title: Clarkston Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned verdicts on December 6, 2023, following the trial of David Elmo Curry, 38 of Clarkston, Washington. Curry was convicted by a jury on two counts of Attempted Enticement of a Minor. Evidence introduced at trial established that on November 16, 2019, Curry was arrested when he arrived at a house in Yakima, Washington after having responded to an on-line ad by a woman purporting to be the mother of two daughters – ages 11 and 13. According to the ad, the mother was seeking money in exchange for sex with her minor children. The on-line ad actually was part of a sting operation conducted by the Washington State Patrol, assisted by the Yakima and Union Gap Police Departments and Homeland Security Investigations. At the time of his arrest, Curry had condoms and flavored lubricant with him. Curry was then charged in Yakima County Superior Court with Attempted First Degree Attempted Rape of a Child and Second Degree Attempted Rape of a child. He later was released on bail on these state charges. Following Curry’s release on bail, a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer, acting in an undercover capacity, responded to a separate on-line ad, which Curry placed by while on release. The undercover officer represented that he was a thirteen-year-old girl and Curry engaged the officer in sexual talk, requested nude images, and made arrangements to meet with him in person. At one point, Curry determined the purported child’s preferred candy and purchased flavored lubricant in a corresponding flavor for a planned meeting the next day, which never took place. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial, which began on December 4, 2023. Sentencing in this matter is set for March 26, 2024. Curry faces a minimum sentence of 10 years’ incarceration and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, as well as no less than five years of supervised release and mandatory sex offender registration for each count. “Mr. Curry attempted to meet, what he believed to be, a 13-year-old child for sex. When Mr. Curry did so, he had been released on bail for a similar charge,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am thankful to our excellent law enforcement partners and the members of the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force who work to ensure our communities are protected from those that would harm the most vulnerable among us.” “Once again, we are so proud of the teamwork and dedication displayed by the partnership with the SER-ICAC team, including the Washington State Patrol and Yakima Police Department, on this case,” stated Commander Damon Janson, Investigations Division with the Richland Police Department. “Having a dedicated, southeast regional team, focused on child internet sex crimes is both important and vital to the world we live in today.” “This sentence serves as a poignant reminder of the vigilance required to shield our communities from those who prey on the most vulnerable. In a chilling narrative, Curry's actions, even while on bail for similar charges, lay bare the urgent need for unwavering dedication to protecting our children,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “I’m thankful for our law enforcement partnerships on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that continue to demonstrate through these arrests that we will continue to patrol the shadows of the internet to bring these predators to justice.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Washington State Patrol, the Yakima Police Department and the Southeast Regional ICAC Task Force, consisting of the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments. This case was prosecuted and tried to a jury by Michael Murphy, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.


title: New Jersey Man Who Posed As Nurse Charged With Kidnapping And Abusing Multiple Women

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today that a grand jury in Manhattan federal court returned an eight-count Indictment charging New Jersey resident HERMAN CALVIN BRIGHTMAN, a/k/a “Nazir Griffiths,” a/k/a “Nazir Luckett,” with kidnapping, interstate travel to commit domestic violence, interstate communication of a threat, cyberstalking, and interstate stalking. BRIGHTMAN’s case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, for over a year, Herman Brightman preyed upon woman after woman using the internet to lure these women into meeting and dating him and posing as a nurse or nurse practitioner to gain their trust. He then quickly became physically abusive towards them, going so far as to kidnap the women at knifepoint and threaten to kill them. Today’s charges put a stop to this abusive and violent behavior. We thank and commend the courageous women who came forward to report Brightman.” NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “The men and women of the NYPD condemn these deeply disturbing and heinous acts allegedly committed by a serial predator. Across jurisdictional boundaries, we and our law enforcement partners take all accusations of abuse seriously and remain dedicated to ensuring justice for the victims.” According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] From between in or about January 2022 to in or about September 2023, BRIGHTMAN used social media platforms such as Facebook and the dating application Hinge to meet, and occasionally date, several women under false pretenses. Specifically, BRIGHTMAN, often used an alias and posed as a nurse or nurse practitioner working at New York City-area hospitals, even sending pictures and videos of himself wearing scrubs and lab coats, and creating false IDs for himself. Some of those photos are included below: Shortly after he began dating his victims, BRIGHTMAN began to act violently towards them, particularly if they attempted to end the relationship. As set forth in the Indictment, between January 2022 and September 2023, BRIGHTMAN brutalized at least four such women. In or about July 2022, BRIGHTMAN traveled from New Jersey to the Southern District of New York and forced at knifepoint a woman (“Victim-1”) who had recently decided to break up with him and her minor child (“Minor Victim-1”) to travel from the Southern District of New York to BRIGHTMAN’s residence in New Jersey. Once they arrived at BRIGHTMAN’s residence, BRIGHTMAN threatened to kill Victim-1 if she “made any problems” and literally held onto Victim-1 for an entire evening to prevent her from escaping. Victim-1 eventually did escape the next morning and was able to contact local police after she convinced BRIGHTMAN to let her leave his residence temporarily. In or about August 2023, BRIGHTMAN brutally attacked a Queens woman he had been dating (“Victim-2”) in her home and held her at knifepoint. During the attack, BRIGHTMAN threatened to “gut” Victim-2 “like a fish.” BRIGHTMAN also bound Victim-2’s hands and attempted to tape Victim-2’s mouth. Approximately one week after this incident, Victim-2 ended her relationship with BRIGHTMAN. In the 24 hours that followed, BRIGHTMAN called Victim-2 over 20 times, including from private blocked numbers. On one particular phone call, BRIGHTMAN repeatedly threatened Victim-2. In or about early September 2023, BRIGHTMAN traveled from New Jersey to the Bronx, New York, and used his phone to lure a third woman he was dating (“Victim-3”) to his car. While in BRIGHTMAN’s car, BRIGHTMAN forced Victim-3 to call Victim-2. BRIGHTMAN then punched Victim-3, leaving a bruise on her arm. When Victim-3 attempted to escape, BRIGHTMAN chased after her and put her in a choke hold. Victim-3 escaped into her building and called the police. A few days later, BRIGHTMAN returned to the Bronx to confront Victim-3 at her job. During the confrontation, BRIGHTMAN repeatedly asked Victim-3 if she had contacted the police. BRIGHTMAN then followed Victim-3 home where BRIGHTMAN assaulted her again, pushing Victim-3 to the ground and throwing a traffic cone at her. In or about late September 2023, BRIGHTMAN traveled to the Bronx and convinced a fourth woman (“Victim-4”), who had previously ended their relationship, to allow him into her home. Inside Victim-4’s home, BRIGHTMAN assaulted and strangled Victim-4, leaving her with bruising on her neck. BRIGHTMAN also repeatedly threatened to kill Victim-4 and attempted to rape her. Victim-4 was ultimately able to escape with the help of a friend. If you have been victimized by HERMAN CALVIN BRIGHTMAN, a/k/a “Nazir Griffiths,” a/k/a “Nazir Luckett,” or have any additional information about his alleged illegal behavior, please contact the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York at 1-866-874-8900 and reference this case. * * * BRIGHTMAN, 30, of West New York, New Jersey, is charged with one count of kidnapping a minor, which carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of threatening physical harm by interstate communication, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of cyberstalking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; two counts of kidnapping, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; two counts of travel in interstate commerce to commit a crime of violence, which each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of travel in interstate commerce to stalk, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas office for their work on the investigation. Mr. Williams also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and the Ocean County District Attorney’s Office in New Jersey for their assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Moroney and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Jodi Lathrop Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney announced that Jodi Lathrop, 53, of Bristol, Vermont, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to charges of wire fraud and tax evasion. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III released Lathrop on conditions pending sentencing, which is set for April 1, 2024. On January 24, 2023, the United States Attorney filed an indictment charging Lathrop with committing a scheme to embezzle from Claire Lathrop Band Mill (CLBM) d/b/a Lathrop Forest Products, a wood-logging and wood-chipping company based in Bristol, Vermont and co-owned by Lathrop’s husband and Lathrop’s brother-in-law. Lathrop served as CLBM’s bookkeeper, handling accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. According to statements made in court, between June 2014 and April 2020, Lathrop engaged in a scheme to embezzle from CLBM. Lathrop’s scheme included Lathrop writing unauthorized checks from the CLBM bank accounts to pay her personal credit card bills and Lathrop making unauthorized charges on CLBM credit cards to pay her personal expenses. For example, in July 2018, Lathrop charged $3,466.95 worth of household appliances on a CLBM credit card, knowing the charge was unauthorized, and had the appliances shipped to her personal residence for use in her personal residence. Lathrop concealed the embezzlement in several ways. Lathrop falsely recorded the unauthorized checks in CLBM’s books as checks for legitimate business expenses, wrote false notes on some checks so they appeared to be for legitimate business expenses, and caused CLBM to file false tax returns which falsely deducted Lathrop’s personal expenses as legitimate business expenses. Lathrop also filed false personal tax returns for each of the years from 2014 to 2019. Lathrop failed to report as income the embezzled CLBM funds, and therefore evaded paying personal income taxes that she owed to the Internal Revenue Service. The indictment alleges that Lathrop embezzled more than $400,000 from CLBM over the course of the scheme and evaded personal income taxes in the amount of approximately $141,000. The actual amount of Lathrop’s embezzlement and evaded taxes will be determined by the U.S. District Court at sentencing. As part of her plea agreement, Lathrop agreed to sell approximately 270.5 acres of land she owns and to use the proceeds to pay any restitution she is ordered to pay to the victims of her crimes. Lathrop faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release. The actual sentence will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the United States Code. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bristol Police Department for their investigation of this case. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ang. Lathrop is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.


