title: Tampa Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Dontae Burton (39, Tampa) with sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Burton faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. According to court documents, Burton coordinated commercial sex acts on behalf of a minor victim after posting photographs of her on adult escort websites. Burton told the minor victim how the dates worked and the portion of money that he would receive from the dates. Burton transported the minor victim for the dates and received proceeds from her commercial sexual activity. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry. If you suspect human trafficking, call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP. Callers may remain anonymous. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.


title: Three Clermont Labs Agree To Pay $2.45 Million To Settle False Claims Act Liability For Manipulating  Diagnosis Codes

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today that Vista Clinical Diagnostics, LLC; Access Dermpath, Inc.; and Advanced Clinical Laboratories, Inc. have agreed to pay the United States, the State of Florida, the State of North Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Virginia $2,450,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid that contained manipulated diagnosis codes. According to the settlement agreement, Vista Clinical Diagnostics, along with Access Dermpath and Advanced Clinical Laboratories, billed Medicare and Medicaid for clinical laboratory services using diagnosis codes that were generated by a macro and inserted into beneficiaries’ reimbursement submissions. This allegedly occurred during the period from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2021. According to the allegations, these diagnosis codes were generated by the Defendants and not provided by the beneficiaries’ physicians. “My office is committed to investigating and federally prosecuting providers who submit false claims and attempt to cheat the system,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “This case exemplifies our dedication to protecting our nation’s taxpayers from fraud.” “Health care providers who receive Medicaid funds must be responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money,” said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. “When they defraud North Carolinians, we will hold them accountable.” “Medical providers who participate in federal health care programs must follow the law when billing federally funded health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement illustrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting the integrity of these taxpayer-funded programs and the people they serve. Working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners, we will continue to thoroughly investigate such schemes.” The settlement concludes a lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by Relator Balbina Castillo, a former employee of Vista Clinical Diagnostics, who sued under the qui tam , or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act permitting private citizens to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in the recovery. The Act also allows the United States to intervene and prosecute the action. The Relator will receive over $440,000.00 of the proceeds from the settlement with the Defendants. The settlement agreement was subject to approval the by United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. Vista Clinical Diagnostics filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on October 2, 2023. That case is captioned In re: Vista Clinical Diagnostics, LLC , Case No. 6:23-bk-04109. The Bankruptcy Court approved the Settlement Agreement and confirmed Vista Clinical Diagnostic’s bankruptcy plan on July 9, 2024. Contemporaneous with the settlement, Vista Clinical Diagnostics, Access Dermpath, and Advanced Clinical Laboratories have entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, which requires the labs, among other obligations, to establish and maintain a compliance program meeting certain requirements and to submit to an Independent Review Organization’s review of the labs’ Medicare claims to determine whether such claims were medically necessary, appropriately documented, and correctly coded. This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“MFCU”), North Carolina Office of the Attorney General MFCU, Virginia Office of the Attorney General MFCU, and the HHS Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy R. Bloor and Christopher Emden, Florida MFCU’s Senior Assistant Attorney General Matthew Vitale, North Carolina Special Deputy Attorney General Matthew Petracca, and Virginia Senior Assistant Attorney General Adele M. Neiburg led the investigation. The government’s action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The False Claims Act case is captioned United States ex rel. Castillo v. Vista Clinical Diagnostics, LLC, et al. , Case No. 6:20-cv-617-ORL-WWB. The settlement resolves the United States, the State of Florida, the State of North Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s claims in that case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Pennsylvania Man Convicted of Conspiring to Launder Cybercrime Fraud Proceeds

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Birmingham, Ala. – A jury has convicted a recidivist money launderer from Pennsylvania for his role in an international money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples. The jury returned a guilty verdict against Toochukwu Michael Okorie, 46, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, after three days of testimony and argument before U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler. Okorie was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Okorie had previously been convicted of wire fraud and money laundering in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 2011. “This conviction shows that juries see through money launderers’ attempts to disguise the movement of fraud proceeds as legitimate business transactions,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “My office will continue to prosecute those who knowingly help move fraud proceeds, especially those who’ve been previously convicted of fraud and money laundering.” “Individuals who engage in this type of illegal activity continue to refine and develop new ways to launder ill-gotten proceeds and play a significant role in the circle of criminal activity which continues to plague our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples of the Birmingham Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, the public and private sector, and communities, to aggressively pursue those engaged in money laundering and hopes this sentence serves as a warning to others.” According to evidence presented at trial, from June 2017 through May 2019, Okorie helped launder hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud proceeds through two front companies: TMO Consulting LLC and Collective Intelligence Forensics LLC. During the conspiracy, Okorie and his co-conspirators would receive wire transfers from business email compromise, romance scam, and other frauds—including from victims in the Northern District of Alabama. Okorie and his co-conspirators would then move the fraud proceeds among bank accounts in an effort to disguise their origin and conceal their fraudulent nature. After paying themselves a commission, members of the conspiracy would ultimately wire the proceeds to bank accounts in Nigeria or use them to purchase automobiles that were shipped overseas. U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco previously sentenced two other individuals involved in the money laundering conspiracy: On January 20, 2022, Paulinus Ebhodaghe , 40, of Clementon, New Jersey, was sentenced to 37 months in prison; and Ohimai Asikhia , 37, of Glassboro, New Jersey, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 10 years in in prison. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Canter and John M. Hundscheid are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force provided assistance during the investigation. For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov .


title: Seventeen Plead Guilty in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seventeen people have pled guilty to drug distribution charges following an investigation into a Baltimore-based trafficking organization. United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that since an indictment was returned in January against Gary Brown, Jr. and eighty-one others, many of those charged in the conspiracy have admitted to their role in an operation that caused substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to be distributed in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. “Thanks to the excellent work of federal prosecutors and local, state, and federal investigators, numerous defendants in this case have accepted responsibility for their crimes and will be held accountable for endangering our communities through the distribution of illicit drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “There’s more work to be done, but significant progress has been made.” Those who have entered pleas of guilty thus far are as follows: Zachary Thomas Doman, age 24, of Martinsburg; Marissa Huntoon-Gregory, 34, of Summit Point; Connor James McLaughlin, 31, of Ranson; Alyssa Rose McIntyre, 28, of Harpers Ferry; Daniel Lee Corbin, Jr., 35, of Martinsburg; Eric Lyn Custer, 38, of Charles Town; John Wesley Yates, 36, of Bunker Hill; Haile Madalynn Speaks, 21, of Charles Town; Kimberly Ann Barrett, 44, of Harpers Ferry; Brenda Henry, 57, of Charles Town; John Ernest LeCluse, 39, of Harpers Ferry; Michael Lee Engle, 46, of Harpers Ferry; Joshua Paul Barrett, 44, of Harpers Ferry; Gregory O’Brien Long, Jr. 26, of Charles Town; Jeffrey Scott Main, 53, of Harpers Ferry; Eva Louise Ashbaugh, 25, of Harpers Ferry; and Kayleigh Nicole Beavers, 38, of Winchester, Virginia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Trumble has presided over the plea hearings. The trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled for February 4, 2025, before Judge Gina M. Groh. Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Virginia). This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Former Local 98 Business Manager John Dougherty Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Public Corruption, Embezzlement Convictions

