title: Repeat Offender Sentenced for Illegal Gun Possession in Southwest Georgia

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with a lengthy criminal history caught by Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit officers illegally possessing a loaded pistol was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison for his crime. Trevin Tywon Davis, 44, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Oct. 24. Davis pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 11. There is no parole in the federal system. “Repeat convicted felons caught with a loaded firearm will face federal prosecution for their willful disregard for the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will bring every available federal resource to bear in support of our local and state law enforcement partners as we work together to make our communities safer for all.” "I am grateful for the partnership we have with our federal partners due to the number of repeat offenders in our community,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley. “These individuals should be attempting to make a positive change in their lifestyle instead of making choices that would set them back and send them back to prison. We ask all persons to be followers of the law so that our community can grow and be a safe haven to those who wish to live, work and play here.” "The ATF is fully committed to safeguarding our communities from the threat of illegal firearms and violent crime," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka of the ATF Atlanta Field Division. "We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who pose a danger to our neighborhoods are held accountable and brought to justice.” According to court documents and statements made in court, officers with the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit (ADDU) initiated a traffic stop on a white Buick sedan with illegal window tint. Davis was driving, and the officer smelled marijuana coming from the car. Davis was detained, and officers found a loaded Glock 9mm handgun on a magnet against the center gear aisle on the driver’s side. Davis has at least three prior felony convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court and other jurisdictions; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. In recorded jail calls following his arrest, Davis admitted to eating marijuana when he was pulled over and having an illegal loaded firearm. 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 of Justice 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. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit (ADDU). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the case for the Government


title: China-Based Chemical Manufacturing Companies and Employees Indicted for Alleged Fentanyl Manufacturing and Distribution

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – Today, the Justice Department announced the unsealing of indictments against eight China-based chemical companies and eight employees charging federal crimes, including attempted distribution of synthetic opioids and precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, and money laundering. The indictments were filed under seal in the Middle District of Florida over the past year. “Today, the Justice Department announced charges against eight China-based companies and eight individuals we allege are responsible for trafficking precursor chemicals that cartels use to manufacture lethal fentanyl,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies based in China. In order to break this critical link in the fentanyl supply chain, the Justice Department has aggressively investigated and prosecuted these companies. We will continue to target every organization and individual that fuels the deadly drug trade.” As described in the unsealed indictments, the defendants openly advertised their ability to thwart border officials and deliver the synthetic opioids or the chemicals used to make fentanyl to the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere in the United States. The defendants deliberately engaged in evasive activities, such as mislabeling the contents of shipments to ensure the illicit chemicals and controlled substances went undetected. As a result, these companies were able to sell a stable supply of precursor chemicals to clients in Mexico and the United States for years. One of the companies even represented that every month it sends “more than 20 kilograms to the United States, Africa, Canada, and other countries.” “Today’s indictments against eight China-based chemical companies and eight Chinese nationals are further evidence of DEA’s unwavering commitment to disrupt every aspect of the global fentanyl supply chain,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “For the third time in over a year, DEA investigations have resulted in charges against chemical companies and individuals in China who we allege are supplying chemicals to the cartels to make deadly fentanyl. While they may go to great lengths to try to evade our detection, DEA will use every tool and authority we have to save American lives.” The indictments target the evolving tactics of drug traffickers, who often adapt to tightening restrictions on the production and sale of fentanyl. For example, when China banned the production of fentanyl in 2019, China-based companies began producing and selling fentanyl precursors, the ingredients needed to manufacture the drug. These China-based companies distribute fentanyl precursors throughout the world, including to the United States and to Mexico, where drug cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación combine the chemicals into fentanyl and other synthetic opioids that they then distribute throughout the United States and the rest of the world. “These indictments are part of our continuing commitment to the protection of our country from the deadly scourge of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Along with our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration, we will be relentless in our pursuit of China-based chemical companies and their employees who are knowingly manufacturing and exporting fentanyl precursors that cause thousands of deaths every year in the United States.” The Justice Department acknowledges the efforts of the People’s Republic of China, Ministry of Public Security. The following indicted companies are now out of operation: Jiangsu Jiyi Chemical, Tianjin Furuntongda Tech Co. Ltd, Wuhan Jinshang Import & Export Trading Co. Ltd., Hubei Shanglin Trading Co., and Wuhan Mingyue Information Technology. In addition, the People’s Republic of China has recently scheduled three key chemicals, which in turn provides additional tools for the People’s Republic of China to regulate the chemicals’ production and distribution. DEA Administrator Milgram said, “I would also like to recognize the work done by the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Public Security in taking action to schedule protonitazene, piperidone, and 1-BOC-4-AP, which were not scheduled at the time of these investigations, but have now been scheduled.” The DEA investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Chee, David Pardo, Lauren Stoia, and Adam McCall and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Haynes for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the cases. These cases are 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Case Summaries In January, Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co. Ltd., based in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene, along with Chinese national Xiaojun Huang, who allegedly maintained a Bitcoin wallet for the remittance of payments for illicit synthetic opioids on the company’s behalf. In January, Hubei Shanglin Trading Co., based in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, was charged with attempted international money laundering, along with Chinese national Zhihan Wang, who was the alleged registered owner of a Bitcoin wallet associated with the company utilized to complete the sale of fentanyl precursors. In November 2023, Jiangsu Jiyi Chemical, based in Beijing, Hebei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene, along with Ji Zhaohui, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of the Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. In January, Tianjin Furuntongda Tech Co. Ltd, based in Tianjin, Hebei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of fentanyl precursors, along with Wenxing Gao, a Chinese national, who was the alleged registered agent of Tianjin Furuntongda and the owner of a cryptocurrency wallet associated with the company. In November 2023, Wuhan Jinshang Import & Export Trading Co. Ltd., based in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene, attempted importation of a fentanyl precursor, and attempted international money laundering, along with Wenying Nie, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of a Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. In January, Wuhan Mingyue Information Technology, based in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of fentanyl precursors and attempted international money laundering, along with Chinese national Huanhuan Song, who was the alleged recipient of funds via Western Union on the company’s behalf and the alleged holder of a cryptocurrency wallet associated with the company. In June, Henan Oumeng Trade Co. Ltd., based in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene and attempted international money laundering, along with Yinxia Zhao, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of the Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. In June, Shanghai Senria New Materials Co. Ltd., doing business as Shanghai Senria Biotechnology Co. Ltd., based in the Fengxian District of Shanghai, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene and attempted international money laundering, along with Zhenbo Han, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of the Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Burlington Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography. According to public court documents, law enforcement received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Edward Allen Billheimer, 64, had uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement located electronic devices at Billheimer’s Burlington residence and a search of those devices revealed approximately 100 videos and 400 images of child sexual abuse material, including content of toddlers and infants. After completing his term of imprisonment, Billheimer will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Billheimer was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution. In addition, Billheimer will be required to register as a sex offender. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Burlington Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – A Fort Dodge man was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor. According to public court documents, Mitchell Keith Russell, 38, initiated a Facebook chat with a person that Russell believed was a 13-year-old Altoona female. For over three weeks in March 2024, Russell engaged the minor in sexually explicit discussion. Russell repeatedly requested the minor create and send him sexually explicit photos of herself and sent the minor sexually obscene videos. Ultimately, Russell arranged to meet the minor at an Altoona motel to engage in sex acts on March 26. When Russell arrived at the motel, he was arrested by the Altoona detective who had been posing as the 13-year-old Facebook user. Russell committed this crime while he was a registered sex offender and on state parole. Russell was convicted in 2015 of sexual abuse in the Iowa District Court for Humboldt County, for engaging in a sex act with a 15-year-old minor; Russell was in his late 20s when he abused that minor. Russell was required to register as a sex offender as a result of that conviction. After completing his term of imprisonment, Russell will be required to serve a seven-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Altoona Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Career Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Today, Terry Meach, 43, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison following a guilty to plea to two counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery earlier this year. As part of his guilty plea, Meach admitted that on Feb. 23, 2024, he entered a Truist Bank in Hollywood, Fla., demanded money and claimed that he had a gun. The teller complied with his demands, and Meach made off with $2,419. Four days later, on Feb. 27, 2024, Meach entered a Fifth Third Bank in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and approached the teller with his hand in his pocket. Meach said words to the effect of “give me the money, I have a bomb.” The teller backed away and Meach fled the bank empty handed. Undeterred, Meach continued down the street about 100 yards to a Truist Bank, which he entered and approached the teller saying words to the effect of “give me the money, I have a gun.” The teller complied, and this time Meach made off with $2,379. Prior to robbing the banks in February 2024, Meach had been convicted of robbing or attempting to rob four other banks charged in two separate federal cases. In April 2012, Meach robbed a TD Bank in Fort Lauderdale, and two days later attempted to rob a Suntrust Bank in Miami. Meach pled guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison in October 2012 (Case No. 12-cr-20302). Meach was released from prison on March 14, 2016. Eight days after his release, on March 22, 2016, Meach robbed a Suntrust Bank in Fort Lauderdale. Two days after that, Meach robbed a Chase Bank in Doral. Meach pled guilty to both robberies in November 2016, and was sentenced to 99 months in federal prison (Case No. 16-cr-60087). Meach was released from prison on Feb. 9, 2024. Fourteen days later, Meach committed the first of the robberies for which he was sentenced in this case. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey O’Neal prosecuted the case. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 24-cr-60100. ###


