title: Connecticut Dentists Pay $498K to Settle False Claims Allegations

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General, today announced that BOHUN CHOI, DDS and MICHONG SON, DDS, and their businesses, C&S FAMILY DENTAL NEW BRITAIN, LLC, and C&S FAMILY DENTAL WATERBURY, LLC, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and will pay more than $498,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts. Choi and Son are both licensed to practice dentistry in Connecticut. Choi, Son, C&S Family Dental New Britain (“C&S New Britain”) and C&S Family Dental Waterbury (“C&S Waterbury”) are enrolled as dental providers in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CTMAP”), which includes the state’s Medicaid program. It is alleged that, in violation of their CTMAP provider agreements and the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, C&S New Britain, C&S Waterbury, Choi, and Son submitted claims to the CTMAP related to dental services rendered to Connecticut Medicaid patients referred to C&S New Britain and C&S Waterbury by a third-party “patient recruiting” company. Specifically, the federal and state governments alleged that C&S New Britain, C&S Waterbury, Choi, or Son paid a patient recruiter $110 for each Connecticut Medicaid patient the recruiter referred to them whenever the patient received services over and above routine preventative care, such as dental cleanings and exams, and submitted claims for dental services rendered to those patients. With each submitted claim, they impliedly certified that the conditions of receiving payment were met, including, but not limited to, that they did not pay kickbacks or violate any terms or provisions of the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (“CTDHP”) provider manual concerning the submitted claim. The CTDHP provider manual, which is an addendum to both the CTMAP provider agreement and the CTMAP provider manual, expressly prohibits per-patient compensation for individuals referred to CMAP providers. To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, C&S New Britain, C&S Waterbury, Choi, and Son agreed to pay $498,310 to reimburse the Medicaid program for conduct occurring from April 1, 2018, through January 12, 2020. Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $13,946 to $27,894 for each false claim. This case stems from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity by health care providers who submit kickback-tainted claims to the CTMAP for services rendered to Connecticut Medicaid patients referred by third-party patient recruiting companies. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office; and the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Joshua L. Jackson of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.


title: Florida Hospital System Agrees to Pay $1.5 Million to Resolve Liability Relating to Self-Disclosure of Improper Discounts

component: Civil Division

body_text: Baptist Health System Inc. (Baptist Health), located in Florida, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing its subsidiaries to offer discounts to patients to induce them to purchase or refer Baptist Health services reimbursed by federal health care programs. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Baptist Health took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperating with the government’s investigation. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits parties who participate in federal healthcare programs from knowingly and willfully paying or receiving any remuneration in return for referring an individual to, or arranging for the furnishing of, any item or services for which payment is made by the federal healthcare programs. The United States alleged that Baptist Health subsidiaries provided discounts of up to 50% or more on patient cost sharing obligation balances for certain categories of Medicare beneficiaries, chosen by Baptist Health, without regard to any financial need consideration, during the period from Jan. 1, 2016, through Aug. 15, 2022. The United States contends that Baptist Health subsidiaries provided these discounts in exchange for the beneficiaries’ purchase or referral of services by certain categories of Medicare beneficiaries from Baptist Health subsidiaries. Baptist Health voluntarily self-disclosed this conduct to the United States. In addition, Baptist Health cooperated with the government’s investigation and took remedial measures, including discontinuing its discount policy, conducting an internal compliance review and providing the United States with a detailed disclosure statement and other supplemental information to assist the United States in its investigation. “The department will continue to rely on the False Claims Act to address the use of prohibited remuneration to induce federal healthcare business,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We encourage providers to mitigate the consequences of prior improper conduct by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with our investigations and adopting enhanced compliance procedures.” “This settlement is a great example of our office’s commitment to protecting and preserving taxpayer-funded healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Self-disclosures like this not only help crucial federal healthcare programs to recoup funds, but are also in the best interests of healthcare providers themselves.” The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. 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 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Trial Attorney Michael Hoffman of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Dealer heads to prison for possessing over 5,000 grams of pure meth

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 25-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jesus Alfredo Palacios pleaded guilty Jan. 30. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen has now ordered Palacios to serve 150 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The investigation began in January 2020 when law enforcement learned Palacios was selling kilogram quantities of meth in the Houston area. On March 30, 2021, authorities observed Palacios leaving his apartment carrying a beige colored backpack and a large box. He then placed the box in the back seat of a gray 2011 Nissan Sentra. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and immediately noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from his vehicle. Upon searching the Nissan, authorities also observed two boxes in the back seat with three plastic containers that contained a crystalized substance. Laboratory analysis revealed it was 5,768 grams of meth and had a purity level of 88%. Palacios will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Precinct 3 Harris County Constable’s office. 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart A. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Sentencing of Charleston Man Marks Major Milestone in Takedown of Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The recent sentencing of Jasper Wemh, 39, of Charleston, to 16 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, marks a significant milestone in a four-indictment drug trafficking organization (DTO) case that yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Wemh is among 27 of 32 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case and among 20 sentenced to prison. The case is the result of a major drug trafficking investigation dubbed Operation Smoke and Mirrors in which law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. The Court cited the “dedicated and relentless” work of law enforcement in the case when sentencing Wemh. The Court also said the case represents an aggressive and ongoing effort by law enforcement to target traffickers of such “incredibly damaging” drugs as methamphetamine. “This case is a great example of what happens when you put an outstanding team of law enforcement together,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Cases such as this are made possible by everyone working together on the same team.” “This is a clear testament to the power of collaboration between the FBI and our federal, state, and local partners. These individuals threaten the safety of our community whether it be from bringing in these poisonous drugs or from the violence often associated with the drug trade,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “We’re proud of the work our investigators conducted to seize a record amount of illegal drugs. The FBI and our partners stand committed to keeping these drugs, and those peddling them, off our streets and out of our communities.” According to court documents and statements made in court, Wemh is responsible for over 85 pounds of methamphetamine distributed by the DTO in 2022. Wemh routinely completed transactions involving multiple pounds at a time, and sold over 20 pounds of methamphetamine during a single night on December 4, 2022. Wemh obtained methamphetamine from his out-of-state supplier on consignment, distributing the methamphetamine to multiple customers and paying his supplier from the proceeds from distributing the supplier’s methamphetamine. Wemh made payments totaling $250,000 to a runner working on behalf of his supplier to repay his methamphetamine debts. Wemh often provided methamphetamine to his customers on consignment, knowing they were redistributing the methamphetamine he sold them. Wemh also admitted to conspiring with other people to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” that he received from his supplier on occasions prior to December 3, 2022. Wemh stored quantities of methamphetamine, crack and cocaine at a Greenbrier Street residence in Charleston. Wemh admitted that he frequently obtained these drugs from a safe in the residence, and that a pistol was kept in that safe as well. Wemh is the lead defendant in one of the four indictments in the case, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was sentenced on May 2, 2024. Wemh has a long criminal history that includes a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 7, 2011. The Court cited Wemh’s criminal history at sentencing. Among the other defendants sentenced to prison in the case: Michael Allen Roberts Jr., 41, of St. Albans, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on March 6, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Justin Allen Bowen, 41, of Charleston, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison on August 31, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Perry Johnson Jr., 30, of Dunwoody, Georgia, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison on April 11, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Todd Tyler Snead, 58, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 6, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Ryan Keith Kincaid, 47, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on December 8, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Telisa Rene McCauley, 32, of Charleston, was sentenced to nine years in prison on November 9, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Les Van Bumpus, 35, of Charleston, was sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison on January 22, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Indictments against five defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:23-cr-4 (Wemh et al.), 2:23-cr-31 (Jeffries et al.), 2:23-cr-33 (Estep et al.) and 2:23-cr-32 (Gonzalez et al.). ### A video of the press conference announcing this update is located on the YouTube Channel for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVBu0jOOkCk .


