigation. This case demonstrates that we will work tirelessly and aggressively with our law enforcement partners to pursue fraud against vital programs and to keep our communities safe and strong.” USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger said, “We will continue to uphold the public’s trust in the crop insurance program by working closely with the Office of Inspector General, the Department of Justice and other government agencies to ensure the successful investigation and prosecution of cases involving crop insurance fraud, waste and abuse. The court’s determination in this case should serve as a strong deterrent to others who may contemplate similar actions.” The investigation was handled by the USDA Office of Inspector General and the USDA Risk Management Agency, Special Investigations Group, while the civil enforcement action was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Dan Fruchter, and also by former Special Assistant United States Attorney Allie Jensen . 1:21-CV-03126-TOR


title: Taos Woman Sentenced to 5 Years Supervised Probation and Community Service for Assault Resulting a Serious Bodily Injury

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Kylie Lujan was sentenced to 5 years supervised probation and a period of community service. Lujan, 26, of Taos, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo, pled guilty to assault resulting in bodily injury on March 30, 2023. According to court documents, on March 25, 2022, Lujan’s sister, Jane Doe, asked her to spend the night at her house and watch their grandmother, who is wheelchair bound and on dialysis, the next day. When Lujan’s sister picked her up, she suspected that Lujan was intoxicated. Lujan later admitted that she drank a pint of Jack Daniels before Jane Doe picked her up. Later that night, Lujan’s sister expressed her disappointment in Lujan’s failure to “step up” and assist the family with their grandmother’s care. Without hesitation, Lujan wrapped her hands around her sister’s neck, then choke slammed her to the ground before punching her “five to six” times in the face with a closed fist. When their grandmother attempted to intervene, Lujan pushed her away and fled the scene. The assault resulted in multiple fractures that required Jane Doe be emergency airlifted to UNMH for facial reconstructive surgery. Federal prosecutors made the recommendation for supervised release instead of jail time based on Lujan’s complete compliance with the terms of her pretrial release, lack of criminal history, and with the support of her family, including Jane Doe. The Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew McGinley is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-199


title: Repeat offender imprisoned for having sadomasochistic child pornography images

body_text: GALVESTON – A 71-year-old Pearland resident has been sent back to prison for receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Dan McClure pleaded guilty May 17. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown has now ordered McClure to serve 262 and 240 months for the receipt and possession convictions, respectively. They will run concurrently for a total 262-month-term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that McClure has had a sexual interest in children since the late 1980s. This led him to not only sexually abuse at least three minor females, but collect child pornography over the last two decades. McClure was further ordered to serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. The investigation began when authorities learned of an individual who had uploaded a child pornography image. They determined the owner of the IP address associated with it was a registered sex offender living in Pearland identified as McClure. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and seized numerous devices, including one McClure had hidden in the ceiling. Forensic examination revealed two of the devices contained child pornography. They ultimately found a total of 831 images of child pornography, 736 of which contained prepubescent minors. Approximately 100 included sadomasochistic conduct. McClure 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 with the assistance of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri L. Zack and Kimberly Ann Leo are 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: Chalmette Resident Sentenced for Theft of Stolen Mail and  Unlawful Possession of a Postal Key

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – On August 17, 2023, KELAN PERRY GENNINGS, (“GENNINGS”) , age 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to serve five years probation, 150 hours of community service and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708 and unlawful possession of a postal key, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, on November 15, 2022, GENNINGS along with his co-conspirators, stole U.S. Mail from a post office mailbox located at the Covington Post Office using a postal arrow key to access said mailbox. GENNINGS then broke into the mailboxes to steal checks and other financial documents, which he later used to commit check fraud. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Sex offender sentenced for illegally being in US…for the 9th time

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old man illegally present in the United States has been sentenced for returning to the United States without permission, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Elvis Cristian Hernandez-Ayala pleaded guilty June 1. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Hernandez-Ayala to serve 37 months in federal prison. He was also on supervised release for a prior illegal re-entry conviction and also received 12 months for that violation, six months to be served consecutively. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his total 43-month-term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding Hernandez-Ayala’s frequent illegal re-entries and his troubling criminal history, including a prior conviction for sexual assault in which Hernandez-Ayala had raped another undocumented alien in a stash house. On April 5, Hernandez-Ayala attempted to circumvent the Border Patrol (BP) Checkpoint near Falfurrias. Authorities found him and three others walking through the brush on a ranch. The investigation revealed he had been previously removed from the United States eight times following his convictions such as felony possession of a controlled substance, driving while intoxicated and sexual assault. Hernandez-Ayala will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Pena prosecuted the case.


title: Beverly Hills Man Arrested on Complaint Alleging He Stole More Than $1.8 Million in Jewelry and Other Goods from Guests at Luxury Hotel