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that John Dougherty, 64, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to 72 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, forfeiture of $353,941.35, a $7,100 special assessment, and $50,000 in restitution now, with full restitution to be determined later, for crimes arising from his embezzlement of funds belonging to Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“Local 98”) and multiple crimes involving his payment of bribes to codefendant Robert Henon. In January 2019, a federal grand jury issued a sweeping indictment against Dougherty, the longtime business manager of Local 98, then-Philadelphia City Council Member Robert Henon, and others employed by or affiliated with Local 98. The indictment charged that between May 2015 and September 2016, Dougherty and Henon deprived the City of Philadelphia and its citizens of their right to Henon’s honest services as a member of City Council. It further alleged that Henon received a salary and other things of value from Dougherty and, in exchange, that Henon used his position as a member of City Council to serve Dougherty’s interests. In addition, Dougherty, then-Local 98 President Brian Burrows, and other union officers and employees were charged with conspiracy and embezzlement arising from their theft of approximately $600,000 in Local 98 funds from April of 2010 through August of 2016. The indictment also charged Dougherty and Burrows with concealing the embezzlement of Local 98 funds by causing false labor management reports, known as LM-2s, to be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, and with filing false federal income tax returns by failing to report the funds they stole on their tax returns. Following the indictment, separate trials were held for the crimes involving public corruption and those involving embezzlement. On November 15, 2021, a federal jury convicted Dougherty on one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and seven counts of honest services wire fraud. The jury convicted Henon on one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, eight counts of honest services wire fraud, and one count of federal program bribery. The honest services wire fraud convictions against both defendants included official acts that Henon performed or promised to perform in connection with schemes involving the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections and stopping the installation of MRI machines at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; using the proposed Plumbing Code to assist the election of Dougherty as the Business Manager of the Building Trades; drafting towing legislation that Dougherty requested because a tow truck driver refused to accept payment by credit card after Dougherty had parked illegally; and allowing Dougherty to make demands on Comcast as a condition of the City’s renewal of the Franchise Agreement. On December 7, 2023, a federal jury convicted Dougherty and Burrows of conspiracy to embezzle the funds of Local 98. Dougherty was also convicted of 33 counts of embezzlement of funds from Local 98, 24 counts of wire fraud by participating in a scheme to defraud Local 98 of its money, two counts of causing false statements to be made on the form LM-2 that Local 98 was required to file annually with the Department of Labor for 2015 and 2016, two counts of causing false information to be reflected in the books and records of Local 98 for those years, and three counts of filing false federal income tax returns. “John Dougherty held himself out as Local 98’s biggest booster,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “But while he was backslapping his electricians with one hand, he was ripping them off with the other. He cheated Philadelphians, too, through his corrupt quid pro quo with Bobby Henon. Our city and its workers deserve so much better than union bosses and politicians whose true priority is looking out for number one. I want to thank all of the investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and staff who partnered on this case, and, in doing so, stood up for integrity and the rule of law in Philadelphia.” “Today is a victory for justice and the thousands of members of Local 98’s electrical union, who trusted John Dougherty to represent their interests,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Together with our partners, we will continue to relentlessly pursue those who in executing these criminal schemes put their own self-interest above those they were elected to serve.” “The sentence today will hopefully serve to deter others who would consider betraying the public trust,” said Denise Leuenberger, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “We, along with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to aggressively investigate and uncover complex financial crimes to disrupt criminal activity impacting the U.S. tax system.” “Those entrusted with protecting benefit plan assets must be held to the highest standards of accountability to protect the employee benefits of America’s workers,” said Cristina O’Brien, Philadelphia Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration. “The Employee Benefits Security Administration will continue its work ensuring these hard-earned benefits are kept safe. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect benefit plan participants.” “Labor union officials occupy a position of trust and fidelity with respect to the faithful stewardship of the membership’s funds. John Dougherty betrayed the trust of the IBEW Local 98 membership by using union funds for his own benefit,” said U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards Acting District Director Nicole Spallino. “The Office of Labor-Management Standards remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the financial integrity of labor unions and to ensure there are consequences for individuals who deprive union members of honest services.” “John Dougherty, the former business manager of IBEW Local 98, conspired with other IBEW officials to embezzle funds from the union’s dues-paying members. He enriched himself at the expense of the IBEW Local 98 members whom he was elected to serve. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards and Employee Benefits Security Administration to safeguard the assets of union members,” said Syreeta Scott, Special Agent in Charge, Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Costello, Chief of the Corruption & Civil Rights Unit, Bea Witzleben, Co-Chief of Trials, Richard Barrett, Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, Jason Grenell, and Anthony Carissimi.


title: U.S. Attorney Secures 87 Month Prison Sentence for Violent Attack on Family Home

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for firing 18 rounds at a family home occupied by eight people, including five young children. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on April 28, 2022, Nathaniel Begay , 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove to a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation after becoming angry while swimming at Morgan Lake. Armed with two semi-automatic handguns, Begay fired multiple rounds at the home, which contained eight family members including five young children. After briefly leaving, Begay returned and fired a second volley of shots at family members as they attempted to take cover. No one was injured. Begay was arrested later that night following a domestic dispute with his wife. A knife and 9mm bullet were found on his person at the time of arrest. Upon his release from prison, Begay will be subject to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Honduran National Sentenced for  Possessing Firearms, Ammunition, and a Machinegun as an Illegal Alien