title: Harris County resident charged in scheme to steal $1M worth of Jeeps and other vehicles

body_text: HOUSTON – A 29-year-old Houston man is charged with orchestrating a scheme to steal more than 25 vehicles worth over $1 million, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Kenneth Dwayne Westbrook is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. According to the charges, Westbrook recruited individuals through Instagram by promising to pay them money to rent vehicles for him. Instead of returning the vehicles, he allegedly picked up the vehicles, had them driven to Mexico and ignored renters’ calls and messages imploring him to return them. The charges allege Westbrook repeated this scheme with more than 25 vehicles causing a loss of over $1 million. If convicted, Westbrook faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine for each count in the indictment. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler White and Michael Chu are prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Camp Administrators Reminded to Comply with the Disabilities Act This Summer

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND - To help ensure that children with disabilities receive the opportunity to attend summer camp, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio recently notified numerous summer camps in the region to remind them of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves the 40 northern counties of Ohio from offices located in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, and Youngstown. Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modifications to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities. This means that children with disabilities are entitled to attend and participate in any camp or activity that non-disabled children attend, that camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis, and that camps must train their staff to ensure that they understand the ADA’s requirements. Camps are also obligated to pay for the cost of any reasonable modifications necessary for disabled children to participate in camp activities. Parents should not be charged any additional fee beyond standard camp enrollment costs. “Summer camps are a wonderful way to allow children to explore their interests, discover their strengths, build confidence in their abilities, and become part of a community,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Camp administrators in our district must afford these opportunities equally to all children, regardless of whether they have a disability, and must take the steps necessary to accommodate a disability-based need when that can be reasonably accomplished. Our district is committed to the fair and just enforcement of the ADA, and we are proud to play a pivotal role in ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access and opportunities to participate fully in our community.” Additional information about the ADA is available at www.ada.gov, or by contacting the ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY). You may contact the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio regarding ADA issues at 216-622-3600 or USAOHN.CivilRights@usdoj.gov.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office and Georgia Department of Public Health to Host Opioid Prevention and Recovery Fair

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ROME, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, and the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, will host a community gathering designed to increase awareness of and connect residents to local resources available to help prevent opioid use, overdoses, and deaths. This free, family-friendly event, “Spring Into Wellness: An Opioid Prevention and Recovery Community Resource Fair,” takes place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Champions Center at LakePoint Sports, 261 Stars Way, Emmerson, Georgia. Anyone wishing to attend may register at https://shorturl.at/gmJS4 , but registration is not required. “The opioid epidemic continues to bring immeasurable destruction to communities and devastation to families who have endured the tragic loss of a loved one,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office is resolute in our commitment to engage with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who threaten our communities with poisons, as well as with our community partners to promote public health and safety and spread awareness of resources for those struggling with substance abuse.” “Opioid overdose deaths are preventable,” says Dr. Gary Voccio, Health Director for the ten-county Northwest Health District. “The best way to prevent them is to continue to improve opioid prescribing to reduce exposure to opioids, prevent abuse, and stop addiction. Resources at this community event can help accomplish this.” Concerns about Bartow County’s 32 opioid deaths in 2022 (the most recent annual data available) and the county’s 29.9 age-adjusted opioid death rate – compared to just 18.6 for the state of Georgia – led the organizers of this community event to prioritize this public gathering of stakeholders and concerned citizens. Local public health officials have also noted recent, alarming nationwide increases in illicit fentanyl exposures in children younger than six years old as cause for critical concern. The event organizers have outlined several goals: (1) to increase community awareness of and access to prevention and recovery resources; (2) to share inspirational stories from local community members who have overcome opioid-misuse disorder; and (3) to learn about fentanyl overdose-prevention strategies for youth and families. Organizers expect several dozen opioid-overdose prevention resources to participate and provide information to the public. U.S. Attorney Buchanan, Dr. Voccio, and several Bartow County officials will also welcome attendees and speak briefly at the event. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Note: View the settlement here. Tampa, FL – Baptist Health System Inc. (Baptist Health), located in Florida, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing its subsidiaries to offer discounts to patients to induce them to purchase or refer Baptist Health services reimbursed by federal health care programs. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Baptist Health took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperating with the government’s investigation. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits parties who participate in federal healthcare programs from knowingly and willfully paying or receiving any remuneration in return for referring an individual to, or arranging for the furnishing of, any item or services for which payment is made by the federal healthcare programs. The United States alleged that Baptist Health subsidiaries provided discounts of up to 50% or more on patient cost sharing obligation balances for certain categories of Medicare beneficiaries, chosen by Baptist Health, without regard to any financial need consideration, during the period from Jan. 1, 2016, through Aug. 15, 2022. The United States contends that Baptist Health subsidiaries provided these discounts in exchange for the beneficiaries’ purchase or referral of services by certain categories of Medicare beneficiaries from Baptist Health subsidiaries. Baptist Health voluntarily self-disclosed this conduct to the United States. In addition, Baptist Health cooperated with the government’s investigation and took remedial measures, including discontinuing its discount policy, conducting an internal compliance review and providing the United States with a detailed disclosure statement and other supplemental information to assist the United States in its investigation. “The department will continue to rely on the False Claims Act to address the use of prohibited remuneration to induce federal healthcare business,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We encourage providers to mitigate the consequences of prior improper conduct by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with our investigations and adopting enhanced compliance procedures.” “This settlement is a great example of our office’s commitment to protecting and preserving taxpayer-funded healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Self-disclosures like this not only help crucial federal healthcare programs to recoup funds, but are also in the best interests of healthcare providers themselves.” The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. 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 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Trial Attorney Michael Hoffman of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Former Tennessee Corrections Officer Sentenced for Using Excessive Force Against Inmate and Writing False Report to Cover It Up