title: North Platte Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jamie M. Hopkins, age 36, of North Platte, Nebraska was sentenced on October 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Hopkins to a total of 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hopkin’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Between July 2022 and February 2023, Hopkins led an organization responsible for distributing meth and fentanyl in and around the North Platte area. The group was responsible for the distribution of pounds of meth. She and other coconspirators were subjects of multiple controlled buys, search warrants, and arrests. Three controlled buys from Hopkins and co-defendant, Joey Romero, occurred in July of 2022. On July 7, 2022, a Confidential Informant (“CI”) purchased 6.2 grams of meth mixture from Hopkins and Romero. On July 13, 2022, the same CI purchased 28.4 grams of meth mixture from Romero in Hopkins’ car in a grocery store parking lot. On July 29, 2022, the CI purchased 26 grams of meth actual from Hopkins and Romero. Two controlled buys from Hopkins and Romero occurred in August of 2022. On August 2, 2022, the CI purchased 26 grams of meth actual from Hopkins in a hotel room occupied by Hopkins and Romero. On August 17, 2022, the CI purchased 10 pills from Hopkins at her house. The pills later tested positive for meth and fentanyl. On January 30, 2023, the CI purchased 36 grams of meth actual from Hopkins and a coconspirator at Hopkins’ residence. A search warrant was served on Hopkins’ house on February 7, 2023. During the search, law enforcement found multiple baggies of meth throughout the house, to include: the bedroom, Hopkins’ purse, and in a toilet of a bathroom. Law enforcement also found 2 bongs, 29 pills, owe notes, 3 scales, spoons with residue, 224 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a box of Winchester 380 ammunition with 23 rounds in it, and empty baggies in the home. The baggies of meth were tested by the State Patrol Crime Lab. The lab confirmed the samples contained 35.85 grams of a meth mixture. Romero pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing on December 12, 2024. This case was investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Possession of Fentanyl Pills and Firearms