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JUNIOR ALEXANDER MONCADA-VARGAS (“ MONCADA-VARGAS”) , age 35, of Honduras, was sentenced on July 10, 2024 to thirty (30) months in prison by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long , after previously pleading guilty to possession and transfer of a machinegun, as well as, three counts of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Long also sentenced MONCADA-VARGAS to three years of supervised release, payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and will face deportation proceedings after serving his prison sentence. According to court records, on or about July 21, 2023, August 2, 2023 and September 18, 2023, respectively, MONCADA-VARGAS , sold to undercover agents, a Glock Model 22 Gen 5, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, with a Glock auto-sear, and approximately twenty-two (22) rounds of ammunition, a Kalashnikov USA Model KR103, 7.62 x 39-millimeter semi-automatic rifle and approximately thirty (30) rounds of ammunition, and a Norinco Model SKS, 7.62 x 39- millimeter semi-automatic rifle, and approximately thirty (30) rounds of ammunition. On September 18, 2023, MONCADA-VARGAS was arrested and admitted that he was an illegal alien who was unlawfully present in the United States. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Texas Woman Sentenced to 5 Years for Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Sarah Doherty, 35, Stephenville, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for wire fraud and tax evasion. Doherty pleaded guilty to these charges on April 9, 2024. As part of her sentence, Doherty was ordered to pay $1,025,064.74 in restitution to Victim-1. Between 2016 and 2020, Doherty executed a scheme to defraud Victim-1, who owned a small business in central Wisconsin. Doherty became friends with Victim-1 and gained access to his personal finances. She then used this access to steal money from Victim-1 and used the stolen money to pay her personal expenses, including a down payment on a property in Colorado and a seven-horse trailer. Doherty also created fictitious identities and controlled those identities to defraud and manipulate Victim-1 into sending her money that she spent personally. For example, Doherty created “Cindy Lou,” a matchmaker who Victim-1 paid to set him up on dates with women. Cindy Lou set up Victim-1 with numerous fictitious women who would communicate with Victim-1 by email. In many instances, the fictitious women, who were in fact Doherty, would then request financial help from Victim-1 to assist with various fictitious tragedies. The money Victim-1 sent to these fictitious women was received and spent by Doherty. Doherty also created a fictitious travel agent and investment advisor and used these alter egos to obtain more money from Victim-1. During 2019, Doherty also had direct access to a credit card for Victim-1’s business and used funds from the credit card to pay her personal expenses. As part of her plea agreement, Doherty admitted that she failed to report the income she received from the credit card in 2019 on her 2020 federal tax return. While Doherty was on release and awaiting trial in the case, she continued to engage in fraudulent conduct while under the supervision of the United States Pretrial Services. During a hearing on March 19, 2024, Magistrate Judge Stephen Crocker ordered Doherty into custody as a result of her multiple violations of pretrial release. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley stated that Doherty’s fraud scheme was a “web of misrepresentations” that had a devasting impact on Victim-1 and his business. Judge Conley stated that Doherty had consistently demonstrated a “pathological affinity for fraudulent conduct.” Judge Conley also noted that he had never seen “a more dismal performance by a white-collar defendant on pretrial supervision.” The charges against Doherty were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.


title: Active-duty Army and Former Marine Reserve  Indicted and Arrested for Drug Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A California man who is on active duty with the Army and a former Marine Reserve was arrested at Fort Carson in Colorado. David Julian Mendoza Gonzalez, 26, had an initial appearance before a federal judge in the District of Colorado. He is charged in the Northern District of Oklahoma for Drug Conspiracy and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. “The Northern District of Oklahoma is committed to disrupting and reducing the flow of deadly narcotics into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The arrest of Mr. Mendoza Gonzalez demonstrates the continued resolve of DEA Oklahoma to investigate organizations to the fullest extent possible,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Carrera. “Local street dealers, dispatchers, transporters, bulk suppliers, and anyone in between should know DEA Oklahoma is committed to holding everyone in this organization, and others like it, accountable for selling drugs to our communities.” According to the Indictment, from August 2021 through June 2024, Gonzalez knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. He was additionally charged with maintaining residences in Tulsa for drug distribution. If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to life imprisonment, up to $10,000,000 in fines, and up to five years of supervised release. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy M. Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Former Rochester firefighter pleads guilty to child pornography charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brett Marrapese, 32, of Irondequoit, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to distribution and receipt of child pornography, The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison per count, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between January 2016, and June 13, 2023, Marrapese used a cell phone, laptop computer, an email account, and multiple social media and internet chat applications, including Omegle; Kik; Snapchat; and Instagram, to produce, receive, distribute, and possess child pornography. In total, Marrapese received more than 600 images of child pornography that he obtained from others via the internet. He also posed as a teenage boy causing minors to produce and send to him sexually explicit images of themselves. Some of the images that Marrapese distributed and received depicted violence against and sexual abuse of children, infants, and toddlers. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford. # # # #


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARRON BLUE (“ BLUE”) , age 27, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 10, 2024 to fifty-seven (57) months in prison, three years of supervised release and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk, after previously pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, on October 1, 2023, New Orleans police officers developed BLUE as a suspect in a downtown New Orleans shooting and secured both an arrest warrant for him, and a search warrant for his residence. During the execution of the search warrant, police officers seized a Smith & Wesson Model SW40VE, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, as well as .40 and .45 caliber ammunition. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department for their work on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Fort Defiance Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Leonard Thomas Stewart, III, 24, of Fort Defiance, was sentenced on June 17, 2024, by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 188 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Stewart pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child on October 31, 2023. Between October 3, 2017, and July 11, 2019, Stewart engaged in abusive sexual contact with the minor victim on numerous occasions. One instance of sexual contact occurred in Fort Defiance while Stewart and the minor victim were riding horses together. Both the victim and Stewart are members of the Navajo Nation Indian Tribe and the abusive sexual contact occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-21-08029-PCT-MTL RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-091_Stewart # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Gibsonia Resident Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading of Dick’s Sporting Goods Securities

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of securities fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Frank T. Poerio, Jr., 62, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Poerio used sensitive, material non-public information (MNPI) obtained from a Dick’s Sporting Goods (Dick’s) employee to engage in 160 trades of the company’s securities on the New York Stock Exchange. These transactions included the purchase of individual shares and call option contracts and occurred between August 2019 and May 2021, when the insider worked in a data analytics role at the company’s corporate offices in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The trades netted approximately $823,000 in profits for Poerio, who often spoke with the employee about finances and investing. Several of the trading incidents occurred in the days immediately preceding Dick’s release of periodic earnings statements—so called “blackout” periods, when Dick’s employees were prohibited from trading in the company’s securities. “Frank Poerio admitted to gaming the system by using material non-public information from a company employee to conduct well more than a hundred trades over the course of several years that resulted in nearly a million dollars in profit,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Our office is dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners and fellow agencies to protect the integrity of our public trading systems and ensure that anyone who cheats those systems to score easy profits is held accountable under the law.” “Insider trading erodes the foundation of our economy and undermines public trust in our institutions. This is not simply a casual, petty crime,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI will persistently pursue those who believe they can abuse their position to unfairly reap financial gains at the expense of others. The FBI and our partners remain vigilant in fighting for fairness and integrity in our financial system.” Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 31, 2024. At each count, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $5 million fine, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant, among other factors. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Poerio.


