title: Justice Department Secures Agreement from Property Management Company and Landlord for Violating Servicemembers’ Rights

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement with McGowan Realty LLC, doing business as RedSail Property Management (RedSail), a property management company operating throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia, to resolve allegations that the company and one of its landlords violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by imposing early lease termination charges and additional rent on a servicemember. In the complaint filed today, the United States alleged that the company had a policy of refusing to honor servicemembers’ lease terminations when servicemembers received permanent change of station (PCS) orders to a new duty station that was fewer than 35 miles (radius) from the dwelling unit. “This case should put all housing providers on notice that if a servicemember meets the requirements of the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, they are entitled to all its benefits, regardless of what any state law may provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of our servicemembers and their families to ensure they do not face any unlawful treatment by housing companies or any other entities.” “Our servicemembers sacrifice greatly, moving and deploying often in support of our nation’s defense,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Such moves should never create financial hardship for our servicemembers.” The SCRA allows servicemembers to terminate a residential lease early if they receive permanent change of station orders or enter military service during the term of the lease. If the tenant terminates a lease pursuant to the SCRA, the landlord may not impose any early termination fee or rent beyond the effective termination date. The SCRA places no mileage restrictions on servicemembers’ residential lease termination rights. State statutes cannot deprive servicemembers of the full scope of their rights under federal law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office launched the investigation after a Navy legal assistance attorney reported that RedSail and a landlord had refused to honor a U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class’ (Petty Officer) SCRA residential lease termination and were assessing early lease termination charges and additional rent against him. RedSail allegedly erroneously insisted that the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) placed a 35-mile (radius) limitation on a servicemember’s SCRA residential lease termination rights. The complaint alleges that the Petty Officer paid $3,408.55 in early termination charges and additional rent to RedSail, which placed a considerable financial burden on him. Under the proposed consent order, RedSail will pay $10,225.65 to the Petty Officer referenced in the United States’ complaint and a civil penalty. The consent order also requires that RedSail provide SCRA training to its employees and develop new policies and procedures consistent with the SCRA. RedSail and the landlord have also agreed to refrain from imposing or attempting to impose the state law’s 35-mile (radius) limitation on servicemembers who lawfully terminate a lease under the SCRA, imposing or seeking to collect any early termination charges from servicemembers or their dependents who lawfully terminate a lease pursuant to the SCRA, and denying SCRA lease terminations from servicemembers who qualify for lease termination under the SCRA. The proposed consent order is subject to approval by the court. This case was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil/ . The department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov. The civil claims settled by this Servicemembers Civil Relief Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability. View the complaint here. View the consent order here.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office for Western District of Kentucky Calls for Public  Awareness During Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to educate ourselves and raise awareness in our communities about this devastating crime that violates the most basic of human rights - freedom. Whether it’s forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex trafficking of children and adults, human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings for profit and has no place in any community. Yet every day, these horrific crimes are happening across the United States and worldwide, stripping victims of their dignity, forcing them into a life of fear and a state of servitude. That’s why in January and throughout the year, the Department of Justice, and dedicated prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with victim witness coordinators and support personnel, work with law enforcement partners to prevent human trafficking and bring offenders to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins forces with trauma-informed service providers to protect survivors and connect them with the resources and support they need and deserve. The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to join in this important mission to help shed light on this horrific crime that too often goes undetected. “The first step in combatting human trafficking is identifying and reporting potential trafficking situations,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “This crime often occurs in plain sight. Labor and sex trafficking situations can be found in both legal and illegal labor industries, including childcare, elder care, massage parlors, nail and hair salons, restaurants, hotels, factories, construction, landscaping, farming, escort services and the drug trade.” Know the below indicators that can help identify a potential human trafficking situation: Does the victim have freedom of movement? Has the victim or their family been threatened with harm if they attempt to leave? Is the victim in possession of their own travel documents? Is the victim coached on what to say to community members, workers, law enforcement or immigration officials? Does someone else communicate for the victim? Has the victim been threatened with deportation or criminal charges? Is the victim recruited for one purpose but forced to engage in other work? Has the victim been harmed, deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, or other life necessities? Is the victim living in substandard housing? Are the victim’s wages being unlawfully garnished to pay off a debt or fee? (Paying off a smuggling free alone is not considered trafficking.) Is the victim free to contact friends or family without being coached or monitored? Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services? Is the victim forced to perform commercial sex acts? Is the victim under the age of 18 and engaged in commercial sex? The public can make a difference by being aware of these red flags and acting. U.S. Attorney Bennett emphasized, “Report what you see and together, we can stop human trafficking.” If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know one, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733), or your local law enforcement. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Call Center at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Over $25 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $25,434,282 in asset forfeiture and financial litigation debt in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $15,244,637 was collected through asset forfeiture actions and $10,189,645 was collected through civil and criminal debt collection actions . “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting the public and recovering funds for the victims of federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “We are proud to have partnered with so many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to compensate victims and hold criminals financially accountable.” The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Civil Division Chief Shelese Woods and Asset Recovery Unit Chief Kelly Rota, as well as the Office’s outstanding attorneys and support professionals for their diligent efforts to uphold the law, hold wrongdoers accountable, and recover funds for victims of crime. ###


