title: U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, and U.S. Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in New Jersey

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: Español NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the U.S. Justice Department announced today that they will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Union County, New Jersey, for the June 4 primary election. The Justice Department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in Union County to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act. In 2023, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Sections 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. Section 203 requires that certain jurisdictions, including Union County, provide election materials and assistance in other languages, in addition to English. Section 208 provides a right for voters who need assistance with voting – due to inability to read or write, blindness or disability – to receive that assistance from the person of their choice, with certain limited exceptions. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, when authorized by federal court order. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey at https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement or by telephone at 1-855-281-3339. 24-211


title: Fleming Island Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Cocaine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Matthew Doyle (37, Fleming Island) has pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine. Doyle faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, in January and February 2023, Doyle sold cocaine on two occasions to a confidential source working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as to an undercover agent. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.


title: Asheboro man arrested after high-speed chase through Randolph and Chatham Counties

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO – A North Carolina man who led deputies on a 75-mile high-speed chase in September was sentenced today to 151 months in prison, after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina. According to court records, a deputy with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling an area near Highway 220 in Randolph County on September 3, 2023, when he encountered an individual on a motorcycle approach, turn off his headlights, and accelerate quickly away. The deputy then pursued the individual, ADAM MICHAEL CLODFELTER, age 24, of Asheboro, for over 75 miles. CLODFELTER had no license plate and was recklessly switching lanes while reaching speeds of over 150 miles per hour. CLODFELTER was arrested after losing control of the vehicle and found to be in possession of a firearm, methamphetamine, a lock pick, and drug paraphernalia. At the time of the incident, CLODFELTER has previously been convicted of a crime with a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, rendering him ineligible to possess a firearm. CLODFELTER was sentenced to a 151-month term of imprisonment by the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on January 3, 2024, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, and the Asheboro Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney. 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: Helena man suspected of threatening to attack Helena Public Schools sentenced to seven and one-half years in prison for illegally possessing homemade bombs, silencer

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

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Helena man who admitted to illegally possessing homemade bombs and a silencer after being suspected of planning to attack a Helena Public Schools building was sentenced today to seven and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Logan Sea Pallister, 25, pleaded guilty in January to possession of unregistered destructive devices and to possession of an unregistered silencer. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that in May 2022, the Helena Police Department received information from a juvenile girl that Pallister possessed multiple bombs, had access to multiple firearms and had been making threats of committing an attack at a local high school. The person also indicated that Pallister discussed a desire to commit a Columbine-style attack at the high school. Further, Pallister had shown the individual numerous firearms and a large amount of ammunition that he kept in his car and had purchased a black trench coat and the same type of duffle bag used by the shooters in the attack at Columbine High School. Pallister showed the individual a homemade pipe bomb that he said he’d made and retrieved from his car. The individual later reported that Pallister threatened to kill her if she told anyone about what he had shown her. Although Pallister disputed making the threat, the individual reported the incident to law enforcement. At about 4 a.m. on May 31, 2022, police officers arrested Pallister as he was walking toward his car from his residence. Pallister was wearing a black trench coat, carrying a bag and had eight loaded firearms concealed on his person, including semi-automatic pistols and AR-style rifles equipped with high-capacity magazines. Following Pallister’s arrest, law enforcement searched his car and recovered nine additional firearms, miscellaneous firearms accessories, body armor, trigger modification systems designed to increase the fire-rate of guns, an ammunition canister containing four homemade pipe bombs and an oil filter modified to function as a silencer. In a search of Pallister’s residence, law enforcement located a large quantity of ammunition, additional firearms parts and materials used to make explosives. XXX


title: Repeat Offender Sentenced to Prison for Felony Second-Degree Theft for a Series of Package Thefts Near Adams Morgan

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON –Rodrigo Miranda, 43, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court to more than seven years in prison for felony second-degree theft, unlawful entry, and destruction of property stemming from events occurring between July 19, 2022, and April 4, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). After hearing the impact of Miranda’s conduct on the community, the Court imposed 60 months for one theft conviction, 24 months for another theft conviction, and 180 days for a third theft, all to run consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of seven years plus 180 days in prison. According to the government’s evidence, between July 19, 2022, and April 4, 2023, Miranda took packages from several locations in the Adams Morgan area. In doing so, Miranda unlawfully entered areas he was not legally allowed to be in and destroyed property to gain access. Miranda had multiple prior theft convictions and was therefore subject to the enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison. The government had indicted Miranda on 43-counts, and Miranda had accepted a plea agreement to resolve all his charges on March 29, 2024. At sentencing, the Court heard several victim impact statements, including one victim who shared that “Miranda’s crimes have . . . . left [him] feeling deeply unsafe in [his] own home and neighborhood.” The Court learned that the “community has vested a good amount of time and effort into bring Mr. Miranda to justice. And it appears to have paid off, as, interestingly, once Mr. Miranda was arrested, the attempted package thefts in [the] building plummeted. It’s barely a problem at all now. His absence has brought a sense of relief to [the] community.” In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Connor Mulvey and Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalie Anderson.


title: Bloods Gang Member Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Violent And Extortionate Takeover Of The New York City Fire Mitigation Industry