title: Nevada Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Scheme

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Anubor Bagbi, 63, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, between May and December 2022, Bagbi obtained fraudulent or stolen checks issued to legitimate companies, then established fraudulent bank accounts in various states, including Idaho, using the name of the business payees on the stolen and fraudulent checks. In order open the fraudulent business accounts, Bagbi registered the business names with the Secretary of State and obtained employer identification numbers from the IRS. He used the fraudulent documents, false identifications, and fabricated tax documents and utility bills to open the accounts. Several of the identifications Bagbi used contained the real names of identity theft victims. In addition to the bank fraud scheme, beginning in April 2020, Bagbi applied for and received funds though the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) under the CARES Act. Bagbi submitted fraudulent documents and applications in both his own name and other individuals’ names for businesses that did not exist. As a result, Bagbi caused a loss of $664,828. In total, the bank fraud and COVID fraud schemes resulted in a loss of $886,879.86. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also sentenced Bagbi to five years of supervised release and to pay full restitution in the amount of $886,879.86. “This defendant callously victimized businesses, individuals, and the American taxpayers through his related schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “His prosecution and sentence show that those who commit mail fraud, identity theft, and COVID relief—either separately or in combination—will be brought to justice. I am grateful to the talented team of investigators and prosecutors who successfully handled this case.” “This sentencing demonstrates our resolve to deter crimes which threaten our financial infrastructure and defraud taxpayer-funded relief,” said Special Agent in Charge Marc DellaSala, U.S. Secret Service. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and our local law enforcement partners for their dedication to this effort.” “Providing false and stolen information to fraudulently gain access to pandemic relief funds is a theft of taxpayer funds,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “OIG remains committed to rooting out bad actors and protecting the integrity of SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.” U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General who investigated the case with assistance from the Boise Police Department, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Garden City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darci Crane and Brittney Campbell prosecuted the case. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . ###


title: South New Jersey Residents Charged for Roles in Dog Fighting Conspiracy Involving the “DMV Board”

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Two New Jersey residents were charged for their participation in a dog fighting ring that involved the “DMV Board,” a Telegram-based dog fighting collective spanning several states. Tommy J. “Snakes” Watson, of Clayton, and Johnnie Lee Nelson Jr., of Bridgeton, appeared in court on the charges today and last Tuesday, respectively. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Watson and Nelson conspired with others to fight, train, transport and possess pit bull-type dogs in dog fighting ventures from August 2017 through March 2019, in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Watson and others conducted a dog fighting operation known as “From Da Bottom Kennels” and fought pit bull-type dogs in dog fights, housed and trained dogs for dog fighting and acquired, without veterinarian assistance or scrutiny, medical equipment including skin staplers to treat dogs injured during fights. Watson and others also used the “DMV Board” to transmit videos of live-streamed dog fights, dogs training to fight and underperforming fighting dogs being killed including by hanging. Watson fought two dogs, including one named “Bunz,” in a December 2018 dog fight at a location on Center Road in Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey. Watson also trained and transported a third dog, named “Rambo,” for a dog fight event at the same location on March 23, 2019, which law enforcement disrupted. Two still-fighting dogs were discovered by law enforcement at the Center Road location inside a car where participants had placed the dogs before fleeing to avoid detection by law enforcement. Nelson trained “Rambo” for purposes of having him fight in the March 23, 2019 dog fight event at the Center Road location. Watson is also charged with the unlawful possession of ammunition that he brought to the dog fight event. If convicted, Watson and Nelson each face penalties up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count of animal fighting charges. Watson also faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the ammunition charge. Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Philip K. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey made the announcement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and detectives with the Cumberland County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the case, which remains ongoing. Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen O’Leary and Desiree Grace for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Great Falls bookkeeper sentenced to prison for defrauding two businesses of approximately $500,000