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Gene Milton, Jr., age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced October 24, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Milton to a total of 300 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Milton’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. “Fentanyl is terrible for our society,” Judge Buescher said while pronouncing sentence. Judge Buescher added: “I sit back and wonder, if these 30,000 pills had gotten into the community, what would have happened?” On December 4, 2023, Omaha police executed a search warrant at an Omaha residence where Milton lived with his girlfriend and minor children. Inside of a bedroom, officers found more than 30,000 fentanyl pills, three loaded firearms, and three Glock full auto conversion devices. One of the firearms was a Glock pistol with a fully automatic conversion device, which allowed the pistol to fire as fully automatic. Officers also seized marijuana, THC wax, psilocybin mushrooms, and $16,416 in cash. The $16,416 in cash will be forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Cincinnati man who was convicted at trial of sex trafficking, exploiting 2 teens sentenced to 40 years in prison

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 480 months in prison and to a lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking minors, sexually exploiting children and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Kelly Richards, 43, was found guilty on all five counts following a six-day jury trial in April before U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. “Richards drugged, raped, abused, photographed and sold two teenage girls. He held them for days in a one-bedroom apartment with multiple firearms he was forbidden to own, wantonly mistreating them for his own physical, sordid desires, financial gain, and the pleasure of others. He deserves to spend the next 40 years in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. Richards is also known as “Scorpio” and has a tattoo of a scorpion on the left side of his face. According to court documents and trial testimony, investigators were alerted in March 2023 that two juveniles had been screened as potential sex trafficking victims. Richards picked up the two juveniles after they fled a group home in Dayton. Richards then drove them to his one-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati. At the apartment, Richards provided the minors with cocaine before sexually assaulting them. Richards forced the juveniles to have sex with other men for money that was paid to Richards. The defendant created prostitution advertisements online with explicit pictures of the minor victims and used physical violence against them. Richards held the juveniles in his apartment for multiple days. Court documents detail that one victim was prostituted up to four times per day in hotels and homes. Federal agents arrested Richards on May 16, 2023. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and other members of the FBI’s Anti-Trafficking Task Force announced the sentence imposed today. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Megan Gaffney Painter are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Little Rock Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FAYETTEVILLE – A Little Rock man was sentenced today to 121 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents, on June 26, 2023, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) dispatcher advised ASP troopers of a reported incident that occurred on Interstate 49. The caller advised dispatch that he believed the defendant, Richard Joseph Price, age 59, had a firearm. Both parties involved in the accident had relocated to a motel in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) Officers and ASP Troopers responded to investigate the reported incident. In speaking to Price, law enforcement suspected that Price was under the influence of alcohol and ultimately arrested him for Driving While Intoxicated. ASP Troopers along with FPD officers continued to investigate and searched Price’s truck. Inside the truck, law enforcement found an open container of alcohol, a loaded, stolen .9mm pistol with a filed off serial number, and two additional loaded magazines. Law enforcement determined that Price was a felon at the time of this incident. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police, Fayetteville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Briana Robbins prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime . Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov .


title: Man Who Murdered Fellow Soldier on Military Base in Germany Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: WASHINGTON — A former U.S. soldier was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for the murder of a pregnant, 19-year-old fellow soldier on a U.S. Army base in Germany over 22 years ago. On May 7, a jury in Pensacola, Florida, found Shannon L. Wilkerson, 44, guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Amanda Gonzales. According to court documents, Wilkerson beat and strangled Amanda Gonzales to death on Nov. 3, 2001, in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne, then a U.S. Army base in Hanau, Germany. Evidence introduced at trial indicated that Wilkerson feared he was the father of Gonzales’ unborn child and that her pregnancy would interfere with his military career and his marriage to another soldier on the base. Wilkerson was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of the offense but was later discharged. “Shannon Wilkerson brutally murdered Amanda Gonzales, a fellow soldier who Wilkerson knew was pregnant at the time,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “While nothing we can do will reunite Amanda with her family, we hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of closure and comfort to Amanda’s loved ones. I am proud of the dedicated and hardworking members of the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners, who are committed to pursuing justice for victims of violent crime, no matter how challenging that pursuit may be.” “The murder of Amanda Gonzales and her unborn child was a horrific act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “This decades-long investigation and resulting prosecution demonstrate the unwavering resolve of our law enforcement partners and their commitment to obtain justice for the victims and their family. The defendant took the life of a 19-year-old woman serving her country far from home — knowing that he was killing her unborn child. The sentence acknowledges the brutal, selfish nature of his crime and imposes just punishment.” “Justice for victims is not just a promise, it’s a commitment, no matter how long it takes,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentencing comes just as Amanda Gonzales’ family will mark 23 years since she and her unborn child were brutally murdered by Shannon Wilkerson on Nov. 3, 2001. While no amount of prison time will bring the young Army solider back, we hope this will close another chapter in the Gonzales family’s grieving process.” The FBI New York and Jacksonville Field Offices investigated this case, with assistance from the Army Criminal Investigative Division, which originally investigated the case. Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI Prepared to Handle Complaints of Voting Rights Concerns, Election Fraud

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Amy R. Romero will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Romero has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Rhode Island, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. United States Attorney Cunha said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). United States Attorney Cunha stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Romero will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (401) 709-5068.” In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (401) 272-8310. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. United States Attorney Cunha said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.” Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. View United States Attorney Cunha’s Election Day Program public service announcement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw02Lr2DyCA&t=16s ###


title: La Fiscalía Federal y el FBI están preparados para manejar Quejas sobre problemas de derechos electorales y fraude electoral

