title: Woman and Her Two Daughters Sentenced to Federal Prison for Labor Trafficking Conspiracy in Chicago Suburbs

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — A woman and her two daughters were sentenced to federal prison terms today for conspiring to force undocumented West African children to work in the Chicago suburbs. NAWOMI AWOGA and her two daughters, MARINA OKE and ASSIBA LEA FANDOHAN, were convicted last year of conspiring to conceal, harbor, and shield from detection two children from the West African country of Benin. Awoga coached the victims, then age 14 and 12, in Benin to lie to U.S. immigration authorities about their family relationships in order to obtain tourist visas. Awoga then accompanied the children into the United States. Once in the U.S., Awoga, Oke, and Fandohan harbored the victims in residences in the Chicago suburbs of Country Club Hills and Hazel Crest while forcing the victims to provide labor and services for the defendants’ financial gain. The defendants used violence against the victims to force them to work both inside the residences and at a nearby hair salon. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed the prison sentences today in federal court in Chicago. Awoga, 75, of Hazel Crest, Ill., was sentenced to eight and a half years. Oke, 38, of Country Club Hills, Ill., was sentenced to seven years and ten months. Fandohan, 35, of Hazel Crest, Ill., was sentenced to six years and eight months. The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations; James Mead, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Mark Woods-Hawkins, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service’s Chicago Field Office. Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chicago Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking, and the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office in Cotonou, Benin. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and Tiffany Ardam, and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin M. Linsley. “Labor traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause unimaginable harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “My office is committed to using every available resource to combat labor trafficking and support victims and survivors.” “The conviction of Awoga and her daughters underscores our unwavering commitment to bringing justice to the most vulnerable among us,” said HSI SAC Fitzgerald. “These defendants not only exploited and abused two young children, but they also coerced them into lying to authorities to facilitate their heinous scheme. This case highlights the relentless efforts of our law enforcement partners to dismantle such criminal networks and ensure that those who perpetrate these despicable acts are held accountable.” “Nawomi Awoga, Marina Oke, and Assiba Lea Fandohan trafficked two children who they forced to work for them,” said DOL-OIG SAC Mead. “The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who engage in labor trafficking and involuntary servitude, particularly when minors are involved.” “Combating trafficking requires a strong coalition of local and global partners to share resources and information, better equip front-line workers, and track and respond to evolving trafficking trends,” said DSS SAC Woods-Hawkins. “I’m proud to say that justice was finally served in this child labor trafficking case that has spanned nearly a decade. It was through our successful partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Benin, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice that we were able to secure this verdict and move closer to delivering justice for the victims.” Anyone with information about a potential human trafficking situation is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733. More information about the Justice Department’s work to combat human trafficking can be found here .


title: Inspector Indicted for Fraudulent Permitting and Corruption Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that RANDY A. FARRELL, SR. (“FARRELL”) , age 61, a resident of Metairie, and his company, IECI & ASSOCIATES LLC (“IECI”) ¸ were charged today in a twenty-five count indictment with conspiracy, wire fraud, and honest services fraud. The charges stemmed from FARRELL ’s acceptance of bribes to allow unlicensed electricians to obtain fraudulent permits and fraudulent home inspections on their unlicensed work, as well as FARRELL ’s attempts to thwart investigations into his scheme by offering gifts to public officials. According to the indictment, FARRELL used his status as a third-party inspector at IECI to orchestrate a years-long scheme in which he accepted bribes to let unlicensed electricians work on hundreds of New Orleans homes using licensed electricians’ names and permits, and then FARRELL and IECI fraudulently passed the inspections of the unlicensed electricians’ work. FARRELL also conspired with others to offer bribes to public officials to thwart the investigation into his scheme, including by having a City of New Orleans employee fired. FARRELL and IECI are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1349; twenty counts of wire fraud concerning specific fraudulent permits and inspections, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud regarding FARRELL ’s accepting and offering of bribes, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1346, and 1349. FARRELL was also charged with three counts of honest services fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1346, in connection with specific bribes he accepted and paid. For each count, FARRELL faces up to twenty years in prison and up to three years of supervised release. FARRELL and IECI also each face a fine of up to a $250,000 or twice the gross gain to them or loss to any person, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count. An indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: California Man Charged in Complaint Alleging He Injured Five People in Bomb Attack in Lobby of County Courthouse

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: A California man was charged today in a federal criminal complaint alleging he committed a bomb attack at a courthouse in Santa Maria, California, on Wednesday, in which at least five people were injured. Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, is charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive. McGuire, who was arrested Wednesday shortly after the attack, is expected to make his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. “This defendant will now face justice in federal court for his alleged attack that injured at least five people and struck fear across a county courthouse and an entire community,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Attacks on our public institutions and on public servants threaten the safety of our communities and the rule of law itself. Such attacks will not be tolerated by the Justice Department.” According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on Sept. 25, McGuire entered a courthouse of Santa Barbara County Superior Court and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were present at the courthouse at that time. Shortly thereafter, McGuire was apprehended and detained by law enforcement officials as he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel. Inside the car, a deputy saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe. A search of McGuire’s residence revealed an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material. “This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for Central District of California. “Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that would have allowed him to wreak even greater destruction had he not been stopped. Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers, and other public servants are unacceptable, and it is critical that those who carry out such assaults be prosecuted to the fullest extent.” “The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Make no mistake, we are committed to holding McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety.” “This was a shocking and unprecedented crime in our county, but, in spite of its audacity, the security of the Santa Maria courthouse was maintained,” said Sheriff Bill Brown of Santa Barbara County. “The suspect was swiftly apprehended by a court security officer, a sheriff’s deputy, two California Highway Patrol officers, and a district attorney’s investigator; we are proud of their resolute actions that almost certainly prevented further violence. We are also grateful for the substantial investigative assistance that has been provided by our colleagues with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and from U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada and his office.” If convicted, McGuire faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Readout of Departments of Justice and Interior Roundtable on Media Coverage of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Peoples and Human Trafficking