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman who admitted to defrauding two businesses of approximately $500,000 while working as a bookkeeper to pay her personal expenses was sentenced today to 25 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Tara Durnell, 63, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and to mail fraud. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $492,309 in total restitution. Durnell was remanded into custody. In court documents, the government alleged that beginning in at least 1997, Durnell embezzled from her employer, Kronebusch Electric, Inc., (KEI) a small company in Conrad, where she worked as a bookkeeper, to fund her personal lifestyle. Durnell used her access to pre-signed company checks and company bank accounts to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars toward personal credit card debt, personal car loan payments and debts belonging to family members. To conceal her scheme, Durnell used her access to the company’s accounting software to hide her illicit transactions and make them appear like legitimate businesses expenses. In total, Durnell embezzled almost $500,000 from KEI. Durnell left employment with KEI when the scheme was discovered and found work as a bookkeeper with Mitchell’s Crash Repair in Great Falls. In January 2022, Durnell again used her access to the business’s pre-signed checks and bank accounts and to pay tens of thousands of dollars toward personal expenses. Durnell embezzled approximately $15,491 from Mitchell’s Crash Repair. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Maine Man Pleads Guilty for Threatening  Portsmouth High School

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Maine man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord to charges in connection to the online threats he made to the Portsmouth High School on April 12, 2023, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Kyle Hendrickson, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate threatening communications and one count of possessing a firearm in a school zone. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliot scheduled sentencing for March 15, 2024. Hendrickson was initially arrested on a criminal complaint on April 13, 2023, and a grand jury returned the two-count indictment on September 13, 2023. Hendrickson posted a video to his SnapChat account on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in which he brandished a handgun while in a vehicle outside of the Portsmouth High School. The video includes a text overlay that reads “imma shoot up the school.” School surveillance footage placed Hendrickson’s vehicle outside the high school at the time of the video. Law enforcement later recovered an AR-15 rifle, a shotgun, camouflage body armor, a handgun holster, a red-dot sight, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Hendrickson’s vehicle. The handgun that Hendrickson used in the SnapChat video was also recovered near a motel where Hendrickson had stayed in Maine on the night of April 12, 2023. Each charge provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, and the Portsmouth Police Department led the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Somersworth Police Department, the Portland (Maine) Police Department, and the Berwick (Maine) Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Fort Worth Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: Leader of drug trafficking organization was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Alonzo Smith, 29, was charged in May 2023 via criminal complaint. He pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to possess of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman. “Violent gangs that flood our neighborhoods with illicit drugs are a true threat to public safety,“ said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes, Jr. “ The lengthy sentence imposed on this defendant highlights our commitment to disrupting and dismantling these transnational criminal organizations seeking to exploit our communities for financial gain.” According to court documents, Mr. Smith and others – most heavily armed 5x2 Hoova Crip gang members - were responsible for operating multiple drug houses in the Fort Worth area. The residences were used solely to store and distribute large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. During a search warrant at one of the residences, law enforcement located 800 grams of methamphetamine, 188 grams of cocaine, 496 grams of black tar heroin and 300 grams of fentanyl. Homeland Security Investigations and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith prosecuted the case.


title: Leader Of Black-Market HIV Medication Fraud Scheme Pleads Guilty

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BORIS AMINOV pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with engaging in a years-long scheme to defraud Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least $20 million. 10 other defendants were charged in connection with the scheme in two separate indictments unsealed in March and October 2023. AMINOV pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Boris Aminov orchestrated a scheme to get rich by lying to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies and by depriving vulnerable HIV patients of legitimate and safe medications. Aminov also made millions of dollars through buying and distributing black-market HIV medications to pharmacies all over New York City. This Office will be tireless in its pursuit of those who seek to line their pockets by preying on vulnerable members of society.” According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictments and statements made in court proceedings: From at least in or about 2017 through at least in or about 2023, AMINOV and others engaged in a scheme that defrauded Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least approximately $20 million through trafficking in black-market HIV medication. In doing so, they exploited at least hundreds of low-income individuals who had been prescribed HIV medication, jeopardizing the health and safety of those vulnerable patients. AMINOV distributed black-market HIV medications to pharmacies that were owned and operated by other co-conspirators. That medication was then dispensed to unknowing patients who believed they were receiving legitimate medication. To further their scheme and conceal their proceeds, co-conspirators used bank accounts associated with their respective pharmacies to funnel money to shell companies controlled by AMINOV. * * * AMINOV, 47, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Jackie Delligatti are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Pasco County Men Indicted On Firearm And Narcotics Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Marcel Morris (33, Port Richey) with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Morris faces a maximum penalty of l5 years in federal prison. Darrence White (27, New Port Richey) has been charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. If convicted, White faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison for the fentanyl offense, and up to life imprisonment for the methamphetamine offense. The indictment also notifies Morris and White that the United States intends to forfeit ammunition, as well as assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. According to the indictment, on March 11, 2023, Morris, a previously convicted felon, possessed ammunition, including 3 rounds of Winchester 9 mm ammunition, 3 rounds of GECO 9 mm ammunition, and 9 rounds of Federal Cartridge 9 mm ammunition. White allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 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 and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. 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: Venezuelan National Sentenced To Federal Prison In Connection With Attempted Illegal Firearms Exportation

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Omar Arriojas (57, Cape Coral) to 18 months in federal prison for attempting to smuggle goods from the United States and making a false statement during a firearms acquisition. Arriojas had pleaded guilty on June 28, 2023. According to court records, in January 2023, Arriojas attempted to ship a package from the United States to Venezuela, which was searched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents prior to exportation. Inside the package, agents found a large used air conditioner within which several items were concealed, including three handguns, handgun magazines, and more than 50 rounds of ammunition. By law, such items require a special license prior to exportation, which Arriojas had never obtained. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and United States Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth. 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: Two Employees of Brooklyn Moving Company Convicted of Defrauding Customers