title: 12 Years After Being Indicted on Sex Travel Charges, Philadelphia Man Apprehended in Egypt and Returned to the United States

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Idris Abdullah Malik, 49, was apprehended in Egypt and returned to the United States to face four counts of traveling for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and one count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place. The indictment, filed on March 1, 2012, alleges that between 2000 and 2005, Malik traveled to Egypt on four occasions for the purposes of engaging in an illicit sexual act with a minor less than 12 years old and between 2005 and 2006, engaged in a sexual act with a minor less than 16 years old in Egypt. After being charged, Malik’s whereabouts were unknown and a bench warrant was issued. He was recently located in Egypt and returned to the United States with the assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, FBI Legat’s Office in Cairo, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI. The support and assistance of Egyptian security authorities was consequential to this effort. On June 13, 2024, Malik was taken into custody by the FBI and made his initial appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia. He has now been returned to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for prosecution and appeared in federal magistrate court in Philadelphia this afternoon, where he was arraigned and ordered detained until trial by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jose R. Arteaga. If convicted of the charged offenses, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 150 years’ imprisonment. The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison. An indictment, information or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former Indiana State Representative Sentenced to Federal Prison for Accepting Bribes from Casino Company

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Sean Eberhart, 58, of Shelbyville, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. According to court documents, from 2006 to 2022, Sean Eberhart served as the elected representative of Indiana House District 57, which includes Shelby County and portions of Bartholomew and Hancock counties. During his tenure, Eberhart served as a member of the House Committee on Public Policy, which has jurisdiction over matters concerning casinos and gaming in Indiana. From January to May of 2019, Eberhart conspired with Individual A to devise a scheme to use Eberhart’s official elected position to benefit that person’s company, Spectacle Entertainment. Spectacle Entertainment was formed by Individual A after Centaur, a company that owned and operated off-track betting facilities in Indiana, including the Shelbyville Casino in Eberhart’s District, was acquired by Caesars Entertainment in July of 2018. After that acquisition, Individual A formed Spectacle Entertainment and many of the same executives of Centaur continued in substantially similar roles as executives of Spectacle. As part of the illegal scheme, Eberhart agreed to use his position in the Indiana House of Representatives to advocate and vote for a Gaming Bill that positively impacted Spectacle. Terms in the bill would authorize the transfer of the licenses for two casinos on Lake Michigan to Spectacle’s ownership in Gary and Terre Haute, Indiana, while reducing the usual $100 million transfer fee that Spectacle was originally set to pay, to only $20,000. On March 27, 2019, during an Indiana House Public Policy Committee hearing, Eberhart vocally advocated to remove the $1 million transfer fee from the Gaming Bill entirely. At a hearing on April 23, 2019, hearing, Eberhart advocated in favor of a 20% tax rate that would save Spectacle tens of millions of dollars. The next day, Eberhart voted in favor of the Gaming Bill and those associated tax provisions. In return for his advocacy and vote for the Gaming Bill, Eberhart accepted the promise of future employment at Spectacle, which included an annual salary of $350,000 and equity stake in the company. “This criminal’s former constituents, and all Hoosiers, rightfully expect elected officials to act on the public’s behalf, and not to line their own pockets. Legislation must not be for sale to the highest bidder, especially when they have such a tremendous impact on our state and its economy,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Public office is a public trust, and those who break that trust by taking bribes will be identified and held accountable. The federal prison sentence imposed today demonstrates our office’s commitment to root out public corruption at all levels of government and uphold the law regardless offenders’ status or position.” The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Eberhart pay $25,000 in fines and $60,000 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley P. Shepard, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Oklahoma City Man who Shot Police Officer Responding to Domestic Call Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOEL KEENAN LEWIS , 67, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve the statutory maximum, 120 months, in prison for being a drug user in possession of a firearm, with credit for time served in state custody, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on January 23, 2021, an officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to Lewis’s home on a domestic call. Moments after the officer arrived, Lewis exited the home, pointed a pistol directly at the officer’s chest, and fired it at point-blank range at the officer. The officer was hit in both the chest and hand. The officer sustained minor injuries, in large part due to the safety armor beneath his uniform. On August 1, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Lewis—who had a long history of marijuana use—with being a drug user in possession of a firearm. On October 23, 2023, Lewis pleaded guilty and admitted to using marijuana in January of 2021, despite not having a medical marijuana card, and to possessing firearms during this same time. At the sentencing hearing on July 8, 2024, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Lewis to serve the statutory maximum, 120 months, in confinement, with credit for time served in a related conviction for shooting with intent to kill in Oklahoma County District Court case CF-2021-401. Judge Friot also ordered Lewis to serve three years of supervised release upon his release from federal prison. In announcing the sentence, Judge Friot noted the dangerous combination of chronic drug abuse and firearms and the risk that combination poses to the community. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacquelyn M. Hutzell and David McCrary prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Justice Department and EPA Announce $241.5M Settlement with Marathon Oil to Reduce Climate- and Health-Harming Emissions in North Dakota