body_text: Senior officials from the Justice Department and Department of the Interior yesterday convened a roundtable discussion with Tribal leaders, advocates, members of the media, and federal officials to discuss how media coverage can be channeled to help address the crisis of missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking (HT). The virtual roundtable was organized as part of the federal response to the recommendations of the Not Invisible Act Commission (NIAC) — a federal advisory committee established in November 2023 under the Not Invisible Act of 2019 to recommend strategies for combating violent crime on Indian lands and against American Indian and Alaska Native people. During seven field hearings across the country as well as a virtual national hearing that informed the Commission’s recommendations, people affected by the crisis of MMIP and HT shared their concerns about lack of media coverage and whether that may contribute to cases being ignored or going unsolved. The Commission in turn recommended the Justice Department and Department of the Interior hold a roundtable discussion as a step toward developing a set of best practices. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and delivered video remarks. “Public communication, news stories, and social media can be crucial in finding and investigating cases of missing or murdered Indigenous persons,” said Attorney General Garland. “That is why, on the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendation, we convened this roundtable to develop best practices and guidelines to aid law enforcement, families, advocates, and journalists when a member of a Native community is reported missing. It is our hope that this convening will strengthen those partnerships, which are essential to advancing our shared goal of ending this crisis.” “Since day one, the Biden-Harris administration has been committed to fulfilling our promises to Indian Country,” said Secretary Haaland, who authored the Not Invisible Act while in Congress. “This roundtable is part of that promise as we act on one of the Not Invisible Act Commission’s recommendations because a crisis that exists in silence will never be solved. Today is one step of many to ensure our missing relatives’ stories are told.” Attorney General Garland also announced that this month, the Justice Department will award more than $210 million to American Indian and Alaska Native communities through three separate programs to support a wide range of public safety challenges. These funds will go directly to efforts to support Tribal safety. They include programs dedicated to reducing domestic violence and sexual violence, supporting victims of crime, and providing resources to law enforcement, Tribal youth programs, and treatment programs. Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered opening remarks at the roundtable, saying “it is critical now, more than ever,” to work together to draw attention to the MMIP and HT crises. “The potential for immediate, real-time alerts makes media, particularly social media, a powerful tool to get the word out fast when emergencies happen. And the widespread use of media facilitates information sharing and collaboration that can help resolve missing persons cases.” Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland opened the roundtable and said, “The overarching principle that guides our work is to make life better for people in Tribal communities and making sure that Indian people have the opportunity to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives in their tribal communities. Public safety is a big part of this, and addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis and human trafficking are at the forefront of our public safety work.” In August, Attorney General Garland and Secretary Haaland visited New Mexico to discuss efforts to confront the MMIP crisis and human trafficking with federal and Tribal leaders. Under Attorney General Garland and Secretary Haaland’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to address the high rates of violent crime in Indian Country. Read more about these efforts . The Departments plan to publish best practices stemming from this discussion by the end of the year. To submit recommendations, email newsmedia@bia.gov no later than Friday, Oct. 4. Additional Background on the Departments of Justice and Interior’s commitment to addressing MMIP and HT Law Enforcement Collaboration: At the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and FBI announced an agreement to provide for the effective and efficient administration of criminal investigations in Indian Country. The agreement specified that BIA’s Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) and the FBI would cooperate on investigations and share information and investigative reports as well as establish written guidelines outlining jurisdiction and investigative roles and responsibilities. The agreement also requires that all BIA, FBI and Tribal law enforcement officers receive training regarding trauma-informed, culturally responsive investigative approaches. Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU): As one of her first acts as Secretary, Secretary Haaland created a new MMU within BIA-OJS to pursue justice for missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. The MMU, headquartered in Albuquerque, provides leadership and direction for cross-Departmental and interagency work involving missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. The MMU has enabled the Interior Department to expand its collaborative efforts with other agencies, such as working to enhance the Justice Department’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) and working through strategic partnerships with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Units (BAUs), the FBI Forensic Laboratory, the USMS’ Missing Child Unit (MCU) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). MMIP Regional Outreach Program: Since the start of this Administration, the Justice Department has made strides in implementing systems aimed at preventing new instances of MMIP, locating individuals who are reported missing, and, where a crime has occurred, investigating and prosecuting those responsible. In Summer 2023, the Department launched an MMIP Regional Outreach Program. This program places attorneys and coordinators at U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered Indigenous people. Not Invisible Act Commission: The Departments worked collaboratively to stand up the Not Invisible Act Commission, which was created by legislation the Secretary led in Congress, to develop recommendations on how the federal government can combat crimes against American Indian and Alaska Native people. The Commission included federal, state, and Tribal law enforcement, Tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, family members of missing and murdered individuals, and survivors. In 2023, the Commission held seven field hearings across the country as well as a virtual national hearing to hear directly from individuals affected by the MMIP crisis. In March, the Departments released their response to the Commission’s recommendations, which they are in the process of implementing in collaboration with Congress. Operation Not Forgotten: The FBI established this operation to focus resources on seeking justice for Tribal community members who have been victims of unresolved crimes. Operation Not Forgotten first surged resources to Tribal communities in 2023 with the mission of examining cases that have gone unresolved. The goal was to move those cases closer to resolution, provide services for victims, and to bring offenders to justice, who had so far escaped it. Due to the success of the 2023 operation, the FBI is currently partnering with the BIA-MMU to surge resources in 2024. BIA-MMU is providing significant intelligence and investigative support for the duration of the operation. Over 45 special agents and five intelligence personnel have deployed in support of the 2024 operation. White House Council on Native American Affairs: At the 2021 White House Tribal Nations Summit, President Biden signed Executive Order 14053 on Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People directing the Departments of Justice, the Interior, and Health and Human Services to work with Tribal Nations and partners to build safe and healthy Tribal communities and to support comprehensive law enforcement, prevention, intervention and support services. President Biden signed the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 into law, which built on advancements from previous reauthorizations and included new provisions to address the crisis of MMIP across the country and re-enforced Tribal sovereignty by providing means for Tribes to address the epidemic of violence within their lands and communities. The White House Council on Native American Affairs is continuing to implement this work through its Public Safety and Justice committee, which is co-chaired by the Departments of Justice and the Interior, as part of an all of government approach to address public safety and the MMIP crisis. International Collaboration: The United States is also working with its international counterparts from Canada and Mexico to address public safety issues on a larger scale. In September 2023, Canada chaired the Fifth Convening of the Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and government officials from Canada, the United States and Mexico and global subject-matter experts. Discussions at this year’s convening focused on human trafficking and access to justice. Officials from the three countries agreed to continue to protect and uphold the rights of Indigenous women, learn from and implement Indigenous-led approaches, provide accessible and culturally safe services, and support the preservation of Indigenous cultures and languages. A sixth gathering is expected later this year.


title: Lawrence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 42 Months for Distributing 25 Pounds of Methamphetamine via a Rideshare

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Lawrence, Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court for trafficking methamphetamine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Narquin Sanchez-Unbes, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty, to 42 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release. On June 6, 2024, Mr. Sanchez-Unbes pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine. “The defendant used a ride-share to transport an enormous quantity of methamphetamine into the state,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The sentence imposed today holds the defendant accountable for his brazen criminal conduct. The District of New Hampshire will continue to identify those who intend to traffic controlled substances to our state, investigate them, and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Sanchez-Unbes accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” On July 10, 2023, an undercover agent attempted to purchase 25 pounds of methamphetamine from a suspected drug broker. The agreed-upon price was $2200 per pound, with a separate $3000 delivery fee, for a total cash price of $58,000. The delivery was made to the undercover agent by the defendant. Sanchez-Unbes was arrested shortly after arriving to the agreed upon location in Rochester via a ride share, while in possession of the 25 pounds of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to Mr. Sanchez-Unbes’ conviction. The New Hampshire State Police also assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Strelzin prosecuted the case. ###