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JATIEK SMITH, a/k/a “Tiek,” was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role as the leader of a violent and extortionate racketeering enterprise that terrorized the fire restoration industry in New York City. SMITH was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff after being convicted following a bench trial in December 2023 of racketeering and extortion conspiracies. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jatiek Smith led a group of gang members and associates that audaciously took over the New York City fire restoration industry through violence and threats. We will not stand for gangs or any criminal groups that try to corrupt our institutions and threaten our safety. Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who use violence and intimidation will face significant jail time.” According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial: The fire restoration industry refers to the businesses that repair properties that have suffered damage from fires or exposures to fires. Within this industry, fire restoration companies (sometimes referred to as emergency mitigation services companies) provide emergency mitigation services, demolition, and construction services to properties that have suffered such damages. First Response Cleaning Corp. (“First Response”) was one such EMS company. In 2019, JATIEK SMITH joined First Response and quickly assumed control over its operations. SMITH, a member of the Bloods, the violent street gang, recruited other gang members and associates to join him at First Response. As the leader of this crew, SMITH and his associates used violence, threats of violence, and extortion to terrorize and dominate the fire restoration industry in New York City. SMITH asserted control over the industry by first ousting First Response’s main competitor through violence, threats, and extortion. Once SMITH and his crew had established control over the industry, they imposed rules that allocated a preferential share of fires to First Response. These rules were backed by threats — including threats to kill children — and violence. Industry participants, including senior citizens, who solicited fires in violation of SMITH’s rules were assaulted in broad daylight. Through threats of violence, actual violence, and economic fear, SMITH and his crew also extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from other industry participants. SMITH maximized his profits from this scheme by concealing illegal conditions in properties and defrauding insurance companies. * * * In addition to the prison term, SMITH, 39, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $354,546.44. Restitution will be determined at a later date. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the New York City Department of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rushmi Bhaskaran, Marguerite B. Colson, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, and Adam S. Hobson are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Grayson Glogoff and Ananya Sankar.


title: Winter Haven Man Sentenced To 18 Years In Federal Prison For Fraud And Sexually Exploiting A 15-Year-Old Girl

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Billie Harold McDuffie, Jr. (37, Winter Haven) to 18 years in federal prison for enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, possession of device making equipment, possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered McDuffie to forfeit a cellphone, two black card encoders, and two desktop computers, which McDuffie used to commit the offenses in this case. McDuffie entered a guilty plea on February 15, 2024. According to court documents, McDuffie met a 15-year-old child victim online and enticed her to engage in sexually explicit conversations via cellphone and social media. For five months, McDuffie repeatedly engaged in sexual contact with the child victim, even after she confirmed that she was a minor. An online tipster notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation of McDuffie’s sexual misconduct with the child. On July 21, 2022, a search warrant was executed at McDuffie’s residence, where agents found McDuffie and the child victim. Agents returned the child to her family and arrested McDuffie. During their search of McDuffie’s residence, agents also found evidence of fraud committed by McDuffie. Evidence included blank check paper, packets of stolen identities, multiple fraudulent debit and credit cards, fraudulent driver licenses, card encoders, and printers. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Del Rio Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Del Rio man was sentenced in federal court to 97 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, Henry P. Arredondo, 23, received and sent files depicting CSAM using his social media account in August 2021. Homeland Security Investigations agents conducted a forensic analysis of Arredondo’s cell phone, recovering 46 images depicting CSAM, including images of prepubescent male children. Arredondo was arrested Aug. 26, 2022. He pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2022. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: Dorchester Man Who Manufactured Kilos of Counterfeit Pills Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican Republic man residing in Dorchester was sentenced today for trafficking multiple kilograms of counterfeit pills, including pills that contained fentanyl, through the mail. Rahelin Reynoso, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to six years in prison and two years of supervised release. In November 2023, Reynoso pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Between September 2022 and November 2022, Reynoso worked at a pill press location in Mattapan, Mass. manufacturing counterfeit pills, including pills containing fentanyl, that were then counted, packaged and shipped to locations throughout the United States. In November 2022, a search of the apartment where Reynoso worked resulted in over 20 kilograms of pills in various colors, over 20 kilograms of loose powder, numerous packages and mailing labels and three industrial grade pill presses being recovered. In total, over 12 kilograms of fentanyl were found in the apartment as well as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; United States Customs and Border Protection; Drug Enforcement Administration; and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane and Jennifer Zacks of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Florida Man Facing Federal Charges For Covid-19 Unemployment Insurance Fraud In Maryland And California

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging David Godin, a/k/a “James St Patrick,” a/k/a “David Wetty,” a/k/a “Vic Pro” for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a scheme to defraud the Maryland Department of Labor (“MD-DOL”) and California Employment Development Department (CA-EDD”) of unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier today, Godin was arrested by law enforcement in Florida and had his initial appearance in the U.S. District Court in Miami, Florida. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. According to the indictment, beginning in June 2020, Godin created disposable email addresses and used them to file fraudulent UI claims with the MD-DOL and CA-EDD. The UI claims contained false and fraudulent information and contained the personal identifiable information of identity theft victims from Maryland, California, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi and Washington, D.C. If convicted, Godin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud and a consecutive term of 2 years’ imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. Furthermore, if convicted, Godin must forfeit any property derived from the scheme to defraud to the United States. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. This case is part of the District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force, a Strike Force that is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DOL-OIG, and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bijon A. Mostoufi, who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Leading One Of The Largest No-Fault Insurance Frauds In New York History