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – El Fiscal Federal Zachary A. Cunha anunció hoy que la Fiscal Federal Adjunta Amy R. Romero liderará los esfuerzos de su Oficina en relación con el Programa Nacional del Día de las Elecciones del Departamento de Justicia para las próximas elecciones generales del 5 de noviembre de 2024. Fiscal Federal Adjunta Romero ha sido designada para servir como Oficial Electoral de Distrito (DEO) para el Distrito de Rhode Island, y en esa capacidad es responsable de supervisar el manejo por parte del Distrito de las quejas del día de las elecciones sobre preocupaciones sobre el derecho al voto, amenazas de violencia a los funcionarios o al personal electoral, y fraude electoral, en consulta con la sede del Departamento de Justicia en Washington. El Fiscal Federal Cunha dijo: “Todo ciudadano debe poder votar sin interferencias ni discriminación y que ese voto se cuente en una elección justa y libre. De manera similar, los funcionarios y el personal electoral deben poder desempeñar sus funciones sin estar sujetos a amenazas ilegales de violencia. El Departamento de Justicia siempre trabajará incansablemente para proteger la integridad del proceso electoral”. El Departamento de Justicia desempeña un papel importante a la hora de disuadir y combatir la discriminación y la intimidación en las urnas, las amenazas de violencia dirigidas a funcionarios y trabajadores electorales, y el fraude electoral. El Departamento abordará estas violaciones dondequiera que ocurran. El Programa del Día de las Elecciones de larga data del Departamento promueve estos objetivos y también busca garantizar la confianza del público en el proceso electoral al proporcionar puntos de contacto locales dentro del Departamento para que el público informe posibles violaciones de la ley electoral federal. La ley federal protege contra delitos como amenazar con violencia contra funcionarios o personal electoral, intimidar o sobornar a votantes, comprar y vender votos, hacerse pasar por votantes, alterar el recuento de votos, llenar las urnas y marcar las papeletas para los votantes en contra de sus deseos o sin su opinión. También contiene protecciones especiales para los derechos de los votantes y establece que pueden votar sin interferencias, incluida la intimidación, y otros actos diseñados para impedir o disuadir a las personas de votar o votar por el candidato de su elección. La Ley de Derecho al Voto protege el derecho de los votantes a marcar su propia boleta o a ser asistido por una persona de su elección (cuando los votantes necesitan asistencia debido a una discapacidad o incapacidad para leer o escribir en inglés). El Fiscal Federal Cunha afirmó que: “El sufragio es la piedra angular de la democracia estadounidense. Todos debemos asegurarnos de que quienes tienen derecho al derecho al voto puedan ejercerlo si así lo desean, y que quienes traten de corromperlo sean llevados ante la justicia. Para responder a las quejas sobre inquietudes sobre el derecho al voto y fraude electoral durante las próximas elecciones, y para garantizar que dichas quejas se dirijan a las autoridades correspondientes, AUSA/DEO Romero estará de servicio en este Distrito mientras las urnas estén abiertas. Puede ser contactada por el público en el siguiente número de teléfono: (401) 709-5068.” Además, el FBI tendrá agentes especiales disponibles en cada oficina local y agencia residente en todo el país para recibir denuncias de fraude electoral y otros abusos electorales el día de las elecciones. El público puede comunicarse con la oficina local del FBI al (401) 272-8310. Las quejas sobre posibles violaciones de las leyes federales de derecho al voto se pueden presentar directamente a la División de Derechos Civiles en Washington, DC mediante el formulario de queja en https://civilrights.justice.gov/ o por teléfono al 800-253-3931. El Fiscal Federal Cunha dijo: “Garantizar elecciones libres y justas depende en gran parte de la asistencia del electorado estadounidense. Es importante que quienes tengan información específica sobre inquietudes sobre el derecho al voto o fraude electoral la pongan a disposición del Departamento de Justicia”. Sin embargo, tenga en cuenta que, en el caso de un delito de violencia o intimidación, llame al 911 inmediatamente y antes de comunicarse con las autoridades federales. La policía estatal y local tiene jurisdicción primaria sobre los lugares de votación y casi siempre tiene una capacidad de reacción más rápida en caso de emergencia. Vea el anuncio de servicio público del Programa del Día de las Elecciones del Fiscal Federal Cunha en la página web https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw02Lr2DyCA&t=16s ###


title: Columbia Man on Federal Supervised Release Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Firearm Possession

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. —Daisean Montez Skeeters, 30, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on July 17, 2024, Columbia Police Department officers responded to a domestic violence call at Skeeters’ home. After arriving, police learned there might be firearms in the home. Because Skeeters was already on federal supervised release for a previous federal firearms conviction, agents also spoke to his U.S. Probation Officer, who said he was also advised of firearms in the home. Agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and located two firearms, including one loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition. Agents obtained a second search warrant for Skeeters’ DNA to compare to swabs taken from those firearms. DNA testing confirmed an extremely high probability that Skeeters’ DNA was present on one of the firearms. Skeeters entered a guilty plea to possessing that firearm as a convicted felon. Skeeters was already on federal supervised release following a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces a separate penalty for violating the terms of that release. According to a sentencing memorandum filed by the Government in his prior case (3:19-CR-992), Skeeters has a history of leading a street gang that was responsible for a substantial disruption of local communities to include through gun violence, organized drug distribution, and fraud schemes. Skeeters faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Skeeters after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department with forensic assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Sanford are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for  Possession of a Machine Gun

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on October 16, 2024, charging a local man with illegal possession of a machine gun. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Dashawn Sublett, 18, was charged with possessing a Glock Switch Device (machine gun conversion device) on June 26, 2024. A Glock Switch device allows a semi-automatic handgun to function as an automatic and is defined as a machine gun under federal law. Sublett made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on October 21, 2024. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the LMPD and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Porter is prosecuting this case. This case is part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Federal Jury Finds Princeton, Kentucky Man Guilty of Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: Paducah, KY – Last week, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Princeton, Kentucky man of three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Chief Chris King of the Princeton Police Department, and Director David Thompson of the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force made the announcement. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 26 and 27, 2021, Micah Gray, 44, distributed quantities of methamphetamine on three occasions. On August 27, 2021, investigators searched Gray’s apartment and located approximately one and one-half pounds of methamphetamine and items related to methamphetamine distribution. Gray is scheduled for sentencing on February 21, 2025, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. Gray remains in federal custody pending sentencing, and he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The DEA, the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force, and the Princeton Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for the 56 th Judicial Circuit of Kentucky. Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Cristy Crockett. ###


title: "Operation Bond Watch" Seeks to Prevent Those Charged with Violent Crimes from Illegally Possessing Firearms

