title: Jasper County felon guilty of federal firearms and drug trafficking crimes

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Buna man has been convicted of federal firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. Leotis Cornelius McMahon, 48, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 5, 2025. According to information presented in court, in 2023, law enforcement was investigating McMahon for distributing narcotics within Southeast Texas. After a prolonged surveillance operation, a traffic stop was conducted on McMahon where he was found to be transporting large amounts of marijuana, cocaine, and nearly a kilogram of “actual” methamphetamine. After the traffic stop, a search warrant for McMahon’s residence in Buna was obtained and executed. Law enforcement discovered materials used in the distribution of narcotics as well as four separate firearms, one being an AR style pistol. One of the firearms seized from McMahon’s residence was stolen. McMahon was operating what was described as a mobile illegal drug shop. The amounts of controlled substances, along with the tools used in trafficking such as scales and bags used for distribution, seized from McMahon indicated that he was dealing significant quantities of drugs for profit. Further investigation revealed McMahon is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. McMahon was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 10, 2024. He faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations; Lumberton Police Department; Jasper County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and John B. Ross. ###


title: Former Utah Gymnastics Coach Admits to Having a Hidden Camera to Produce Child Sexual Abuse Materials

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah gymnastics coach and owner of USA Gymnastics World pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Adam Richard Jacobs, 34, of Woods Cross, Utah, was charged by indictment in April 2023. See press release: Utah Gymnastics Coach Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, Jacobs, beginning on a date unknown and continuing until March 2023, transported a minor from Utah to other states including Florida and Texas as his gymnastics coach. During this time, he placed a hidden camera in the minor’s hotel room and bathroom to produce child sexual abuse materials. Jacobs further admitted that all electronic devices seized pursuant to a search warrant served in March 2023 were used to further participate in the production of child sexual abuse materials. As stated in court documents, a USA Gymnastics World employee discovered a hidden camera twice in a unisex restroom at the facility and contacted police. A subsequent investigation recovered approximately 120 video files of victims in the restroom. Approximately 40 videos showed Jacobs setting up the cameras in his home and at USA Gymnastics World. Jacobs is scheduled to be sentenced August 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Woods Cross Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Kaysville Police Department, Clearfield Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Davis County Attorney’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Carl Hollan and Assistant United States Attorney Carol Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Eleven Members And Associates Of Paterson Based Gang Known As “100k” Indicted For Racketeering For Their Roles In A Murder, Three Shootings, Two Robberies, Drug Trafficking Activities, Bank Fraud, And Other Crimes

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Eleven members of the Paterson based neighborhood street gang known as “100k” were indicted for their roles in a violent racketeering conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced today. The Indictment charges Jasun Allah, a/k/a “Rackz,” 21, of Paterson (“J.Allah”); Christopher Thomas, a/k/a “CJ,” 27, of Hackensack; Michael Davis, a/k/a “Baby 3,” 27, of Paterson; Jazmeir Reyes, a/k/a “Baby Joe,” a/k/a “Joe,” 19, of Paterson; Kyzeik Robinson, a/k/a “Doo Doo,” a/k/a “King Sparks,” a/k/a “Sparks,” 19, of Paterson; Jacim Pitts, a/k/a “Jefe,” 24, of Paterson; Born Allah, a/k/a “Freedom,” 23, of Paterson (“B.Allah”); Elijah Rubio, a/k/a “Lottery,” 20, of Paterson; Trasean Short, a/k/a “Hound,” 19, of Elmwood Park; Elijah Byrd, a/k/a “CEO,” 19, of Paterson; and Quincy Franklin, a/k/a “Double O,” 27, of Paterson with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations statute (“RICO”), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d) (“RICO conspiracy”). The Indictment also incorporates charges connected to a drug conspiracy involving Reyes, Davis, Robinson, and Pitts and the attempted armed robbery of a postal inspector by Reyes, which were previously charged on complaint. These charges are the result of a long-running investigation coordinated between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Jersey State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, among other law enforcement agencies. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: J.Allah, Thomas, Davis, Reyes, Robinson, Pitts, B.Allah, Rubio, Short, Byrd, and Franklin are all members and associates of the neighborhood based street gang known as “100k,” which operates in the area of North Main Street and Jefferson Street in Paterson, New Jersey (the “100k Enterprise”). Since in or around January 2022, these members and associates of the 100k Enterprise have engaged in numerous criminal acts in furtherance of their gang, including murder, shootings, robberies, drug trafficking, and bank and wire fraud. Since the gangs founding in 2016, members and associates of the 100k Enterprise have engaged in acts of violence against members of rival gangs, such as their primary rival, “the Blockboyz,” which operates out of the Presidential Tower Housing Complex in Paterson, among other rival gangs, such as “4k,” which operates in the area of Rosa Parks Boulevard near Lyon Street, Keen Street, and Mercer Street, also in Paterson. Several of these acts of violence are charged in the Superseding Indictment. Specifically, on or about October 1, 2023, in retaliation for the death of a high ranking member of the 100k Enterprise, J.Allah, Thomas, Davis, and other members and associates of the 100k Enterprise shot and killed Victim-2, in territory controlled by the Blockboyz. On or about May 27, 2024, Pitts and other members and associates of the 100k Enterprise shot and injured Victim-3, a member of the rival gang “4k.” On or about October 3, 2024, Short exchanged fire with Victim-4 in territory controlled by the 100k Enterprise. Weeks later, on or about November 17, 2024, Short shot and injured Victim-5, a member of the Blockboyz, in territory controlled by the Blockboyz, and Byrd acted as the driver in that November shooting. The defendants raised money for themselves and the 100k Enterprise by engaging in robberies, drug trafficking, and bank fraud and other financial schemes. Two such robberies are charged in the Indictment, including the armed robbery of a commercial marijuana store on or about January 13, 2022 by Reyes, B.Allah, Short, Rubio, and others; and the attempted armed robbery of Victim-1, a United States Postal Service employee, on or about July 28, 2023 by Reyes, who tried to obtain an arrow key from the victim. This arrow key would have allowed members of the 100k Enterprise to gain access to United States Postal Service mailboxes within a certain geographic area or postal route. The gang’s drug trafficking activities were extensive, with investigators conducting 16 controlled buys with Reyes, Robinson, Davis, and Pitts by utilizing undercover officers and observing countless more drug deals committed by the defendants within and around the territory of Paterson controlled by the 100k Enterprise through physical surveillance and review of cell phone records and social media accounts controlled by the defendants. The charge of RICO conspiracy in the Indictment carries a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison as to J.Allah, Thomas, and Davis, and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison as to Reyes, Robinson, Pitts, B.Allah, Rubio, Short, Byrd, and Franklin. The count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances charged in the Indictment against Reyes, Robinson, Davis, and Pitts carries a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of at least $5 million. On each of the counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Reyes, Robinson, Davis, and Pitts face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. On each of the counts of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and assaulting or impeding certain United States officers or employees, Reyes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. On the count of brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, Reyes faces a mandatory minimum term of 7 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed, and a fine of up to $250,000. Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited law enforcement members with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; the New Jersey State Police, Gangs and Organized Crime North Unit, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas Adamo; the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer In Charge Patrick Murray; the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Anthony Cureton; the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Mark Musella with the investigation leading to today’s charges. This case is part of the Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Paterson. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Paterson Department of Public Safety, the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Bergen County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, and N.J. Department of Corrections. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Criminal Division in Newark. allahetal.sindictment.pdf


title: Four Defendants Charged With Cyberstalking, Kidnapping, And Murder In Parking Lot Of Bronx Shopping Center