title: Houston “Problem Gang” member heads to prison for possessing machine gun

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 21-year-old man has been sentenced for illegal possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Latravion Knighten aka pg_tray pleaded guilty on April 29. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now ordered Knighten to serve 33 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court observed social media posts where Knighten bragged about the sound of his “switch” and appeared armed. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that a sentence at the higher end of the guidelines consecutive to his state court probation violation was appropriate in this case. On May 10, 2023, law enforcement conducted surveillance on Knighten, a documented Problem Gang member, who was staying at an AirBNB location and had a warrant for his arrest. They witnessed flashes from a green light, akin to the type used as laser sights on firearms, on the wall within the back porch of the residence. The next day, law enforcement saw Knighten leave the location and enter a silver Pontiac Grand Prix with a handgun in the waistband of his pants. As authorities began surveilling the vehicle, the Pontiac proceeded to make what appeared to be “heat runs,” signaling to law enforcement that the occupants of the vehicle noticed their mobile surveillance. Authorities observed Knighten exit the vehicle and run to the side of the street where they saw him concealing something in an overgrown area around a tree. Knighten suddenly turned and ran into the path of the oncoming surveillance vehicle. The vehicle struck him, causing his feet to go over his head. Despite being hit, Knighten immediately stood up and approached authorities, proclaiming his innocence. After placing him under arrest, law enforcement returned to the tree and found a .40 caliber Glock model 23 with a machine gun conversion device with attached green laser sight. Authorities also seized an extended magazine capable of accepting 17 rounds of ammunition. They test fired the firearm and confirmed it met the definition of a machine gun. Knighten has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Houston Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Hanes and Kelly Zenon-Matos prosecuted the case. This case was investigated as part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative , which combines personnel and resources from numerous federal, state and local agencies to include the Harris County District Attorney’s Office referring violent offenders released on state bonds to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for possible federal prosecution. The goal is to reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts and enhancing training, public awareness and education. It stems from the 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. Under the PSN umbrella, 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 partners focus enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and work with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Minneapolis Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, beginning on October 27, 2022, through January 18, 2023, Jackie Gerald Smith, 55, knowingly and willingly entered into a conspiracy with his co-defendant, Damon Antone Young, 49, to distribute methamphetamine in and around the state of Minnesota. Between November 2022 and January 2023, an undercover agent arranged a series of controlled substance buys through Smith and Young, and on two separate occasions, those controlled substances were delivered by Smith. On January 11, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Minneapolis and found 368 grams of methamphetamine and 12 grams of fentanyl. On January 18, 2023, law enforcement executed search warrants at two self-storage units rented by Young and found 1.35 kilograms of fentanyl powder and approximately 2.83 pounds of methamphetamine. Smith later admitted that they were using the residence and storage units to facilitate their drug trafficking conspiracy scheme. On April 9, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Joan N. Ericksen. Young pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; he will be sentenced at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael B. Coburn prosecuted the case.


title: Rock Island Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

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

body_text: ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Rock Island, Illinois, man, Marques Dupree Wilson, 39, was sentenced on September 17, 2024, to 100 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon. At the sentencing hearing before Chief U.S. District Judge Sara L. Darrow, the government established that Wilson not only possessed a firearm but discharged that firearm multiple times into an unoccupied home in Rock Island. During the hearing, Judge Darrow noted that Wilson had a significant criminal history, which included prior instances of inflicting harm on others. Wilson pleaded guilty to the felon-in-possession count in July 2023. The statutory penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon are up to fifteen years’ imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. The Rock Island Police Department investigated the matter, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Mathew represented the government in the prosecution. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Bissonnet sex trafficker “Mumbles” sent to prison for forcing teenage girls to engage in sex acts

body_text: HOUSTON – A 27-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for sex trafficking of a young woman, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Michael Anthony Gonzalez aka Mumbles pleaded guilty June 27. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 240 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court noted the things Gonzalez had done, the attitudes he had displayed and the people he had hurt. Gonzalez will also serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. From April 2019 to February 2020, Gonzalez and his co-conspirators worked to recruit young teenage girls and force them to engage in sex acts with “clients” for money in cars and hotels around the Bissonnet “blade.” The blade or “track” is an area near I-59 Southwest Freeway and Bissonnet Street in Houston where pimps and traffickers commonly place their victims to engage in commercial sex. The co-conspirators passed around or reassigned victims amongst one another, taught each other “the pimp game” and forced young girls to walk the blade while they kept the proceeds. To switch between pimps, the young girls had to pay an exit fee or get “beat out.” Some traffickers required daily quotas each night from their victims. If the victims failed to meet their daily quotas, they were severely punished through beatings and humiliation. Co-conspirators Jerreck Michael Hilliard aka Jmoney, 35, and Javon Yaw Opoku aka Glizzy, 23, were previously sentenced to 292 and 365 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in the sex trafficking conspiracy. The Houston Police Department initiated the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as a part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Suh and Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.


title: Repeat Felon Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of Ammunition

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing ammunition as a felon, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on July 18, 2023, officers with the St. Paul Police Department responded to a residence after receiving a 911-call reporting that several males with firearms were in and around an SUV parked near the residence. Officers learned that one of the males was Travis Howard Warner, 31, who had been involved in a St. Paul bar fight the night prior where he brandished a firearm with an extended magazine and threatened two people with the firearm during the fight. When officers arrived at the residence, Warner exited the SUV and began walking toward the side entrance of the residence, ignoring officers’ commands to stop. Officers arrested Warner on an active felony warrant from a prior incident. Through the windows of the SUV, officers observed a firearm sticking out from under the driver’s seat and a box of cash on the front passenger’s seat. Law enforcement later obtained and executed a search warrant on the SUV and recovered, among other items, $3,157 in cash, a plastic bag containing 50 M30 fentanyl pills, and a ghost gun with an attached large-capacity magazine, loaded with 24 rounds of 9mm ammunition and with one round in the chamber. Warner could not be excluded from being a possible contributor to the DNA profile detected on the firearm and matched the DNA profile found on the bag containing the fentanyl pills. Because Warner has multiple prior felony convictions in Ramsey and Dakota Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. On June 18, 2024, Warner pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of ammunition as a felon. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Paul A. Magnuson. This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.


title: Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a machine gun, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on October 17, 2023, officers with the Minneapolis Police Department responded to a report of two men with guns near the intersection of 17 th Avenue south and Cedar Avenue. When officers responded, they attempted to stop one of the men, later identified as Brandon Lee Tahahwah, 21, as he fled on foot. Officers observed a black handgun in Tahahwah’s possession and, after he was arrested, officers found that the gun was equipped with an attached machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch” or “auto sear,” which is designed to convert a semiautomatic weapon to shoot automatically. Tahahwah pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Jeffrey M. Bryan to one count of possession of a machine gun. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.