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

body_text: NASHVILLE – Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, today announced a new initiative aimed at prosecuting unlawful firearm possession by individuals previously charged with murder and attempted murder. “Operation Bond Watch” seeks to deter defendants who are out on bond for serious violent crimes from illegally possessing firearms and potentially putting the community at risk. The program seeks to deter those released on bond for First Degree Murder, Felony Murder, Second Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, and Attempted Second Degree murder from unlawfully possessing firearms. Under this new program, if an individual on bond for a serious violent crime is found to have unlawfully possessed a firearm, federal prosecutors will, where the evidence supports it, swiftly seek appropriate federal charges against those individuals. “The goal is to keep the community safe from gun violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski, “and to prevent those on bond while charged with murder and attempted murder from illegally carrying guns while awaiting their day in court.” “Breaking cycles of violent gun crime by repeat offenders is essential to the safety of the Nashville community,” said Metro Police Chief John Drake. “Operation Bond Watch is an important tool in a system of checks and balances between a defendant’s arrest and ultimate adjudication of the case. I am grateful to Acting U.S. Attorney Jaworski and our strong partners in the ATF and FBI for their commitment in helping us hold violent criminals accountable.” “Protecting the public is at the core of our ATF mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the ATF Nashville Field Division. “We, along with our law enforcement partners, stand ready to work tirelessly to prevent those who choose to illegally possess firearms from wreaking havoc on law abiding citizens.” “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners on Operation Bond Watch,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Here in Tennessee, the FBI will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to deter defendants who are out on bond for serious violent crimes from illegally possessing firearms. Everyone deserves to live in a community free of gun violence.” In April 2024, a Nashville man out on bond for a 2021 murder was arrested on suspicion of committing another murder; both cases are still pending. “We believe in the presumption of innocence and a right to a fair trial,” Jaworski said, “but we also believe that the community should be protected from individuals unlawfully possessing firearms when there is the potential to cause destructive violence.” Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nashville have previously charged individuals on bond for murder with unlawful weapons possession offenses. For example, Mark Ellis, 30, of Clarksville was on bond for First Degree Murder when he was arrested with a 9mm pistol and a pound of fentanyl during a drug deal. In March of 2024, Ellis was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his crimes. This new effort will bring more federal resources to bear against individuals who unlawfully possess firearms while on bond for serious violent crimes. “Our commitment to the safety of our community has been steadfast,” Jaworski said, “this new initiative will hopefully deter those awaiting a trial on serious charges from illegally carrying a gun, which is better for everyone.” This initiative 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: Tulsa Man Sentenced for Possessing and Distributing Sexually Explicit Content of Minors

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Brian Harris Carlile, 31, for Receipt, Distribution, and Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. Judge Russell ordered Carlile to 121 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Carlile will also be required to register as a sex offender. Restitution for the victims will be determined at a later date. From June 2023 through September 2023, Carlile admittingly used his cell phone to possess, receive, and distribute images and videos that contained minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Many of the images or videos that Carlile possessed included minors under the age of 12. Carlile is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Homeland Security Investigations and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Cumberland County Man for Burning Burkesville, Kentucky City Hall

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on October 9, 2024, charging a Cumberland County, Kentucky man with setting fire to the Burkesville, Kentucky City Hall. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement. According to the indictment, Nathan Riddle, 47, was charged with arson of a building receiving federal funds, and arson of a building affecting interstate commerce. On October 25, 2020, Riddle, maliciously damaged by means of fire, the Burkesville City Hall, which was owned by the City of Burkesville, Kentucky. The City of Burkesville received federal funding and the building was involved in business which affected interstate commerce. Riddle made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on October 17, 2024. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, Riddle faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Alexandria fentanyl dealer sentenced to 10 years in prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for selling counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. According to court documents, from at least February to April 2024, Alhagi Gassim Conteh, 30, obtained nearly 4,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills imprinted with “M30,” but which contained fentanyl, and distributed them. Throughout the conspiracy, Conteh, a convicted felon, used a source in Fredericksburg to obtain fentanyl pills to sell to the confidential source (CS) and others. Conteh told the CS that his “man” in Fredericksburg was receiving packages of up to 30,000 fentanyl pills at a time , and Conteh sold these fentanyl pills to the CS. On April 12, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Conteh’s residence in Alexandria and recovered approximately 500 fentanyl pills, cocaine, two magazines with a total of 36 rounds of ammunition, a digital scale, and a handheld pill press. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin S. Starr prosecuted the case. Assistance was provided by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-140.


title: Former Eastern Kentucky Pharamacist Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Corbin, Ky., woman and former pharmacist, Stephanie Collins, 57, has been sentenced to 20 months, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for her role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid, by billing for medications that she never dispensed to her customers. According to her plea agreement, Collins operated as a registered pharmacist and operated Stephanie’s Down Home Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy located in Corbin. The pharmacy sought reimbursement from Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid for the drugs and other medical products it dispensed to its customers. As part of the scheme to defraud these taxpayer-funded health care benefit programs, Collins used the pharmacy’s computer system to submit claims for payment for prescription drugs that patients never picked up or otherwise received. Collins also submitted fraudulent claims for diabetic test strips, billing Kentucky Medicaid for more expensive test strips when she was actually giving her customers lower-cost test strips. In total, her false and fraudulent claims caused Kentucky Medicaid and Medicare to reimburse Collins’ pharmacy $730,055.78. Under federal law, Collins must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for two years. The Court also ordered Collins to pay $730,055.78 in restitution. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; and Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), jointly announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the DEA, IRS, HHS-OIG; the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch; and the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Admits Misusing Public Funds