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Frank A. Tarentino, the Special Agent in Charge for the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”); and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment in Manhattan federal court charging IVAN COLLADO; PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz”; ARECIO COLLADO; and JERRY VARGAS, a/k/a “Peligro,” with, among other things, cyberstalking resulting in death, murder through the use of a firearm, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, and narcotics conspiracy in connection with the stalking and murder of Raymond Resto, a/k/a “Sugar Hill Tone” on November 26, 2023, in the Bronx, New York. IVAN COLLADO was previously arrested and charged with kidnapping conspiracy and attempted kidnapping resulting in death on February 15, 2024, when he was ordered detained. VILLALBA, ARECIO COLLADO, and VARGAS were arrested yesterday and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “As alleged, these defendants carried out a sophisticated and brazen scheme to stalk, kidnap, and kill Raymond Resto over a drug debt. They murdered Resto in front of his wife in the parking lot of the Throggs Neck Shopping Center in the Bronx. This Office’s commitment to investigate such callous violence is unwavering and we will not relent in our aggressive pursuit of justice against violent criminals.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “Drug trafficking is a dangerous and illegal business, often entangled with violent and deadly consequences. These individuals, who participated in the cyberstalking, attempted kidnapping, and murder of Mr. Resto, chose to use violence and intimidation to further their criminal enterprise. The unsealing of this Superseding Indictment is a result of the partnership DEA New York has with our law enforcement partners in keeping our communities safe and making sure those responsible for these types of violent crimes face consequences for their actions.” As alleged in the charging documents in the case and in court documents: [1] Between at least in or around November 2023 through at least in or about February 2024, IVAN COLLADO, VILLALBA, and ARECIO COLLADO participated in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of powder cocaine in New York City and elsewhere. As part of this conspiracy, a particular drug dealer (“CC-1”) who was assisted by Resto, obtained kilograms of cocaine on consignment from IVAN COLLADO, VILLALBA, and ARECIO COLLADO, but CC-1 was unable to repay the debt owed for the cocaine. In response, IVAN COLLADO, together with ARECIO COLLADO and VILLALBA, harassed and intimidated CC-1, including through threats of violence, in an attempt to secure repayment and identify Resto and CC-1’s customers. IVAN COLLADO, VILLALBA, ARECIO COLLADO, and VARGAS also took steps to locate and place Resto under surveillance in advance of his murder, including through the use of a GPS tracking device installed on Resto’s car. On or about November 26, 2023, Resto was in the parking lot of the Throggs Neck Shopping Center in the Bronx with his wife when a BMW pulled in front of Resto and his wife, blocking their path to exit. Three gunmen attempted to force Resto into the BMW. During the kidnapping, one of the gunmen began shooting at Resto at close range. Resto struggled to escape while another kidnapper also opened fire. Resto was shot at least four times and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Resto was 49 years old. Following the murder, IVAN COLLADO, ARECIO COLLADO, and VILLALBA redoubled their efforts to stalk, intimidate, and harass CC-1 and CC-1’s family. If you believe that you have additional information about this murder, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York at 1-866-874-8900, and reference this case. * * * A chart containing the names of the defendants, the charges against them, and the associated penalties is set forth below. The statutory maximum and minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA Task Force, which is comprised of members of the DEA, NYPD, and New York State Police, as well as the NYPD’s Bronx Homicide Squad. Ms. Sassoon also thanked the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Intelligence Analysts for their support and assistance in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley C. Nicolas, Joseph H. Rosenberg, and Courtney L. Heavey are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from investigative analyst Koren Augustin and paralegal specialist Chanel-Ashley Foster. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANTS MAX. PENALTIES 1 Narcotics Conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846 IVAN COLLADO, PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz,” ARECIO COLLADO Life in prison Mandatory minimum 10 years in prison 2 Cyberstalking Resulting in Death 18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A(2)(A) and (B), 2261(b)(1), and 2 IVAN COLLADO, PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Sweetz,” ARECIO COLLADO, JERRY VARGAS, a/k/a “Peligro” Life in prison 3 Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death 18 U.S.C. § 1201(c) IVAN COLLADO, PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz,” ARECIO COLLADO, JERRY VARGAS, a/k/a “Peligro” Life in prison 4 Firearms Use, Carrying, and Possession 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and 2 IVAN COLLADO, PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz,” ARECIO COLLADO, JERRY VARGAS, a/k/a “Peligro” Life in prison Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison 5 Murder Through the Use of a Firearm 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) IVAN COLLADO, PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz,” ARECIO COLLADO, JERRY VARGAS, a/k/a “Peligro” Life in prison or death 6 Cyberstalking With Use of a Dangerous Weapon 18 U.S.C. §§ 2261A(2)(A) and (B), 2261(b)(3), and 2 IVAN COLLADO, PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz,” ARECIO COLLADO, JERRY VARGAS, a/k/a “Peligro” 10 years in prison 7 False Statements 18 U.S.C. § 1001 PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz,” Five years in prison 8 False Statements 18 U.S.C. § 1001 PATRICIA VILLALBA, a/k/a “Patty,” a/k/a “Sweetz” Five years in prison 9 False Statements 18 U.S.C. § 1001 IVAN COLLADO Five years in prison [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Maine Return Preparer Charged with Preparing False Tax Returns for Clients

component: Tax Division

body_text: A grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Maine man with preparing false tax returns for clients and scheming to defraud clients, among other crimes. According to the indictment, Thierry Musese, a paid return preparer, ran a tax preparation business out of a barbershop he owned and operated in Auburn, Maine. During the 2021 and 2022 tax years, Musese allegedly prepared and filed with the IRS false tax returns on behalf of 17 taxpayers. These tax returns allegedly included false business losses, fuel tax credits and residential energy credits, resulting in tax refunds these clients were not entitled to receive. For the 2023 tax year, Musese allegedly continued to prepare false tax returns for clients even after his electronic filing identification number was revoked by the IRS. According to the indictment, Musese also falsified his own tax returns for 2021 and 2022. Musese also allegedly defrauded some of his clients by diverting to himself a portion of their tax refunds without their permission. According to the indictment, he provided these clients with copies of their tax returns that differed from the versions he filed with the IRS. Musese will make his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Maine at a later date. If convicted, Musese faces up to three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return and a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Likhitha Butchireddygari of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Perry for the District of Maine are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Professor Sentenced To 97 Months In Prison In Connection With Human Smuggling And Sex Crimes