title: Former FAA Contractor Indicted for Illegally Acting as an Agent of the Iranian Government

body_text: Note : View the indictment here . Former Federal Aviation Administration contractor, Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, was indicted for acting and conspiring to act as an agent of the Iranian government in the United States without prior notice to the Attorney General. He made his initial appearance in the District of Columbia today this afternoon. According to the indictment, from at least December 2017 through June 2024, Rahmati conspired with Iranian government officials and intelligence operatives to act on their behalf in the United States, including by meeting with Iranian intelligence officers in Iran, communicating with coconspirators using a cover story to hide his conduct, obtaining employment with an FAA contractor with access to sensitive non-public information, and obtaining open-source and non-public materials about the U.S. solar energy industry and providing it to Iranian intelligence. “As alleged, the defendant conspired with Iranian officials and intelligence operatives, even lying to obtain employment as a U.S. government contractor only to then share sensitive government materials with Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “When undisclosed agents of Iran or any other foreign government seek to infiltrate American companies or government agencies, the Justice Department will use every available tool to identify them and bring them to justice.” “This defendant is charged with infiltrating a U.S. agency with the intent of providing Iran with sensitive information vital to our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Thanks to the great work of the FBI and the FAA’s investigators, this defendant was stopped in his tracks and a known adversary’s plot was exposed.” “This indictment describes the reprehensible actions of an individual who allegedly betrayed his country by transferring sensitive U.S. information to a foreign power. This alleged betrayal not only undermines our national security but also puts U.S. jobs and livelihoods at risk,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “We will not tolerate any actions that compromise U.S.-based sensitive information and are committed to ensuring that justice is served swiftly and decisively.” According to the indictment, from June 2009 to May 2010, Rahmati served as a First Lieutenant in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — an Iranian military and counterintelligence organization under the authority of the Supreme Leader of Iran. After being discharged from the IRGC, Rahmati lied to the United States government regarding his military service with the IRGC in order to, among other things, gain employment as a U.S. government contractor. In August 2017, Rahmati offered his services to the Iranian government through a senior Iranian government official who previously worked in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and with whom Rahmati had previously attended university. Four months later, in December 2017, Rahmati traveled to Iran, where he met with Iranian intelligence operatives and government officials and agreed to obtain information about the U.S. solar energy industry, to provide that information to Iranian officials, and to conduct future communications under a cover story based on purported discussions about research with fellow academics. After Rahmati returned to the United States in December 2017, he obtained various non-public and open-source materials related to the U.S. solar energy industry and provided them to an Iranian government official. Rahmati also applied for multiple positions with private companies and U.S. government entities that would provide him with access to sensitive information, eventually obtaining a position with U.S. Company 1 supporting the FAA on a contract related to the power and electrical architecture of the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS). After Rahmati obtained the position, he informed an Iranian intelligence officer that he was “in the process of moving to and joining a new company” and that they could “work more effectively if it is finalized.” In response to tasking from Iranian officials, and in furtherance of his agency relationship with the Government of Iran, Rahmati exploited his employment with U.S. Company 1 by downloading sensitive non-public U.S. Company 1 documents related to the FAA, storing them on removable media, and taking them to Iran, where he provided the documents to the Government of Iran in April 2022. These included documents related to the NAS that would give a person unfamiliar with NAS facility engineering a reasonable understanding of how the NAS power and electrical architecture is configured. After he returned to the United States in April 2022, in response to tasking from Iranian government officials, Rahmati sent additional information relating to solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports, and U.S. air traffic control towers to his brother, a co-conspirator, so that he would provide those files to Iranian intelligence on behalf of Rahmati. The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case. FAA’s Office of Counterintelligence and Technical Operations provided significant assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Kimberly Paschall for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Beau Barnes and Alexander Wharton of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia provided significant assistance.


title: Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to Over  18 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who worked with others to sell large quantities of cocaine in Dubuque, Iowa, and was found with a firearm was sentenced today to more than 18 years in federal prison. Silvester Jameral Durrah, age 40, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 12, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine near numerous parks and educational institutions, after being convicted of a serious violent felony, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the guilty plea, Durrah admitted he had sold at least 5 kilograms of cocaine in Dubuque between 2017 and April 2021, when law enforcement officers searched his house. Durrah admitted his distributions occurred within 1000 feet of numerous parks and educational institutions in Dubuque, such as, Allison-Henderson Park, Gay Park, Jackson Park, Jefferson Park, Loras College, Madison Park, Marshall Elementary School, and the University of Dubuque. Durrah also admitted he had previously been convicted of robbery in Dubuque in 2003. Durrah also admitted he unlawfully possessed a firearm because had two prior felony convictions when he possessed a firearm on April 16, 2021, when the police searched his residence. Durrah was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Durrah was sentenced to 222 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Additionally, Durrah was ordered to forfeit the firearms and over $3,000 in drug proceeds seized from him. There is no parole in the federal system. Durrah 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 Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Nicole Nagin and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office and the Dubuque Drug Task Force, comprised of Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-01013. Follow us on X at @USAO_NDIA.


title: Central American Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally  Reentering the United States After Being Deported

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison. Jorge Oswaldo Sajcap-Rodriguez, age 31, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 10, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Sajcap-Rodriguez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Sajcap-Rodriguez was previously deported in September 2015. On June 10, 2024, immigration officials learned Sajcap-Rodriguez had illegally returned to the United States and found Sajcap-Rodriguez at the Allamakee County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Sajcap-Rodriguez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Sajcap-Rodriguez was sentenced to 108 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Sajcap-Rodriguez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-1020. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Former Connecticut Resident Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN BIEBEL, 72, of Hardeeville, South Carolina, formerly of New Milford, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax fraud. According to court documents and statements made in court, Biebel operated Art Metal Industries, LLC (“AMI”), a metal fabrication business. In 2017, AMI had total gross receipts of more $1.5 million and a net profit of more than $550,000. That year, Biebel transferred more than $350,000 from AMI to his personal bank account for various personal expenditures. In 2018, the IRS sought to collect delinquent payroll taxes from Biebel for AMI and instructed Biebel to file delinquent Individual Income Tax Returns (Forms 1040) for the 2016 and 2017 tax years. In September 2018, Biebel filed the returns, which fraudulently reported that he had zero total income and zero total tax due for both years. In 2018, AMI received more than $2.7 million in gross receipts and had a profit of more than $1.2 million. That year, Biebel transferred funds from an AMI bank account to his personal bank account and another bank account held in the name of Diego Trust LLC, a limited liability company for which Biebel was the sole listed member. Biebel used more than $750,000 in funds from those accounts to purchase a home in South Carolina and other assets. Biebel also failed to file individual income tax returns for 2018, 2019, and 2020 tax years. Between 2016 and 2020, Biebel failed to report more than $2.8 million in business income from AMI, resulting in a tax loss of approximately $900,000. In addition, he failed to withhold and pay over approximately $300,000 in employment taxes. Judge Dooley ordered Biebel to pay $1,208,801 in restitution. On April 30, 2024, Biebel pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return. Biebel, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 7. This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Former UC Davis and Davis Club Water Polo Coach Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Daniel Joseph Noble, 28, residing in San Diego County, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to seven years and three months in prison for knowing distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Noble was also ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. According to court records, between March 10, 2022, and April 12, 2022, Noble participated in a Kik private group chat dedicated to sharing videos of children being sexually abused or exploited. Noble shared over a dozen video files with the Kik group. Some of those files that Noble shared showed prepubescent minors being sexually and sadistically abused by adults. At the time he engaged in this conduct, Noble was working as the assistant water polo coach for UC Davis men’s team and the associated youth team. “This sentence of more than seven years sends a clear message that this content and the horrific abuse it depicts is neither legal nor acceptable in our society,” Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office stated. “The FBI continues to make the pursuit of individuals who produce, share, and consume content that is the result of abuse of a child a top priority. We are deeply committed to working with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors in an effort to protect children.” This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Sacramento and in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall prosecuted the case. 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 Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