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) tactical officer, Javian Griffin, 38, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for using excessive force against an inmate and writing a false report to cover it up. Griffin pleaded guilty to the offense on Oct. 11, 2023. His co-defendant, another former TDOC tactical officer, Sebron Hollands, pleaded guilty on Oct. 2, 2023, to writing a false report. “The defendant pledged to protect and serve but instead he abused his authority as a corrections officer, violently punching a man in the head and breaking his jaw,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant made matters worse by trying to cover up his tracks with a false report. This sentence sends a clear message that the Justice Department will hold accountable any official inside our jails and prisons who violates an inmate’s civil rights.” “No correctional officer is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “The defendant assaulted an inmate and then tried to cover it up. This office’s National Security and Civil Rights Unit will continue to prioritize the prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others.” “When correctional officers abuse their authority, it not only violates our civil rights laws, it undermines the criminal justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “The FBI makes it a priority to bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect.” According to court documents entered in connection with the guilty plea, Griffin, without justification, punched an inmate in the head, breaking the inmate’s jaw. The inmate did not resist or pose a threat justifying the defendant’s use of force. After the incident, Griffin wrote a false report to cover-up the assault. Griffin’s co-defendant, Hollands, assisted with the cover up by providing false information in his official use of force report to obstruct the investigation of the incident. The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Matthew Tannenbaum and Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: Two Men Indicted on Drug Charges

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a multifaceted criminal conspiracy involving the trafficking of counterfeit pills containing narcotics and other counterfeit items. Christopher Chase, 43, of Lynn, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, with more than 500 grams of methamphetamine attributable to him as part of the conspiracy; one count of trafficking in counterfeit drugs; and one count of possession with intent to distribute counterfeit postage stamps. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester on May 2, 2024, Chase was detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024. Francis Wyatt, 42, of Lawrence, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a die set. A die set is a metal tool that, in conjunction with a pill press, is used to manufacture counterfeit pills. Wyatt was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester on May 3, 2024 pending a hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024. According to court documents, Chase was previously convicted in federal court in New Hampshire in connection with conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering. It is alleged that Chase and his co-conspirators used a pill press to manufacture counterfeit pills, including counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, and counterfeit Xanax pills containing clonazolam. Additionally, Chase or others acting at his direction allegedly purchased over 100 kilograms of pill binding agent (used as the inactive ingredient in counterfeit pressed pills) between 2020 and 2022. It is alleged that, in communications with a co-conspirator, Chase likened himself to drug kingpin “El Chapo.” According to court documents, at Chase’s behest, Wyatt was sent to retrieve a package from China containing a die set to be used in manufacturing counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. It is further alleged that Chase also was a significant distributor of counterfeit stamps over public websites such as eBay. In February 2024, counterfeit U.S. postage stamps were recovered during a search of Chase’s residence. Chase acquired the counterfeit stamps from China. Preliminary estimates indicate that the stamps are valued at approximately $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute the quantity of methamphetamine alleged in the indictment provides for a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of trafficking counterfeit drugs provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million. The charge of possession of a die set provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute counterfeit stamps provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New England Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Releases Fentanyl Awareness Day PSA

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah joins state, local, federal, Tribal, and community partners to raise awareness and educate the public about the lethal dangers of fentanyl. Watch PSA here . According to the DEA, fentanyl has saturated the drug market in Utah. It is cheaper, more potent, and more widely available than ever before. According to the CDC , fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States. Over 150 people die every day from synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Last month the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the DEA, announced the first Utah Drug Overdose Task Force to combat fentanyl and other illicit drugs in the beehive state. The task force is made up of 10 state, local and federal law enforcement offices throughout the Wasatch Front. For more information on the task force, click here . For more information about the dangers of fentanyl and facts, visit CDC.gov or DEA.Gov/FentanlyAwareness


title: Boston Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Tyreek Hall, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In September 2023, Hall pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. In or around June 2022, Hall posed on social media with a gun. At the time of the social media post, Hall had been on parole for one week, after early release for a state conviction of assault with a dangerous weapon (a firearm). Hall is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction. On June 9, 2022, Hall was found in possession of a 9x19mm caliber privately made Glock-style semi-automatic pistol, bearing no manufacturer serial number (commonly known as a “ghost gun”), and eight rounds of ammunition. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Dawley and Fred Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted 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.