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Beverly Hills man is expected to appear in federal court today on a criminal complaint alleging he stole more than $1.8 million in jewelry, clothing, and accessories from victims at a hotel in Beverly Hills in May then traveled to Florida to sell the stolen goods. Jobson Marangoni De Castro, 37, is charged in a complaint filed Monday with interstate transportation of stolen property. He was arrested Monday evening at Los Angeles International Airport and is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, two victims – both residents of Brazil – traveled together to Beverly Hills on May 5 to attend a fashion event scheduled for May 9. On the evening of May 10, De Castro allegedly traveled by Uber to the victims’ hotel, tricked a hotel employee into giving him a key to the victims’ room, and – while the victims were away having dinner – stole six suitcases belonging to them. The suitcases contained jewelry, clothing, and accessories worth more than $1.8 million. Later that evening, the victims returned to their hotel room to discover all six of their suitcases were missing. The hotel staff then notified law enforcement about the theft. De Castro then traveled to Miami and, on May 17, messaged a buyer in Miami on Instagram. De Castro told the buyer that he wanted to sell jewelry – a diamond necklace and luxury watch – and that he did not have papers for them because he had found them in a box belonging to his late mother. The jewelry matched the description of that stolen from the victims in Beverly Hills a few days earlier, according to the complaint. On May 18, the buyer wired De Castro $50,000, for the jewelry, which De Castro allegedly brought to the buyer’s store in Miami. The name De Castro provided to the buyer was “Jobs Marangoni,” the same name he used for his Uber account, the affidavit alleges. A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, De Castro would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah S. Lee of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Enticement of a Minor

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Dominic Allan Marks was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Marks, 37, of Albuquerque, pled guilty in federal court on March 7, 2023, to enticement of a minor. According to court documents, on Nov. 9, 2022, the FBI obtained a federal search warrant for an address in Carlsbad associated with an online account for a fetish website that had been discussing the sexual molestation of a 9-year-old minor and sending child pornography of that minor. After execution of the search warrant, the FBI was able to verify that the adults living at the address, Joseph and Rachel Crutcher, had been sexually abusing three children in their care and had been setting up meetings with other individuals to sexually abuse one of the children. During a subsequent safehouse interview, the minor child disclosed that just the day prior, Joseph and Rachel had taken her to meet a man in the Lowe’s parking lot and had forced her to engage in sexual activity with the man. Subsequent investigation led the FBI to identify the man that sexually abused the 9-year-old minor in the Lowe’s parking lot as Marks. The FBI uncovered that Marks has molested multiple minors in addition to the 9-year-old, including a minor as young as 5 years old. Rachel Crutcher, 38, of Carlsbad, pled guilty to production of a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Rachel will be required to register as a sex offender and will be on supervised release for life. Joseph Crutcher, 59, of Carlsbad, pled guilty to one count each of production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. At sentencing, Joseph faces 70 years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. Upon his release from prison, Marks will be subject to a lifetime term of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. The Roswell Resident Agency and Albuquerque Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Matilda McCarthy Villalobos are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. # # # 23-200


title: Flower Mound Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 8+ Years in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: A fentanyl trafficker responsible for distributing thousands of pills across north Texas was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Stephen Paul Brinson, aka “Steve-O,” 18, was charged in March and pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl). He was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 100 months in prison. In plea papers, Mr. Brinson admitted he dealt fentanyl-laced pills out of a home in Flower Mound. He used an Instagram account to facilitate the sale of the round blue pills, which were imprinted “M/30” to resemble legitimate 30mg oxycodone pills. According to court documents, Mr. Brinson acted as the source of supply for fentanyl to Donovan Jude Andrews , the Carrollton dealer who allegedly capitalized on the arrest of Luis Navarrete and Magaly Cano to advertise his pill business. (Mr. Andrews is allegedly tied to at least one juvenile fentanyl overdose – that of a 14-year-old girl who paid her dealer through CashApp; Mr. Navarrete and Ms. Cano, along with their supplier, Jason Villanueva , are allegedly tied to more than ten others.) During a search of Mr. Brinson’s residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 1,800 fentanyl pills along with cocaine, marijuana, and two firearms. In plea papers, he admitted that at the time of the search, he was armed and en route to deliver an M/30 pill to a customer in Flower Mound. Mr. Brinson was the second defendant charged in the wake of the Carrollton / Flower Mound juvenile overdoses to enter a guilty plea. Magaly Cano, 29, pleaded guilty earlier this month. To date, a total of nine defendants have been charged, five of whom have pleaded guilty. (All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of School Resource Officers from the Carrollton – Farmer’s Branch Independent School District and the Lewisville Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phelesa Guy and Rick Calvert are prosecuting the case. Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill .