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Kristy Mak and Andre Prince of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the sole count of a superseding indictment, in connection with their participation in a fraudulent moving company scheme. The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States Second Circuit Judge Denny Chin sitting by designation. When sentenced, the defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and forfeiture in the amount to be determined by the Court. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict. “The jury found that these defendants conspired in a despicable scheme to steal from their victims when they were most vulnerable and at the mercy of crooked movers holding their worldly possessions hostage. No person who contracts for moving services should be exploited in this manner,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Make no mistake, this was not a disagreement over billing, rather the jury found the defendants were part of a cunning and deliberate scheme to defraud customers and were held accountable.” Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the United States Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General for their outstanding investigative work on the case. As proven at trial, between at least January 2017 and August 2020, the defendants worked for a number of moving companies controlled by Yakov Moroz, which operated under various names including Great Moving USA, Green Movers, New City Moves, Cross Country Moving and Storage, and Movers Consulting. Mak was a customer service representative for the company and supervised Prince who was a member of the sales team. The defendants lured customers to these movers by posting fake reviews online and by having sales associates offer low-cost transportation of their household goods. After a contract was signed and, in some cases, after the customer’s belongings loaded on the truck, the movers would spring new expenses on them. If the customer tried contacting the sales associate about the surprise fees, that person was unreachable, and the customers were faced with the drivers threatening to hold their goods hostage unless they paid additional fees which were sometimes double or triple the original estimated cost. In a Slack message conversation with an uncharged co-conspirator about revising orders to squeeze more money from customers, Mak stated they will “f*ck [customers] onsite.” In another Slack conversation, Prince reacted to two memes sent to him from another sales person depicting their scheme to cut off contact with the customer on the day of the move, stating: “[rolling on the floor laughing emoji] that is so accurate”]. Moroz, the president of Great Movers Inc. and its successor company, New City Movers, absconded earlier this year while on pre-trial release and is currently a fugitive. As a result of the fraudulent scheme, the defendants, together with others, wrongfully obtained more than $3 million from over 800 victims. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Arun Bodapati and Elias Laris are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Heyward. The Defendants : KRISTY MAK Age: 34 Plantation, Florida ANDRE PRINCE (also known as “Allen Parks” and “Aaron”) Age: 45 Taramac, Florida E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-342 (DC)


title: Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Threatening Texts

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – David Lee Bradby, age 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to making interstate threatening communications, related to text messages he sent to Victim 1, a woman living in West Virginia. The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office. According to his guilty plea, between February 13, 2022, and May 24, 2022, Bradby sent 12 text communications to Victim 1 from six different mobile numbers to which Bradby subscribed. In the text messages, Bradby threatened to kill the victim and to assault her family members. Neither Bradby nor Victim 1 knew each other. As detailed in his plea agreement, Bradby, a Black man, also admitted that in February 2022, he made threats to Victim 2, a Black female who lived in the Baltimore area. In making the threats to Victim 2, Bradby posed as J.M.S. and made virtually the same threats to Victim 2 as he had to Victim 1, who was also Black. Bradby also threatened to blow up Victim 2’s house, claimed to know where Victim 2 worked, and included pictures and symbols used by the Ku Klux Klan in his messages to Victim 2. Bradby admitted that he sent the messages to Victim 2 to implicate J.M.S. Bradby and Victim 2 did not know each other. Bradby faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for making interstate threatening communications. U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson has scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Bradby remains detained. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorney P. Michael Cunningham, who is prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Former Danbury Couple Sentenced to Prison for Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two former Danbury residents were sentenced today in New Haven federal court for firearm offenses. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer sentenced DARNELL MACON, Sr, 46, to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and KHARISMA BROOKS, 24, to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. According to the evidence presented during their trial last year, on May 27, 2021, Macon and Brooks visited a federally licensed firearms dealer in Kent, Connecticut, where Macon possessed, and then Brooks purchased, a Smith & Wesson, Model SD40VE, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. In 2002, Macon was convicted in New York of two counts of assault in the first degree, and in 2003, he was convicted in New York of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. On June 7, 2021, ATF special agents investigating the firearm purchase on May 27, and another firearm purchased by Brooks in Stratford on May 25, visited Macon’s and Brooks’ Danbury residence and recovered the two firearms, which were located in Macon’s bedroom closet. On October 31, 2022, Macon was found guilty of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and Brooks was found guilty of one count of aiding and abetting the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury found Brooks not guilty of one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Macon and Brooks, who are released on bond and currently residing in Springfield, Massachusetts, are required to report to prison on January 15, 2024. This investigation was conducted by ATF, with the assistance of the Danbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Reed Durham and David J. Sheldon. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing Firearm

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Cassandra Lee Lovely, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to making false statements in acquisition of firearms. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 1, 2023, Lovely purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 45 from a Hurricane business. Lovely admitted that she purchased the firearm for a convicted sex offender who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction. Lovely further admitted that she falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that she was the buyer of the firearm when Lovely knew she was purchasing it for the individual who was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Lovely provided the firearm to the prohibited person following the purchase, and he reimbursed her by sending her $748 through the Cash App mobile payment service. The prohibited person was unsatisfied with the firearm, and Lovely traded it in at a South Charleston business for a Smith & Wesson SD9 VE 9mm pistol on April 27, 2023. Lovely admitted that she again falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 that she was the buyer of the firearm when Lovely knew she was purchasing it for the individual who was prohibited from possessing a firearm. On June 21, 2023, law enforcement officers seized the firearm when they arrested the prohibited person on an active warrant in Rhode Island. Lovely is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-183. ###


title: Company Selling Migraine Treatment Device Agrees to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Utah-based Dolor Technologies, LLC (“Dolor) has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to resolve Dolor’s civil liability relating to a device it sold and marketed to treat migraines, the Department of Justice announced Monday. This resolution requires Dolor to make monetary payments to the U.S. based upon its ability to pay. The government alleges that, between July 2013 through July 2017, Dolor violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by causing medical providers to submit false claims to the Medicare Program for procedures using a device called the SphenoCath. The SphenoCath was intended to treat migraine headaches by administering nerve blocks to the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a collection of nerves located deep in the midface of the skull. The government alleged the SphenoCath was not approved or authorized by the FDA for use in SPG nerve blocks for the treatment of headaches. The government also alleged Dolor instructed, coached, and encouraged medical providers to submit improper billing codes to Medicare for reimbursement of services using the SphenoCath device. “Device companies that evade the FDA approval process and improperly promote their products undermine the health of patients and the financial integrity of federal health care programs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe for the Southern District of Illinois. “This settlement demonstrates the commitment of our office and investigative partners to combat health care fraud against the Medicare Program.” In a related criminal matter, Dolor’s former chief executive officer, Mark Wright, pleaded guilty on Oct. 11, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah to misdemeanor charges of causing the introduction of misbranded and adulterated devices into interstate commerce. As part of his guilty plea, Wright admitted that Dolor did not seek approval or clearance from the Food and Drug Administration to distribute the SphenoCath for the intended use of treating headaches. “U.S. consumers rely on FDA oversight to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective. Device manufacturers who disregard FDA’s oversight and misdirect the use of medical devices put consumers at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice companies that jeopardize the public health.” Wright also admitted that, while FDA had recommended in April 2014 that Dolor proceed with investigational studies regarding the SphenoCath’s safety and effectiveness, Dolor never conducted any such study. Instead, Wright and Dolor continued to market the SphenoCath with the intention that it be used to treat migraine headaches by administering SPG nerve blocks. “The submission of false claims to Medicare undermines the solvency of our federal health care programs and wastes valuable taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency, working with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable those who seek to defraud federally funded health care programs.” The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA by Ronald Michael, M.D. The act permits private parties to sue for false claims on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ronald Michael, M.D. v. Dolor Technologies, LLC, et al. , No. 15-cv-1004 (S.D. Ill.), which also resulted in a civil settlement with device companies Jet Medical, LLC and Medical Components , Inc. Dr. Michael will receive a share of the proceeds from the FCA settlements. The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. The FCA is one of the most powerful tools in this effort. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 900-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The government is represented in the civil case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Barke of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois. The investigation was conducted by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The claims settled by the civil agreement are allegations only and there has been no determination of civil liability.