body_text: WASHINGTON – Former Federal Aviation Administration contractor Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, was indicted today for acting and conspiring to act as an illegal agent of the Iranian government in the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office. According to the indictment, from at least December 2017 through June 2024, Rahmati conspired with Iranian government officials and intelligence operatives to act on their behalf in the United States, including by meeting with Iranian intelligence officers in Iran, communicating by email using a cover story to hide his conduct, obtaining open-source and private materials about the U.S. solar energy industry to provide to Iranian intelligence, obtaining employment with an FAA contractor with access to sensitive information, and exfiltrating sensitive FAA documents to provide to Iranian intelligence. “This defendant is charged with infiltrating a U.S. agency with the intent of providing Iran with sensitive information vital to our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “Thanks to the great work of the FBI and the FAA’s investigators, this defendant was stopped in his tracks and a known adversary’s plot was exposed.” “As alleged, the defendant conspired with Iranian officials and intelligence operatives, even lying to obtain employment as a U.S. government contractor only to then share sensitive government materials with Iran,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “When undisclosed agents of Iran or any other foreign government seek to infiltrate American companies or government agencies, the Justice Department will use every available tool to identify them and bring them to justice.” “The FBI and U.S. Government have repeatedly warned of the global threat the Government of Iran poses to our national security on all fronts, including the targeting of our critical infrastructure,” said Sundberg, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Mr. Rahmati used his access to provide sensitive aviation materials to a hostile foreign intelligence service. The FBI will aggressively pursue any foreign actor or government that targets U.S. critical infrastructure in any attempt to disrupt or gain access to our aviation sector. We want to recognize and thank our partners at the FAA who worked alongside us in investigating this threat to our national security.” According to the indictment, from June 2009 to May 2010, Rahmati served as a First Lieutenant in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—an Iranian military and counterintelligence organization under the authority of the Supreme Leader of Iran which has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States Government. After being discharged from the IRGC, Rahmati lied to the United States government regarding his military service with the IRGC in order to, among other things, gain employment as a U.S. government contractor. In August 2017, Rahmati offered his services to the Iranian government through a senior Iranian government official who previously worked in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and with whom Rahmati had previously attended university. Four months later, in December 2017, Rahmati traveled to Iran, where he met with Iranian intelligence operatives and government officials and agreed to obtain information about the U.S. solar energy industry, to provide that information to Iranian officials, and to conduct future communications under a cover story based on purported discussions about research with fellow academics. After Rahmati returned to the United States in December 2017, he obtained various private and open-source materials related to the U.S. solar energy industry and provided them to an Iranian government official. Rahmati also applied for multiple positions with private companies and U.S. government entities that would provide him with access to sensitive information, eventually obtaining a position with U.S. COMPANY 1 supporting the FAA on a contract related to the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS). After Rahmati obtained the position, he informed an Iranian intelligence officer that he was “in the process of moving to and joining a new company” and that they could “work more effectively if it is finalized.” In response to tasking from Iranian officials, and in furtherance of his agency relationship with the Government of Iran, Rahmati exploited his employment with U.S. COMPANY 1 by downloading sensitive U.S. COMPANY 1 documents related to the FAA, storing them on removable media, and taking them to Iran, where he provided sensitive documents to the Government of Iran in April 2022. These included documents related to the NAS that would give a person unfamiliar with NAS facility engineering a reasonable understanding of how the NAS power and electrical architecture is configured. After he returned to the United States in April 2022, in response to tasking from Iranian government officials, Rahmati sent additional information relating to solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports, and U.S. air traffic control towers to his brother, a co-conspirator, so that he would provide those files to Iranian intelligence on behalf of Rahmati. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Significant assistance was provided by the FAA’s Office of Investigations and Professional Responsibility. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Kimberly Paschall for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Beau Barnes and Alexander Wharton of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Significant assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 20240927_rahmati_indictment.pdf ### Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube


title: Member of U.S. Attorney’s Office Receives J. Michael Bradford Memorial Award from National Association of Former United States Attorneys

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of New Jersey was recognized by the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys (NAFUSA) today during their annual meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NAUFA selected AUSA John Romano to receive the J. Michael Bradford Memorial Award for Most Outstanding Assistant U.S. Attorney, which recognizes an AUSA for outstanding performance in a significant civil or criminal matter, or a series of matters, that have had a significant impact and merit special recognition. AUSA Romano was selected for his outstanding advocacy from 2015 through 2024 in United States v. Carolyn Jackson and John Jackson , a case involving two defendants’ horrifying treatment of their three very young foster children while living at the Picatinny Arsenal and elsewhere. The three children were all less than 4 years old and developmentally delayed when the defendants committed neglectful and cruel acts, including breaking their bones, denying them medical attention, withholding water, and force-feeding them hot sauce. “The defendants’ foster children suffered gut-wrenching abuse and neglect. AUSA Romano’s work – specifically, his continuous and dogged efforts to seek justice for these vulnerable victims – exemplifies his devotion to the department’s mission and warrants this award.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger For more than nine years, AUSA Romano has played a pivotal role in this effort to secure justice for the defendants’ victims. He initially helped advise the trial team. When, despite the defendants’ grievous conduct, the district court sentenced them leniently, AUSA Romano successfully appealed. The district court again imposed a lenient sentence, and so AUSA Romano appealed again. After a third, lenient sentencing, AUSA Romano appealed and sought reassignment to a different judge, which the Third Circuit Court of Appeals granted. These appeals required reviewing tens of thousands of pages of transcripts and exhibits and conducting exhaustive legal research. AUSA Romano also composed appellate briefs for all three appeals, which totaled in excess of 60,000 pages of briefing, and twice argued the case before the Court of Appeals. In October 2023, AUSA Romano handled the fourth resentencing hearing before the newly assigned district judge. As a result of his compelling advocacy, both written and oral, he secured sentences of 140 months’ imprisonment for Carolyn Jackson and 108 months’ imprisonment for John Jackson.


title: Tigard Mother and Daughter Indicted for Holding Three Victims in Indentured Servitude in Adult Foster Care Home