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner has admitted misusing public funds and entered a pretrial diversion program in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. As part of the agreement, Gardner admitted directing her employees to issue a series of checks totaling $5,004.33 from the Contingent Fund Account in the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office to reimburse her for paying the fees and costs assessed against her personally by the Missouri Supreme Court in its August 30, 2022, Disciplinary Order, Case Number SC99645. The Supreme Court reprimanded Gardner and found that she had violated ethical rules during her office’s prosecution of former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens. By Missouri statute, the Contingent Fund is only to be used to pay such expenses as necessary for the proper and vigorous prosecution of the duties of the Circuit Attorney’s Office. The diverted funds “were deposited in her personal bank account and used for her personal expenses unrelated to her job duties and the operations of the Circuit Attorney’s Office. Kimberly Gardner was not entitled under the law to that additional compensation,” the diversion agreement says. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has jurisdiction in the case because the City of St. Louis receives federal program funds in excess of $10,000 annually and because Gardner admitted misusing more than $5,000 in public funds. The agreement defers prosecution for a period of 18 months, during which time Gardner must avoid violating any laws, report to a pretrial services officer and follow the instructions of that pretrial services officer. She is also required to repay the diverted funds to the Circuit Attorney’s Office as restitution. “The agreement follows a thorough investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, during which investigators interviewed all pertinent witnesses and reviewed all available evidence and financial records,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “This is a just and fair outcome for a case involving a former official and the misuse of public funds that just met the minimum required under the pertinent federal criminal statute.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith handled the case. The FBI investigated the case. diversion_agreement_final.pdf


title: Washington State Defense Attorney Facing Federal Charges for Smuggling Drugs into Correctional Facility

body_text: SEATTLE—A Washington State defense attorney was arraigned in federal court Monday after he was indicted for joining a criminal conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF), a jail located in Seattle, during client visits. John M. Sheeran, 60, of Pierce County, Washington has been charged with conspiring to distribute controlled substances, possessing and distributing methamphetamine, distributing buprenorphine, and illegally using a communication facility. According to the indictment, Sheeran used his status as an attorney to smuggle controlled substances, including methamphetamine, ketamine, buprenorphine, and THC, to two of his then- clients and inmates at KCCF during legal visits. During the conspiracy, Sheeran distributed, or possessed with an intent to distribute, sheets of paper that had been soaked in drugs, chewing tobacco cans that swapped out the tobacco with drugs, and trial clothes that had drugs concealed in the soles of the shoes. After Sheeran successfully smuggled the drugs into KCCF, Sheeran’s co-conspirators sold the drugs to other inmates for significant sums. On October 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Seattle returned an indictment charging Sheeran and four co-conspirators. Sheeran was arrested Monday without incident in Washington Place, Washington. Sheeran made his initial appearance in federal court Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Seattle. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on December 20, 2024. If convicted, Sheeran faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a minimum of three years’ supervised release, and a fine up to $1 million. The case was investigated by the FBI and King County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, acting as Special Attorney for the Western District of Washington. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Alamogordo Man Linked to Firearm Used in Fatal Shooting of Police Officer

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Alamogordo man was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for providing the modified shotgun used to shoot and kill an Alamogordo Police Officer. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, Jonah Apodaca , 31, provided a “sawed-off” shotgun to Dominic Cruz De La O which he is accused of later using to shoot and kill Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson on July 16, 2023. Apodaca ’s DNA was located on the shotgun shell recovered from the chamber of the shotgun and ammunition from the magazine tube. Upon his release from prison, Apodaca will be subject to three years of supervised release. De La O was charged with possession of a firearm not registered with the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number. De La O remains in custody pending trial which is currently scheduled to begin February 26, 2025. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Office’s District Election Officers for November 2024 General Election

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Jeffrey R. Bengel and Nicole A. Stockey will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSAs Bengel and Stockey have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and, in that capacity, are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. United States Attorney Olshan said: “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). United States Attorney Olshan stated: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs Bengel and Stockey will be on duty in this District while the polls are open and can be reached by the public by calling (412) 644-3500.” In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (412) 432-4000. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. United States Attorney Olshan said: “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.” In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of Mescalero Man for Strangulation

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison for strangling his wife. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, Fulton C. Potter , 30, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, strangled his wife on November 24, 2023. Upon his release from prison, Potter will be subject to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda McCarthy Villalobos is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: 72 Year Old Tahlequah Resident Sentenced To 17 Years For Child Sex Abuse Crimes

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Phillip Dale Wilson, age 72, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 204 months each on two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. The terms are to be served concurrently for a total prison term of 17 years. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. On December 18, 2023, Phillip Dale Wilson pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, beginning in December of 1999 and continuing until November of 2005, Wilson sexually abused a child he knew to be under the age of 12. Investigators also established that between April 2004 and March 2011, Wilson sexually abused a second child he knew to be under the age of 12. The investigation further revealed that between September 2001 and December 2015 Wilson sexually abused three other children under the age of 12 and another child under the age of 16. The crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI to investigate anyone who would harm the most vulnerable members of the community, our children,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue child sex offenders and send them to federal prison where they belong.” “Due in large part to the bravery of the victims and the exceptional investigative work of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, the defendant will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “No prison sentence can undo the physical and emotional damage the defendant inflicted on his victims, but I hope they can have some measure of peace in knowing the defendant no longer poses a threat to them or other children.” The Honorable Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for Puerto Rico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Wilson will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Paladino represented the United States.


title: Stoughton Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Armed Robberies of Postal Workers