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BRADLEY PIERRE was sentenced to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe for conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with his orchestration of a $60 million fraud targeting No-Fault automobile insurance companies. PIERRE pled guilty before Judge Gardephe on December 18, 2023. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Bradley Pierre’s deceitful orchestration of a $60 million fraud — the largest in New York’s history — targeting No-Fault automobile insurance companies exemplifies a blatant disregard for justice and fairness. Through bribery and manipulation, Pierre callously exploited the system, denying accident victims the rightful care they deserved. We commend the diligent work of the investigative team and career prosecutors whose dedication ensured accountability in this complex case.” According to the Indictment, the plea agreement, and statements made in court: New York and New Jersey No-Fault insurance laws require a driver’s automobile insurance company to pay automobile insurance claims automatically for certain types of motor vehicle accidents, provided that the claim is legitimate and below a particular monetary threshold. Pursuant to these requirements, insurance companies will often pay medical service providers directly for the treatment they provide to automobile accident victims without the need to bill the victims themselves. This process resolves automobile claims without apportioning blame or fault for the accident, thereby avoiding protracted disputes and the costs associated with an extended investigation of the accident. From at least in or about 2008 through in or about 2021, PIERRE agreed with others (the “Clinic Controllers”) to unlawfully own and run medical clinics located in the New York area, including, among others, Veda Medical, Sky Medical, Sun Medical, and Rutland Medical (the “Clinics”). PIERRE knew that clinics are unable to bill insurance companies for No-Fault benefits if the medical facilities are controlled by non-physicians. PIERRE nonetheless agreed with others, including doctors, to submit bills to insurance companies falsely representing that the Clinics were owned and operated by licensed doctors and to direct doctors to lie under oath during Examinations under Oath (“EUOs”) about the ownership, control, and finances of the Clinics. PIERRE personally coached doctors to lie under oath in these EUOs. PIERRE used his control of the Clinics for personal profit. Between 2008 and 2021, PIERRE took over $20,000,000 from the Clinics by either transferring the funds directly to bank accounts under his control or using the Clinics’ bank accounts to pay his personal finances. PIERRE also used his control of the Clinics to steer prescriptions to pharmacies in return for over a million dollars in kickbacks and to steer patients to seek legal representation from his wife’s law firm, the Law Firm of Nonna Shikh (the“Shikh Firm”). The Shikh Firm then filed lawsuits against insurance companies on these patients’ behalf. PIERRE maintained an office at the Shikh Firm and was actively involved in the legal practice as a “manager.” The Shikh Firm made millions of dollars from the scheme and transferred over $4 million of illegal proceeds to PIERRE through a “marketing” arrangement between PIERRE’s shell companies and the Shikh Firm. PIERRE used his control of the Clinics and his managerial role at the Shikh Firm to also steer patients to seek MRIs at a medical facility over which he exercised substantial control (the “MRI Facility”). PIERRE also agreed with the purported sole owner of the MRI Facility, who was a doctor, that the doctor would falsely report injuries in MRI reports. These falsified injuries allowed the Clinics to bill insurance companies for additional, unnecessary medical services and allowed attorneys to falsely claim injuries in lawsuits against insurance companies. PIERRE and the doctor agreed that the doctor would lie to insurance companies during EUOs about PIERRE’s role in the MRI Facility. PIERRE hid his control over several of the Clinics and the MRI Facility using phony loan arrangements. These agreements claimed that PIERRE was making non-recourse loans to the Clinics and the MRI Facility, which would only have to be paid back if insurance companies paid the medical practices’ claims. The agreements also set PIERRE’s “fee” as twice the amount loaned to the practices. However, in reality, PIERRE took almost $10,000,000 in excess of what these purported loan agreements permitted. PIERRE further agreed to pay bribes to fill the Clinics and the MRI Facility with patients. From at least in or about 2015 up to and including 2021, PIERRE agreed with others to pay bribes to hospital employees, 911 dispatchers, and other individuals (collectively, “lead sources”) for the confidential names and numbers of motor vehicle accident victims. PIERRE agreed that others, including Anthony Rose, a/k/a “Todd Chambers,” would then call victims and lie to them to induce victims to receive medical treatment at the Clinics and legal representation from the Shikh Firm. PIERRE helped Rose expand his bribery operation to New Jersey by recommending clinics and attorneys in the state that would pay kickbacks for referrals. PIERRE also recommended that Rose open a shell company to hide the illegality of the payments, which Rose in fact did. PIERRE paid Rose over $800,000 as part of the bribery scheme. PIERRE further recruited his own lead sources to participate in the bribery scheme. For instance, in or about 2017, PIERRE recruited Andrew Prime, knowing that Prime was bribing 911 operators and a hospital employee for confidential information. PIERRE paid Prime over $800,000 as part of the bribery scheme. PIERRE also personally recruited and bribed several of his own lead sources, including 911 operators and a source in 2019 that PIERRE codenamed the “Motherload” or “ML.” PIERRE also agreed to bribe medical offices to send patients to the MRI Facility for MRIs. These medical offices included, among others, Epione Medical Center and Modern Brooklyn Medical. PIERRE facilitated these bribe payments through several intermediaries, including Anthony Rose, Jelani Wray, and others. PIERRE paid Jelani Wray over $800,000 in connection with these bribes. PIERRE then engaged in tax evasion. PIERRE utilized two companies in connection with the healthcare fraud and bribery schemes: Medical Reimbursement Consultants (“MRC”) and Marketing 4 You (“M4Y”). PIERRE hid income from the IRS by concealing multiple bank accounts for MRC and using a series of check cashers for checks made out to MRC and M4Y. PIERRE also paid personal expenses from MRC and M4Y’s bank accounts but improperly reported these payments as “business expenses.” These included payments for his wedding, home renovations, jewelry, furniture, luxury clothing, travel, and gifts. In total, PIERRE underreported income, falsely reported expenses of over $4 million, and deprived the IRS of approximately $1.5 million in taxes due. * * * In addition to the prison term, PIERRE, 41, of Closter, New Jersey, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. PIERRE was also ordered to forfeit a money judgment of $3,500,000 and pay $1,500,000 in restitution. Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and the White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews, Qais Ghafary, and Michael Lockard are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Jaffrey Man Pleads Guilty to the Illegal Possession of Machine Guns and Silencers