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A mother and daughter from Tigard, Oregon were arraigned in federal court today after they were indicted for using force and threats to compel three victims, including a minor victim, to work for little or no pay in an adult foster care home. Marie Gertrude Jean Valmont, 66, and Yolandita Marie Andre, 30, have been charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiring with one another to commit forced labor, committing forced labor, and benefitting from forced labor. According to court documents, Valmont and Andre, the owners and operators of Velida’s Care Home in Tigard, began their trafficking scheme in 2023 when they convinced two adults and a child from Haiti to travel to the United States to work at Velida’s. In early September 2023, all three victims arrived in Portland and were immediately taken to Velida’s where they were forced to work long, difficult hours for little or no pay. Valmont and Andre are also alleged to have taken their victims’ immigration paperwork and forbade them from leaving Velida’s under any circumstances. Valmont is further alleged to have thrown items at the victims, threatened to send them back to Haiti and have them killed, and threatened to call the police and make false theft allegations against them. In the summer of 2023, authorities with the Oregon Department of Justice were alerted to the situation at Velida’s following the minor victim’s disclosure of her indentured servitude to a pediatrician. Shortly after, the minor victim was removed from Velida’s and placed in a foster home. On Thursday, the FBI arrested Valmont and Andre at Velida’s without incident. Both defendants made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released pending further court proceedings. Committing and benefitting from forced labor are both punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison per count of conviction. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Tigard Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Eliza Carmen-Rodriguez, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website . If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, you can also submit a tip via the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST. FBI personnel assigned to NCMEC review information provided to the CyberTipline.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To More Than Five Years For Illegal Possession Of A Firearm

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Marcus Terrell Halsey, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Halsey’s sentence was enhanced for reckless flight from police officers and possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with the gun offense. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to documents filed with the court and the sentencing hearing, on May 15, 2023, a detective with CMPD’s Stolen Car and Recovery Law Enforcement Team (SCARLET) viewed an Instagram video where Halsey appeared on a live feed standing outside a tire shop in the area with an orange Dodge Charger. CMPD detectives determined that based on the tag displayed on the Dodge Charger the vehicle may have been stolen. Also, during the live video, Halsey got into the Dodge Charger and lifted up his shirt, revealing a firearm in his waistband. Based on the fictitious tag, the presence of the firearm, and Halsey’s criminal history, CMPD officers were dispatched to the tire shop. According to court records, CMPD officers encountered Halsey as he drove away from the tire shop in the Dodge Charger and attempted to make a traffic stop. Halsey did not stop and instead recklessly fled at a high rate of speed, traveling over 80 mph in a 35 mph zone. Court records show that CMPD’s aviation unit followed Halsey to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and located the Dodge Charger in a parking deck at the airport. Halsey was apprehended shortly thereafter near the arrivals area at the airport. At the time of his arrest, Halsey was carrying a black backpack that contained a firearm and ammunition, multiple Dodge vehicle fobs, two fictitious 30-day vehicle tags, a screwdriver and hammer, a digital scale, and suspected controlled substances. The Dodge Charger was determined to be stolen. Halsey has prior criminal convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. On February 9, 2024, Halsey pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Halsey will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending designation of a federal facility by the Federal Burau of Prisons. In making todays’ announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and commended CMPD’s SCARLET unit for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Bozin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Judge Sentences 20-Year-Old Man to Nine Year Prison Term For Shooting Two Minor Victims in Northwest D.C.

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Eric Lemus, 20, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today by the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan for shooting two minor victims on March 22, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Lemus pleaded guilty on February 9, 2024, to one count of assault with intent to kill while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office requested a sentence of 219 months (18.25 years) of incarceration. The Court sentenced the defendant to 108 months (nine years) incarceration, with an additional 39 months suspended and two years of supervised probation. The Court sentenced Lemus under the Youth Rehabilitation act, over the government’s objection. According to the government’s evidence, on March 22, 2023, Lemus encountered the two minor victims, ages 15 and 17, at Park Road Park in the Columbia Heights neighborhood in Northwest D.C. Lemus produced a handgun and opened fire on the two victims, who were both struck and later treated for gunshot wounds. After firing multiple rounds at the two victims until the magazine was empty, Lemus attempted to flee the scene. The defendant was immediately apprehended by officers with the Metropolitan Police Department, who discovered the handgun that Lemus used to commit the shooting, located inside of his sweatshirt pocket. The crime was captured on video by a bystander who had witnessed the incident. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Coates Huether and Carlos A. Valdivia, who prosecuted the case. ### Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube


title: Owner of Oahu Physical Therapy Clinics Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Stephen Timothy Wells, 41, pleaded guilty today in federal court to executing a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs through the submission of false billings. Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake. According to court documents and information presented in court, Wells was the owner and operator of Oahu Spine and Rehab (“OSR”), a physical therapy clinic with locations in Kailua and Aiea. From July 2013 through early 2020, Wells submitted false claims for payment for physical therapy services to TRICARE, the health care program for United States military service members and their families, and Medicare. Wells admitted he directed OSR to submit claims to these health care benefit programs using the unique provider numbers of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, thereby falsely stating that they had personally provided the physical therapy services to patients, when in fact, the services were provided by Wells’s unlicensed staff members. These unlicensed staff members included massage therapists, athletic and personal trainers, and one individual who had no professional certifications whatsoever. As part of the Plea Agreement, Wells stipulated that his scheme caused a loss of between $250,000 and $550,000 and agreed to pay total restitution in the amount of $392,157.20, with half to be paid before sentencing. The United States and Wells agreed that Wells should be sentenced to a term of between probation and two years in prison. The case was jointly investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mohammad Khatib.


title: Serial Sex Offender Is First Defendant Charged Under New Secure DC Law Targeting Repeat Sexual Abusers

body_text: WASHINGTON – Michael Hilliard, 65, of no fixed address, was charged by complaint today in D.C. Superior Court with one count of enhanced misdemeanor sexual abuse (a felony) and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse for sexually touching a treating nurse at George Washington University Hospital, a stranger to him. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department. Hilliard is detained pending a September 30, 2024, preliminary hearing. According to the complaint, at approximately 9:00 a.m., on September 26, 2024, the victim attempted to draw blood from Hilliard, where he sat inside of a hospital room. Hilliard requested to sit in a chair to get his blood drawn. As the nurse approached him, Hilliard grabbed her into a face-to-face bear hug. He then touched her on her genitalia and buttocks. Hilliard has more than three prior convictions for misdemeanor sexual abuse. Most recently, he pleaded guilty in D.C. Superior Court on December 19, 2023, to two misdemeanor charges for sexually abusing a woman and physically assaulting another, both of whom were strangers to him. Hilliard is the first individual charged with enhanced misdemeanor sexual abuse, a felony created by the D.C. Council’s Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024. Before this legislation went into effect, repeat offenders who committed such assaults could not be charged with a felony, no matter how many times this Office had prosecuted those defendants, often for virtually identical misdemeanor sexual abuse conduct. “The reason we advocated so vigorously for this change and are so appreciative of its enactment is that there is a relatively small population of offenders who repeatedly commit this offense that are not deterred by misdemeanor convictions,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves. “This new law allows our Office to charge these individuals with felonies so that we can advocate for them to be removed from our community for longer periods of time.” This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Houck. A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube


title: Jury Finds Man Guilty of Child Sexual Abuse of a 15-Year-Old Girl in 2005-2006

body_text: WASHINGTON – Lucius Kearney, 52, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today by a D.C. Superior Court jury of first-degree sexual abuse of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. The sexual assault took place nearly 20 years ago when the victim was 15 years old, and the defendant was approximately 33 years old. The Honorable Maribeth Raffinan scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2024. According to the government’s evidence at trial, in the 2005-2006 school year, when the victim was in tenth grade, she met the defendant – then a Fourth District Metropolitan Police Department officer – while doing a school project. At their initial meeting at the Fourth District Police Station, the defendant and victim exchanged phone numbers and began communicating about the school project. Their conversations turned sexual, and ultimately the defendant engaged in sexual acts with the victim in his truck near a D.C. public library, where the victim was volunteering to complete her high school community service hours. The victim disclosed the abuse in 2020 after randomly encountering the defendant while he was on duty in the area where the victim lived. Kearney’s body worn camera showed that after this coincidental encounter, which occurred in 2019, Kearney ran the tags from the victim’s car and said to himself: “How in the world did I f**king manage to do that?!?” The defendant was charged in 2021. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Taylor and Richard Kelley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. ### Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube


title: Former Employee Of Global Security And Aerospace Company Charged With Mail Fraud, Theft Of Government Property