title: Jury finds Mexican duo guilty of importing over 900 pounds of liquid meth

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – Two men have been convicted of importing nearly $1 million worth of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The federa jury deliberated for approximately 10 minutes before returning guilty verdicts against Noe Jesus Martinez-Montelongo, 35, and Fidel Rodriguez-Saldana, 34, following a three-day trial. On Nov. 28, 2022, Martinez and Saldana attempted to enter the United States at the Columbia Solidarity port of entry in Laredo, driving a tractor-trailer without a load. Authorities referred them to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the tractor. Law enforcement conducted a scope and discovered a secret compartment in each diesel tank of the tractor. Authorities were able to extract some of the liquid which tested positive for meth. They ultimately seized a total of 413 kilograms (910 pounds) of liquid meth which filled 22 buckets. The estimated wholesale value is approximately $1 million. Martinez and Saldana claimed no knowledge of the liquid at trial, reporting that they were simply supposed to pick up a legitimate load in Laredo. The jury did not believe their claims and found them guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, both Martinez and Saldana face up to life in prison. They will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Makens and Brandon Bowling are prosecuting the case.


title: South Carolina Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Hate Crime and Conspiracy for Bias-Motivated Armed Robberies Targeting Hispanic Victims

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A South Carolina man and woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Columbia, South Carolina, to a federal hate crime, conspiracy and other charges. According to court documents, beginning in January 2021 and continuing through February 2021, Gabriel Brunson, 20, and Sierra Fletcher, 33, both of Columbia, conspired to target people the defendants identified as Mexican or Hispanic at places of public accommodation, including gas stations and grocery stores. After identifying these targets, the defendants would rob their victims at gunpoint. The defendants targeted their victims because of their victims’ race and national origin. Both defendants admitted their involvement in a Jan. 22, 2021, armed robbery in which the defendants followed their victims from a grocery store and restaurant to their home, and then robbed the victims at gunpoint, stealing cash and a cellphone. Fletcher admitted to being involved in several other robberies on Jan. 30, 2021, including a carjacking and a home invasion robbery of other Hispanic victims. The defendants admitted to using guns during their crimes. The information to which Brunson and Fletcher pleaded guilty charges each of them with one hate crime for the Jan. 22, 2021, robbery of Hispanic victims. The information further charges Brunson and Fletcher with conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery and carrying firearms in connection with those crimes. “These defendants targeted Hispanic victims for violent acts of armed robbery because of their race, national origin and perceived vulnerability,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No person should have to fear for their lives or property because of their race or national origin. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute those who commit bias-motivated crimes.” “Prosecuting civil rights crimes is a priority for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “Federal law recognizes that crimes targeting people of a particular race or national origin is particularly egregious, and we stand ready to enforce the national hate crimes law here in South Carolina.” “These were not crimes of opportunity. The defendants systematically robbed at gunpoint people whom they identified as Mexican or Hispanic,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Hate motived violence has no place in our country. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate these crimes and promote a culture of safety and inclusivity in all the communities we serve.” The plea agreements require both defendants to pay restitution to all victims. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Columbia Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Richland County and Lexington County Sherriff’s Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Garner and Brook Andrews for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Miami Woman Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Charge Following Traffic Stop In Jamestown

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Elina Martinez, 65, of Miami, FL, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000. On December 7, 2022, a Jamestown Police Officer conducted a traffic stop after observing Martinez’s vehicle, bearing a Missouri license plate, committing a number of traffic violations. Martinez, who produced a Florida driver’s license and car rental paperwork to the officer, gave consent for the officer to search the car. Officers opened the hood of the car and observed an “aftermarket” car battery that appeared to be too large for the car and tampered with due to the presence of an unknown adhesive. Officers cut into the battery and found a plastic bag containing a large quantity of blue pills. The defendant was detained, and the car was towed for a more extensive search. Officers later searched the car battery and the car and discovered a plastic bag containing approximately 9 lbs. 13 oz. of blue pills bearing the markings “m” and “30.” The pills contained 4,389 grams of fentanyl. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Chautauqua County Sheriff Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara. # # # #


title: Albion Man Going To Prison For 10 Years For Possession Of Child Pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Spencer Hart, 39, of Albion, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and having a prior conviction under the laws of any state relating to the possession or receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that in October 2018, Hart was convicted in Orleans County Court of attempted possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child. On July 16, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Hart’s residence and child pornography was found on a computer belonging to Hart. In total, Hart possessed more than 600 images of child pornography, some of which included prepubescent minors and depicted violence against children. Hart also admitted that he distributed child pornography using a peer-to-peer software program in June 2020. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke. # # # #


title: Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy For His Role In Narcotics Ring Operating In Jamestown And Buffalo

body_text: BUFFALO, NY--U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brian Cessna, 63, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that during the course of the conspiracy, Cessna bought and sold heroin and fentanyl, for profit and his own use. He also assisted co-conspirator Holly Berenguer in selling heroin and fentanyl, for profit and her own use, delivering on her behalf and collecting payments. An individual known as “Joey Cracks” (co-defendant Joseph Zaso) was Berenguer’s source of supply. Cessna utilized his Fairview Avenue residence for drug trafficking purposes, and also allowed Berenguer to utilize the residence to sell drugs. Holly Berenguer and co-defendants Denver Komenda and Richard Philbrick were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against co-defendants Joseph Zaso, Brandon Andino, Justin Yuchnitz, and Kylie Lewis. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2024, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Buffalo Man Going To Prison For His Role In String Of Credit Union Robberies