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Jaffrey man pleaded guilty today in federal court to the possession of machine guns and silencers that were not registered to him under the National Firearms Act, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Luke Czekalski, 38, pleaded guilty to possession of firearms which were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for September 23, 2024. In November 2022, New Hampshire state parole officers made an unannounced visit to the defendant’s residence in Jaffrey. The defendant was on parole following his release from custody for a prior felony conviction. While the parole officers conducted their search, they located several bins in the basement containing firearms, ammunition, loaded magazines, body armor and other miscellaneous items. Jaffrey Police then provided additional assistance, leading to the seizure of eight homemade firearms and five homemade silencers in addition to assorted firearm ammunition. Three of the firearms displayed fully automatic firing capabilities during test fires, thus making them “machineguns” under federal law. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Jaffrey Police Department led the investigation. The New Hampshire Department of Corrections’ Division of Field Services and New Hampshire Forensic Laboratory provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Evadale Little League coach sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lumberton man has been sentenced to federal prison on child exploitation charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Adam Dale Isaacks, 40, pleaded guilty to four counts of transporting a minor for purposes of sexual activity and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on June 3, 2024. According to information presented in court, on Dec. 13, 2021, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to an Evadale home in reference to a report of several sexual assaults. As the investigation progressed, Isaacks was identified as the assailant. Isaacks, a youth baseball coach and president of the Evadale Little League Baseball organization and a trusted member of the community, was reported to have sexually assaulted eight minor members of his baseball team. The boys were between 9 and 11 years old the time of the offenses. The investigation revealed instances where several minor victims were transported by Isaacks from the Eastern District of Texas outside the state. While outside the state of Texas, Isaacks engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the minor victims. The trips were verified with records from airlines, credit card information, photos, and witnesses. “We expect our little league coaches to protect the children entrusted to their care; this defendant did not do that and will now serve a lengthy sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “Coaches like the defendant, Mr. Isaacks, who have sex with minors should take note of today’s sentence, which reflects the consequences of abusing one’s position of trust by taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of minors and repeatedly engaging them in unlawful sexual activities. This case shows how local and federal agencies can work together to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation—a crime that our office will aggressively prosecute.” 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the FBI, the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove. ###


title: Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Isaiah Vaniah McDade, 47, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 10, 2022 and September 16, 2022, McDade sold approximately 5 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant over the course of five separate transactions. McDade admitted to those transactions and further admitted to selling the confidential informant a quantity of methamphetamine during the September 2, 2022 transaction and 3.46 grams of cocaine during the September 16, 2022 transaction. From November 3, 2022 through December 2, 2022, McDade discussed the distribution of controlled substances during phone calls intercepted by law enforcement officers. McDade admitted that those intercepted discussions were of the distribution of 33.5 grams of heroin, 7 grams of methamphetamine and 30.8 grams of cocaine. On August 17, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McDade’s residence and seized $5,115. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the South Charleston Police Department. 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. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum 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. 2:23-cr-143. ###


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Scheme that Defrauded Social Security Administration

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TROVOY DIXON, 31, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for laundering criminal proceeds of a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2021, unidentified fraudsters engaged in a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA) using stolen identities. The fraudsters would contact the SSA posing as legitimate Social Security recipients, often presenting the SSA with confidential personal information, like Social Security numbers and dates of birth, to validate their purported identities. They would then instruct the SSA to change the legitimate SSA recipients’ existing bank account deposit information so that monthly SSA payments would be deposited into bank accounts controlled by scheme participants. In approximately August 2021, Dixon was contacted by phone by a scheme participant using a Jamaican based telephone number and was asked if he wished to make money through moving money. Dixon agreed, and was instructed to open bank accounts that he would control. After monies generated from the scheme were deposited into Dixon’s online bank accounts, he would withdraw cash from the accounts and use commercial money transfer services to wire a portion of the cash to designated bank accounts in either Jamaica or Mexico. Dixon learned the monies were illegally obtained, but ultimately kept close to half of the monies for his personal use. Between August 2021 and July 2023, more than $360,000 was deposited into bank accounts Dixon controlled. When accounts were closed due to suspicious fraudulent withdrawal activity, Dixon opened additional accounts to continue his illegal activity. Judge Oliver ordered Dixon to pay $161,000 in restitution. On March 8, 2024, Dixon pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Dixon who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 29. This investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Lake City Couple Indicted For Fraudulently Stealing Almost Three Million Dollars

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a thirteen-count indictment charging Treashonna P. Graham (40, Lake City) and Joey L. Williams (39, Lake City) with multiple offenses, including one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, and five counts of money laundering. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for each conspiracy and wire fraud offense, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment, for each money laundering offense. Graham and Williams were arrested on May 31, 2024. According to the indictment Graham and Williams created a company called “Grant Bae,” which was designed to assist minority business owners obtain government grants. These government grants ranged from $25,000 to $250,000. Graham and Williams would charge a fee for their services and would advise clients that they were in the process of obtaining grant money on their behalf. However, during their fraudulent scheme, Graham and Williams allegedly stole approximately $2,904,667 of their clients’ grant funds and used those funds to live an extravagant lifestyle. The two purchased vehicles, jewelry, clothing, and other personal property. They also gambled away some of the proceeds. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.