body_text: Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JORGE ALBERTO RAMOS was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for smuggling three female victims from El Salvador to the U.S., where he sexually abused them, and possession of child pornography. RAMOS’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl, who also presided over his guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “Today, Jorge Alberto Ramos was held to account for his horrific exploitation of women he smuggled into the United States and sexually abused over the course of a decade. We thank and commend the courageous women who came forward to law enforcement. Ramos’s sentencing is a reminder that the Southern District of New York will work tirelessly to protect vulnerable victims from abuse.” According to the Indictment, the Information, and statements made in related court proceedings: From at least in or about 2013 and in or about 2023, RAMOS smuggled three victims from El Salvador to the Bronx, New York, where he raped, sexually assaulted, and sexually abused them. RAMOS groomed at least three women (“Victim-1,” “Victim-2,” and “Victim-3,” and together, the “Victims”) by, among other things, expressing concern for them and their families and by sending them gifts and money. RAMOS then arranged for each of the Victims to be smuggled from El Salvador into the U.S., including by paying fees for smugglers (or “coyotes”) to transport the Victims across the southern U.S. border. Over the course of a decade, each of the Victims was smuggled into the U.S. and transported to New York. RAMOS then brought each of the Victims, respectively and at different times, to his residence in the Bronx (the “Ramos Residence”). Once at the Ramos Residence, RAMOS raped and sexually assaulted the Victims. In or about 2016, RAMOS raped and sexually assaulted Victim-1 on the first day he brought Victim-1 to the Ramos Residence and then continued to do so for several weeks until Victim-1 fled from RAMOS. In or about 2017, RAMOS raped and sexually assaulted Victim-2 on the first day he brought Victim-2 to the Ramos Residence and continued to do so for approximately one month until Victim-2 fled from RAMOS. Between in or about 2013 and in or about 2014, RAMOS raped and sexually assaulted Victim-3 on at least three occasions after bringing Victim-3 to the Ramos Residence. While the Victims stayed at the Ramos Residence, RAMOS attempted to control the Victims by, among other things, ordering the Victims to stay inside the Ramos Residence, attempting to isolate the Victims from other people, and threatening to report the Victims to immigration officials for deportation back to El Salvador. After RAMOS was arrested, law enforcement agents seized a desktop computer from the Ramos Residence that was powered on at the time of the search. A forensic analysis of the computer led to the discovery of multiple photographs and videos containing known child pornography. * * * In addition to the prison term, RAMOS, 45, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department. This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division and the Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth A. Espinosa, Emily A. Johnson, and Jane Kim are in charge of the prosecution.


title: California CPA Indicted for Filing False Tax Returns

body_text: A grand jury in San Francisco returned an indictment yesterday charging a California man with filing false tax returns with the IRS. According to the indictment, Michael M. Gilbert, of San Rafael, filed false tax returns for himself and two business entities he controlled. Gilbert, a Certified Public Accountant since 1985, allegedly underreported the total income his accounting and tax preparation business, M.M. Gilbert & Company Inc. (M.M. Gilbert), received during the years 2017 through 2020. Gilbert allegedly solicited payments from clients of M.M. Gilbert for “tax strategies” and “donations,” among other things, which the clients paid to White Mountain Properties Inc. (White Mountain), another entity Gilbert controlled. Gilbert allegedly did not report these payments as income on White Mountain’s 2017 through 2021 business tax returns. According to the indictment, in 2020 and 2021, Gilbert also transferred more than $5 million from White Mountain to himself and then did not report that income on his individual tax returns. Gilbert is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Feb. 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler for the Northern District of California. If convicted, Gilbert faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Patrick Burns of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Canadian Businessman Sentenced for Obstruction of Justice for Hiding and Laundering Millions After His 2020 Money Laundering Conviction

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Firoz Patel, 50, of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison today in connection with his efforts to conceal and launder 450 Bitcoin, currently valued at over $43 million, that he hid from the U.S. District Court handling his 2020 conviction and sentencing for conspiring to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and to commit money laundering. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Kai Wah Chan of Homeland Security Investigation’s Washington, D.C., Field Office. Patel plead guilty on September 17, 2024, to one count of obstruction of an official proceeding. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered three years of supervised release, a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $24,020,699.83, and forfeiture of 450 Bitcoin plus interest currently restrained at a virtual currency exchange in the United Kingdom. In 2020, Patel was convicted and sentenced to 36 months for operating Payza, an illegal financial payments platform that processed cryptocurrency payments. According to court documents, in 2004 Patel began operating his payment processing company AlertPay, which evolved into Payza. The Montreal company offered its services to customers across the United States, even though the business lacked a license to operate in any state or the District of Columbia. Throughout Payza’s existence, the company partnered with various money services businesses, such as OboPay in 2012, another online money services business. At Patel’s direction, merchants were not removed from Payza’s platform for being involved in high-risk activities such as Ponzi schemes, money laundering activities, multilevel-marketing (MLM) scams, money-cycler scams, pyramid schemes, and steroid distributors. Payza did not have a Bank Secrecy Act Officer, it did not conduct legally required Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money-laundering audits, and it operated in the United States at various times without registering with the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) or state authorities. On July 16, 2020, Patel pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business and to launder monetary instruments, based on his operation of Payza. As a condition of his plea, he was required to identify and forfeit any property involved in the offense to which he pleaded guilty. Although Patel had control over more than 450 Bitcoin in Payza’s illicit proceeds—valued at approximately $24,000,000 at the time—he provided false information to the U.S. Probation Office and the Court in an attempt to hide his illicit Bitcoin wealth, including by claiming his only assets were $30,000 in a retirement savings account. On November 10, 2020, then-District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson sentenced the defendant to 36 months in prison and two years of supervised release and entered an agreed-upon order requiring Patel to forfeit any property involved in his offense, as well as any property traceable to such property. Rather than comply, shortly after his sentencing but before reporting to prison, Patel began consolidating Payza’s illicit cryptocurrency proceeds and attempted to deposit them with Binance, a virtual currency exchange. On April 22, 2021, Binance informed Patel that his account was being closed for violating Binance’s terms of service and being flagged by a third-party compliance tool. Forced to withdraw 450 Bitcoin, Patel opened an offshore virtual currency account in his father’s name, listed an address in Belize linked to Payza’s operations, and transferred the same 450 Bitcoin in illicit proceeds into the account shortly before he reported to the Bureau of Prisons. This second virtual currency exchange also deemed the deposit suspicious and froze the funds. Patel contacted the exchange in June 2021 stating “[i]f this is about me, then realize that I am not beholden to any actions by the USA or any other government authorities. I have paid my dues and I owe nothing to anybody.” Patel tasked a Payza business associate to work on providing false Know Your Customer (KYC) information to the virtual currency exchange in an effort to unfreeze the illicit funds. Had the scheme succeeded, Patel would have successfully hid and laundered the funds and been released from prison with 450 BTC in criminal proceeds awaiting him. The Department of Justice restrained Patel’s Bitcoin through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty request to the United Kingdom during the course of the investigation. According to the Government’s sentencing memo, Patel became aware of the investigation while serving his 36-month sentence for the 2020 conviction. As Patel neared his release date, he enlisted the assistance of C.A. to impersonate an attorney and engage in sham negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. C.A. and Patel planned to string along the assigned Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) long enough for Patel to be released on his 2020 conviction and flee the United States to Canada to avoid prosecution. The AUSA and investigators discovered the false impersonation in advance of Patel’s release date and returned an Indictment of Patel in May 2023. He has been in Bureau of Prisons custody or detained pre-trial since June 2021. This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin L. Rosenberg and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher B. Brown of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Jonas Lerman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. Valuable assistance was also provided by Scott Meisler and Josh Handell of the Criminal Division’s Appellate Section, and by Trial Attorney Erin Mikita and former Trial Attorney Roberto Iraola of the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. The case was originally investigated by former Assistant United States Attorney Arvind K. Lal. 23cr166