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ronald Morris, 48, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of aggravated bank robbery, attempted bank robbery, and using, possessing, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, was sentenced to serve 171 months in prison and pay restitution totaling $551,286 by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Morris was involved in robbing three credit unions: On February 27, 2019, Morris a/k/a Cracks and Adrian D. Applewhite entered the Tonawanda Community Federal Credit Union on Delaware Street in Tonawanda, armed with a firearm. The two men forcibly took approximately $111,992.18 in United States currency before fleeing in a vehicle. On July 25, 2019, the defendant and Myron McCollum entered the South Towns Community Federal Credit Union on South Park Avenue in Lackawanna wearing dark colored clothing and face masks and conducted a bank robbery with pepper spray and a pistol. Morris and McCollum traversed the teller’s counter, sprayed the tellers with pepper spray, and went to the unlocked safe, forcibly taking $290,500 in United States currency. On November 7, 2019, Morris and Carl Wilson and Myron McCollum, armed with a pistol and donning masks and gloves, entered the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union on Sheridan Drive in Clarence, and conducted a bank robbery while Applewhite, the getaway driver, sat in a car nearby. Morris and his accomplices ordered all the employees to the ground and demanded money. Wilson and McCollum went behind the teller line and went through teller’s drawers, while Morris went to the vault. They forcibly took $148,793.90 in United States currency. Carl Wilson, Adrian Applewhite, and Myron McCollum were all previously convicted. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; the Evans Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Szarowicz; and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger. # # # #


title: Penfield Man Pleads Guilty To Perjury For Lying Under Oath In George Moses Investigation

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Francis Cardinell, 77, of Penfield, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to perjury by materially inconsistent statements, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that George Moses, former chairman of the board of the Rochester Housing Authority, was convicted and sentenced to serve 78 months in prison for defrauding three organizations, including the Rochester Housing Charities. In April 2019, Cardinell, owner of Akwasasne Construction, a general contracting firm in Rochester, was interviewed as a witness in connection with the investigation. When asked about a $63,000 contract for boiler work to be performed by his company at the Rochester Housing Charities, Cardinell advised that he paid a cumulative amount of more than $20,000 in cash to Moses as kickbacks related to this contract. Cardinell also stated that he gave Moses $14,000 in cash out of a payment of $28,000; $7,500 in cash out of a payment of approximately $18,000; and another $3,500 in cash out of an $8,000 payment he received, for a total of approximately $25,000 in kickbacks. However, during the federal trial of George Moses, while under oath on the witness stand, Cardinell testified on cross-examination that he had lied about the kickback scheme and that he never made payments to Gorge Moses in exchange for contracts for his company. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christina D. Scaringi, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge. Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2023, before Judge Wolford. # # # #


title: Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison After Armed Robbery of a Columbia Postal Carrier

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Don Everett Peters, III, a/k/a “Pop,” 21, and Shylik Lamont Smalls, a/k/a “Mitch,” 22, both of Columbia, and Elijah Rasue Dewayne Ellis, a/k/a “Smoke,” a/k/a “Black,” 21, of Valdosta, Georgia, have each been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the March 17, 2022, armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier in downtown Columbia. Peters, Smalls, and Ellis each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, assault/armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier, and theft/possession of a United States Postal arrow key. Peters and Smalls also pleaded guilty to theft/possession of United States mail. Evidence presented in court showed that on the afternoon of March 17, 2022, after surveilling another postal carrier in the Hollywood-Rose Hill/Rosewood area of Columbia, the trio decided to rob a letter carrier making his rounds on Hollywood Drive. While Peters waited in the getaway car, Smalls and Ellis—while wearing masks—approached the carrier. Ellis pointed a gun at the carrier and demanded his keys. Peters then picked up the two co-conspirators and they fled the area. After an extensive investigation, including review of numerous surveillance cameras and interviewing witnesses, law enforcement authorities linked the getaway vehicle to Peters. After a review of Peters’ prior encounters with law enforcement and cell phone records, postal inspectors were able to link Smalls to Peters. They determined that Smalls matched the description of one of the robbers, that both Smalls and Peters had access to firearms, and that Smalls was in possession of clothing matching the description of the clothing worn by one of the robbers. Search warrants were obtained for Peters’ and Smalls’ apartments and vehicles and executed on May 4, 2022. Smalls was found with the stolen arrow key in his pants pocket. Investigators also recovered stolen mail, check making materials, several electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, and two privately made firearms, which are commonly known as “ghost guns.” One ghost gun was found in Peters’ bedroom and the other in Smalls’ bedroom. Inside Peters’ car, Inspectors found documentation belonging to Ellis. After waiving their rights, both Peters and Smalls admitted to being involved in the robbery, along with Ellis. Peters and Smalls were placed under arrest and a warrant was issued for Ellis. On May 31, 2022, Ellis was arrested in Valdosta, Georgia, where he was found in possession of a “ghost gun” and a quantity of marijuana. After advice of rights, Ellis admitted to being involved in the robbery with Peters and Smalls. All three have been in custody since their 2022 arrests. “Make no mistake, we will bring all of our federal resources to bear when our postal carriers are robbed,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs, “Postal carriers are an integral part of our communities, and we are thankful for the residents who provided critical information as a part of this investigation and those who stood by the carrier at the sentencing hearing.” “The sentences imposed in this case exemplify the unending dedication of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to protect the employees of the United States Postal Service. When our employees are victims of robberies and assaults, we do not stop until we identify those responsible,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “We extend our appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their support in this case.” United States District Judge Mary Lewis Geiger sentenced Peters to 7 years in prison. Smalls and Ellis were each sentenced to 6 years in prison. Following their prison terms, each will be on supervised release for 3 years. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Columbia Police Department. Additionally, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Lowndes County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest of Ellis. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Lamar Fyall prosecuted the case. ###