title: Plymouth Man Sentenced for Submitting Multiple Fraudulent Claims for Pandemic Relief

body_text: BOSTON – A Plymouth, Mass. man was sentenced today for his involvement in a COVID-19 relief fund fraud scheme. Ferris Brooks, 41, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. In February 2024, Brooks pleaded guilty to theft of government property. From April to December 2020, Brooks submitted multiple applications for government benefits, both in his own name and in the names of friends and family, that contained false information. Specifically, Brooks submitted an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan with the U.S. Small Business Administration in the name of a fake business. Brooks also submitted applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and filed tax returns for Economic Impact Payments in the names of friends and family that contained false employment information. Brooks directed payments on the various fraudulent claims to bank accounts that he controlled and split the proceeds with his friends and family. The various fraudulent claims paid out more than $150,000 in pandemic relief funds. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Latham Woman Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kristy Koldis, age 46, of Latham, New York, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. Koldis admitted that she created sexually explicit content depicting V-1 from the time V-1 was approximately 9 years old through the time V-1 was approximately 13 years old and distributed the files to Joshua White . The files depicted V-1’s genitals exposed to the camera in a lewd and lascivious manner. If United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing on October 3, 2024, Koldis will receive a prison term of 180 months, at least 10 years of supervised release to follow that term of imprisonment, and pay restitution to the victim. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Koldis would also have to register as a sex offender upon her release from prison. White pled guilty on December 11, 2023, to distribution and possession of child pornography; his sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2024. Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former FCI Danbury Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge

component: Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN CRUZ-CARMONA, 33, formerly incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Danbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to assault with a dangerous weapon. According to court documents and statements made in court, Cruz-Carmona is currently serving a federal sentence for murder with a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On December 18, 2023, while incarcerated at FCI Danbury, Cruz-Carmona used a weapon fashioned from a broken pencil and two razor blades to assault another inmate, causing wounds to the victim’s chin and neck. The injury was not life-threatening. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Cruz-Carmona faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.


title: Appleton Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 3, 2024, Charlotta A. Belgum (age: 38) of Appleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. According to court records, Belgum created child pornography using a minor child and distributed the child pornography via the internet to an individual in Texas whom she had met in an online fetish forum. The recipient of the child pornography has been arrested and has charges pending in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Court records further indicate that Belgum also distributed other images of child pornography and engaged in lengthy online conversations centered around the intended sexual abuse of children. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach noted that Belgum’s crime was “of great magnitude and despicable” in nature. Judge Griesbach also emphasized the profound impact of the crime on Belgum’s victims. Upon the completion of her twenty-year federal prison sentence, Belgum will spend the remainder of her life on supervised release. She will also have to register as a sex offender under state and federal law. 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Appleton Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security’s Milwaukee and San Antonio Field Offices. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. # # # For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: West Covina Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Distributing Hundreds of Sexually Explicit Images and Videos of Children

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Gabriel Valley man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for knowingly distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from his home and admitted to possessing hundreds of images and videos of sexually explicit material involving children, including infants and toddlers. Herbert Redholtz, 74, of West Covina, pleaded guilty to five felonies: two counts of distribution of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. Redholtz remains free on $20,000 bond. According to his plea agreement, from at least April 2014 to November 2014, Redholtz knowingly distributed, received, and possessed CSAM using his personal email account. Specifically, he possessed hundreds of videos and images of CSAM via this email account, which he accessed from his personal computer while at home. Redholtz’s email account contained approximately 448 images and 109 videos depicting sexually explicit content involving children as well as 402 images and 25 videos depicting child erotica. This account also contained approximately 1,109 emails containing evidence of similar images sent to or from Redholtz’s email address. Redholtz admitted in his plea agreement that he knew the production of such visual depictions involved minors, including victims under the age of 12 years old being used for sexual acts, including infants and toddlers. United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi scheduled an October 7 sentencing hearing, at which time Redholtz will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison for each child pornography distribution and receipt count, and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count charged. Redholtz was charged in Los Angeles Superior Court after his arrest in March 2021 for allegedly possessing CSAM. That charge was dismissed so the federal case against Redholtz could proceed. Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Nisha Chandran of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Amanda B. Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Two Detroit Men Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Huntington Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Today, Talon Aaron McIntosh, also known as “Trey” and “T,” 28, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and Mario Alonzo Pettway III, also known as “Mike,” 23, of Detroit, was sentenced to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, each for distribution of a quantity of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Both men admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 3, 2023, McIntosh sold a half-pound of methamphetamine for $1,000 to a confidential in Huntington. McIntosh admitted to that transaction and to selling approximately 439 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $2,000 in Huntington on September 7, 2023. On October 3, 2023, Pettway sold approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $200 in Nitro. Pettway admitted to that transaction and to selling a total of approximately 8 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant in St. Albans on three occasions between April 13, 2023, and May 2, 2023. Pettway further admitted to selling approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant in St. Albans on June 26, 2023. McIntosh and Pettway admitted that they participated in the DTO from at least February 2023 through November 2023. McIntosh and Pettway also admitted that on August 14, 2023, McIntosh arranged for Pettway to distribute approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington. On November 15, 2023, law enforcement officers arrested McIntosh and Pettway and executed search warrants at two residences in Nitro. McIntosh and Pettway each admitted that the DTO conspirators used the residences to store and distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Officers seized approximately 206 grams of methamphetamine and a Ruger LCP .380-caliber pistol and ammunition at one of the residences, and seized 11 firearms and quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and ammunition at the other residence. Pettway admitted that he possessed the firearms and intended to sell the methamphetamine and fentanyl seized at the second Nitro residence. McIntosh and Pettway are among 27 individuals indicted in a 53-count indictment that charges the defendants with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl transported from Detroit in Huntington and other locations within the Southern District of West Virginia. McIntosh and Pettway are also among 21 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the main case. One other of the 27 indicted individuals pleaded guilty to a related offense in a separate case. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 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. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor 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 No. 3:23-cr-180. ###