title: Bangor Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

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

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Toman Caudill , 31, to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Caudill pleaded guilty January 17, 2024. According to court records, in September 2023, officers with the Bangor Police Department responded to a report that a male had fired a handgun in a residential area. A bystander directed officers to Caudill, and he was taken into custody when officers found a box of 9mm ammunition in his backpack. Further investigation revealed that Caudill had discharged a Ruger 9mm pistol and then handed the firearm to his fiancée as officers approached. Caudill stated that he had fired the gun due to an altercation with another male. The Ruger 9mm pistol was recovered and seized, as was the ammunition from Caudill’s backpack. Caudill is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions. The Bangor Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. ###


title: Louisville Woman Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Louisville, Ky., woman, Katharine Richardson, 36, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 126 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court proceedings, on August 26, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Richardson was the front seat passenger. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found a backpack containing methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue, plastic baggies, two stolen firearms and ammunition. An additional firearm was found in the vehicle’s trunk, and $2,526.17 was found on Richardson. She admitted to possessing the firearms and that she possessed one or more of the firearms in furtherance of distributing the methamphetamine. Under federal law, Richardson must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; and Sheriff Robert “Bud” Webster, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department jointly announced the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Gallatin Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Marion County Woman Sentenced for Federal Firearms Violation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rachel Sara Hardesty, age 39, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, West Virginia Parole officers were conducting a home visit for Hardesty, who was on parole supervision. A .32 caliber semi-automatic pistol was found during a search. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also found. Hardesty is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided. ###


title: Forum provides best practices and resources to prevent and respond to hate crimes that target religious institutions

body_text: In an effort to prevent hate crimes that target religious institutions, and to prepare faith-based leaders and congregation members with strategies for responding when faced with such security issues, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relation Services (“CRS”) Midwest Regional Office, and the Cleveland Field Office of the FBI is facilitating a free event, “Protecting Places of Worship,” held on Wednesday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 3290 E. 126th St., Cleveland, OH 44120. Registration is open to the public by calling the Public Affairs Officer of the United States Attorney’s Office at 216-622-3807. “Protecting Places of Worship” is a half-day forum that will provide information about religion-focused hate crimes; how to best report such incidents; federal and state hate crimes laws; law enforcement threat assessments; ways to protect places of worship from potential hate crimes and other threats of violence; and other strategies for combatting hate and extremism. This program brings together federal and local law enforcement, federal and local prosecuting attorneys, civil rights organizations, and community organizations to discuss these issues. The forum’s goal is to share strategies and other information to help communities of faith effectively address and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes that affect their places of worship. Discussion topics include: Existing federal and state hate crime statutes, and increasing public awareness of hate crimes reporting procedures and prosecutions. Analysis of hate crime data and trends, including recent examples of hate crimes targeting places of worship. Strategies for responding to active-shooter incidents. Best practices for assessing the physical security of places of worship and identifying potential security concerns, along with competitive grant opportunities and other strategies to address those concerns. Interfaith panel discussion to foster dialogue and collaboration among diverse religious communities, and to share strategies these organizations have used to address bias incidents. All sessions will be followed by Q & A. Featured speakers include those from the following organizations: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio; FBI, Cleveland Field Office; Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office; Anti-Defamation League Cleveland; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Panelists include leaders from Cleveland’s Islamic, Sikh, and Hindu communities, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. The Mount Pleasant Ministerial Alliance is hosting this event. This event is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative. For questions or more details about the event, contact Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Feran at 216-622-3709 or Edward.Feran@usdoj.gov. About CRS Established by Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, CRS’ expanded its services under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. As a component of the United States Department of Justice, CRS serves as “America’s Peacemaker,” offering support to communities experiencing tension or conflict due to differences of race, color, natural origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. Through its services, CRS enhances the ability of community members to independently and collaboratively prevent and resolve future conflicts by fostering knowledge, understanding and communication. CRS Programs The primary objectives of all CRS programs are to assist parties in conflict by fostering understanding of various perspectives, facilitating the exchange of information regarding resources and best practices, and aiding communities as they identify and implement solutions. CRS conciliation specialists maintain impartiality and refrain from taking sides among disputing parties. Instead, they facilitate the process, empowering those involved to develop their own mutually agreeable solutions.


title: Antrim Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Faking a Disability to Illegally Obtain Over $660,000 in Veterans Benefits

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – An Antrim man was sentenced today in federal court for faking a mobility impairment to obtain $662,871.77 in veteran’s disability benefits that he was not entitled to, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Christopher Stultz, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 18 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Stultz was also ordered to pay $662,871.77 in restitution. On January 25, 2024, Stultz pleaded guilty to making false statements. “This is one of the most egregious benefits fraud cases ever prosecuted in this state,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The defendant lied to the VA for 20 years to obtain disability benefits he was not entitled to. He stole not only from taxpayers, but also his fellow veterans who were entitled to the benefits. Today’s sentence shows that the consequence of stealing from programs that support our veterans is federal prison.” “Today’s sentencing holds this defendant accountable for faking injuries that resulted in him receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in VA disability compensation that he did not deserve,” said Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG is committed to investigating anyone who exploits these critical programs for financial gain.” Stultz joined the U.S. Navy in 1995 and was injured the following year after falling off a horse. He performed light duties afterward and was discharged in 1999. He was initially rated as partly disabled by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), but in 2003 began falsely claiming that he could no longer use both his feet. Based on that claim, the VA rated the defendant as 100% disabled, increasing his monthly benefits. In addition, because the VA believed Stultz was unable to use his feet, he was also awarded almost $190,000 in funding through the VA’s Automobile Adaptive Equipment program to purchase special cars and vehicle adaptations designed to help mobility-impaired veterans. Stultz never used the special cars and instead sold them for cash. After a concerned citizen reported potential fraud, Stultz was surveilled on multiple occasions and recorded walking without impairment. For example, on October 28, 2021, Stultz went to the VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plain in Boston. He used a wheelchair while inside the VA facility. After leaving the VA, he stood up, lifted the wheelchair into his car, and drove off to a shopping mall. There, Stultz walked without impairment through multiple stores. Similarly, on October 3, 2022, Stultz went to the VA Medical Center in Manchester. Again, he used a wheelchair while inside the VA facility. After leaving the VA facility, Stultz drove to the Mall of New Hampshire and was recorded walking without impairment through multiple stores. In addition, multiple witnesses reported that they had never known Stultz to use a wheelchair or other ambulatory devices as far back as the early 2000s. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case. ###