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Marathon Oil Company resolving Clean Air Act violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The settlement requires that Marathon pay a civil penalty of $64.5 million, the largest ever for violations of the Clean Air Act at stationary sources, which include facilities such as oil and gas tank systems. Under the settlement agreement, Marathon will implement extensive compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions from over 200 facilities across the state. “This historic settlement — the largest ever civil penalty for violations of the Clean Air Act at stationary sources — will ensure cleaner air for the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and other communities in North Dakota, while holding Marathon accountable for its illegal pollution,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The complaint alleges that Clean Air Act violations at nearly 90 Marathon facilities resulted in thousands of tons of illegal emissions. The work that Marathon will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 2.25 million tons of reduced carbon-dioxide emissions over the next five years and also eliminate nearly 110,000 tons of VOC emissions. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our environmental laws to protect the health of the American people.” The case is the first of its kind against an oil and gas producer for violations of major source emissions permitting requirements under the Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. The complaint alleges that these and other Clean Air Act violations at nearly 90 Marathon facilities resulted in thousands of tons of illegal pollution, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide, which contribute to asthma and increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses. Additionally, greenhouse gases, including methane, were released in large quantities, contributing to climate change. While Marathon is the nation’s 22nd largest producer of oil based on 2022 data, it is the 7th largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas industry. A large portion of these emissions come from flaring, an industry practice that combusts but also releases methane, a climate super-pollutant. The work that Marathon will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 2.25 million tons of reduced carbon-dioxide emissions over the next five years, similar to the amount of reductions achieved by taking 487,000 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 110,000 tons of VOC emissions. “The record civil penalty and extensive compliance measures, including an innovative cap on VOC emissions, set a benchmark for the Department’s enforcement efforts at oil and gas production facilities,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “Those who are historically overburdened by pollution are the most at risk of being harmed by these emissions. The Justice Department is committed to enforcing laws such as the Clean Air Act to protect the health of everyone in the United States, including Tribal Nations and their members.” “This landmark settlement will ensure cleaner air throughout the State of North Dakota and substantially reduce pollutants that contribute to global warming,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to taking strong action to ensure that oil and gas production operations across the nation comply with environmental laws designed to protect human health and the environment.” “Today’s historic settlement is the most significant to date under EPA’s climate enforcement initiative as well as part of a larger effort to hold oil and gas companies accountable for widespread violations at oil and gas facilities throughout the country,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “As a result of today’s settlement, Marathon will dramatically cut its emissions, including the release of methane, a climate super-pollutant that is 25 times more potent in the near term than carbon dioxide. EPA is committed to doing everything possible to limit climate change and ensure a sustainable future.” “This settlement is a major win for the health and future of our Tribal communities, including people and families who are often overburdened by pollution,” said KC Becker, EPA Region 8 Administrator. “As a result of the agreement, Marathon has and will continue to take comprehensive measures to come into compliance and reduce harmful emissions across hundreds of production sources. These investments will improve air quality and reduce respiratory illnesses across the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and western North Dakota.” The agreement requires Marathon to invest in extensive compliance measures estimated to cost $177 million, much of which will be expended by the end of 2024. The settlement requires Marathon to obtain permits with federally enforceable emissions limits at production facilities on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and future operations in the state of North Dakota. Compliance measures also include flare monitoring, periodic infrared camera inspections and implementation of storage tank design requirements. These actions will significantly reduce harmful health-related emissions from 169 existing facilities on state land and on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, as well as at new facilities built in North Dakota. Therefore, the United States will secure pollution limits on twice the number of facilities where it investigated and alleged violations. The complaint alleges that Marathon failed to obtain required preconstruction permits under the PSD program and operating permits under the Title V program. The settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, Mitigating Climate Change . This initiative focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources. Like all of EPA’s national enforcement initiatives, this initiative prioritizes communities already overburdened by pollution and other potential environmental justice concerns. The complaint and the proposed consent decree were filed by the Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section. The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period. It can be viewed on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees . Background The complaint also alleges failure to comply with storage tank design, operation and maintenance requirements at 66 facilities on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The settlement requires Marathon to obtain permits for its existing facilities on the Reservation and for new facilities it builds in North Dakota. These actions will cap VOC emissions at under 100 tons per year. The settlement further requires auditor checks on Marathon’s permit applications and ongoing audits of emissions from its facilities. Marathon must temporarily stop production if facility-wide emissions limits are exceeded or if flares are not operating properly. In addition to three other projects to reduce emissions, Marathon will purchase two infrared cameras for use by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation during oil and natural gas production facility inspections. A major part of this case is the reduction of flaring at the facility. Flaring burns harmful natural gas components such as VOCs and methane, but the process is not 100% efficient meaning that in addition to water and carbon dioxide, some methane is still released to the atmosphere. These inefficiencies, exacerbated by improper flare operation or unlit flares, result in excess emissions being released to the atmosphere and can have health impacts on the surrounding communities.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The sentencing took place on June 7, 2024. Charles Nichols, 51, was sentenced to 24 years and 5 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Nichols was indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor by a federal grand jury in March 2023. He pleaded guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor on March 28, 2024. Nichols admitted that he communicated with a minor, who was then aged 16 and 17, over Instagram for several months. He then offered her alcohol, marijuana, and vape pods in exchanged for sexual activity between August and October of 2022. Nichols used his cellular phone to record some of these sexual acts with the minor. Nichols was arrested after he drove to the Monument Arena in October of 2022, during the Black Hills Pow Wow, to exchange a vape pen for sexual acts with a different minor. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case. Nichols was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Park City Businessman Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for $1.7M Wire Fraud Scheme

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – Timothy Andrew Nemeckay, 64, of Park City, Utah, was sentenced yesterday to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment, and 24 months supervised release. In September 2023, Nemeckay admitted to wire fraud, which involved misappropriating approximately $1.7 million from investors investing in the development of a brewery and restaurant in Utah and California. Nemeckay’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, who also ordered Nemeckay to pay $1,705,778.00 in restitution, and the forfeiture of $308,893.53 in proceeds from the sale of his home in Park City. According to court documents and statements made at the change of plea hearing, from early 2013 to 2020, Nemeckay lied to investors that Mine Shaft Brewing was raising funds to develop a brewery and restaurant in Park City and later in Santa Clarita, California. Nemeckay was the founder and manager of Mine Shaft Brewing. He lied to investors about what he would do with their money, and he concealed information about his background, including the fact that he was banned from raising securities statewide by the Utah State Securities Division. Between 2014 and 2019, Nemeckay misappropriated approximately $1.7 million from 100 investors by comingling funds into his personal and business-related accounts. For example, he used investor money to pay himself, previous securities violations, personal bills and utilities, personal mortgage payments, luxury items at Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin, concert tickets, swingers clubs, strip clubs, and vacations to Hawaii and Cancun, Mexico. United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Williams and Jacob Strain from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Browning man who shot, wounded man in the head on Blackfeet Indian Reservation sentenced to more than five years in prison

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Browning man who admitted to shooting and wounding a man in the head on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to five years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Joseph Paul Vandenberg, 21, pleaded guilty in March to assault with a dangerous weapon and to using a firearm during a crime of violence as charged in an indictment. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of March 11, 2022 in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Vandenberg was a backseat passenger in a vehicle that was cruising around when the driver pulled up and blocked the driveway of a home. The victim, identified as John Doe, and a friend, got into an SUV that was backed into the driveway. Doe tried to maneuver around the vehicle. Vandenberg opened the back door of the vehicle, pulled out a firearm and fired a round as Doe’s vehicle was driving away. The bullet grazed the side of Doe’s head and lodged in the dashboard at the base of the windshield. Doe was treated for a large laceration on his head. Vandenberg admitted to being the shooter and told law enforcement that the driver told him to shoot, and he did because he was scared. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison for Swapping Fentanyl, Cash for Counterfeit Pills

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Thursday sentenced an Ohio man who arranged to buy 200,000 counterfeit pills to 65 months in prison. On June 27, 2021, Matthew Prunty, 31, of the Dayton area, sent another man to exchange $46,000 and 2,000 pills containing fentanyl for 200,000 counterfeit prescription pills at a state park in Franklin County, Missouri. The exchange had been arranged via an encrypted messaging app with an account that had been taken over by the FBI. Prunty’s courier and co-defendant, De Vonte Cole, was arrested after the exchange by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Interstate 44. The pills Cole delivered contained a total of more than 240 grams of fentanyl. Prunty pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Cole is serving a 30-month sentence after also pleading guilty. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Farrell Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Cocaine Near Public Housing