title: Hurricane Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Paul Richard Spurlock, 67, of Hurricane, was sentenced today to eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $106,500 in restitution for bank fraud. Spurlock admitted that he embezzled approximately $106,500 from a fraternal organization’s historic charitable care home by using his position as its board’s treasurer. According to court documents and statements made in court, the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows - West Virginia had operated the Odd Fellows and Rebekah Home in Elkins beginning in the early 1900s. Over its history, the institution provided housing and care for orphans, widows, seniors and people with disabilities. Spurlock had been the treasurer of the home’s board of directors for several years when he lost his seat on the board in October 2018. Spurlock admitted that from on or about July 8, 2015, to on or about January 22, 2019, he embezzled approximately $106,500 from the Odd Fellows Home. Spurlock falsely told his wife, who was acting as the home’s bookkeeper, that the home’s board of directors had approved a loan for their family. Spurlock admitted that as part of his scheme, he caused an unauthorized check for $4,000 from the Odd Fellows Home’s account to be issued to his wife on January 22, 2019, and deposited into their shared Huntington bank account. Spurlock further admitted that he signed at least 33 unauthorized Odd Fellows Home checks made payable to his wife and deposited into their joint account, and used an authorized signatory’s signature stamp on each check without his wife’s knowledge. The Odd Fellows Home closed and was auctioned off in 2022 because of financial difficulties. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage 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-172. ###


title: District Man Sentenced to Serve Five Years for Carjacking

body_text: WASHINGTON – Miliki Lee, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today by the Honorable Michael Ryan of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The court sentenced Lee to five years’ incarceration and ordered an additional two years to be suspended under the Youth Rehabilitation Act. Carjacking otherwise carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years’ incarceration. The court also ordered the sentence be followed by 18 months’ probation. According to the government’s evidence, with which Lee agreed, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on October 27, 2023, the victim was driving in the 1000 block of Buchanan St NE, when another car blocked hers. Lee and his accomplices got out of that car and surrounded the victim’s vehicle, banged on the windows, brandished a handgun, and eventually forced her out of her car at gunpoint. Lee and his accomplices drove off in the victim’s car. MPD officers immediately used its helicopter to track the victim’s vehicle into Prince George’s County, Maryland, and then back into the District. Lee crashed the car at North Capitol and Ingraham Streets and ran. Police apprehended Lee, and recovered a Glock handgun that was loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition. The government had requested a nine-year prison term. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Prince George’s County Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Bartz.


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Javonte Dejuan Perry, also known as “Dre,” 33, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 30, 2023, Perry sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington. Perry is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is 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. 3:23-cr-114. ###


title: Maryland Man Sentenced for His Role in a Drug Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Deon Longus, age 44, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride. According to the evidence established through court documents and statements made in court, Longus worked with others to distribute the drugs from a Hagerstown, Maryland appliance store named Top 3 Sources. Longus supplied a number of drug dealers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. As part of the drug enterprise, Longus traveled to New York where he picked up the drugs and transported them back to Hagerstown for redistribution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The large scale investigation included the following agencies: FBI-Pittsburgh Division; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (which includes the West Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, the Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg City Police Department); the West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York City Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: San Bernardino Man Sentenced to 15½ Years in Federal Prison for Marijuana Armed Robbery that Led to Victim’s Death

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – A San Bernardino man who arranged a drug deal that resulted in a 21-year-old man being shot and killed was sentenced today to 186 months in federal prison. Dillion Jones, 20, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal, who also ordered him to pay $14,342 in restitution. Jones pleaded guilty in March 2023 to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possessing a stolen firearm. Previously in this case, Rontrell Brainell Shaw, 22, of San Bernardino, the robbery crew’s getaway driver, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison and his brother, Martrell Patrick Shaw, 20, also of San Bernardino, who participated in the fatal robbery, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. “This defendant’s reckless disregard for human life resulted in a senseless murder and a grieving family left behind,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We cannot accept violence on our streets. Today’s sentence sends a message that my office is committed punishing and deterring violent gun crime.” “These violent criminals create unsafe communities with their horrific acts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF Los Angeles Field Division Jose Medina. “ATF is dedicated to using all its federal tools and resources to make our communities safer. Our agents will continue to work alongside state and local law enforcement targeting violent career criminals while protecting our neighborhoods.” In July 2021, Jones placed an order with the victim for one pound of marijuana. Jones placed the order knowing that neither Martrell Shaw nor Rontrell Shaw nor he had enough money to pay for it. Instead, the trio planned to rob the victim at gunpoint. Jones and Martrell Shaw brought a loaded firearm with them while Rontrell Shaw acted as their driver. Once the victim arrived at what he thought was the drug deal location in San Bernardino County, Martrell Shaw and Jones robbed him at gunpoint. During the robbery, one of the robbers discharged the firearm twice, striking the victim in the neck and torso. Martrell Shaw and Jones then stole the marijuana and a firearm belonging to the victim, who later died from the gunshot wounds he suffered. Rontrell Shaw then picked up Martrell Shaw and Jones and fled the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Bernardino Police Department investigated this case. Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments. Assistant United States Attorney Peter H. Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted this case.


title: Garrard County Man Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Lancaster, Ky., man, Harley Jones, 30, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 115 months in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to his plea agreement, between February 2022 and August 2022, Jones conspired with his co-conspirator, Angela Nichole Brown, to obtain methamphetamine from various sources of supply and sell the methamphetamine to other users and dealers. Jones and Brown worked together to obtain and distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. In April 2022, law enforcement used a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of 56 grams of methamphetamine from Jones and Brown. Following the controlled purchase, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on their vehicle and found 60 grams of methamphetamine and two pistols, one of which was loaded. For her role, Brown was previously sentenced to 96 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Under federal law, Jones and Brown must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release from prison, Jones will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Madison County Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing and Selling Firearms

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, Aaron Shanks, 49, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to 60 months in prison, for two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of an unregistered firearm. According to his plea agreement, between December 20, 2022 and January 17, 2023, law enforcement used a confidential informant to make several controlled purchases of firearms from Shanks. During one transaction, on December 21, 2022, Shanks sold a 9mm pistol and a silencer, which did not have any manufacturer’s marks or identification. Shanks admitted that he knew it was a firearm silencer, that it was in operating condition, and that it was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. At the time of these transactions, Shanks was prohibited from possessing firearms due to several prior felony convictions, including one prior offense for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.. Under federal law, Shanks must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by ATF, with assistance from the Madison County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Woman Accused of Murder-for-Hire Admits to Using the Dark Web to Carry Out the Crime