title: Red Lake Woman Charged with Murder, Arson, and Child Neglect

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: DULUTH, Minn. – A Red Lake woman has been charged with murder, arson, and child neglect following the death of two young children on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, Jennifer Marie Stately, 35, attacked and killed Minor A and Minor B. Stately slashed at Minor A and Minor B with a knife or other sharp object and then set fire to the residence. Stately fatally stabbed Minor A in the chest. Minor B suffered non-fatal stab wounds but ultimately died from smoke inhalation due to the fire Stately started. Stately fled the scene in her vehicle with Minor C. Later that night around 9:00 p.m., an AMBER Alert was issued. A motorist spotted Stately’s vehicle and contacted law enforcement. Law enforcement located and stopped Stately’s vehicle and recovered Minor C, who was suffering from visible signs of child neglect. The indictment charges Stately with one count of premeditated murder, one count of murder in the course of committing child abuse, one count of murder in the course of committing arson, one count of arson, and one count of felony child neglect. Stately appeared today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Leo I. Brisbois. Judge Brisbois ordered Stately to remain in custody pending further proceedings. “This tragic case demonstrates the importance of close working relationships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our state, federal and tribal law enforcement partners. Together, we are able to bring charges swiftly in cases such as this on behalf of the most vulnerable among us,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “This case is another example of how AMBER Alerts save lives. They get critical information out quickly to millions of Minnesotans willing to step up to help rescue a child in mortal danger,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “We are grateful to the Minnesotan who acted quickly and bravely in this case, and to all Minnesotans who join in the search when a child needs them most.” “The loss of innocent lives demands swift and decisive action,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Through seamless collaboration with our state and local counterparts along with the invaluable support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are steadfast in our resolve to pursue justice for the victims. We stand united in seeking closure and healing for the affected family and their community.” AMBER Alert is a system designed to send alert messages to the public about abducted children that are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. Information about DOJ efforts to support the improvement of AMBER Alert in Indian Country is available on-line. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, the Long Prairie Police Department, and the Red Lake Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel L. Kraker and Garrett S. Fields are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: CONCORD – A Nashua man pleaded guilty today in federal court to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Brian Eric Hynes, 34, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for August 15, 2024. In August 2021, law enforcement reviewed chat rooms being used to exchange CSAM on an app called Viber. Law enforcement learned that an individual with the username “John ketg” was present in chat rooms where CSAM was posted and traced the username back to the defendant. In February 2022, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s electronic devices. When executing the warrant, law enforcement saw the defendant sitting in his vehicle. The defendant initially did not comply with law enforcement’s commands to exit the vehicle and was seen swiping up on his phone. Although the defendant eventually exited the vehicle, he continued to swipe the phone. Law enforcement was able to secure the phone, and the recently used video player application displayed CSAM. A forensic examination of the phone recovered approximately 1,150 CSAM images. The web history further showed that the defendant had visited websites associated with CSAM, and he had saved bookmarks to websites with phrases and words indicative of CSAM. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison for possession of CSAM. The maximum sentence is 20 years in prison if the CSAM depicts a prepubescent minor or minor younger than 12. In addition, if a defendant has a qualifying prior offense, the charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. 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. Homeland Security Investigations and the Nashua Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Kasey Weiland are 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: Justice Department Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary of Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy and Office of Environmental Justice

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The Justice Department today marked the second anniversary of its Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy (CEJES) and Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). The Justice Department will be incorporating those efforts into developing an Environmental Justice Strategic Plan, as directed by the President’s Executive Order “Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All.” The new strategic plan will further address environmental justice and help develop and capture the Justice Department's vision, goals, priority actions and metrics to address and advance environmental justice. The Justice Department is organizing virtual and in-person listening sessions to obtain public input on draft goals and actions. “The Justice Department is committed to securing relief for environmental justice communities,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “We commemorate OEJ’s two-year anniversary and appreciate OEJ’s efforts to create a new strategic plan that ensures compliance with all applicable federal laws, particularly in areas where pollution and degradation have historically been most pronounced.” “We’re proud of how, for two years, the Justice Department’s Office of Environmental Justice and comprehensive enforcement strategy have benefited overburdened and underserved communities throughout our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Now, we’re taking another step to refine our efforts and create a new strategic plan.” “It is an honor to lead this effort to develop an Environmental Justice Strategic Plan that builds upon the important work we have already done to implement the Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy,” said OEJ Director Cynthia Ferguson. “Our upcoming listening sessions give the public an opportunity to provide input to help shape the development and implementation of the new strategic plan.” The draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan includes goals to prioritize cases, meaningfully engage with impacted communities, increase education and collaboration and assess and evaluate environmental justice in the Justice Department’s climate adaptation efforts. The strategic plan will be discussed at virtual and in-person listening sessions. The two virtual listening sessions will be held on: May 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET and May 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. To attend one of the virtual sessions, please visit OEJ’s website and register by May 23 to receive a link. To find out if there will be an in-person listening session near your area, visit OEJ’s website where the dates and locations will be posted once they are confirmed. Listening sessions will start with an overview of the draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan goals and objectives followed by an opportunity for the public to provide feedback. Each virtual and in-person listening session will cover the same material. The public may also provide written comments on the draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan by emailing OEJ@usdoj.gov , completing the online survey on OEJ’s website or mailing the Office of Environmental Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, D.C. 20044-7611. The Justice Department launched OEJ on May 5, 2022, along with the CEJES . Last year marked the first anniversary of OEJ and the first-ever CEJES annual report . Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, in conjunction with five other federal agencies, released an interagency statement reaffirming their commitment to upholding civil rights laws including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and furthering environmental justice initiatives. Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan One-Pager (English Version).pdf Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan One-Pager (Spanish Version).pdf Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan Virtual Listening Sessions Flyer (English Version).pdf Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan Virtual Listening Sessions Flyer (Spanish Version).pdf


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for  Possession With the Intent to Distribute Over 50 Grams of Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Philadelphia, Mississippi man was sentenced to 130 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine near the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Darrell McBeath, 39, was sentenced in U.S. District Court on May 3, 2024. In September of 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Darrell McBeath for his role in the distribution of methamphetamine. On December 14, 2023, McBeath entered a plea of guilty to the charge. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, Regional Agent in Charge Whitney Woodruff of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.


title: Attorney General Merrick Garland Visits The Western District of North Carolina