title: Attorney Arrested on Charges of Insider Trading

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – A Brazilian national, previously working as a visiting international attorney, is charged by complaint, unsealed today, with insider trading. Romero Cabral Da Costa Neto (Costa), 33, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a licensed attorney in Brazil who had been working as an international visiting attorney in the United States, on a one-year J-1 Visa, at a U.S. law firm (the Law Firm). Costa was arrested on August 22, 2023, in Washington, D.C., by agents with the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. According to the public documents, Costa is an attorney licensed to practice in Brazil and had been working in the United State for the Law Firm since September 2022. During that time, Costa has executed multiple stock trades in companies represented by the Law Firm. As confirmed by the Law Firm records, Costa accessed internal Law Firm files in advance of public market-moving announcement. According to the complaint, one of these trades involved Company B. Company B is a Seattle-based biotech company represented by the Law Firm. In or around April of 2023, Company C, a Swedish international biopharmaceutical company began negotiations to acquire Company B. Both Company B and C were public companies. Company B’s Board of Directors held several meetings throughout April and into early May discussing transaction prices and terms of the sale. Representatives of the Law Firm attended these meetings and prepared documents relating to these meetings. In early May 2023, Company B, whose stock was trading at around $4.80 informed Company C that they would sell to Company C for a price above $9.00 per share. On May 9, 2023, Company C relayed an offer to buy all outstanding common stock in Company B for $9.10 per share. The stock was trading at $4.82 on May 9, 2023. The Board of Directors approved the sale at $9.10 and both Company B and C announced the $1.7 billion transaction in the early morning hours of May 10, 2023. Trading in Company B opened at $8.91 per share on May 10, 2023. According to public documents, Costa used two online trading firms to purchase 10,400 shares in Company B on May 9, 2023, for $49,976. Costa then sold his holdings in Company B on May 10, 2023, for $92,635.24, resulting in a one-day investment profit of $42,649.13. According to the Complaint, Costa improperly accessed Law Firm files related to Company B in the lead up to this merger. Costa was not assigned to this transaction and had no legitimate reason to access and view these files related to this matter. Costa accessed files over 100 times in advance of the sale. The complaint further alleges that on June 2, 2023, Costa purchased stock in Company E – another company that was represented by the Law Firm – one day before Company E went public with information about drug treatment for patients with a specific cancer. The stock rose following the announcement. Costa sold his position on June 5, 2023. On June 6, 2023, the Law Firm issued an opinion related to a secondary stock offering on behalf of Company E which had the effect of driving down the value of the stock. Costa was able to purchase shares of Company E immediately before a positive market event and then quickly sell before the subsequent negative market event, profiting by approximately $1,000 from these transactions. According to the complaint, Costa improperly accessed Law Firm files related to this matter in the lead up to the announcements. Costa was not assigned to this matter and had no legitimate reason for accessing these files. Costa is again alleged to have improperly accessed Law Firm documents and files related to Company F, another firm client. On June 15, 2023, Company F and Company G announced a merger in an all-stock deal to create a $5.4 billion oilfield services firm. Between June 8, 2023, and June 12, 2023, Costa purchased approximately 7,000 shares of Company G in advance of this merger announcement. He subsequently sold the shares and profited approximately $8,500 from the transactions. Costa was not assigned to this matter and had no legitimate reason to access these files. Insider trading carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. The charge also carries potential financial penalties. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Today, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Philadelphia Regional Office, which provided invaluable assistance in this matter, filed a parallel civil complaint charging Costa with securities violations. 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: District Man Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for  Carjacking and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