title: Two Baltimore Men Indicted For Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dominic Wise, age 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Darius Gissentaner, age 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, were indicted on February 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury on firearms charges. According to Acting U.S. Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on July 8, 2024, in York County, Pennsylvania, Wise possessed a Glock 9mm pistol, and Gissentaner possessed a 9mm SCCY pistol, when they were both felons prohibited from possessing a firearm. The indictment also alleges that the 9mm SCCY pistol that Gissentaner possessed had an obliterated serial number. The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Monroe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty for the charge of felon in possession is a period of 15 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum for the Possession of a Firearm with an obliterated serial number is a period of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Out of state man pleads guilty to laundering email scam proceeds

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A California man has admitted to operating an illegal money transmitting business, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Victor Rubio Jr. admitted that from 2021 to 2022, he operated an unlicensed money transmitting business that received and transmitted funds from a business email compromise (BEC) scheme. Rubio ran the unlicensed money transmitting business by using shell companies that existed only on paper. As part of the plea, Rubio acknowledged opening and maintaining bank accounts to collect money from at least two victims in a BEC scheme, including a healthcare liability insurance company headquartered in Georgia and a township in New Jersey. Then, for a fee, he transmitted the fraud proceeds to co-conspirators. In response to fraudulent wire instructions from spoofed email accounts, victims sent interstate wire transfers for payment to Rubio instead of to the true creditors to whom the victims owed money. More than 45 people in multiple states, including Rubio and seven others in the Southern District of Texas, have been charged in separate business email compromise schemes that affected numerous victims. U.S. District Judge George Hanks will impose sentencing April 22. At that time, Rubio faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. The FBI - Bryan Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Thomas Carter are prosecuting the case.


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 165 Months for Bringing Thousands of Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills into the District

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Craig Eastman, 21, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 165 months in federal prison for participating in a massive fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that distributed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills from Southern California to destinations throughout the United States, including the District. Eastman was one of more than two dozen co-defendants arrested over the course of 2023 in D.C., Virginia, Maryland, San Diego, and Los Angeles and charged in the conspiracy. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Eastman pleaded guilty on July 25, 2024, to conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the 165-month prison term, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Eastman to serve five years of supervised release. The impetus for this investigation was the overdose death of Diamond Lynch, a young mother in Southeast D.C. In addition to investigating and prosecuting the death-resulting case, [1] law enforcement followed the evidence and uncovered a vast network of traffickers who transported fentanyl from Mexico to Los Angeles to the District of Columbia. Since then, investigators have seized more than 450,000 fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms. According to court documents, Eastman entered into the conspiracy after he was introduced to a Los Angeles-based drug trafficker, who was a distributor of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. Eastman traveled to Southern California to purchase the fake oxycodone from the L.A. supplier and returned to the District with the drugs. Eastman and his co-conspirators employed two primary methods to transport the pills to the District: they smuggled them in luggage or carry-on items on airline flights, or they shipped the pills utilizing the U.S. Postal Service and commercial mail carriers After transporting the fentanyl-laced pills back to the District of Columbia, Eastman redistributed them for profit, primarily in collaboration with a co-defendant. Two redistributors of the pills were his siblings, Larry and Justice Eastman , who later were convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Ms. Lynch was a customer of Larry and Justice Eastman. Craig Eastman not only knew of Ms. Lynch’s overdose death, but proceeded to attempt to sell the batch of pills that included Ms. Lynch’s fatal dose at a discount rather than simply destroy them and incur the financial loss. Specifically, the month after Ms. Lynch’s overdose death, Craig Eastman marketed the same bulk supply of pills that included Ms. Lynch’s fatal dose. Craig Eastman informed a prospective customer that he “caught a bad batch of some 30s,” and asked the customer to “see if [he] got somebody to sell em to[,] I got endless.” Craig Eastman also had been found in residences containing firearms on multiple occasions. On September 1, 2021, law enforcement searched Craig Eastman’s residence in the 2300 block of Raynolds Place SE. Agents found him inside his bedroom, along with 204 fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills, multiple firearms and accompanying magazines and ammunition, as well as several thousand dollars in cash. On December 4, 2021, officers searched Eastman’s residence and recovered four firearms, about $1,700 in cash, and distribution quantities of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. In his bedroom specifically, officers found a Glock 17 equipped with a high-capacity magazine and a machine gun conversion device, along with fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. When Craig Eastman was arrested along with co-defendant Charles Taylor on March 22, 2023, in a stash house in the District, officers recovered seven firearms (including one machine gun), assorted ammunition, more than a dozen pounds of marijuana, and a pill bottle containing fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. DEFENDANT AGE LOCATION CHARGES/SENTENCE Hector David Valdez, aka “Curl” 27 Santa Fe Springs, California Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit international money laundering. Craig Eastman 21 Washington, D.C. Sentenced on February 6, 2025, to 165 months for conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Charles Jeffrey Taylor 21 Washington, D.C. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Raymond Nava, Jr. 20 Bell Gardens, California Sentenced September 17, 2024, to 14 years for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Ulises Aldaz 28 Bell Gardens, California Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 95 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Max Alexander Carias Torres 27 Bell Gardens, California Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit international money laundering Teron Deandre McNeil, aka “Wild Boy” 34 Washington, D.C. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Marvin Anthony Bussie, aka “Money Marr” 22 Washington, D.C. Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Marcus Orlando Brown 29 Washington, D.C. Sentenced October 3, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Columbian Thomas, aka "Cruddy Murda” 27 Washington, D.C. Sentenced October 22, 2024, to 160 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Wayne Rodell Carr-Maiden 30 Washington, D.C. Sentenced April 29, 2024, to 45 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Andre Malik Edmond, aka “Draco” 23 Temple Hills, Maryland Sentenced July 22, 2024, to 130 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Treyveon James Johnson, aka “Treyski” 20 Alexandria, Virginia Sentenced September 5, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Karon Olufemi Blalock, aka “Fat Bags” 30 Alexandria, Virginia Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Ronte Ricardo Greene, aka “Cardiddy” 29 Washington, D.C. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Melvin Edward Allen, Jr., aka “21” 39 Washington, D.C. Pleaded guilty on December 18, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Darius Quincy Hodges, aka “Brick” 34 Glen Allen, Virginia Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Lamin Sesay, aka “Rock Star” 28 Alexandria, Virginia Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Paul Alejandro Felix 26 Glendale, California Sentenced November 12, 2024, to 164 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Omar Arana, aka “Frogs” 27 Cudahy, California Pleaded guilty January 3, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Edgar Balderas, Jr., aka “Nano” 27 San Diego, California Pleaded guilty December 19, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Raul Pacheco Ramirez 30 Long Beach, California Sentenced November 26, 2024, to 95 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Giovani Alejandro Briones 30 Victorville, California Pleaded guilty October 24, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Alfredo Rodriguez Gonzalez 26 Rosarito, Mexico Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit international money laundering. These prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the DEA Washington Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation had additional support from the DEA’s Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Divisions, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Solomon S. Eppel, and Iris McCranie of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section. [1] https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/brother-and-sister-sentenced-drug-conspiracy-involving-fentanyl-sales