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A Salt Lake City woman pleaded guilty to using the dark web to attempt to carry out a murder for hire in 2023 in the District of Utah. According to court documents, Krista Renae Stone, 23, of Salt Lake City, pleaded guilty May 30, 2024, by felony information to use of interstate commerce facilities in commission of murder-for-hire. Beginning in March 2023 and continuing through September 2023, Stone used the internet, specifically the dark web, with the intent to murder another person. In return for the murder, Stone agreed to pay money. Stone further admitted she engaged with a website offering “hitman for hire” type services and “ordered” the killing of the victim for $5,000 using Bitcoin to complete the order. Stone included a detailed description of the victim, including a photograph, where the victim was located, and how she wanted the job done. Stone is scheduled to be sentenced July 15, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Massachusetts Surgeon to Pay $200,000 to Resolve Allegations of Soliciting and Receiving Illegal Kickbacks

body_text: BOSTON – Massachusetts doctor has agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act by soliciting and receiving free products from DePuy Synthes, Inc. and DePuy Synthes Sales, Inc. (collectively “DePuy”), in return for ordering DePuy products for use in his procedures. Doctor used these free products in surgeries he performed overseas in countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Qatar. In January 2023 , the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced that DePuy had agreed to pay approximately $9.75 million to resolve allegations related to its role in this conduct. DePuy manufactures and distributes medical devices, including spinal implants, and has headquarters in Raynham, Mass. According to the settlement agreement, Dr. Tannoury admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for the facts underlying the government’s allegations. From at least July 2016 through February 2018, Dr. Tannoury received products from DePuy for use in overseas surgeries, including cages, rods, screws, plates, and modular access and retraction systems. He performed at least five surgeries using these products in countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Qatar. Dr. Tannoury never paid DePuy for these products that he used overseas and continued to use DePuy products in surgeries in Boston, including for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”) prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients. The United States contends that Dr. Tannoury knowingly and willfully solicited and received free DePuy products, worth over $100,000, in return for Dr. Tannoury’s ordering, arranging for, and recommending the purchase of DePuy’s products in spine surgeries he performed on Medicare and Medicaid patients in Massachusetts in violation of the AKS. “Physicians violate the law when they solicit and receive free goods from medical device manufacturers. Unlawful kickbacks like these can corrupt medical judgment and create an uneven playing field for companies that play by the rules,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Today’s settlement reflects our office’s commitment to holding individuals who receive kickbacks accountable under the False Claims Act.” “Improper financial arrangements can compromise medical judgment and adversely influence the medical decision-making process,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “These types of arrangements have no place in our health care system, and we will continue working together with our federal and state law enforcement partners to pursue such allegations.” “Today’s settlement resolves allegations that Dr. Tony Tannoury solicited and received illegal kickbacks, and in doing so, used his patients as pawns,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division. “Health care fraud has serious costs, and serious consequences, and the FBI will continue to make investigations like this a priority as we work to deter this behavior.” Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, HHS-OIG SAC Coviello, and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica J. Weber and Andrew A. Caffrey, III of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled this matter. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is represented by Assistant Attorney General Kevin Lownds.


title: Tampa Serial Robber Convicted

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Johnny Flores (45, Tampa) guilty of three counts of Hobbs Act robbery. Flores faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2024. According to evidence presented at trial, between February 13 and February 25, 2022, Flores entered three Tampa businesses wearing a hooded sweatshirt and facial covering. He brandished and threatened the victims with a weapon and removed cash from the registers. Flores verbally and physically assaulted the victims during the course of the three robberies. Flores was initially identified through video surveillance recordings that showed him leaving two of the robberies in a vehicle that was traced back to an individual. That individual identified Flores but died prior to the trial. A second individual had dropped Flores off near the remaining robbery. Although he testified that he didn’t know that Flores had committed a robbery, the individual testified that he had driven Flores to a location near the robbery. Additional video surveillance recordings showed Flores at a clinic prior to the robberies with similar clothing. He was subsequently identified by law enforcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Justice Department Expands Efforts to Dismantle Human Smuggling Operations and Support Immigration Prosecutions