body_text: WASHINGTON – Andre Gregory, 31, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm that occurred in March of 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department, and Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. According to the government’s evidence in the Superior Court case, on March 4, 2019, at approximately 8:40 p.m., the defendant and a second suspect pointed firearms at and ran towards the victim, who had just parked his BMW in the 100 block of Wilmington Place, SE. The defendant and second suspect forced the victim out of his car at gunpoint and ordered the victim to the ground. Gregory stood over the victim as the victim lay on the ground, and kept his firearm pointed at the victim while the second suspect searched the victim. Then, Gregory entered the victim’s vehicle and opened the trunk so that the second suspect could search through the contents of the trunk. Having taken the victim’s keys, ID card, and money, Gregory and the second suspect then told the victim that they were taking the victim’s vehicle and that the victim needed to leave. The victim fled and Gregory and the second suspect then stole the victim’s vehicle. Officers subsequently located the victim’s vehicle in Capitol Heights, MD and returned the vehicle to the victim. Gregory was also sentenced today to 42 months by U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich for his role in a bribery scheme. The sentences will run consecutively. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith and Special Agent in Charge Kailimai commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the ATF. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the cases at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Kukowski who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: D.C. Jail Corrections Officer and Inmate Sentenced to Prison Terms for Bribery

body_text: WASHINGTON – A corrections officer and an inmate were sentenced this week on bribery charges in a scheme that smuggled narcotics into the District of Columbia Central Detention Facility, better known as the D.C. Jail. Andre Gregory, 31, of Washington, D.C., who was incarcerated at the time of the bribery offense, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison. Former Corrections Officer Beverly Williams, 52, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced August 21, 2023, to 18 months in prison. The two defendants were charged along with Keywaune McLeod, 28, of Washington, D.C., who is awaiting sentencing. All three defendants pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. “Corrections officers are critical to the safe and orderly operation of our prison system,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “Through this bribery and smuggling scheme, in exchange for cash, Beverly Williams betrayed her duty and undermined security and the whole function of the D.C. Jail by bringing drugs to the inmates inside. Inmate Andre Gregory and co-defendant Keywaune McLeod conspired with Williams to pull this off – and all of them profited from her corruption. Our Office will do everything in our power to eliminate corruption in our prison system, and anywhere in government, and to ensure that crimes like this don’t pay.” “Corrections officers are responsible for cultivating a safe and orderly environment for the inmates they guard,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Geist. “By conspiring with Gregory and McLeod to smuggle drugs into the D.C. Jail in return for cash, Williams abused her position of power and risked the safety and integrity of the city's correctional facility. The FBI thanks the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services for their partnership throughout this investigation and reaffirms our commitment to holding public servants accountable to the oaths they take and the people they serve.” According to the government’s evidence, Williams admitted that while working as a Correctional Officer at the D.C. jail in 2022, she accepted bribe payments of $6,400 to smuggle packages containing narcotics into the facility. Williams received packages of drugs and cigarettes from Keywaune McLeod, Gregory’s cousin, and secreted them into the jail by concealing them on her body. Once inside, Williams transferred the drugs to inmate Gregory, in secure areas where they could not be seen on surveillance cameras. Gregory then distributed the drugs for a profit. McLeod, who accepted and managed the proceeds, used CashApp to make bribe payments to Williams for the drug smuggling. Gregory used jail-issued phones and electronic tablets to communicate with McLeod, using coded language in an attempt to avoid detection of their conspiracy. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered 36 months of supervised release for each defendant. Separately, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert D. Okun, today, sentenced Andre Gregory to 96 months in prison for an armed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm. The sentenced will run consecutively. The District Court case against Williams, Gregory, and McLeod was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with assistance the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal and Ahmed Baset with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Lisa Abbe, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section.


title: Sunnyside Man Sentenced to Ten Years Imprisonment for Selling Drugs Within the Boundaries of the Yakama Nation

body_text: Yakima, Washington – On August 22, 2023, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Jesse Robledo, 36, of Sunnyside, Washington, to 10 years in federal prison after his guilty plea to Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Actual Methamphetamine. Robledo will also begin five years of court supervision after he is released from custody. According to information disclosed during court proceedings – between May 7, 2021, and July 14, 2021 – on three separate occasions, Robledo, who is not a Native American, entered the Yakama Nation and sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation. At the time of this offense, Robledo already had a lengthy criminal history. He previously had been convicted of bail jumping, residential burglary, first degree identity theft, first degree theft, forgery, second degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Washington, commended the efforts of the FBI Task Force in targeting individuals selling drugs within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation. “The United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute individuals who are selling drugs within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation. When dangerous narcotics enter our communities, we see an increase in violent crime. Holding individuals accountable who are dealing drugs and removing these narcotics from our streets will make all of our neighborhoods and communities safer and stronger.” United States Attorney Waldref previously had announced in May 2022 that the FBI increased resources to further address violent crime in Yakima County, within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation. The purpose of this FBI Task Force is to disrupt gang activity, weapons trafficking, narcotics distribution, and to eradicate violent crime in Eastern Washington. Following the sentencing, Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell stated, “The FBI Task Force once again proved its effectiveness in combating illegal drugs and violent crime in Yakima County. In this case, FBI special agents and local law enforcement removed a career criminal from the Yakama Nation, making a huge impact on the safety of everyone living within the Yakama Nation.” “Mr. Robledo knew he was distributing these potentially deadly drugs on the Yakama Indian Reservation” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “The work of our investigators and partners has resulted in a 10-year prison sentence and is another step in our effort at making the reservation a safer place.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Hanlon. 1:22-CR-02052-MKD-1