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of cocaine trafficking within 1,000 feet of a public housing location, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Cleo Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Johnson possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base within 1,000 feet of public housing on October 29, 2021. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for November 5, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than one year and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant, among other factors. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson.


title: Indianapolis CPA Pleads Guilty to Participating in Illegal Tax Shelter

component: Tax Division

body_text: An Indiana CPA pleaded guilty yesterday to assisting in the preparation of false tax returns on behalf of clients who participated in an illegal tax shelter. According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2013 and 2022, Jason L. Crace prepared income tax returns for clients that claimed millions of dollars in false deductions for so-called “royalty payments.” However, as Crace knew, these “royalty payments” were merely circular flows of money designed to give the appearance of genuine business expenses. In reality, tax shelter participants sent their money to bank accounts controlled by scheme promoters, who then sent the money right back to different bank accounts that the participants controlled. In this way, tax shelter participants retained control of the money they transferred, while falsely deducting the transfers as business expenses on their tax returns. Participants’ decision regarding how much (and even whether) to pay “royalties” was driven purely by the amount of income they wanted to shelter from the IRS on their tax returns. In total, Crace’s preparation of false tax returns claiming fraudulent “royalty” deductions caused a loss to the IRS of at least $2,532,936. Crace is scheduled to be sentence on Jan. 14, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Richard J. Hagerman, William M. Montague and Matthew C. Hicks of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.


title: North Louisiana Men Convicted of Illegal Possession of Methamphetamine and Firearms Receive Hefty Federal Prison Sentences

body_text: MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of three defendants for violations of drug and firearms offenses. Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the three defendants as follows: Tyrone L. Singleton , 41, of Ruston, Louisiana, was sentenced to 288 months (24 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Singleton pleaded guilty to the charge on March 14, 2024. This charge is the result of an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Ruston area. In June 2023, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant of his residence. Inside the residence, agents found methamphetamine, a digital scale, and a Taurus .45 caliber revolver. The suspected narcotics were submitted to the crime lab for testing, and it was determined to be methamphetamine with a weight of at least 50 grams. This case was investigated by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy. Justin Stampley , 26, of West Monroe, was sentenced to 144 months (12 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On May 24, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a controlled purchase of methamphetamine and hydrocodone from Stampley at his home in West Monroe. Agents observed Stampley handle multiple firearms during the purchase and on the next day, obtained a search warrant for his residence. The search warrant was executed at Stampley’s residence on May 25, 2023, and during the search, agents recovered approximately 61.70 grams of methamphetamine and four firearms, including a Chinese SKS rifle, a Bersa 9mm pistol, a F.I.E. .25 caliber pistol, and a NEF .32 caliber revolver. Stampley pleaded guilty on March 21, 2024, to the two counts listed above. This case was investigated by the DEA, ATF and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William C. Gaskins. Robert Luther Sherman , 48, of Choudrant, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On March 4, 2023, deputies with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Sherman was a passenger. Sherman was ordered to exit the vehicle and a pat-down search was conducted of his person. Inside Sherman’s front pocket was a North American Arms .22 magnum revolver. Deputies learned that Sherman had a previous felony conviction for attempted possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. During a subsequent interview with law enforcement agents, Sherman admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition and he pleaded guilty to the charge on March 11, 2024. This case was investigated by the ATF and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leon H. Whitten. # # #


title: Armed Stockton Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO , Calif. — Jesus Iribe, 28, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to 14 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on Feb. 17, 2022, Iribe was stopped by law enforcement officers. Iribe had a loaded Glock pistol in his pocket and a kilogram of cocaine in his pickup truck. The officers later conducted a search at Iribe’s house and found 10 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of marijuana, counterfeit M-30 oxycodone pills, and five more firearms. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the Stockton Police Department, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee prosecuted the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Mexican and El Salvadoran Nationals Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in the District of Columbia

body_text: Erik Rivera Garcia, 29, of Mexico, and Vladimir Roque Ceron, 33, of El Salvador, were sentenced this week for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that sold fentanyl and kilogram quantities of cocaine into the Washington, D.C. area, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Washington Division. Both Rivera Garcia and Roque Certon were previously charged in a multi-defendant indictment, returned September 1, 2023, alleging a drug conspiracy and various firearms and drug distribution counts. Rivera Garcia pleaded guilty on March 13, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Rivera Garcia was sentenced Wednesday to 62 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates, who also ordered him to serve four years of supervised release. Roque Ceron pleaded guilty March 5, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Judge Bates sentenced Roque Ceron today to 14 months in prison and three v years of supervised release. According to court documents, Rivera Garcia served as armed “protection” for the drug trafficking conspiracy which sold large quantities of cocaine and other drugs in the D.C. region from at least March 2023 to August 8, 2023. On at least two occasions, Rivera Garcia accompanied one or more co-conspirators for cocaine transactions totaling more than four kilograms of cocaine. First, on August 8, 2023, Rivera Garcia served as protection for a sale of approximately 515 grams of cocaine. Then, on August 18, 2023, Rivera Garcia arrived in a vehicle with other co-conspirators when they were arrested. Agents recovered from the area where Rivera Garcia was seated a bag containing approximate weight of 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and a.38 caliber revolver, loaded with five .38 caliber rounds in the cylinder. Another co-conspirator in the vehicle was found with a privately manufactured Polymer 80 semiautomatic pistol with a 30-round extended magazine containing 22 rounds of 9mm ammunition with one round in the chamber. Meanwhile, Roque Ceron directly sold 197 grams of cocaine and 111 pills containing fentanyl with an aggregate weight of 11.62 grams to confidential sources from March 22, 2023 to June 1, 2023, on five separate occasions. DEA laboratory analysis confirmed that the pills and the powder purchased from Roque Ceron contained fentanyl and cocaine, respectively. All of the pills sold by Roque Ceron were found to contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl (more than 2 mg/per tablet). Both Rivera Garcia and Roque Ceron were unlawfully present in the United States during the offenses. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was investigated by the DEA’s Washington Field Division and the FBI’s DC Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy J. Coley and Ernesto J. Alvarado with the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 23cr0302


title: Middlesex County Man Charged with Soliciting Destruction of Energy Facilities