title: Registered Sex Offender Charged with New Child Pornography Offense

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A registered sex offender from Jefferson County, Missouri appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Monday to face a new child pornography charge. Patrick Mayberry, 44, of High Ridge, was charged by complaint on Dec. 8, 2023, with receipt and distribution of child pornography as a prior offender. A criminal complaint says that after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a Google user who had allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse material, the St. Louis County Police Department learned Mayberry may be selling child pornography that he obtained on the dark web to others. The charge is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years, a $250,000 fine, or both. Charges set forth in a criminal complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: South Carolina, Florida Men Plead Guilty In Conspiracy To Distribute Cocaine

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jason Laquwan Callum (43, Jamestown, SC) and Rodney Leandro (49, Jacksonville, FL) have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine. Callum faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Leandro faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. A superseding indictment was filed on September 27, 2023. Leandro and Callum will be sentenced on March 28, 2024. According to court documents, in March 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned about a kilogram-level cocaine dealer (CD) operating in Orange Park, Florida. On April 10, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the CD’s residence and located various narcotics, including cocaine, empty plastic heat-sealed kilogram bags with cocaine residue, and $34,530 in cash. The CD later confessed and identified Leandro and Callum as his sources of supply and agreed to set up a drug transaction. On February 4, 2020, Callum and Leandro agreed to send a kilogram of cocaine to the CD via a courier from South Carolina to the Jacksonville area for $33,000. Once the courier arrived, Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies intercepted the courier’s vehicle and, during this interaction, the courier admitted to having cocaine in the front seat. Further, the courier explained that she began transporting drugs for Callum in 2019, and stated that she delivered drugs to various states, including South Carolina, New York, Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina. The courier admitted to making at least 10 trips that involved cocaine—each delivery had at least one kilogram or more of cocaine. The courier has also pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution in the Middle District of Florida. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Jacksonville Tactical Diversion Squad and Task Force Two; DEA Charleston, South Carolina; the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Child Pornography Daniel Gumm , age 35, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. According to court documents, on Dec. 27, 2022, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children received information that a user of Kik Messenger was in possession of suspected child pornography. An agent with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force traced the email and Verizon IP addresses to Gumm and subsequently found child pornography on his devices. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Nov. 30 in Casper. Firearms Offenses Justin Taylor Clayburn , age 48, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for making false statements to acquire a firearm. Carl Everette Holaday , age 46, of Laramie, Wyoming was sentenced to 18 months for false statements to acquire a firearm and the straw purchase of a firearm for Clayburn. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentences on Nov. 29 in Casper. According to court documents, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) discovered multiple firearms and ammunition in Clayburn’s residence during the investigation of another crime. Clayburn is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents traced the purchase of firearms found in Clayburn’s residence to Holaday. Clayburn and Holiday were indicted in May and each pled guilty in September. This crime was investigated by DCI and ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom. Drug Trafficking Shelby Toby Girten , age 27, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, Cheyenne Police Department officers and a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force officer initiated an investigation of a suspected drug overdose and death on Feb. 6. Through the course of the investigation, officers tracked the purchase of fentanyl back to Girten. During an interview, Girten admitted to selling fentanyl pills to the victim. This crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence, which included $500 in community restitution, on Nov. 30. Domestic Violence Anthony Flores , age 29, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison after he waived indictment and plead guilty to domestic violence. According to court documents, on May 24, Yellowstone dispatch received a call of domestic violence at the Bitterroot dorm in the Old Faithful District of Yellowstone National Park. Interviews with the victim alleged prolonged domestic violence, including bodily injury and strangulation/suffocation. The victim had wounds consistent with the reported assault. This case was prosecuted by Z. Seth Griswold. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Nov. 30 in Cheyenne. Illegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien Jose Alonso Bedolla-Vasquez, age 32 of Wilson, Wyoming, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. The defendant has been in federal custody for approximately six months and will be deported to Mexico. According to court documents, the defendant was born in Tlaxcala, Mexico, and is a citizen of Mexico. On Jan. 28, Bedolla-Vasquez was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol in Teton County for driving under the influence of alcohol. He admitted to being a citizen of Mexico and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement verified that he had been previously deported four separate times. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Nov. 27. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Davis County Man Sentenced for Animal Torture

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Samuel J. Webster, 20, of Farmington, Utah, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day imprisonment, a fine of $5,500, and term of three years supervised release. The sentence, ordered by Federal District Court Judge David Sam, comes after Webster pleaded guilty to animal torture via animal crushing and posting multiple videos of the animal cruelty on YouTube in Oct. 2021. According to court documents, and admissions made during his change of plea hearing in August 2023, Mr. Webster purposefully engaged in animal crushing by purchasing a male guinea pig from a pet supply store in Farmington, Utah. Webster then purposefully subjected the guinea pig to serious injury and posting videos of the abuse on YouTube. See former news release here . “The animal torture committed by Mr. Webster was not only illegal but inhumane and cruel,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “Torture of any kind to an animal is unacceptable. Our office will work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute all crimes of this nature.” “Animals deserve to be treated humanely which is why the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act was passed in 2019,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Evidence shows that intentional animal cruelty can also be a precursor to other violent crimes. We are grateful for the public's assistance reporting this horrific abuse so law enforcement could put a stop to it and have Mr. Webster face the consequences." The FBI Salt Lake Field Office investigated the case with valuable assistance by the Woods Cross Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office of the District of Utah prosecuted the case. If you are aware of animal cruelty, please report it to law enforcement or call 1-800-CALL-FBI or leave a tip at tips.fbi.gov .