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Ahead of the third anniversary of the establishment of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Justice Department today announced additional efforts to dismantle human smuggling operations and increase accountability for those who violate our immigration laws. Launched in June 2021 by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, JTFA represents a partnership between the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with a mandate to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking organizations operating in and through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico. To build on the success of JTFA, including an increase of more than 25% in defendants charged with alien smuggling since 2020, the Justice Department is realigning resources, providing financial incentives, and proposing increased penalties for human smuggling offenses. The Justice Department also is coordinating with border U.S. Attorneys and their districts, as well as with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other law enforcement agencies, to evaluate current needs and resource allocations, and to identify available and potentially new opportunities to address immigration issues. Prioritizing Prosecutions Involving Smugglers The Justice Department will continue to prioritize the prosecution of cases involving human smuggling, working through JTFA — which is led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section — and the efforts of individual U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and their law enforcement partners. Felony prosecutions for smuggling have been on an upward trajectory, increasing by 27% since 2020. These cases are significant. -They include human smuggling of both vulnerable populations and individuals who pose security concerns, as well as unlawful transportation of assets and contraband, high-speed flight from law enforcement and possession of firearms by smuggling defendants. Focusing on felony smuggling prosecutions creates a deterrent effect, not only impacting the defendant but creating a ripple effect that discourages future smuggling. Additional smuggling prosecutions will target known routes utilized and controlled by cartels and other organized criminal groups. JTFA will continue to focus on the highest-level human smugglers — the worst of the worst. Since its creation in June 2021, JTFA has achieved significant tangible results, including: Over 300 arrests, including of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators; Over 240 U.S. convictions; Over 170 U.S. defendants sentenced, with significant sentences of 30 years or more in prison; Substantial seizures and forfeiture of assets and contraband including millions of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; and Multiple indictments and successful extradition requests against foreign leadership targets located in Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Just this week, the leader of a migrant smuggling organization was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in smuggling over 100 migrants from Honduras to the United States for profit. Using Financial Rewards to Dismantle the Leadership of Transnational Human Smuggling Networks The Justice Department and Department of State are launching an Anti-Smuggling Rewards (ASR) Initiative designed to dismantle the leadership of human smuggling organizations that bring migrants through Central America and across the southern U.S. border. The ASR Initiative will use existing statutory authority — through the State Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program — to offer financial rewards for information leading to the identification, location, arrest, or conviction of those most responsible for significant human smuggling activities in the region. The ASR Initiative will target categories of high-priority human smuggling targets, such as: Leaders of certain identified cartels and other transnational organizations responsible for human smuggling through the Western Hemisphere and across the southern U.S. border; Leaders and organizers of human smuggling networks responsible for certain identified mass casualty events; and Certain identified high-priority international fugitives wanted for human smuggling offenses. In addition, the Justice Department will offer the possibility of additional rewards to tipsters whose information results in the forfeiture of criminal proceeds of human smuggling activities. The Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the ASR Initiative, will continue to employ its authorities to disrupt high priority human smuggling operations. Increasing Penalties for the Most Prolific and Dangerous Human Smugglers Since at least 2016, the Justice Department and DHS have urged the U.S. Sentencing Commission to consider stiffening penalties for those who commit human smuggling offenses. The current sentencing guidelines fail to fully account for the severity or extent of defendants’ misconduct in human smuggling cases — resulting in perverse incentives and reduced ability for prosecutors to go after leaders of smuggling organizations. Despite renewed requests from the Justice Department and DHS as recently as last year the Commission has not significantly bolstered penalties for the most dangerous human smugglers. Thus, the Justice Department and DHS are supporting prosecutors in their efforts to hold accountable individuals charged with dangerous human smuggling, and the Justice Department intends to seek new and increased penalties against human smugglers to properly account for the severity of their criminal conduct and the human misery that it causes. The proposal would make three important changes to U.S. Sentencing Guideline §2L1.1, which governs human smuggling offenses: Creating steeper penalty tiers based on the number of people smuggled by the defendant; Increasing penalties when the defendant’s conduct results in injury or death to more than one person; and Ensuring defendants are subject to sentencing enhancements for sexual assault and other types of prohibited sexual conduct committed during the smuggling offense, even if that conduct occurred outside U.S. jurisdiction. Deploying Justice Department and DHS Resources for Targeted Enforcement Efforts The Justice Department is partnering with DHS to direct additional prosecutors and support staff to increase federal immigration-related prosecutions in crucial border U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. This critical operational partnership is being done in spite of a fiscal year 2024 enacted budget that included the largest year-over-year funding decrease to U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Justice Department history. Efforts include deploying additional DHS Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys to border U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, assigning support staff detailees to critical U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, seeking Justice Department attorneys to serve details in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in border districts, and partnering with federal agencies to identify additional resources to target these crimes. In addition to surging new resources to border districts, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices continue to deploy existing resources and strategies to target immigration crimes. About Joint Task Force Alpha The Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section leads JTFA in partnership with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and with dedicated support from the Office of International Affairs; Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from the DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. JTFA coordinates closely with foreign law enforcement partners on cross-border investigations, arrests of foreign targets, and extraditions.


title: Charlotte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraudulent Real Estate Scheme

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: GREENVILLE, S.C. —Dennis S. Lepka, Jr., 42, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison for his role in a real estate fraud scheme. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation after they received multiple complaints that Lepka was engaging in fraudulent real estate transactions. Lepka’s business model was built upon misleading both sellers and buyers of residential properties. He promised the sellers that he would purchase their home and take over their outstanding mortgage. In some instances, Lepka told them they would stay on the mortgage as a credit repair service. He assured the buyers that they were in a rent-to-own agreement with Lepka. In truth, Lepka did not own the properties he was selling. He concealed information about existing mortgages from the buyers and did not disclose to the banks holding mortgages that real estate transactions were taking place. He required the buyers to provide substantial down payments and then make monthly payments to him. Lepka did not make the mortgage payments to the original lenders and multiple properties went into foreclosure. Some victims became homeless as a result. Evidence showed that Lepka targeted members of the Hispanic community because of their immigration status. Lepka believed that victims without legal status would be reluctant to report fraud to the authorities. Lepka also expressed to his victims that they should trust him because he was a practicing Christian. Victims who spoke at the sentencing expressed hurt that Lepka appealed to their faith to lure them into transactions. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Lepka to 78 months imprisonment. He also ordered him to pay $2,020,213.50 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case. ###


title: Henderson Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Causing Two Overdose Deaths

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Owensboro, KY – Yesterday, a Henderson, Kentucky, man was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for two counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Chief Sean L. McKinney of the Henderson Police Department, and Sheriff David Crafton of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to court documents, Elijah Lovell, 20, was sentenced to 23 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for two counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Between December 27, 2021, and January 31, 2022, Lovell distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person, “J.H.” Additionally, on or about May 5, 2022, Lovell distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person, “C.G.” “Let this sentence serve notice to those who traffic drugs in the Western District that this office, together with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who cause the tragic loss of life through the distribution of their poison,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “I commend the Henderson Police Department and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office for their excellent work and partnership during the investigation and prosecution of this case.” There is no parole in the federal system. The Henderson Police Department and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case. ###