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted Omar Naziry, a former employee of a global security and aerospace company, with mail fraud for falsely representing he was in the military to obtain pay and benefits. The defendant made his initial appearance in the Northern District of California on Sept. 25, 2024. According to an indictment filed July 24, 2024, and unsealed Aug. 22, 2024, Naziry, 40, a resident of Mountain View, Calif., worked for Company 1. Company 1 had a policy under which it paid a differential to any employee who went on military leave. The differential was the difference between the employee’s company pay and military pay. The policy — which was first instituted following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and later expanded to cover all forms of military leave — ensured the employee experienced no reduction in income because of his or her military service. The indictment alleges that beginning in or around August 2016, Naziry requested differential pay from Company 1 on the purported basis that he was deploying with the U.S. military in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S. military command established in or about October 2014. In support of his request, Naziry allegedly sent false military orders and a false military leave and earnings statement. Based on these representations, Company 1 awarded Naziry differential pay. Naziry allegedly continued to receive differential pay over the next several years on the purported basis that his deployment had been extended. In or about December 2021, Company 1 informed Naziry that it was denying his request for additional differential pay on the basis that he had exhausted the five-year differential pay limit. In response, Naziry allegedly caused to be sent a letter to Company 1 authored by a “friend” and “army officer” stationed in Hawaii decrying the decision and claiming that an article would be forthcoming. As detailed in the indictment, the letter stated, “I highly recommend you overturn this decision you’ve made or at least have a plan in place for how to mitigate the negative effects of the story once its [sic] public . . . . I hope you can take timely action to avoid this PR disaster.” Naziry is charged with a single count of mail fraud. If convicted of mail fraud, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Naziry is also charged in a separate indictment filed July 24, 2024, and unsealed Aug. 22, 2024 with a single count of theft of government property. According to the indictment, Naziry wrongfully obtained approximately $35,093 in housing assistance payments to which he was not entitled. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG) Special Agent in Charge Mark Kaminsky. The case is being handled by the Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rezaei is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Kevin Costello. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DCIS and HUD OIG. Omar Naziry Indictment Theft Omar Naziry Indictment Fraud


title: Columbus man pleads guilty to aiding and abetting armed postal robbery

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A sixth co-conspirator in a network of defendants connected to six local armed robberies of postal carriers pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today. Malachi S. Royster , 21, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting aggravated robbery of property of the United States and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Royster admitted that he helped pre-plan a May 11, 2023, robbery of a postal carrier. He accompanied co-conspirators that morning while they scouted for potential postal workers to rob; served as the getaway driver before, during and after the robbery on West Broad St.; and accompanied co-conspirators while they returned the firearm used in the robbery to other co-conspirators. Royster’s plea agreement includes a sentence recommendation of 60 to 84 months in prison. Royster is one of six men charged in connection with six central Ohio postal robberies between November 2022 and May 2023. Anthony J. “A.J.” Williams , 20, of Columbus, was the gunman in a Nov. 9, 2022, postal carrier robbery. Williams committed the armed robbery of a USPS letter carrier who was delivering mail on Michigan Ave. in Columbus. The postal carrier was delivering mail to an apartment complex’s “cluster box” at the time. Williams approached the mail carrier and brandished the handgun directly at the victim. Williams demanded the victim’s postal keys and then yanked the postal keys off of the carrier’s belt. Williams also admitted to planning a postal robbery and conspiring to commit the robbery on Christmas Eve 2022. Williams pleaded guilty in July 2024 and faces a sentence of 84 to 108 months in prison. Theirno S. Bah , 20, of Columbus, used firearms and robbed postal carriers of their U.S. Postal Service keys on four occasions between December 2022 and May 2023. Cameron D. Newton , 20, of Westerville, aided and abetted the aggravated robberies of mail and the use of a firearm during the crimes of violence. Bah used a handgun to rob a postal carrier in German Village on Dec. 29, 2022. Bah pointed the handgun at the victim’s stomach and demanded his vehicle and service keys. Newton, who was on probation and consequently wearing a GPS ankle monitor at the time, recruited two juveniles to assist with the robbery. Newton also arranged for Bah to use the handgun, which was provided by co-conspirator Jaemaun Evans , 20, of Columbus. On Jan. 3, 2023, Bah pushed a postal carrier into her mail truck while she was sorting mail in the back of the truck on East Columbus Street. He then pushed a gun into the victim’s side before stealing her keys. At this robbery, Newton provided surveillance from his vehicle nearby, using the cover of making DoorDash deliveries to evade his home confinement. Later that day, Bah committed another armed postal robbery, this time in Whitehall. Bah approached the victim and pushed the handgun into her stomach before stealing her personal car keys and the USPS service keys. Newton again provided surveillance in the vicinity. He also worked to arrange buyers for the stolen postal keys. On May 11, 2023, Bah robbed a postal worker at the Post Office Retail Store on West Broad Street. Bah approached the victim while she was outside on a break. Bah asked the victim for her keys, and when she asked, “What keys?” he pistol-whipped her in the head with his handgun. Bah forcibly accompanied the victim into the post office to retrieve her service keys. Newton obtained a firearm for Bah to use during this robbery from Kenan M. Lay , 21, of Columbus. Lay provided the 9mm handgun used in the armed robbery of the elderly female postal worker in exchange for $100. Bah faces a sentence of 20 to 25 years in prison and Newton faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison. Lay was sentenced in April to 66 months in prison. Evans was sentenced in September 2024 to a 24-month term of imprisonment to be followed by a 12-month term of house arrest. Congress sets minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at future hearings. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler; and Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen announced the guilty plea entered this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in these cases. # # #


title: Debra Kelly Agrees to Pay $200,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Violations in Connection with Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits