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Stoughton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the armed robberies of United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers that took place on Nov. 29, 2022 in Mattapan and Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park. In one instance, the defendant robbed the letter carrier at knifepoint. Kenneth Demosthene, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In July 2024, Demosthene pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States, aiding and abetting and two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, aiding and abetting. In May 2023, Demosthene was indicted by a federal grand jury along with his alleged co-conspirator Myesha Lewis. USPS has seen a rise in the use of arrow keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An arrow key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These arrow keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 23 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and its surrounding communities. These incidents included the attempted or successful robbery of USPS arrow keys from letter carriers. Additionally, of these 23, 15 of the robberies were instances where the perpetrators were reportedly armed with a knife, firearm, or both. On Nov. 29, 2022, in Mattapan, Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis followed and forcibly robbed a USPS letter carrier of an arrow key. Demosthene approached the letter carrier and said, “I’m going to need your master key,” before reaching into the letter carrier’s mail satchel and grabbing the arrow key. The arrow key was secured around the letter carrier’s belt with a brass chain. It is alleged that the force used to physically break the brass chain caused the letter carrier to be pulled off the front steps. Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis fled the scene in a rental vehicle. On Dec. 16, 2022, in Hyde Park, Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis robbed another USPS letter carrier of an arrow key at knife point. Demosthene approached the USPS letter carrier and said, “Give me your f****** arrow key.” The letter carrier put their hands in the air as the defendants attempted to remove the arrow key, at first by force pulling at the chain. Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis then attempted to cut it with the knife – eventually breaking the arrow key loose, and fleeing the scene on foot. Lewis is expected to plead guilty on Oct. 30, 2024. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Exceptional Law Enforcement Work at the 2024 Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – On October 23, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont honored a number of individuals from a variety of law enforcement agencies at the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony. Individual investigators and officers from federal, state, and local agencies were nominated by U.S. Attorney’s Office staff in a variety of categories for their outstanding work supporting the mission of this office and promoting public safety. The specific categories and individuals recognized today are as follows: Investigative Achievement Award : This award criteria are established for those individuals, both sworn and non-sworn who have significantly contributed to the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Special Agent Samuel Brown, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – nominated for United States v. Carl Martin. Special Agent Brian Wood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – nominated for United States v. Carl Martin. Special Agent Nicholas Call, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley. Resident Agent in Charge Derek Roy, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley. Special Agent Jason Tilley, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley. Financial Investigator Joel Garland, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations – nominated for United States v. Paul Bateman, Samir Doshi, and Rebecca Buckley. Special Agent Erin Nelligan, Homeland Security Investigations – nominated for United States v. Michael Burton. Special Agent Colin Simons, Federal Bureau of Investigation – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara. Detective Sergeant Karl Gardner, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara. Detective Trooper Steven Fauteux, Vermont State Police – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara. Detective Sergeant Aaron Lefebvre, St. Albans Police Department, former Detective with the Vermont Drug Task Force and the Newport Police Department – nominated for United States v. Eric Colson, Gage Colson, and Antonio Vergara. Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award: This category is limited to those who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to overcome significant challenges in collaboration with multiple agencies in order to meet the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Special Agent Brian Wood, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Samuel Brown, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Detective Sergeant Philip Tremblay, Burlington Police Department Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer Durwin Ellerman, Burlington Police Department Sergeant Chase Vivori, Burlington Police Department Special Agent Erin Nelligan, Homeland Security Investigations All nominated for outstanding collaborative investigation in United States v. Ronald Harris, et al. Special Agent Paul Altenburg, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Anders Ostrum, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Criminal Analyst Nancy Woods, Homeland Security Investigations Resident in Charge Alex Zuchman, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael DeFiore, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, former Detective Corporal with the Vermont Drug Task Force and the South Burlington Police Department Detective Sergeant Dustin Robinson, Vermont State Police Detective Sergeant Philip Tremblay, Burlington Police Department Special Agent Aaron Dince, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Colin Simons, Federal Bureau of Investigation Postal Inspector Jonathan Dunham, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Special Agent Brandon Hope, Drug Enforcement Administration All nominated as their agency representatives for outstanding collaborative investigation for United States v. Dajuan Williams, et al. Award recipients gathered today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by colleagues and family. Each recipient received an engraved award commemorating their outstanding efforts. U.S. Attorney Kerest stated: “This is one of the best days of the year when we have the chance to recognize law enforcement officers like today’s awardees in the presence of their families. Today’s awardees make the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office possible, and they do that work with the necessary support of their family and loved ones. We applaud their tireless work and the daily sacrifices they all make.”


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Charles Edward Ketcher, Jr., age 33, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm. The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On March 15, 2024, Ketcher pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. According to investigators, on October 14, 2023, Ketcher was captured on a surveillance camera carrying a rifle. At the time Ketcher possessed the rifle, he knew he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. 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. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Ketcher was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.