title: Department of Justice Announces More than $2.3 Million in Federal Funding for Spokane County and the Spokane Police Department to Improve the Functioning of the Criminal Justice System, Combat Juvenile Delinquency, and Assist Victims of Violent Crime

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, today announced three Department of Justice grants awarded in the Eastern District of Washington. One grant was awarded to Spokane County and allocates $500,000 to improve the criminal justice system, prevent and combat juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime. Spokane City, to include the Police Department, received two grant awards. One for the Spokane Police Department for $1,317,000 and a second to the city for $500,000. Both grants were issued with the intended goal to improve the criminal justice system. Funding for these grants were awarded through the Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program. Pursuant to this program, $229,551,000 had been allocated nationally as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was passed in 2023. Plans for this grant funding include: (1) acquiring additional aircraft by the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU), which is a regional aviation unit dedicated to assisting and improving public safety; (2) improving technology to augment staff, improve outcomes for crime victims, replace antiquated technologies, and increase officer safety; and (3) increasing resources for supporting treatment to effectively address domestic violence. In announcing these awards, U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “It is critical that we work together – with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our communities safe and strong. The citizens of Spokane County deserve nothing less.” She continued, “These latest grant awards demonstrate the federal government’s continued commitment to ensuring the justice system is keeping up with technological advances, while maintaining the overall goal of decreasing crime and supporting those who fall victim to it. Right here in Eastern Washington, these funds fall in line with my Office’s Safe Home Safe Community Initiative, which focuses on curbing gun violence by removing firearms unlawfully possessed by individuals with a track record of violent crime and domestic violence – these efforts protect victims, law enforcement, and the entire community.” Additional information about grants and funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs is available at https://www.ojp.gov/ .


title: Department of Justice Announces More than $1 Million in Federal Funding for the Washington State Department of Commerce to Address Sexual Assault

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, today announced a Department of Justice grant award for the Washington State Department of Commerce. The grant allocates $1,012,474 to address sexual assault. This grant was awarded on August 22, 2023. Funding for the $1,012,474 grant was awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, Fiscal Year 2023 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program. The Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SAS Formula Program) was created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), 34 U.S.C. § 12511. The SAS Formula Program directs grant dollars to states and territories to assist them in supporting rape crisis centers (including governmental rape crisis centers not in territories and tribal governmental programs) and nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that provide core services, direct intervention, and related assistance to victims of sexual assault, regardless of age. Funds provided through the SAS Formula Program are designed to supplement other funding sources directed at addressing sexual assault on the state and territorial levels. Rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations, such as dual programs providing both domestic violence and sexual assault intervention services, play a vital role in assisting sexual assault victims through the healing process, as well as assisting victims through the medical, criminal justice, and other social support systems. In announcing this award, U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “It is critical that we work together – with our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners – to address sexual assault in Washington State.” She continued, “This latest grant award demonstrates the federal government’s continued commitment to combatting sexual violence, which disproportionately impacts women and vulnerable populations. I have witnessed the hurt and trauma that sexual assault victims and their families and loved ones endure. This award will fund critical services to assist sexual assault survivors, and support my office’s mission to protect victims of crime, amplify their voices, and to seek justice on behalf of all citizens in Eastern Washington.” Additional information about grants and funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs is available at https://www.ojp.gov . Information regarding the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence against Women is available at https://www.justice.gov/ovw .


title: Antlers Resident Sentenced For Aggravated Sexual Abuse

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Stetson Bruce, age 34, of Antlers, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life in prison for engaging in sexual acts with a child under 12 years of age. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pushmataha County Sheriff’s Office. On July 21, 2022, a federal jury found Bruce guilty at trial of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country. The crimes occurred in Pushmataha County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “The defendant in this case is a depraved predator whose actions robbed a young child of their innocence,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “He will always be a danger to the community and thanks to the work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, he will spend the rest of his natural life behind prison bars for his horrific crimes.” “The defendant will spend the remainder of his life in prison, a fitting penalty for his atrocious crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Our office stands firm in its commitment to prosecute those who victimize the innocent and defenseless among us.” The Honorable Bernard M. Jones, II, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City. Bruce will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony C. Marek represented the United States.