body_text: CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces that Debra Kelly agrees to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that she violated the False Claims Act by misrepresenting lawn care classes held by Natural Technologies, Inc. d/b/a NTI Organic Lawn Care Institute (“NTI”), to obtain Post-9/11 GI Bill reimbursements from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for their veteran students. “The Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance benefits are part of our promise to the brave women and men who have served our country,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “This case is indicative of the District of New Hampshire’s continuing commitment to root out fraud involving government programs and to help safeguard the integrity of VA programs intended for the advancement and benefit of veterans.” The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a VA educational benefit program for veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. As part of that program, the VA provides tuition and fee payments directly to qualifying schools on behalf of eligible veterans. In order for a school to qualify for the program, it is required to certify to the VA that no more than 85% of the students for any particular course are receiving VA benefits. This requirement, commonly referred to as the “85-15% Rule,” is intended to prevent abuse of Post-9/11 GI Bill funding by ensuring that the VA is paying fair market value tuition rates. In addition, a school may not charge more for veterans to attend a course than it charges civilians to attend the same course. Schools that receive Post-9/11 GI Bill funding are required to certify their continued compliance with this rule and notify the VA in the event they are no longer in compliance. As Vice President and the certifying official for NTI on VA forms, Kelly certified more than $1.2 million in GI Bill benefits from 2018-2019. Starting in at least 2018, NTI filled its classes with more than 85% veterans in violation of the “85-15 Rule.” It also charged non-veterans discounted tuition rates. Kelly certified compliance with the 85-15 ratio requirement in the student enrollment certification, which she submitted alongside claims for tuition payments for each veteran student receiving VA benefits. During NTI’s participation in the VA benefits program, the VA conducted compliance reviews of the school. Kelly concealed NTI’s violations of the 85-15 Rule in these surveys, including the fact that NTI charged non-veterans reduced tuition. During these reviews, she provided false information to mislead VA auditors. The VA-OIG led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz handled the case. ###


title: North Platte Woman Sentenced to 31 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nikki Guerra, age 46, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 26, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Guerra to a total of 31 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Guerra’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On October 15, 2023, officers with the North Platte Police Department stopped a vehicle owned by Guerra as it entered North Platte for at traffic violation. From prior intel, officers suspected the vehicle had been involved in the distribution of narcotics and suspected narcotics were currently in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Both Guerra and the driver were asked to step back to patrol cars while officers checked their identification, and a drug dog was deployed while the traffic stop was in progress. The dog alerted to the presence of narcotics and officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. In a XL men’s sized jacket pocket, officers located a pound of meth. The jacket was located on the floor of the passenger’s side seat where Guerra was sitting at the time of the stop. The recovered meth was sent to the state crime lab where it was tested and confirmed to meth, with a purity of 95.7% for a total of 400 grams actual meth. In sentencing Ms. Guerra, Judge Gerrard complimented the work she had done since being arrested to address her substance abuse issues. This case was investigated by the North Platte Police Department.


title: Former North Platte Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Distribution

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that John Hernandez, a/k/a “Hboy,” age 36, last of Lincoln, Nebraska, but formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced September 26, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for distribution of 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Hernandez to a total of 145 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hernandez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Beginning in 2021, the FBI and CODE Drug Task Force opened an investigation into drug trafficking in the North Platte, Nebraska area. In March of 2022, law enforcement set up a controlled buy over Facebook with a third party. In the course of the buy, Hernandez was observed approaching the buy location. He was also heard on the recorded audio associated with the buy. Through surveillance and debriefings, law enforcement learned that Hernandez was the source of the meth that was sold during the controlled buy. Law enforcement knew Hernandez to be a major source of both meth and fentanyl in the North Platte area. Law enforcement had taken reports from other drug users, concerned about Hernandez selling drugs, particularly fentanyl to young people. In February of 2023, law enforcement responded to Hernandez’s residence and observed an 11-year-old who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. In April of 2023, they recovered a Colorado runaway who had been staying at Hernandez’s house and reported using fentanyl there. The runaway was also in possession of paraphernalia frequently used to ingest fentanyl. Hernandez’s house was the subject of a search warrant executed in May of 2023. During the execution of that warrant, Hernandez gave a Mirandized statement to officers, advising them that he was working to gather funds and planned to travel to Julesburg, Colorado to re-up his drug supply. He stated he planned on purchasing four ounces of meth and at least 100 fentanyl pills. After being arrested in this case in Lincoln, Hernandez again gave a Mirandized statement to law enforcement. He identified himself as being the biggest meth dealer in North Platte. In talking about his various sources, Hernandez advised that he had purchased and sold at least 100 ounces of meth and approximately 2400 fentanyl pills while dealing in North Platte. In imposing the sentence, Judge Bazis noted that Hernandez had a lengthy criminal history, which included domestic assault convictions. She surmised that Hernandez, when using drugs, is a violent and dangerous person. She also noted that investigation revealed multiple children were living in the home with Hernandez while he was dealing drugs, and he exposed them to hazardous, if not outright lethal, substances, concluding that “you have got to protect kids.” This case was investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office, Frontier County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Lincoln Police Department’s Safe Streets Taskforce also assisted in the arrest of Hernandez.


title: Wichita, Kansas Woman Convicted by Jury for Transportation of a Minor for Prostitution

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that a federal jury in Omaha, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict on September 27, 2024, against Joan Robinson, age 35, of Wichita, Kansas, for one count of transportation of a minor for prostitution. The verdict subjects Robinson to a potential prison term of up to life and a minimum of ten years. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the trial and set sentencing for January 9, 2025. This investigation began on November 16, 2022, when Minor Victim 1 (“MV1”) and co-defendant Khalah Beard were stopped for shoplifting at a Wal-Mart in Omaha. The responding officer suspected that sex trafficking may have been involved and she reported the matter to the Omaha Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit. MV1 was identified as a missing minor who was a ward of the state of Kansas. She had been missing for years at the time of this incident and was only 17 years old. Throughout the investigation, it was determined that on November 12, 2022, Robinson, along with co-defendants Khalah Beard, and Alexas Davis, drove from Wichita to Omaha so that Beard, Davis, and MV1 could engage in prostitution. They checked into adjoining hotel rooms in Omaha which were booked by Robinson using her Priceline account. Photos of MV1 were used to advertise commercial sex acts online. Davis, who was in an intimate relationship with Robinson, kept track of the others and would report to Robinson about when MV1 and Beard would have “dates.” Davis was charged with making sure Robinson was receiving her “cut” of money from the other two girls’ “dates” as Robinson expected to receive half the proceeds from all the “dates.” When Robinson learned she was not getting her “share” from MV1 and Beard, she and Davis abandoned MV1 and Beard in Omaha. The other two co-defendants both plead guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor earlier this month. The maximum prison term for both of the co-defendants is a term of up to life. Alexas Davis is set for sentencing on December 18, 2024, and Khalah Beard is set for sentencing on January 15, 2025. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Deland Ray Sam, age 64, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The Indictment charged Sam with knowingly possessing one .40 caliber pistol and 10 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition on June 21, 2021, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Sam will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


title: Bryan County Resident Pleads Guilty To Assault With A Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Do Bodily Harm

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Hr’Lee Wayde Hisaw, age 23, of Bryan County, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. The Indictment alleged that on or about February 18, 2024, Hisaw assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm. The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Ada Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Hisaw was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.