title: York County Man Indicted For Firearms Offenses

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andie Hartley, age 38, of Felton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury on firearms charges. According to Acting U.S. Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on April 9, 2024, in York County, Pennsylvania, Hartley possessed a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol when he was a felon prohibited from possessing a firearm. The indictment also alleges that Hartley possessed a .22 H&R Victor revolver which had an obliterated serial number. The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Monroe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty for the charge of felon in possession is a period of 15 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number is a period of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Tulsa Woman Convicted of Conspiring to Distribute  More Than 46 Pounds of Methamphetamine

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury convicted Morgan Ashley Kirby, 20, of Drug Conspiracy and Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. “Conspiring with others to deliver drugs onto the streets of the Northern District of Oklahoma will never be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I commend the law enforcement in Texas and Tulsa for working together to catch the defendants before they could complete their delivery.” “The arrest and conviction of Ms. Kirby and her associates made our community safer and prevented further destruction that methamphetamine trafficking can bring to the citizens of Tulsa, Oklahoma, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez. The DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our state and local law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served.” In June 2024, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers pulled over a driver for traffic violations. During a search of the vehicle, troopers located a suitcase containing 21 plastic bags containing a white substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. The investigation revealed that the driver was getting paid $4k to deliver the methamphetamine to Tulsa. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents tested the white substance and confirmed that it was methamphetamine. In a coordinated effort, agents replaced the methamphetamine with fake methamphetamine and allowed the driver to complete the transaction. The driver met with Luis Enrique Rios-Soriano and Morgan Kirby to be paid and delivered the fake methamphetamine for further distribution. Later, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol pulled over the vehicle Rios-Soriano was driving. Kirby was in the passenger side of the vehicle. Upon search of the vehicle, troopers discovered more than 46 pounds of fake methamphetamine and cash sitting on the floorboard of the passenger side of the vehicle. As a result of the investigation, Kirby’s co-defendants, Feliciano Ortega-Banderas, 22, of East Palo Alto, California, and Luis Enrique Rios-Soriano, 25, a Mexican National, pled guilty in October 2024. Ortega-Banderas pled guilty to Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine. Rios-Soriano pled guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. All three will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal, awaiting sentencing before being transported to the Bureau of Prisons. Rios-Soriano is not a U.S. citizen and is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentencing. The Drug Enforcement Administration – Tulsa and Amarillo Resident Offices, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Christian Harris prosecuted the case.


title: Fentanyl Distributor Is Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ryan Rudy Elledge, 30, of Sherrills Ford, N.C., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Sheriff Donald G. Brown II of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Tyler Whisenant of the Maiden Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and proceedings, law enforcement began investigating Elledge in January 2023, for suspected fentanyl distribution in and around Catawba County. On February 17, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Elledge’s residence, seizing more than 71 grams of fentanyl and over $21,000 in cash. In February 2024, law enforcement began a second investigation, after learning that Elledge was selling drugs again from his home in Newton, N.C. On February 22, 2024, a confidential informant purchased fentanyl and other narcotics from Elledge. The following day, officers executed a search warrant at Elledge’s residence, seizing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Court records show that Elledge admitted to distributing more than a kilogram of fentanyl and over 200 grams of methamphetamine. On August 20, 2024, Elledge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maiden Police Department for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.


title: Native Of Mexico Indicted On Illegal Reentry Charge

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eustolio Sanchez-Ramirez, age 38, of Chiapas, Mexico, was indicted on February 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury on a charge of Illegal Reentry. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about December 19, 2024, Sanchez-Ramirez was found in Dauphin County Pennsylvania after previously having been removed from the United States. The indictment also alleges that Sanchez-Ramirez had been removed from the United States through Brownsville, Texas, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # #


title: Long Island-Based Bloods Gang Members Charged With Attempted Murders, Armed Robberies, Firearms Trafficking and Fraud in Second Superseding Indictment