title: Shreveport Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a  Firearm While Serving Time in Halfway House

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of a Shreveport man for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Recardo Cartrell Pierce , 27, to 93 months (7 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. A jury in Shreveport returned a guilty verdict against Pierce after a trial in January of this year. Evidence introduced at the trial revealed that Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputies conducted a stop of a vehicle for a traffic violation on May 21, 2022, in Bossier. Pierce was the sole passenger in the vehicle which was being driven by a female companion. When deputies approached the vehicle, they found Pierce with his seat pushed all the way back near the back seat of the vehicle and the seat was leaned back. Deputies were given consent to search the vehicle and found in the back seat behind the driver’s seat, and just within Pierce’s reach, a backpack containing a Kel-Tec semi-automatic 5.56 caliber rifle with a loaded magazine and a pair of safety gloves. This high-powered weapon had a round in the chamber ready to fire with the safety switch in the off position. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined the investigation and tested the firearm and found it to be in working order. At the time of his arrest, Pierce was in a halfway house serving the remainder of his federal prison sentence where he was convicted in 2018 of being a felon possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Pierce knew that he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Seth D. Reeg. # # #


title: Stoughton Man Sentenced for Social Security and Passport Fraud

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Stoughton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for using the identifying information of another person to apply for a driver’s license and United States passport. Wilfrido Baez Villar, 49, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 18 months’ probation, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. On May 8, 2023, Baez Villar pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of making a false statement in an application for a passport. Baez Villar first attempted to enter the United States in December 1994 using an altered passport from the Dominican Republic issued to another individual. The fraud was discovered when he arrived in New York City and Baez Villar thereafter voluntarily returned to the Dominican Republic. Sometime thereafter, Baez Villar unlawfully reentered the United States. In April 1996, he used the identity of a second victim to fraudulently obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license. In November 1998, he used the identity of a third victim to receive an ID card from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. In December 1998, Baez Villar applied for and received another Massachusetts driver’s license in the name of a fourth victim and, between August 1999 and January 2018, applied for and received a duplicate and/or renewed license in that individual’s name on eight other occasions. In January 2019, Baez Villar applied for and received a replacement Real ID/Massachusetts driver’s license, again using the fourth victim’s identity. In December 2019, Baez Villar again used the fourth victim’s identity to apply for a United States passport. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Sharon B. MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Methuen Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security Benefits

body_text: BOSTON – A Methuen woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to stealing Social Security benefits intended for her child. Karen Silva-Brown, 57 pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds before U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs, who scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2024. Silva-Brown was arrested and charged in November 2022. In November 2014 through October 2018, Silva-Brown embezzled approximately $60,810 in Social Security benefits that were intended for her minor child. In March 2012, when Silva-Brown applied for and began receiving benefits on behalf of her child as a representative payee, the Social Security Administration (SSA) informed her of her obligation to notify SSA if her child left her custody. However, Silva-Brown did not notify SSA when she lost custody of her child in November 2014. Instead, Silva-Brown provided two fraudulent accountings to SSA in June and July 2016 where she claimed that her child still lived with her and that she spent all the Social Security benefits she received for her child’s care. In reality, Silva-Brown used the vast majority of the stolen funds to pay her own bills. The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Former Miami-Dade Police Officer Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Samuel Harris, 43, who was a police officer with the Miami-Dade Police Department (“MDPD”), was sentenced today, Dec. 11, to 4 months in prison, followed by 4 months in home detention by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr., after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent applications for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”), and an EIDL advance. According to the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing on July 3, Harris, who was a full-time MDPD police officer, also was the owner and president of Oregen Digital, Inc. (“Oregen”). Working with an associate, on June 29, 2020, Harris submitted and caused to be submitted a false and fraudulent PPP loan application falsely claiming that Oregen had 10 employees and a monthly payroll of over $50,000 per month. In support of this application, Harris submitted a fraudulent IRS Form W-3 falsely claiming that Oregen had paid 10 employees over $602,000 in wages during 2019. As a result of this false and fraudulent application, Harris obtained a $125,579 PPP loan from a Georgia-based SBA-approved PPP lender. Harris also admitted that on June 30, 2020, he caused to be submitted to the SBA a false and fraudulent EIDL application in the name of Oregen, seeking both an EIDL and an EIDL advance. In this fraudulent application, Harris falsely claimed that for the twelve-month period prior to January 31, 2020, Oregen had gross revenues of over $859,000 and 10 employees. As a result of this fraudulent application, Oregen obtained from the SBA a $10,000 EIDL advance that did not need to be repaid and $149,900 in EIDL loan proceeds. At sentencing, Judge Scola also ordered that Harris serve 3 years of supervised release, including 4 months in home detention, after Harris completes his prison term, and that Harris make full restitution in the amount of $285,479. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Investigations Division’s Eastern Region, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Interim Director Stephanie V. Daniels of, and Inspector General Felix Jimenez of the Miami-Dade County Office of Inspector General (MDC OIG)announced the guilty plea. The FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from the MDPD and MDC-OIG, investigated the case in conjunction with IRS-CI and SBA OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm prosecuted the case. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20189. ###


title: Two Defendants Convicted of Extortionate Collection of Credit in which Victim was Punched in Face

body_text: Today, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Anthony Romanello, also known as “Rom,” of extortionate collection of credit and conspiracy to commit the same in connection with a gambling debt, and convicted Joseph Celso of conspiracy to commit extortionate collection of credit. The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States District Judge Eric R. Komitee. When sentenced, Romanello faces up to 40 years in prison and Celso faces up to 20 years in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict. “Today’s verdict upholds the rule of law and demonstrates the defendants’ violent and brazen conduct will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “I commend the jury for holding the defendants accountable for their crimes.” As proven at trial, from March 2017 to June 2017, Romanello, Celso, and co-defendant Luan Bexheti conspired to use extortionate means to collect an unpaid gambling debt owed by John Doe #2 and a family member. Romanello and Celso used threats and violence in repeated attempts to collect the debt from John Doe #1, a relative of John Doe #2. Romanello confronted John Doe #1 three separate times to demand money in satisfaction of the debt. On the third time, Romanello and Celso went to John Doe #1’s restaurant in Manhattan to again demand the money. After John Doe #1 stated that he would only pay a portion of the amount Romanello was demanding, Romanello punched John Doe #1 in the face. John Doe #1 reported the assault to the New York City Police Department. The next day, Celso warned John Doe #2, John Doe #1’s brother, that if John Doe #1 did not drop the criminal charge against Romanello, the situation would escalate and “things would get ugly.” After John Doe #2 told John Doe #1 about the warning, John Doe #1 withdrew his complaint with the NYPD. Luan Bexheti pleaded guilty in October 2023 to extortionate collection of credit conspiracy in connection with the same debt and is awaiting sentencing. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Rehnquist, Irisa Chen and Rebecca Schuman are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader. The Defendants : ANTHONY ROMANELLO Age: 86 Franklin Square, New York JOSEPH CELSO Age: 50 Queens, New York Additional Defendant Who Previously Pleaded Guilty : LUAN BEXHETI Age: 51 Queens, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-194 (EK)


title: Schenectady Man Charged with Second Firearms Crime in Connection with Shots Fired Outside of Temple Israel