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King was honored to host U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland for a visit to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina (WDNC). AG Garland was accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. Earlier today, AG Garland delivered remarks at the memorial service for slain Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. “Tommy” Weeks Jr., who was fatally shot by a wanted fugitive on April 29. During their visit to WDNC, AG Garland and Deputy AG Monaco met with U.S. Attorney King, her leadership team, as well as prosecutors and professional staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In his remarks to the Office, AG Garland discussed Department of Justice priorities, and thanked everyone for their service, dedication and hard work to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and enhance public safety. AG Garland and Deputy AG Monaco fielded questions from the Office about efforts to support Assistant U.S. Attorneys and personnel to pursue significant cases for prosecution and address public safety challenges “I was incredibly honored to host AG Garland and Deputy AG Monaco,” said U.S. Attorney King. “The last few days have been incredibly difficult for our Office and we all welcomed AG Garland’s words of support and encouragement. As public servants, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect those we serve and advance the cause of justice for communities across the Western District of North Carolina.” For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and important programs and initiatives please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc .


title: Former Felon Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison Following Shooting of a Lenoir County Deputy and Carjacking Victim and Multi-Day Man Hunt

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Kinston man was sentenced today to 720 months in prison after shooting a Lenoir County Sheriff’s Deputy and leading law enforcement on a multi-day man hunt before shooting a neighbor and being apprehended with a loaded semi-automatic weapon with the safety set to fire. On October 16, 2023, Robert Lee Strother pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carjacking, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence “Robert Strother was one-man crime spree – shooting a Lenoir County deputy in the neck with an assault rifle, leading law enforcement on a multi-day manhunt, and carjacking a neighbor at gunpoint before shooting him,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “I personally met with the victims in this case and know the toll it has taken on them and their families. They are remarkable people who are lucky to be alive. We won’t tolerate violent carjacking or attacks on law enforcement in Eastern North Carolina. These cases will always be among our highest priorities – our cops and our communities deserve no less.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Strother, 34, was standing in the driveway of a residence in La Grange when Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of a woman being held against her will during the evening hours of November 19, 2020. As Deputy Steven Key exited his patrol vehicle and approached the residence, Strother, who was wearing a tactical vest, reached into a parked vehicle, retrieved an AR-style rifle, and fired a round at Deputy Key, striking him in the neck. The bullet then traveled through the deputy and into a residence through a bedroom where a child was sleeping, through the living room and into a pantry. Strother then fled on foot and a multi-day, multi-agency manhunt followed. The next morning, deputies searching for Strother heard multiple gunshots fired in the same residential area, and Lenoir County dispatchers received a 911 call notifying them that a man had been shot outside his residence and that his truck had been stolen. The victim would later describe to investigators that Strother rushed out of the woods with a high-powered rifle, demanded his truck, and shot him multiple times in the abdomen and hand as he was surrendering control of the vehicle. Following the shooting, deputies found a tactical vest similar to what Strother had been seen wearing when he shot Deputy Key. The vest contained Strother’s identification card from the Case Turkey Plant and three AR-style thirty round magazines loaded with ammunition. The following day, dispatchers received another 911 call reporting that Strother had been seen with a firearm in the yard of a Kinston residence. Law enforcement responded to the residence and observed Strother attempt to flee the area while carrying an AR-style rifle. Strother turned and raised the rifle towards law enforcement vehicles and personnel. Officers fired multiple rounds, striking Strother, and causing him to drop the rifle. Strother was taken into custody and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel reported that Strother tried to head butt one of the EMS personnel as they tried to treat him. Officers processed the scene where Strother was arrested and collected his prison ID card and a DPMS, caliber 7.62X39MM, model A-15 semiautomatic rifle with a round loaded in the chamber, a loaded magazine with 14 rounds and the safety switch set to fire. Ballistics testing by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation later confirmed that the shell casings from the shootings of Deputy Key and Mr. Goff matched Strother’s rifle. At the time of these shootings, Strother was on post-release supervision in the state of North Carolina for a 2014 conviction for felony assault on a law enforcement officer. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charity Wilson and Caroline Webb prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-CR-119-D.


title: Associate of Violent Gang Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – An associate of the violent Boston gang Cameron Street was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking. Michael Lopes, a/k/a “Meech,” 35, of Pawtucket, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 57 months in prison followed by three years supervised release. In February 2024, Lopes pleaded guilty to a one-count Superseding Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine. During a two-year long investigation into Cameron Street, it was determined that Lopes allegedly conspired with his cousin Anthony Centeio – the alleged leader of Cameron Street – and others to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine. Lopes and, allegedly, Centeio made several sales of cocaine and cocaine base to a cooperating witness in Boston, Braintree and Pawtucket, R.I. A search of Lopes’ Rhode Island residence in April 2022 resulted in the recovery of approximately 174 grams of cocaine base, 215 grams of cocaine and 180 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials and $2,342 in cash. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Former Bridgeport City Councilman Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Charge Related to Primaries and Election in 2017 and 2018

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MICHAEL DeFILIPPO, 37, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a civil rights offense related to DeFilippo’s run for Bridgeport City Council in 2017 and 2018. According to court documents and statements made in court, from June 2018 until July 2021, DeFilippo was a member of the Bridgeport City Council representing the 133rd District, which is near the Sacred Heart University campus. DeFilippo also owned several rental properties that he leased to students at Sacred Heart University. Although Bridgeport’s City Council elections are typically held in odd-numbered years, because of repeated absentee ballot irregularities in the Democratic primary for the 133rd District, the September 2017 primary was re-run in November 2017, and re-run again in April 2018, and the general election took place in June 2018. On April 10, 2018, DeFilippo was selected as one of the two Democratic nominees for the 133rd District and, on June 26, 2018, he was elected to the Bridgeport City Council. In the 2017 and 2018 primaries and the 2018 general election, DeFilippo stole and falsified Voter Registration Applications (“VRAs”) and absentee balloting documents, forged signatures, and submitted fraudulent election documents to election officials in the name of some of his tenants who resided in the 133rd District. DeFilippo’s conduct caused Bridgeport and Connecticut election officials acting under color of law to deprive DeFilippo’s tenants of their right to vote (by counting stolen ballots), and to deprive all 133rd District voters of their right to have their votes fully counted (by diluting election results with fraudulent registrations and ballots). DeFilippo pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $100,000. DeFilippo is released on bond pending sentencing. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and Heather L. Cherry.