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was arrested for allegedly soliciting another individual to destroy energy facilities, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger of the District of New Jersey announced today. Andrew Takhistov, 18, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of soliciting another individual to engage in criminal conduct that involved destroying a Public Service Enterprise Group (PSE&G) circuit breaker and substation. Takhistov was arrested on July 10, 2024, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court, and was detained. “Andrew Takhistov was allegedly on his way to Ukraine to join the Russian Volunteer Corps when we arrested him on charges of recruiting an individual to destroy an electrical substation here in the United States in order to advance his white supremacist ideology,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “I am grateful to the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their exceptional work disrupting this dangerous plot.” “This complaint alleges that the defendant’s posts referenced Adolf Hitler, encouraged violence against Black and Jewish communities, praised mass shooters and discussed causing death and destruction on a large scale. The defendant was allegedly enroute to join the Russian Volunteer Corps, which he described as specializing in assassinations, attacks on power grids, and other infrastructure sabotage, so that he could act on his violent plans. We will not tolerate these kinds of alleged terroristic threats, and working with our partners, we will always be ready to root out and bring to justice anyone who attempts to carry out these acts.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Imagine the chaos and number of life-threatening emergencies if a large population of people in New Jersey lost power in the middle of the current heat wave,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “We allege Takhistov, who is only 18 years old, planned to travel overseas so he could learn lessons from Russians fighting in Ukraine on how to destroy power grids and other critical infrastructure. His alleged conversations and planned actions are chilling and were inspired by racially motivated violent extremism. Disrupting all of our lives was the goal. I want to commend the agents and detectives of the Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force, other local and state law enforcement partners, and prosecutors who moved with exceptional speed in this investigation. Their work is saving lives.” “This defendant exemplifies the threat posed by racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism,” NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said. “Whether in his efforts to instruct our undercover officer on how to sabotage critical infrastructure, or in his attempted travel overseas to join a National Socialist paramilitary force, he sought to advance his ideological goals through destruction and violence. The NYPD and our law enforcement partners will remain relentless in our mission to identify, investigate, and inhibit anyone who has designs on plotting acts of terror.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In January 2024, Takhistov began communicating on a social messaging platform with an individual who, unbeknownst to Takhistov, was an undercover law enforcement employee. Takhistov had previously posted on the messaging platform (often posting in racially/ethnically motivated extremist [RMVE]-aligned channels), requesting advice about weapons, disseminating manuals on how to construct homemade weapons, and expressing interest in traveling overseas to engage in paramilitary-style training. Throughout these posts, Takhistov referenced Adolf Hitler, encouraged violence against various ethnic and religious communities (including Black and Jewish individuals), and praised mass shooters. Throughout Takhistov’s communications with the undercover employee, Takhistov repeatedly referred to his RMVE ideology and his desire to advance that ideology through violent means. In May 2024, Takhistov informed the undercover employee that he was planning to travel to Ukraine in July 2024 to join the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), explaining that he chose this organization because it was openly National Socialist and, more importantly, specialized in assassinations, attacks on power grids, and other infrastructure sabotage. Takhistov discussed infrastructure sabotage, specifically how to damage an electrical substation using Mylar balloons, or Molotov cocktails, which Takhistov explained how to make. Takhistov told the undercover employee that, while Takhistov was in the Ukraine, the undercover employee needed to carry out at least one event of serious activism. On two occasions in June and July 2024, at Takhistov’s direction, Takhistov and the undercover employee drove to two different electrical substations in North Brunswick and New Brunswick. During these visits, Takhistov instructed the undercover employee on numerous aspects of how to conduct an attack on an electrical substation. On July 5, 2024, during one of these meetings, Takhistov directed the undercover employee to take several photographs of the electrical substations so that Takhistov could send them to his Russian friend for additional advice on how to best sabotage the stations. Takhistov was arrested Wednesday afternoon at Newark Liberty International Airport where he was planning to travel to Paris, France on his way to Ukraine. The charge of solicitation to destruct an energy facility is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $125,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy in Newark, and the New York City Police Department Intelligence Division, under the direction of Commissioner Caban, with the investigation leading to the arrest. He also thanked the East Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frank LoSacco, the Milltown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Chris Johnson, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Vincent Sabo, and the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Edward T. Cetnar. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vera Varshavsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit and Trial Attorney James Donnelly of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. takhistov.complaint.pdf


title: New Jersey Man Charged with Soliciting Destruction of Energy Facilities

body_text: Note : View the criminal complaint here . Andrew Takhistov, 18, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in court today for allegedly soliciting another individual to destroy energy facilities. “Andrew Takhistov was allegedly on his way to Ukraine to join the Russian Volunteer Corps when we arrested him on charges of recruiting an individual to destroy an electrical substation here in the United States in order to advance his white supremacist ideology,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful to the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their exceptional work disrupting this dangerous plot.” “This complaint alleges that the defendant’s posts referenced Adolf Hitler, encouraged violence against Black and Jewish communities, praised mass shooters, and discussed causing death and destruction on a large scale,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “The defendant was allegedly enroute to join the Russian Volunteer Corps, which he described as specializing in assassinations, attacks on power grids, and other infrastructure sabotage, so that he could act on his violent plans. We will not tolerate these kinds of alleged terroristic threats, and working with our partners, we will always be ready to root out and bring to justice anyone who attempts to carry out these acts.” According to court documents, in January, Takhistov began communicating on a social messaging platform with an individual who, unbeknownst to Takhistov, was an undercover law enforcement employee. Takhistov had previously posted on the messaging platform (often posting in racially/ethnically motivated extremist [RMVE]-aligned channels), requesting advice about weapons, disseminating manuals on how to construct homemade weapons, and expressing interest in traveling overseas to engage in paramilitary-style training. Throughout these posts, Takhistov referenced Adolf Hitler, encouraged violence against various ethnic and religious communities (including Black and Jewish individuals), and praised mass shooters. Throughout Takhistov’s communications with the undercover employee, Takhistov repeatedly referred to his RMVE ideology and his desire to advance that ideology through violent means. In May, Takhistov informed the undercover employee that he was planning to travel to Ukraine in July to join the Russian Volunteer Corps, explaining that he chose this organization because it was openly National Socialist and, more importantly, specialized in assassinations, attacks on power grids and other infrastructure sabotage. Takhistov discussed infrastructure sabotage, specifically how to damage an electrical substation using Mylar balloons or Molotov cocktails, which Takhistov explained how to make. Takhistov told the undercover employee that, while Takhistov was in the Ukraine, the undercover employee needed to carry out at least one event of serious activism. On two occasions in June and July, at Takhistov’s direction, Takhistov and the undercover employee drove to two different electrical substations in North Brunswick and New Brunswick, New Jersey. During these visits, Takhistov instructed the undercover employee on numerous aspects of how to conduct an attack on an electrical substation. On July 5, during one of these meetings, Takhistov directed the undercover employee to take several photographs of the electrical substations so that Takhistov could send them to his Russian friend for additional advice on how to best sabotage the stations. Takhistov was arrested Wednesday afternoon at Newark Liberty International Airport where he was planning to travel to Paris on his way to Ukraine. Takhistov is charged with one count of soliciting another individual to engage in criminal conduct that involved destroying a public service enterprise group circuit breaker and substation. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $125,000 fine. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vera Varshavsky for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than 5 Years For Possession Of Firearms