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, age 28, of Schenectady, New York, was charged today with a second firearms crime arising from his firing of a shotgun into the air outside of Temple Israel on December 7, 2023. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. Alkhader remains charged with possessing a firearm as a prohibited person , and today was additionally charged with conspiracy to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. According to an amended criminal complaint, at approximately 2 p.m. on December 7, Alkhader stood outside of Temple Israel while possessing a Kel-Tec KS7 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. Alkhader twice fired the shotgun into the air. Albany Police Officers responded to the scene and arrested Alkhader. As an unlawful user of a controlled substance (marijuana), Alkhader was prohibited under federal law from possessing the shotgun. Additionally, Alkhader, believing he was potentially ineligible to purchase a firearm due to a prior order of protection or restraining order, obtained the shotgun about a month ago by giving a friend money to purchase it for him. On November 5, 2023, the friend purchased the shotgun for $599.99 at a licensed firearms dealer in Albany County and then gave it to Alkhader. The friend lied on an ATF Form 4473 when he checked the box “Yes” in response to a question asking him, in sum and substance, if he was buying the firearm for himself and warning him that it was federal crime to buy a firearm, from a licensed firearms dealer, for another person. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges alleged in the complaint, Alkhader faces up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case is being investigated by the ATF, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Albany Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping are prosecuting this case.


title: Colombian Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Colombian man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to money laundering. Luis Fernando Galindo-Ramos, 55, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy, laundering of monetary instruments and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2024. Galindo-Ramos was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2021 and arrested in Cali, Colombia in November 2021. He was extradited to the United States on June 8, 2023. In or about August 2016, an investigation began into a sophisticated money laundering organization located primarily in Cali, Colombia that laundered approximately $1 million in drug proceeds through intermediary banks in the United States – including banks in Massachusetts – by use of the Colombian Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE). Galindo-Ramos arranged the domestic transfer of substantial amounts of bulk cash within the United States. He maintained the security of those funds during the transfers through the exchange of passcodes. The funds were subsequently integrated into bank accounts located in the United States and held in the names of businesses and individuals in order to repay drug suppliers in Colombia. By using the BMPE, Galindo-Ramos conspired to conceal drug trafficking activity and proceeds from law enforcement. Approximately $550,000 in laundered bulk currency was seized during the investigation. The charges of money laundering conspiracy and laundering of monetary instruments each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. The crime of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the amount involved. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Galindo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Amarillo man guilty of violent crime spree from Beaumont to Lufkin

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – An Amarillo man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Jamelle Antoine Parker, 35, pleaded guilty to carjacking and Hobbs Act Robbery before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on Dec. 11, 2023. According to information presented in court, on April 1, 2023, Parker approached a woman putting air in her tires at a gas station on Washington Boulevard in Beaumont. Parker demanded the car from the woman. While doing so, he reached in his waistband for what the woman believed to be a firearm. She ran to a nearby store as Parker fled in her vehicle. Parker drove the stolen vehicle to the Criss Cross convenience store on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in Beaumont. Parker entered the store, told the clerk he had a firearm, and demanded money from the register or the clerk would be killed. Parker obtained money from the clerk and fled the scene. Parker then drove the stolen vehicle to Lufkin where he crashed the vehicle into the Big's convenience store on West Frank, Avenue. Parker entered that convenience store and told the clerk he had a firearm and demanded and obtained money from the clerk. Parker fled on foot towards a nearby Whataburger. Parker approached a vehicle in the drive-through lane of the Whataburger and demanded the driver’s vehicle, while asking the driver if he “wanted to die today.” The driver exited the vehicle, and Parker grabbed him by the neck and pushed him aside. Parker began speeding away in the stolen vehicle, in the direction of a responding officer. Parker was shot by the officer in the legs with non-life threatening wounds. Parker crashed the vehicle after a brief chase and was taken into custody. Parker was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 3, 2023. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Beaumont Police Department, and the Lufkin Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James. ###


title: Criminal Fine and Restitution Ordered for Company Operating Aluminum Processing Facility in the Dalles for Clean Air Act Violations

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—An Illinois-based company that operates an aluminum processing facility in The Dalles, Oregon, was ordered to pay a fine and restitution today for violating the Clean Air Act by negligently releasing a hazardous air pollutant from its facility. Hydro Extrusion USA (Hydro), a limited liability corporation based in Rosemont, Illinois, was ordered to pay a criminal fine of $550,000 and more than $213,000 in restitution to an employee sickened by the hazardous release. According to court documents, Hydro operates a secondary aluminum processing facility in The Dalles where it melts aluminum scrap in induction furnaces to produce reusable aluminum billets. While operating, air emissions from the company’s furnaces were open to the interior of the building and did not pass through any pollution control devices before reaching employees or being vented to ambient air. Under the Clean Air Act, secondary aluminum production facilities are only permitted to use “clean charge,” aluminum scrap free of paints, coatings or lubricants. Despite this requirement, from July 2018 through June 2019, Hydro acquired and melted scrap aluminum coated in a mineral-oil based mixture that, when combusted, produced hazardous smoke. Hydro saved approximately $466,000 purchasing the unclean charge. During this time, Hydro employees noticed excessive smoke in the facility. Despite being notified by inspectors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (Oregon DEQ), Hydro continued melting the unclean charge. On August 23, 2022, after cooperating with the government’s investigation and agreeing to plead guilty, Hydro was charged by federal criminal information with one count of negligent endangerment by discharging a hazardous pollutant. On January 24, 2023, the company pleaded guilty . This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) with assistance from Oregon DEQ. It was prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Karla Perrin, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, for the District of Oregon.