title: Maine Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution Conspiracy in Connection with Approximately 30 Pounds of Methamphetamine

body_text: CONCORD – A Maine man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for a conspiracy to distribute approximately 14 kilograms (30 pounds) of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Brian Strout, 46, of Turner, Maine, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Strout previously pleaded guilty on January 29, 2024. Strout’s co-defendant, Tara Christian, was sentenced on March 14, 2024. “The sheer quantity of methamphetamine in this case is staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Those who use New Hampshire as a pass-through while enroute to traffic dangerous drugs to other states will be apprehended at our border and prosecuted in federal court. I commend our law enforcement partners for stopping the defendants before they distributed this large amount of methamphetamine in the Granite State and throughout New England.” “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen P. Belleau. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Strout accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” On July 7, 2022, investigators received information that Strout and his spouse were obtaining a supply of methamphetamine while at a casino in Everett, Massachusetts for distribution in New Hampshire. Investigators conducted surveillance at the casino and located Strout and his co-defendant spouse loading bags into their vehicle and driving north toward New Hampshire on Interstate 93. When investigators stopped the vehicle, the defendant had 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that a FedEx package containing even more methamphetamine was enroute to the defendant in Maine. Agents located and searched the package and seized an additional 11.2 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, New Hampshire State Police, Maine State Police, and Everett (Massachusetts) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: 2 defendants sentenced to prison for aiding & abetting armed robberies of mail carriers

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus men were sentenced in U.S. District Court for their roles in aiding the armed robberies of postal carriers. Cody N. Beasley, 23, also known as “Drose,” was sentenced in federal court today to 76 months in prison. Kenan M. Lay, 21, also known as “Swerv,” was sentenced on April 19 to 66 months in prison. “These sentences illustrate that we will continue to take seriously offenses committed against postal carriers. Even if you are not the person holding the gun or directly committing the robbery, we will hold you accountable for your role in the crime and work to ensure that you face time in federal prison like Beasley and Lay. Trust me, serving any amount of time in prison is just not worth it.” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. According to Lay’s court documents, on May 11, 2023, Lay provided the 9mm handgun used in the armed robbery of an elderly female postal worker at a post office on West Broad Street. Coconspirators paid Lay $100 for the use of his gun and kept Lay updated on the progress of the crime. Lay’s gun was used to pistol-whip the female postal worker in the head. According to Beasley’s court documents, on April 4 at 3:20pm, two coconspirators robbed at gunpoint a USPS letter carrier who was sitting in his work vehicle on Sawmill Road in Dublin. Beasley directed the April 4 armed robbery and paid the coconspirators $500 for committing the robbery as planned. Beasley also admitted to stealing a postal key in March 2023 in the Cleveland area. He and a coconspirator were stopped for a traffic violation in Parma Heights and fled from law enforcement. Officers eventually detained the men and searched the vehicle they had been using, discovering a black trash bag with numerous pieces of mail that had not yet been postmarked. A cell phone search also revealed pictures of stolen checks and research about 38 Post Offices and blue USPS collection boxes in Cleveland. While Beasley and the coconspirator were detained in jail together for the crimes in the Northern District of Ohio, Beasley began planning for the new postal robbery in Dublin. Beasley and Lay are two of seven total defendants charged in their cases. More than a dozen other defendants have been charged in the Southern District of Ohio in the past two years with crimes related to postal robberies. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Lesley C. Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; announced the sentences imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley and U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in Beasley’s case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Litton is also prosecuting Lay’s case. # # #


title: Justice Department Strengthens Efforts, Builds Partnerships to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: U.S. Attorney Totten attends May 5 th MMIP Awareness Day Event in Grand Rapids GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten and the Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2024, as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day. “Today is a day of reflection and commitment as we remember the all-too-many victims of violence in our Tribal communities and the families and friends who are affected,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “The Justice Department’s work to address the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms to strengthening the federal response to missing or murdered indigenous people. In the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, we are committed to working with our federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to swiftly investigate these cases and secure justice.” U.S. Attorney Totten today participated in the 2024 March for MMIP at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids to bring awareness and educate the public on missing and murdered indigenous persons. The event was hosted by three local Potawatomi Tribes: Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), Pokagon and Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band and all Natives and non-Native allies and advocates against violence. The U.S. Attorneys for the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan respectively, appointed Joel Postma to serve as the MMIP Coordinator for the two districts (11 of the Tribes are in the Western District), conducting outreach with Tribal communities to understand the challenges revealed through past experience; coordinating with Tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement in the development of protocols and procedures for responding to and addressing MMIP; providing training and assistance; and promoting improved data collection and analyses throughout the state. In recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and human trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and other pressing public safety challenges, like the fentanyl crisis, in Tribal communities. “There is still so much more to do in the face of persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations, and that women and girls, particularly, have endured,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland . “In carrying out our work, we seek to honor those who are still missing, those who were stolen from their communities, and their loved ones who are left with unimaginable pain. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. This day challenges all of us at the Justice Department to double down on our efforts, and to be true partners with Tribal communities as we seek to end this crisis.” “The FBI remains unwavering in our pledge to work with our law enforcement partners to address the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities and families,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray . “We will continue to prioritize our support of victims and will steadfastly pursue investigations into the crime impacting American Indian and Alaska Native communities.” “DEA’s top priority is protecting all communities from deadly drugs, like fentanyl, and drug related violent crime,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram . “We know that no community has been spared from these deadly threats and we are committed to keeping Tribal communities safe.” Justice Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases Last July, the Justice Department announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program , which permanently places 10 attorneys and coordinators in five designated regions across the United States to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people. The five regions include the Northwest, Southwest, Great Plains, Great Lakes, and Southeast Regions. The MMIP Regional Outreach Program prioritizes MMIP cases consistent with the Deputy Attorney General’s July 2022 directive to U.S. Attorneys’ offices promoting public safety in Indian country. The program fulfills the Justice Department’s promise to dedicate new personnel to MMIP consistent with Executive Order 14053, Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People , and the Department’s Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and respond to Violence Against American Indians and Alaska Natives, Including to Address Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons issued in July 2022. Not Invisible Act Commission Response The Department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort. In March, the Departments of Justice and the Interior released their joint response to the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendations on how to combat the missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking crisis. The NIAC response, announced by Attorney General Garland during a visit to the Crow Nation, recognizes that more must be done across the federal government to resolve this longstanding crisis and support healing from the generational traumas that Indigenous peoples have endured throughout the history of the United States. Addressing Violent Crime and the Fentanyl Crisis in Indian Country As noted in the joint response to the NIAC, research suggests that certain public safety challenges faced by many American Indian and Alaska Native communities—including disproportionate violence against women, families, and children; substance abuse; drug trafficking; and labor and sex trafficking—can influence the rates of missing AI/AN persons. Further, fentanyl poisoning and overdose deaths are the leading cause of opioid deaths throughout the United States, including Indian county, where drug-related overdose death rates for Native Americans exceeds the national rate. Therefore, federal law enforcement components are ramping up efforts to forge stronger partnerships with federal and Tribal law enforcement partners to address violent crime and the fentanyl crisis, which exposes already vulnerable communities to greater harm. Accessing Department of Justice Resources Over the past year, the Department awarded $268 million in grants to help enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses. These awards have also gone toward improving the handling of child abuse cases, combating domestic and sexual violence, supporting Tribal youth programs, and strengthening victim services in Tribal communities. For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website . Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons. # # #