title: Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in $41 Million Health Insurance Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A Dallas pharmacy owner who routinely billed insurance companies for headache sprays, pain creams, and scar creams never dispersed to patients was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to 10 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Ivor Jallah, 37, was indicted in November 2020 and pleaded guilty in June 2024 to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. He was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 120 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $41,494,313.97 in restitution. Mr. Ivor’s coconspirator, Shannon Turley, 46, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and is set to be sentenced in November. “By billing for prescription medication patients never needed nor received, these defendants brazenly lined their pockets at the expense of each and every client who paid into health insurance,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Healthcare is already a significant expense for many Americans. We cannot and will not allow pharmacy operators to abuse the system in this way.” “Healthcare fraud schemes are more complex, more resource-consuming, and more costly to the American taxpayer than ever. For this defendant, as one avenue to personal enrichment ran its course, he simply began operating a new pharmacy or engaging in a new method to circumvent existing system safeguards,” explained Dallas FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge P. J. O’Brien. “From fraudulent credentials to fabricated invoices, the conspiracy was designed to thwart detection. The FBI will continue to work with our partners from the Northern District of Texas, Texas Department of Insurance, and others to bring justice to criminals who attempt to undermine our healthcare system.” According to plea papers, Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley – who together operated at least nine Texas pharmacies, including Preferred RX, EZ Pharmacy, Avenue H Pharmacy, and Wallis Pharmacy – paid individuals they referred to as “marketers” for insured patients’ personally identifiable information. Some patients were aware of the scheme and required the marketers pay a fee for their information; others were oblivious to the fraud. Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley caused employees to input the patient information onto pre-populated prescription pads. In some cases, they paid physicians to fraudulently stamp prescription forms when they had not seen patients, while in other cases, they used physicians’ stamps without their knowledge. Initially, the pharmacies shipped out a fraction of the medications they billed to insurance. At some point, however, Mr. Jallah decided to stop shipping out any medication they billed to insurance. When insurance companies conducted audits to determine whether the prescription claims were legitimate, Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley fabricated drug purchase invoices to support the claims they submitted to insurance. Mr. Jallah also directed pharmacy employees to create faux prescription delivery logs and directed the so-called “marketers” to ask patients to sign the logs regardless of whether they received prescriptions. In cases where the marketers could not obtain patient signatures, Mr. Jallah directed pharmacy employees to forge them. Over the course of the scheme, Mr. Jallah and Ms. Turley submitted at least $46 million in bogus claims to insurers, $41 million of which were reimbursed. Eight defendants have previously pled guilty to charges associated with the pharmacy fraud and been sentenced to a combined 290 months in prison. Two other defendants await sentencing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Texas Department of Insurance conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marty Basu, Joshua Detzky, and Lindsey Pryor prosecuted the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Miller and Lisa Dunn. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dimitri Rocha handled the forfeiture.


title: Two Sampson County Men Indicted Following October 2023 Murder of Five

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., is announcing federal charges against two men arising from the murders of five people in a Sampson County house in October 2023. The indictment alleges that the two are responsible for the murders. In a superseding indictment returned on August 27, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Robert Andrew Daquan Williams, aka “Double Tap, Drew and TTG,” age 31, and Derek George, aka “Pete,” age 35, with drug distribution and robbery charges. The superseding indictment also alleges possession of a firearm to further the drug and robbery charges and that the firearm was discharged resulting in the murder of five victims. Williams and George are each charged with one count of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack), one count of conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Williams also faces one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. A third individual named in the indictment is charged with illegal gun possession but is not currently facing charges related to the murders. If convicted, Williams and George face punishment up to and including the death penalty. Williams has been in custody since November 9, 2023. George was arrested following the federal indictment and remains in custody. “The charges brought in this case demonstrate the partnership between local, state and federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute individuals believed to be contributing to violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “In this case, a combination of old-fashioned police work and community tips led to the identification and ultimate arrest of those that are alleged to have caused this act of violence. We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our communities and to ensure justice for those that perpetrate violent criminal activity.” “Five people were taken from their families by this crime which impacted the entire community. We hope these federal charges can bring some sense of peace and justice for everyone affected,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina. “Too many lives were lost in another case of senseless violence,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms Tobacco and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “This incident has had a major impact on the community, and it is important that ATF and our partners apply every resource available to identify, apprehend and bring the individuals who are alleged to be responsible for this terrible crime to justice.” “As the sheriff of Sampson County, it is my responsibility to use every resource available to help keep the residents of Sampson County safe,” said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton. “I greatly appreciate all the people and agencies that have assisted in this investigation.” The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Clinton Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Lemons and Casey Peaden are prosecuting the case. This is an ongoing investigation. If any person has information related to these crimes, please contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141 or the FBI . This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for 7:24-CR-00013-D-BM. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. ###


title: New York Doctor Charged with Health Care Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – A New York doctor was charged today in federal court in Boston for allegedly receiving kickbacks in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans. Dr. Kenneth Fishberger, 75, of East Setauket, N.Y. was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. According to the charging documents, Fishberger, an internist in Long Island, N.Y., was a licensed medical doctor in the State of New York for approximately 47 years. It is alleged that from approximately June 2013 through December 2019, Fishberger conspired with others, including a principal for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, and a salesperson for the company, to order hundreds of medically unnecessary TCD scans in exchange for kickbacks. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain – It is further alleged that Fishberger and his co-conspirators used false diagnoses to order the unnecessary brain scans, for which a co-conspirator would submit claims to Medicare and other insurance companies, including private insurance companies, on behalf of the medical diagnostic company for payment. In exchange, Fishberger was paid cash kickbacks of approximately $100 per test. According to the charging documents, the scheme resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $891,978 to Medicare and private insurance companies. The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; Carol S. Hamilton, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Denver Man Convicted Of Being A Felon In Possession Of Ammunition By Federal Jury

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Tyrell Braxton, 25, of Denver, was found guilty by a federal grand jury of being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to the facts established at trial, in the early morning hours on August 19, 2023, a large group of people gathered on the southwest corner of 28th and Welton in Denver. Shortly before 4 am, multiple gunshots were heard, and Denver Police officers were dispatched to a shooting. Surveillance video from a nearby home showed Braxton repeatedly displaying a firearm for hours prior to the shooting. The video also showed Braxton getting into a man’s face before firing six shots at the man and the people standing near him. This man was shot and killed. Two women were shot and injured. After Braxton started shooting, other individuals on scene also began to fire, and a second man was shot and killed. Ultimately, law enforcement recovered 71 spent shell casings that were identified as being fired from eight different firearms. Braxton fled the scene with his firearm and was a fugitive before being captured. Braxton was on federal supervised release at the time for a prior unlawful possession of a firearm and had been released from prison in April 2023. “Violent criminals have no place on our streets,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “Our office works hard to hold repeat offenders accountable for their actions, and I am grateful for the dedicated support of our local law enforcement partners.” Sentencing will be held on January 29, 2025. United States District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson presided over the trial. The Denver Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Celeste Rangel and Special Assistant United States Attorney Leah Perczak handled the prosecution. 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. Case Number: 24-cr-00029-RBJ-1