title: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Dealing Fentanyl Analogue that Caused Fatal Overdoses in Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Pennsylvania man who completed more than 7,800 individual darknet fentanyl sales in less than two years and was linked by investigators to dozens of fatal overdoses across the United States was sentenced to life in federal prison today for distributing a fentanyl analogue on AlphaBay, a former darknet marketplace, that caused the overdoses of three people in Oregon, two of whom died. Henry Konah Koffie, 38, of Darby, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to life in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. “Henry Koffie’s overdose victims purchased fentanyl from him on the darknet for as much as $40 a gram, waited for it to arrive, consumed it, and tragically overdosed. Today, individuals seeking fentanyl need only walk to a nearby street corner and hand over a dollar or two for a similar quantity. In many ways, it is darknet dealers like Henry Koffie who paved the way for the fentanyl crisis still gripping our communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We know no sentence can heal the trauma experienced by families who have lost loved ones, but it is our hope that today’s sentence, and knowing Henry Koffie cannot take any more innocent lives, will bring some degree of closure for them.” “While no sentence can bring back the lives lost to the blatant indifference and outright greed of this drug trafficker, he will no longer pose a threat to communities across the country,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, overseeing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest. “In less than two years, Koffie used the darknet to conduct thousands of drug transactions that could have resulted in more fentanyl overdose deaths. Through our numerous partnerships with local and federal law enforcement, HSI will continue conducting investigations to unveil the anonymity drug dealers attempt to use to avoid getting caught while selling deadly illicit narcotics.” “In today’s sentencing of Henry Koffie, the culmination of a collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies in Portland, we see justice prevail. The United States Postal Inspection Service extends its gratitude to the Portland Police Bureau, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Attorney’s Office for their invaluable partnerships that led to the conviction of this purveyor of death on a national scale. Henry Koffie's reckless actions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the lives of others, are reprehensible and have now met their reckoning,” said Tony Galetti, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Seattle Division. “Today's verdict is a resolute statement that such behavior will not go unpunished. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, hoping that this outcome brings them a measure of closure and marks the beginning of the healing process.” “Fentanyl has killed and destroyed too many lives in our community,” said Bob Day, Chief of the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). “We want to thank our partners for joining efforts to investigate and prosecute this important case. Combatting dangerous illegal drugs in our community remains a priority as we work to prevent further heartbreaking and senseless deaths. I also want to extend my sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and hope today’s sentencing brings some comfort to them.” According to court documents, in just over a year, three Portland residents overdosed on furanyl fentanyl supplied by Koffie, a darknet narcotics vendor known as DNMKingpin and later Narcoboss on AlphaBay. The first victim was a 19-year-old student at Portland State University who, on May 2, 2016, overdosed 30 minutes after ingesting powdered furanyl fentanyl. Paramedics administered Naloxone and breathing assistance to the student, saving her life. Investigators interviewed the student’s source who said he supplied the student with the powdered furanyl fentanyl he purchased from DNMKingpin on AlphaBay. One year later, on May 6, 2017, PPB officers responded to a fatal overdose of a 27-year-old in southeast Portland. The victim’s roommates told the officers that the victim had ordered fentanyl from Narcoboss on AlphaBay who had advertised the furanyl fentanyl as “China White.” One roommate further told officers that he and the victim had ordered a gram of fentanyl from Narcoboss for $40 and that it had arrived in a USPS priority mail envelope shipped from Philadelphia. Three weeks later, on May 29, 2017, PPB officers responded to a fatal overdose of another 27-year-old who had resided in northeast Portland. Officers located a small vial of furanyl fentanyl in the victim’s residence as well as a notebook containing information on accessing AlphaBay and a Bitcoin wallet. They further located an envelope in the victim’s trash can with a return address in Philadelphia. Between May 25 and June 21, 2017, investigators conducted five controlled buys of powdered fentanyl from Narcoboss. All five orders were fulfilled from addresses in and around Philadelphia. Around the same time, investigators in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania located and identified Koffie’s fingerprints on packages of furanyl fentanyl resembling those shipped to law enforcement in Portland that were purchased from AlphaBay via Narcoboss. Further investigation revealed that between April 6, 2016, and May 23, 2017, Koffie received 14 packages of furanyl fentanyl totaling approximately seven kilograms from distributors in China and Hong Kong. In May and June of 2017, two additional packages shipped to Koffie containing another half kilogram of furanyl fentanyl were intercepted by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It was later determined that Koffie used an online postage company called Stampnik to purchase more than 5,700 postage labels he used to ship furanyl fentanyl throughout the United States, including the labels affixed to parcels seized in Oregon, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. In just under two years, Koffie used AlphaBay to sell approximately 43 pounds of furanyl fentanyl in 7,849 individual transactions to customers in all 50 states. In addition to the three overdoses Koffie was convicted of causing in Oregon, investigators identified at least 27 other people who ordered furanyl fentanyl from Koffie and, shortly after, overdosed and died. Koffie was also linked to 27 other non-fatal overdoses. On July 12, 2017, Koffie was charged by criminal complaint in the District of Oregon with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Later, on April 21, 2021, he was charged by superseding indictment with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury, distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, and distribution of a controlled substance. On March 7, 2023, a federal jury found Koffie guilty on two counts of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury, and five counts of distribution of a controlled substance. Koffie is under federal indictment in two other judicial districts. On August 1, 2017, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging Koffie with four counts of distributing a controlled substance. On September 20, 2017, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania returned a two-count indictment charging Koffie with distributing a controlled substance and distributing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a playground. Both cases are pending. This case was investigated by HSI, USPIS, and PPB with assistance from the FBI, Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, CBP, Philadelphia Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Parakram Singh, and Andrew T. Ho, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon. On July 20, 2017, the Justice Department, in partnership with the FBI, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HSI and IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), seized and shut down AlphaBay, which, at the time, was the largest criminal marketplace online. At the time of its seizure, AlphaBay had operated for over two years on the darknet and was used to sell illegal drugs, stolen and fraudulent identification documents and access devices, counterfeit goods, malware and other hacking tools, firearms, and toxic chemicals throughout the world. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 8am and 11pm Pacific Time daily.


title: Fort Washakie man arraigned on assault and firearm charges

body_text: Julien Antelope, age 21, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was arraigned on Dec. 8 for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm; assault resulting in serious bodily injury; and using, carrying, or discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Antelope pleaded not guilty. A trial has been set for Feb. 12, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. Antelope was detained at the request of the government and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Office. If convicted, Antelope faces 10 years to life in prison, three to five years of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This crime is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore. An indictment merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Case No. 23-CR-00008