title: Beckley Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Theft Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jennifer Douglas, 48, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to theft from federal programs. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Douglas was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Citizens Conservation Corp (CCC), a non-profit organization, when it obtained $111,221.09 from the United States Department of Interior National Park Service (NPS). As part of a cooperative agreement with NPS, CCC was supposed to use the funds it obtained to recruit, hire, place, and pay two interns who would perform work at the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation for 13 months. Douglas admitted that CCC did not hire or place an intern under the task agreement for which it received the federal funds, most of which was to be used for intern wages. Douglas instead directed an accountant to draw down $108,752.60 of the obligated federal funds and intentionally misapplied those funds, by fraudulently converting them to CCC’s use. Douglas admitted that she directed that the federal funds be used for unallowable operating expenses for CCC. Douglas further admitted that she did so with the approval of and at the direction of CCC Chief Executive Officer Robert Martin. Douglas ran CCC’s day-to-day operations as COO and was responsible for managing its various departments. All department heads reported to Douglas, and she reported only to Martin. CCC’s primary source of income from in or around 1998 until in or around the summer of 2018 had been a multimillion-dollar contract with the State of West Virginia to operate the Courtesy Patrol roadside assistance service. CCC lost the Courtesy Patrol contract in the summer of 2018. Douglas admitted that she was aware that CCC was extremely financially unstable after CCC lost the Courtesy Patrol contract. Douglas further admitted that her position as COO gave her, in conjunction with and at the direction of Martin, the ability to fraudulently convert and intentionally misapply the federal funds for CCC’s use. Douglas also admitted that, at Martin’s direction, she drew down approximately $59,978.13 from other incomplete task agreements under the cooperative agreement with NPS and intentionally misapplied and/or fraudulently converted those funds as well. Douglas is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Douglas also owes $168,729.13 in restitution. Martin, 67, of Beckley, pleaded guilty on January 12, 2024, to fraudulent receipt of property from a debtor. Martin admitted to paying himself without authorization while CEO of CCC after it filed for bankruptcy on April 3, 2019. Martin further admitted that CCC knowingly misspent the $108,752.60 received from NPS under the cooperative agreement. Martin awaits sentencing. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Interior-Office of Inspector General (DOI-OIG). United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Holly Wilson and Andrew D. Isabell are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-141. ###


title: Felon Sentenced To Prison For Unlawful Possession Of A Privately Manufactured Firearm

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 44 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a privately manufactured firearm (PMF), sometimes referred to as a “ghost gun,” after previous felony convictions. Justin Edward Brown (37) pleaded guilty in February 2024 to one-count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to court documents and admissions made by Brown in court, on June 14, 2022, he possessed a privately manufactured 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol incorporating a Polymer80 lower receiver and ammunition. Brown had previously been convicted of possession of a firearm by ex-felon in May 2014; assault with a deadly weapon in February 2013; and prohibited person in possession of a firearm in May 2018, all in Clark County, Nev. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case. The case was brought as 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. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv . If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app. ###


title: Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Possessing Contraband as Inmate

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to an additional five months of incarceration on his conviction of possession of contraband by an inmate, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States Chief District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Lajwan McMillan, 31. According to information presented to the Court, three days after being sentenced to 18 months’ incarceration for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release and being sent back to prison, McMillan was found in possession of a cellular phone by officials at the Butler County Jail. Inmates in federal custody are prohibited by federal law from possessing cellular phones, and this criminal conduct is punishable by additional, consecutive time in prison. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Marshals Service, Butler County Detective Bureau, and officials at the Butler County Jail for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McMillan.


title: Cedar Falls Office Manager Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Cedar Falls office manager who stole approximately $250,000 in a two-year period was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to over two years in federal prison. Teresa Mae Chiappone, formerly known as Teresa Mae Combs, Teresa Mae Hughes, and Teresa Mae King, age 57, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 19, 2023 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. At the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Chiappone admitted she had worked as the office manager for a Cedar Falls small business since 2014. Between September 2020 and September 2022, Chiappone embezzled approximately $250,000 from the small business. Chiappone abused her position of trust at the small business to write over $160,000 in unauthorized checks drawn on the small business’s bank account for her own benefit. Chiappone also intercepted at least $50,000 in cash deposits, and she made no less than $3,000 in unauthorized credit card charges. Chiappone gambled away thousands of the small business’s moneys at Iowa casinos. As a result of the fraud, the small business had to take out a loan to cover its losses, contract with a local accounting firm to conduct a forensic audit, and max out its line of credit at a local bank. Chiappone was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Chiappone was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000. She was ordered to make $255,639.16 in restitution to the victim and its insurance company. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Chiappone was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Cedar Falls Police Department assisted in the investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-2047. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeren Danielle Canterbury, 34, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2023, Canterbury sold approximately 27.84 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $230 in Nitro. Canterbury admitted to that transaction and to selling approximately 111.46 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant for $800 in Charleston on March 15, 2023. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-138. ###