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today in federal court in Central Islip, three Bloods gang members, Dwayne Murray, Kendrick Seymore and Lavalle Wilson, were arraigned on new charges in a 46-count second superseding indictment before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack. That indictment also charges an additional defendant, high-ranking Bloods gang member Sheim Tevin Ramsey-Davis (Ramsey-Davis), with racketeering and racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in-aid-of racketeering, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery, fraud and narcotics trafficking. Ramsey-Davis was arrested on January 30, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. The second superseding indictment includes the following new charges against Murray, Seymore and Wilson for crimes they allegedly committed in Suffolk County between 2016 and 2022: Murray is charged with a September 26, 2016 attempted murder; a May 28, 2020 attempted murder; a May 2020 gunpoint robbery; and firearms trafficking. Murray was previously charged with the June 12, 2020 murder of Wayne Cherry and Seymore was previously charged with the July 23, 2021 execution-style murders of Nyasia Knox, Diamond Schick and Richard Castano. Seymore is charged with a May 2020 gunpoint robbery; an October 23, 2020 armed home invasion robbery; a September 25, 2021 armed home invasion robbery; and an October 1, 2021 attempted armed home invasion robbery. Murray and Wilson are charged with conspiring with other members of the gang to defraud victims of significant amounts of money between 2020 and 2022. John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Raymond A. Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney; James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Office (ATF NY); and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the arrest and charges. “With these new and very serious charges, law enforcement continues its objective of dismantling the Bloods on Long Island, and of prosecuting gang members who are drivers of gun violence and numerous other crimes in Suffolk County,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “My Office and our federal and local partners will not relent in our efforts to remove this threat in order to make our communities safer.” Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia and FBI’s Resident Agency in Augusta, Georgia, for their assistance with the case. “The crimes alleged here strike at the very fabric of our community through violence, intimidation and corruption. Each count in this indictment, from murder to firearms trafficking, represents not just a crime, but a family traumatized, a neighborhood living in fear, or young people pulled into a cycle of violence,” stated Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. “My office will continue working alongside our federal and local partners to dismantle all such criminal enterprises and restore safety to the communities they have terrorized.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy stated: “These three gang members allegedly engaged in an array of criminal activity –murders, armed robberies, and narcotics trafficking – designed to bolster their financial and internal social statuses as well as punish rival entities. This series of new charges emphasizes the various extreme measures the defendants will allegedly implement to support their gang’s operations. Alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate the gang violence and criminality polluting our communities.” “This indictment underscores the collective commitment with ATF NY and our law enforcement partners,” stated ATF NY Special Agent in Charge Miller. “Dismantling violent gangs that terrorize our communities and threaten public safety remain a top priority. It is our obligation to bring every resource to bear in the face of brazen acts of violence. We remain fully committed to enhancing public safety through identifying and eliminating the key drivers of violence. Thank you to the efforts of the men and women of ATF NY Long Island Joint Firearms Task Force, FBI, Suffolk County Police Department and EDNY.” “These defendants have terrorized the community for years, committing a spree of violent crimes,” stated SCPD Commissioner Catalina. “It is through the diligent work of investigators from multiple agencies that we are able to levy new charges. The department along with our law enforcement partners remains committed to working together to fight the brutality of gang members.” As alleged in court filings, the defendants engaged in numerous acts of violence on behalf of the Bloods gang, including robberies, home invasions, numerous shootings and four murders. The defendants are members of a Bloods set known as the Gorilla Stone Bloods (GSB), which have “kaves” located in various towns on Long Island. Murray and Ramsey-Davis were the leaders of the “Money Gang Kave.” The second superseding indictment adds charges stemming from the defendants’ years-long use of violence to target their rivals and armed robberies to enrich the members of the gang. Specifically, on September 26, 2016, Murray, who was the leader of a set of the Bloods, shot a victim multiple times to increase his own status within the Bloods. On May 28, 2020, Ramsey-Davis, at Murray’s direction, fired numerous shots at two individuals believed to be associated with a rival gang who were seated in a parked car in front of a residence in Bellport. Murray, Seymore and Ramsey-Davis, along with other gang members, also routinely scouted lucrative robbery targets and committed several armed robberies and home invasions in Suffolk County in 2020 and 2021. In addition, Ramsey-Davis and his co-conspirators sold large amounts of narcotics, including fentanyl. They also engaged in numerous fraud schemes, including identity theft, credit card and bank fraud and defrauding state unemployment systems. Ramsey-Davis also purchased and sold firearms, and supplied lower-level members of the gang with guns. Previously, Murray and Seymore were charged with racketeering, murder, attempted murder, firearms offenses and narcotics trafficking, and Wilson was charged with attempted murder, firearms offenses and narcotics trafficking. The charges in the second superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek and Andrew P. Wenzel and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Donald N. Barclay and Dena C. Rizopoulos are in charge of the prosecution, along with Paralegal Specialist Dejah Turla. The Defendants: DWAYNE MURRAY (also known as “Wayno”) Age: 33 Residence: Coram, Long Island SHEIM TEVIN RAMSEY-DAVIS (also known as “KG”) Age: 26 Residence: Augusta, Georgia KENDRICK SEYMORE (also known as “KR”) Age: 22 Residence: Coram, Long Island LAVALLE WILSON (also known as “Val,” Skip,” “Flip” and “Wes”) Age: 30 Residence: Shirley, Long Island E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-401 (S-2) (JMA)


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 188 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Jordan Vega, age 29, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 4, 2025, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 188 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and other controlled substances. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Vega was involved in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties beginning in January 2022 until the time of his arrest on April 20, 2023. The investigation revealed that Vega managed a network of drug traffickers and utilized co-conspirators to facilitate drug orders and drug distributions. After a series of undercover purchases of controlled substances from Vega and others beginning in February through March 2023, Vega was arrested on April 20, 2023. At the time of his arrest, Vega attempted to obstruct justice by directing the concealment of approximately 5,000 bags of fentanyl and other contraband located in a stash house in Hazleton. The obstruction attempt and managerial role were taken into consideration at sentencing. Vega was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton on April 18, 2023, along with Alex Hernandez, age 25, also from Hazleton and a member of Vega’s conspiracy. Vega appeared in federal court in Scranton on July 19, 2024, and plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Hernandez was previously sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy. The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton - Safe Streets Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This case is also 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: Brink’s Forfeits $50 Million for Failing to Register as a Money Transmitting Business