title: Hugo Resident Sentenced For Second Degree Murder In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeffrey Lyn Pierce, age 74, of Hugo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 327 months in prison for one count of murder in the second degree in Indian Country. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, and the Choctaw County Ambulance Authority. On May 23, 2022, Pierce was found guilty of murder in the second degree at trial by a federal jury. At trial, the Government presented evidence that Pierce fatally stabbed the victim multiple times during a dispute before calling a friend, who in turn called 911. The victim sustained at least six stab wounds to the chest, neck, and face, and died on the scene despite attempts by paramedics to administer life-saving treatment. The crime occurred in Choctaw County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Bernard M. Jones, II, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Pierce will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Former Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS) Trial Attorney, Attorney Kristen S. Taylor and OCGS Resident Advisor Attorney Charles R. Walsh represented the United States.


title: El Salvadoran Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jorge Miranda-Funes, of El Salvador, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for failure to register as a sex offender and illegal reentry after a felony conviction. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Miranda-Funes to 18 months in prison. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Miranda-Funes will serve 5 years of supervised release and face deportation. Miranda-Funes was required to register as a sex offender as a result of a 2022 conviction for Attempted Child Abuse in Douglas County, Nebraska. After serving his sentence in that case, Miranda-Funes was removed from the United States to El Salvador. The investigation determined that a few months after his removal, Miranda-Funes returned to the United States illegally and resided in Omaha for approximately two months without updating his sex offender registration address. This case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and the Department of Homeland Security.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 152 Months For Possession of Methamphetamine and Firearm

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Eric K. Rose, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rose to a total of 152 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release. On January 26, 2022, Rose was staying at the Towne Place Suites Marriott in Omaha. Omaha police narcotics detectives, knowing he was staying there, served a search warrant on his room. Inside the room, officers located two ounces of methamphetamine, a drug ledger with “Rose” written on it, 15 live 9mm bullets, $3,000 cash, baggies, and a digital scale with methamphetamine residue. The officers also searched an SUV in the parking lot and located a Smith & Wesson SD40 handgun, a loaded magazine for the gun, and $635 cash. Rose admitted the methamphetamine and gun were his and he confessed to dealing methamphetamine. In particular, he asked his wife to bring the gun to the hotel because his methamphetamine supplier was looking to collect a drug debt. The $3,635 constitutes drug proceeds or was used to facilitate Rose’s drug trafficking and that has been forfeited to the United States. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office offers “United Against Hate” civil rights event

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney’s Office will offer a civil rights outreach event in the Eastern Panhandle. “United Against Hate: Protecting the People of West Virginia” will take place at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Romney on Tuesday, August 22 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The event will highlight the Department of Justice United Against Hate initiative and explore other civil rights topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. The West Virginia State Bar is offering legal education credits. The West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence is providing social work education credits. The event is free and open to the public. This event is one of several outreach efforts within the Northern District of West Virginia. To learn more about the District’s civil rights work, or to report a civil rights violation, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/civil-rights-program . United Against Hate is a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to combat unlawful acts of hate. This initiative will connect federal, state, and local law enforcement with communities to help build trust and encourage people to report hate crimes and incidents.


title: St. Louis Woman Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Bank and Pandemic Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from St. Louis, Missouri was sentenced Monday to 37 months in prison for committing both check fraud and pandemic fraud. U.S. District Judge John A. Ross also ordered Nikia A. French, 30, to repay $57,173. French pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud in March and admitted recruiting people on Instagram who were willing to let French use their bank accounts. French created counterfeit checks, deposited them in the accounts and withdrew the money or made debit card purchases before the bank learned that the checks were bogus. Between February 2022 and April 2022, French deposited or attempted to deposit counterfeit checks totaling at least $73,515 and received at least $34,109 in proceeds. French also submitted two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications in April of 2021, seeking a total of about $23,000. She falsely inflated her gross income and submitted false documents to obtain the loans. She used the money at restaurants and clothing stores and took some out in cash. French lied on the applications when she said she had not been convicted of a felony involving fraud in the last five years. In a 2019 bank fraud case, French was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and ordered to repay nearly $62,000. The fraud then was nearly identical to what French did in 2022, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow said in a sentencing memo. Clow also pointed out that the first fraudulent PPP loan application was submitted about six months after French was released from prison. French exploited the pandemic for personal gain, at the expense of small businesses and employees who were at risk of losing their jobs, he wrote. “Today’s sentence brings to a conclusion an investigation that began with one stolen check, and ultimately led to Postal Inspectors uncovering the defendant’s involvement in multiple fraud schemes,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça who leads the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office. “The defendant will now be held accountable for the thousands of dollars she obtained through various criminal enterprises.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.