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Eddy Fonseca (25, Tampa) to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Fonseca entered a guilty plea on January 30, 2024. According to court documents, Fonseca was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2019 and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. In May 2023, law enforcement officers observed Fonseca and his girlfriend travel to a firearms store. Fonseca’s girlfriend picked up a firearm from the store that she had filled out the paperwork for, but that Fonseca had paid for. Law enforcement followed Fonseca back to his home in Tampa where they observed Fonseca carrying the box with the firearm into his residence. During the subsequent execution of a search warrant at Fonseca’s home, law enforcement located six firearms in various locations throughout the home. Fonseca claimed responsibility for these six firearms in his plea agreement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: U.S. Attorney, Albuquerque FBI Charge Habitual Offender with Domestic Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Utah man was charged by indictment with assaulting a victim with a knife while she was holding her daughter in Sheep Springs, New Mexico. Kubert Yanito , 51, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today for an arraignment and detention hearing, and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the indictment, on October 11, 2023, Yanito allegedly assaulted Jane Doe 1 with a knife while she was holding her daughter, Jane Doe 2. Yanito had previously been convicted of domestic violence, making him a habitual offender. If convicted of the current charges, Yanito faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nichola J. Marshall. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Orlando Man Charged With Possession Of A Machinegun

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jeremiah Cundiff (19, Orlando) with possession of a machinegun. If convicted, Cundiff faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Cundiff that the United States intends to forfeit a Glock GMBH 23 .40 caliber pistol, a machinegun conversion device, and associated ammunition. According to the indictment, on October 23, 2023, Cundiff possessed a machinegun. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with valuable assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Federal Firearms Offense

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault and firearms charges after shooting a victim in the stomach during a late-night confrontation on the Navajo Nation reservation. According to publicly available court documents, on May 29, 2023, Tyrell Willie , 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove to John Doe's residence within the Navajo Nation reservation. When John Doe exited his home, Willie turned off his headlights and fired two shots from the driver's seat, with one round striking Doe in the stomach. Willie then fled the scene. Shortly after, Navajo Nation Police Officers conducted a high-risk stop on Willie 's vehicle. Willie exited the truck holding a loaded shotgun but dropped it after being commanded to do so by officers. He was then taken into custody. The victim suffered serious bodily injury requiring immediate life-saving surgery. The Court ordered that Willie remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Willie faces between 7 and 12 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Willie will be subject to up to five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. FBI Farmington Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. # # #


component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. - An Indiana CPA pleaded guilty yesterday to assisting in the preparation of false tax returns on behalf of clients who participated in an illegal tax shelter. According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2013 and 2022, Jason L. Crace prepared income tax returns for clients that claimed millions of dollars in false deductions for so-called “royalty payments.” However, as Crace knew, these “royalty payments” were merely circular flows of money designed to give the appearance of genuine business expenses. In reality, tax shelter participants sent their money to bank accounts controlled by scheme promoters, who then sent the money right back to different bank accounts that the participants controlled. In this way, tax shelter participants retained control of the money they transferred, while falsely deducting the transfers as business expenses on their tax returns. Participants’ decision regarding how much (and even whether) to pay “royalties” was driven purely by the amount of income they wanted to shelter from the IRS on their tax returns. In total, Crace’s preparation of false tax returns claiming fraudulent “royalty” deductions caused a loss to the IRS of at least $2,532,936. Crace is scheduled to be sentence on Jan. 14, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Richard J. Hagerman, William M. Montague and Matthew C. Hicks of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.


title: Austin Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man was sentenced in federal court to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. According to court documents, Trenton Harris Tindall, 24, was identified as having coordinated the purchase of counterfeit oxycodone with a purchaser in Austin who was found deceased the day after their correspondence. In their text messaging, Tindall told the purchaser that he possessed oxycodone for distribution and arranged the transaction. The Travis County Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death was accidental and due to the toxic effects of fentanyl. Through three separate operations during an investigation, Tindall distributed a total of approximately 450 fentanyl-laced oxycodone tablets—blue in color with “M30” printed on them—to law enforcement. Tindall pleaded guilty Dec. 15, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI and Austin Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin prosecuted the case. ###


title: Former Hamden Resident Sentenced to 20 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Prescription Narcotics, Violating Supervised Release

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DENZEL SUGGS, 30, formerly of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven area drug trafficking ring, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a previous federal conviction. According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was operating in the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and several controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine. The investigation also identified individuals, including Kelvin Alvarado, who were acquiring and distributing prescription narcotic pills. During the investigation, Suggs, who was on federal supervised release, sold prescription pills to Alvarado. Suggs was arrested on October 10, 2023. On April 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances. He has been detained since October 31, 2023. In January 2022, Suggs was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to approximately six months of imprisonment, time served, and three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon . Judge Nagala sentenced Suggs to 10 months of imprisonment for the drug offense, and a consecutive 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Alvarado, also known as “Kelz” and “Kel Bucks,” of New Haven, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. This investigation, which resulted in federal charges against 12 individuals, has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan J. Keefe and Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Harrisburg Man Sentenced To Prison For Odometer Tampering

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 10, 2024, Earnest Fry, 49, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner following his conviction for odometer tampering and forging vehicle titles. Judge Conner also ordered Fry to pay victims more than $47,000 in restitution, $700 in assessments, and to serve three years on supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Fry previously pleaded guilty to the offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, just months after Fry was released from state prison for burglary and theft offenses in October 2018, and while he was on parole, he devised a scheme to purchase used cars, alter the cars’ true mileages by replacing or resetting their odometers, and then sell the vehicles online to unsuspecting customers who paid inflated prices for vehicles they might not otherwise have bought. In addition, Fry altered or forged the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania titles to multiple vehicles that he sold by causing the titles to reflect false, lower mileages. Fry altered the odometers on at least 55 used cars that he sold and rolled back more than five million miles on the vehicles. In some cases, Fry caused the odometers to be rolled back by nearly 200,000 miles. Fry’s offenses not only caused victims to pay far more for the cars than they were worth, but created the risk that buyers would incur additional losses due to likely increased maintenance costs, excessive insurance premiums, and other unanticipated expenses. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually and has established a special hotline to handle odometer fraud complaints. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call (800) 424-9393, or email odometerfraud@dot.gov . More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website, https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/odometer-fraud . # # #