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Brink’s Global Services USA, Inc., a currency transporter and subsidiary of Brink’s, Inc. and The Brink’s Company, agreed to forfeit $50,391,143.22 to settle criminal allegations that it operated as an unlicensed money transmitting business. Today’s settlement is believed to be the first resolution with an armored car company based on admissions of criminal wrongdoing for failing to register as a money transmitting business. Brink’s Global Services USA, Inc. (BGS) admitted that it violated Bank Secrecy Act rules requiring that a company transporting money to a third party register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and maintain anti-money laundering compliance programs. As part of a Non-Prosecution Agreement, which allows a company or individual to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for meeting certain criteria, BGS admitted that it illegally transported money domestically and internationally between third parties and outside the limited regulatory protections for currency transporters. During this illegal conduct, BGS failed to have compliance controls in place to ensure its business activities remained within the regulatory safe harbor provided to the armored car industry. As a result, BGS operated as unlicensed money transmission business on multiple occasions in violation of U.S. law. For example, BGS transported more than $15 million from a money service business in San Diego to a separate money service business in Florida across 12 transactions but failed to seek or obtain information confirming that the final beneficiary of each transaction was not someone other than the shipper and did not have compliance controls in place to do so. In fact, for each of the 12 transactions, the approximately $15 million was ultimately transmitted to a third-party not identified by BGS. In addition, on eight occasions BGS was involved in the importation of currency totaling more than $35 million into the United States from Mexico. BGS and two other currency transporters caused the currency importation and subsequent domestic transportation of that money on behalf of a money service business located in Mexico for final delivery to several money service businesses in the United States. Such currency cross-border transshipments fall outside the safe harbor of the currency transporter exemption – which allows a company to avoid Bank Secrecy Act requirements if transactions involve just one company or individual and no third parties – and rendered BGS an unlicensed money transmitter in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1960. “This year’s long investigation detected—and now closes—a back door where cash covertly entered the global financial system,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “For too long, parties have used currency transporters in a manner that evaded Bank Secrecy Act reporting requirements and anti-money laundering tools. This office remains laser-focused on holding individuals and corporations—including those in the armored car industry—accountable for moving money in ways that dodge U.S. law.” “This settlement serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaboration of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and our law enforcement partners,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “Together, we have worked to uncover and address the criminal enterprises that have exploited the U.S. financial system for many years. Our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our financial markets remains resolute, and we will continue to pursue those who threaten its stability and security.” “This case highlights the significance of Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) collaboration between law enforcement agencies in dismantling illegal operations that undermine the integrity of our financial systems,” said Sidney Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations for San Diego. “Through these partnerships, we have successfully exposed and disrupted illicit activities that spanned across borders, to include operations in Mexico. Their agreement to forfeit these funds demonstrates our commitment to holding individuals and businesses accountable when they violate the law. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of those who exploit financial systems for unlawful purposes, ensuring that justice is served, and public trust is upheld.” In a parallel enforcement action, BGS and FinCEN resolved civil allegations related to BGS’s failure to maintain an adequate anti-money laundering program and other related violations. This case was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Christopher Beeler with important contributions from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl F. Brooker and Michael A. Deshong. The full agreement is attached here. npa_brinks_global_services_usa_fully_executed201023978.1.pdf INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Customs and Border Protection


title: NURSE CHARGED WITH TAMPERING WITH VIALS OF FENTANYL

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - An indictment was unsealed charging registered nurse Travis Eskridge, 53, of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, with three counts of tampering with a consumer product, specifically the Schedule II controlled substance fentanyl. He also was charged with one count of theft of medical products by an employee and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck. Beck was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. According to the indictment, while working as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Ascension St. John Hospital, Eskridge tampered with vials containing fentanyl, a powerful narcotic pain reliever, which he knew were intended to be administered to patients in the hospital’s emergency room. The indictment charges that Eskridge removed fentanyl from the vials, replaced fentanyl with another liquid, and returned the tampered vials to the locked drug storage system. Eskridge did this with reckless disregard for the dangerous risk to patients that results from such tampering. The indictment also charges that he stole fentanyl vials as part of a pattern of thefts over a nine-month period and obtained fentanyl by fraud for his personal use. Nurse Eskridge was removed from his position at Ascension St. John Hospital in August of 2022 when the tampering and thefts were discovered. Acting United States Attorney Beck stated, “Such crimes are a betrayal of the trust placed in licensed medical professionals. To protect the health and safety of our citizens, we take crimes like this seriously and pursue those in positions of trust who choose to harm others.” Travis Eskridge made his initial appearance on the Indictment today before a Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He was released on a bond with conditions that included not seeking employment as a nurse. The maximum penalties provided by statute for these offenses include up to 10 years of imprisonment for each of the three tampering counts, up to 5 years of imprisonment for the theft count, and up to 4 years of imprisonment for the acquiring by fraud count. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000. The actual sentence imposed upon any conviction would be decided after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The case is investigated by special agents of the Food and Drug Administration. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Two Individuals Found Guilty in Massive Drug Trafficking Operation in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced today that two men were found guilty for their roles in a massive drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Lance Wade Cole, Jr., 53, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Damian Costello, 28, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, were found guilty by a federal trial jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, methamphetamine hydrochloride, cocaine, and cocaine base. Cole and Costello along with 80 other defendants were involved in the conspiracy. The leader of the Baltimore-based drug trafficking organization was co-defendant, Gary Brown, Jr. The investigation involved over 100 kilograms of fentanyl. Prior to today’s verdict, seventy-seven (77) defendants had already entered guilty pleas. Fifty (50) defendants are awaiting sentencing. Twenty-seven (27) who have entered pleas have been sentenced. Some of those recently sentenced include: Gregory O’Brien Long, Jr., 36, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release; Amber Jean Davis, 41, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, sentenced to 96 months in prison, three years of supervised release; Zachary Thomas Doman, 24, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, sentenced to 70 months, three years of supervised release; John Wesley Yates, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, sentenced to 70 months in prison, three years of supervised release; Jeremy Jason Crock, 43, of Romney, West Virginia, sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release; Michael Lee Engle, 47, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, sentenced to 57 months, three years of supervised release. Two (2) defendants, Matthew David Viands, of Summit Point, West Virginia, and Charles Delroy Singletary, of Baltimore, Maryland, are fugitives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Virginia). This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided. Original press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/investigators-dismantle-fentanyl-drug-trafficking-network-eastern-panhandle


title: Washington man indicted for 2023 fatal fentanyl overdoses in Skagway

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last month charging a Washington man with distributing and conspiring to distribute controlled substances that resulted in the fatal overdoses of two people in Skagway in 2023. According to court documents, from Jan. 1 to Jan. 13, 2023, Jacob Cotton, 33, allegedly conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a substance containing fentanyl to another person. He also allegedly knowingly and intentionally distributed a controlled substance containing fentanyl to a second person during this time frame. On Jan. 13, 2023, a 28-year-old man died after overdosing on fentanyl allegedly distributed by Cotton. The following day, a 44-year-old man also died after overdosing on fentanyl allegedly distributed through the conspiracy. Cotton is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The defendant made his initial court appearance on Jan. 31 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces between 20 years and life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Vogel of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Seattle Field Division and Skagway Police Chief Jerry Reddick made the announcement. The DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, and Skagway Police Department, as part of the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Task FORCE (SEACAD), are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Upshur County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Devonna Nicole Moul, 30, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced to 56 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Moul, also known as “Devonna Nicole Keyser,” was selling methamphetamine in Elkins. Moul has prior convictions for drug violations, escape, and fleeing. Moul will serve three years of supervised release after her prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative., investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Re-Entering the United States as a Felon

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who illegally re-entered the United States as a felon was sentenced yesterday to 2 years in federal prison. Erasmo Roberto Mendez-Lopez, age 29, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 4, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal re-entry as a felon. At the guilty plea, Mendez-Lopez admitted he illegally re-entered the United States after being deported as a felon in 2019. On May 17, 2024, he was arrested by Sioux City police for operating while under the influence (OWI) 2nd offense, eluding, and an active failure to appear warrant for a prior OWI 2nd offense charge out of Woodbury County. He also had 4 active warrants out of Plymouth County, Iowa for Eluding - speed over 25 over limit, speeding, open container, and improper use of lanes from 2022. Mendez-Lopez is a citizen of Guatemala and has been removed from the United States on two separate occasions. Mendez-Lopez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mendez-Lopez was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Mendez-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Enforcement and Removal Office of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-04038. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Pointing laser at aircraft sends Kalispell man to prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA — A Kalispell man who admitted to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft was sentenced today to two and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Nolan Wayne Hamman, 32, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. In court documents, the government alleged that on Nov. 25, 2023, a flight instructor operating a plane over Kalispell called 911 to report a person shining a laser pointer at her plane while she was flying with a minor student. Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and located Hamman on the ground with the laser pointer. Hamman admitted to shining the laser at the plane while it was in flight. Further, Hamman engaged in this behavior over several months, and evidence demonstrated he pursued these planes because he believed they were tracking him. Hamman’s actions continually endangered multiple pilots, including two juveniles, and the safety of those on the ground in the Kalispell area. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Federal Aviation Administration, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Kalispell Police Department conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – James E. Monroe Jr., 59, of Daniels, pleaded guilty today to money laundering. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2022, Monroe filed a petition for personal bankruptcy. Monroe knew he was required to submit true and correct schedules listing his assets and a statement detailing his financial affairs as part of the bankruptcy process. Monroe admitted that he sold his collection of over 10,000 sports trading cards after filing for bankruptcy and without disclosing its existence or its post-petition sale in the bankruptcy filings as required. Monroe further admitted that he sold the collection to a friend online to convert the collection into cash and disguise the nature of the resulting proceeds. Monroe admitted that his asset schedules and statement of financial affairs also did not disclose the December 2021 sale of his marital home in the Glade Springs residential development for $525,000, or the existence of a retirement account, two loans he obtained by using the equity associated with his whole-life insurance policy as collateral, and a storage unit he rented in the Shady Spring area that contained property belonging to the bankruptcy estate. Monroe further admitted that his schedules falsely stated that his then-minor daughter lived with him and was his dependent when neither was true. Monroe is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-121. ###


title: Slovakian Man Sentenced for $738,000 Pandemic Loan Fraud

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Thursday sentenced a man from the Slovak Republic who fraudulently obtained pandemic relief loans to 38 months in prison and ordered him to repay $738,118. Mark Ethan Jermain submitted three false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications from April 26, 2020, to July 16, 2021, while he was in the Slovak Republic. Jermain used his prior legal name, Arsene Millogo. The April 26, 2020, application sought $80,000 for Crazyeats LLC, which Jermain established in Missouri in 2017. On May 13, 2020, Jermain sought $325,275 for a company he’d set up called Unimentors LLC. After the loan was approved, Jermain submitted a Second Draw PPP loan application for $325,275 on Feb. 5, 2021. Jermain transferred the loan money to Slovakia. The PPP loans were intended to help struggling American businesses and jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jermain instead used the money for personal purchases and other unapproved purposes. “Mark Ethan Jermain fraudulently applied for and received PPP loans for businesses that didn’t exist anywhere but on paper. Furthermore, he used the identity of a former business partner, unbeknownst to the partner, to defraud the taxpayer funded program out of nearly three quarters of a million dollars,” said FBI St. Louis Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson. “Jermain is being held accountable in timely fashion after FBI special agents nabbed him at the airport in New York before he tried to fly out of the country.” Jermain returned to the U.S. on August 17, 2023. He was indicted on August 30 and arrested by FBI agents on September 7, the day he was scheduled to leave the country. Jermain, now 42, pleaded guilty in June to three counts of wire fraud. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll prosecuted the case. Anyone with information about pandemic fraud should call the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Hagerstown Man Faces Federal Indictment for Sexually Exploiting a Minor and Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted William Foster Alger, 75, of Hagerstown, Maryland, charging him with seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child, three counts of coercion and enticement of a child, and five counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel Paul Joey Kifer, Chief of Police of the Hagerstown Police Department (HPD); and Washington County State’s Attorney Gina Cirincion. According to the indictment, between November 2023 and December 2024, the defendant persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced three minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing and transmitting child sexual abuse material. Additionally, Alger allegedly enticed the minors to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. He also possessed child sexual abuse material in an internet-based account and on four digital devices. If convicted, Alger faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each of the seven counts of sexual exploitation of a minor; a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment for each of the three counts of coercion and enticement of a child; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each of the four counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. U.S. Attorney Barron commended HSI, HPD, and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Owensboro Man Sentenced to Over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – An Evansville, Indiana, man was sentenced today to 13 years and 7 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Sheila G. Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division, and Chief Billy Bolin of the Henderson Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Austin Jenkins, 26, of Evansville was sentenced to 13 years and 7 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The distribution resulted in the death of a 17-year-old in Henderson, Kentucky, on October 16, 2022. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the DEA and Henderson Police Department, with assistance from the Vanderburgh County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case. ###


title: Spirit Lake Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Degree Murder

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Austin Cody Littlewind, a/k/a Austin Cody Littlewind Jr., age 22, from Spirit Lake, appeared in United States District Court for the District of North Dakota in Fargo today and Chief Judge Peter D. Welte sentenced him to serve 192 months (16 years) in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release during which time Littlewind will be required to abide by a number of conditions. Littlewind had previously pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder within Indian country. In November of 2023, Littlewind stabbed another man to death in Fort Totten, North Dakota, after Littlewind confronted the man over $40. As part of sentence, Littlewind was also ordered to pay restitution for funeral and related expenses. “This crime was both extremely violent and totally pointless,” Schneider said. “While there is no undoing the tragic loss of life that occurred, we hope this sentence provides a measure of justice and reassures the community that violent criminals will be pursued, prosecuted, and sent to federal prison for their crimes. Our career prosecutors and partners at the FBI deserve credit for their successful efforts on this case and their dedication to public safety in Indian country.” “Senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. "Today’s sentencing reaffirms that committing a violent crime carries serious consequences. The FBI, alongside our tribal and law enforcement partners, will continue to seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Lori H. Conroy. # # #


title: Former Sanger Police Officer Indicted for Illegal Firearms Dealing, Obstruction Charges

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Daniel Battenfield, 40, of Visalia, alleging the unlawful dealing of firearms without a license, making materially false statements to a federal agent, and lying on a federal firearms form. According to court documents, Battenfield has purchased and resold hundreds of firearms since at least 2016, purchasing the firearms below market price because of his law enforcement status and then reselling them for a profit. On at least one occasion, he placed an order directly for a customer, lying on a federal firearms form about purchasing the firearm for himself. When confronted by federal agents, he made false statements to them about his activities. Battenfield was placed on leave by the Sanger Police Department because of these activities in July 2024. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sanger Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case. If convicted of unlawful dealing in firearms or making false statement to a government agency, Battenfield faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of making materially false statement in purchase of firearms, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 U.S. 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.