title: Armed Drug Trafficker Receives 120 Month Sentence After a Traffic Stop in Wilmington Results in the Seizure of Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine, and a Firearm

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Lumberton man was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On September 26, 2023, Elhodge Malik Kirby, age 48, pled guilty to the charges. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on August 17, 2021, officers with the Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Field Force conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Mr. Kirby was the front seat passenger. A narcotics K9 responded to the scene and detected the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle and officers conducted a search. In a plastic bag on the front passenger’s floorboard, officers located approximately 24 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, approximately 11 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale with white powdery residue, and a Narcan box containing 157 empty and unused wax bindles used to package narcotics. Under the front passenger’s seat, officers located a .22 caliber pistol. Subsequent laboratory testing revealed the presence of Kirby’s DNA on the pistol. The investigation revealed that Mr. Kirby came to Wilmington from Lumberton to distribute narcotics due to the high demand. The investigation also revealed that between July 2021 and August of 2021, Mr. Kirby was responsible for the possession and/or distribution of over 450 grams of crack cocaine, 24 grams of fentanyl, and possessing two firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activities. Mr. Kirby has a substantial criminal history dating back to 1992. His prior convictions include, but are not limited to, Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Cocaine, Assault on a Government Official, Felony Breaking or Entering, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Michael F. Easley, Jr. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The FBI’s Coastal Carolina Task Force, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Mobile Field Force Task Force, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department’s Gun Crime Task Force, and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the case. Mr. Van Trigt is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Ben David has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. This has been made possible by a grant funded by New Hanover County. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-cr-00013BO-001.


title: Honduran Native Sentenced to Prison for Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Jan. 4, Ivis Rodriguez-Ordonez, 23, of San Pedro, Honduras was sentenced, by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, following a conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Rodriguez- Ordonez will be subject to removal, after the completion of his sentence. According to court documents, on July 30, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted a traffic stop of Rodriguez-Ordonez and arrested him for being in the United States in violation of federal law. A subsequent search of Rodriguez-Ordonez’ residence revealed that he was in possession of a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Samuel Briggs, U.S. Border Patrol, Miami Sector, made the announcement. U.S. Border Patrol-West Palm Beach investigated this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Acosta. You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-CR-14036-AMC. ###


title: Five Companies Agree to Pay $7.2 Million to Settle Allegations of Natural Resource Damages to Watershed Areas in Toledo, Ohio

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Five companies – Ohio Refining Co., Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Energy Transfer (R&M) LLC, Pilkington North America Inc. and Chemtrade Logistics Inc. – today agreed to settlements totaling in excess of $7.2 million to resolve claims of natural resource damages at the Duck & Otter Creeks Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) site. A complaint filed with the settlements alleges that the five companies are liable for historic industrial discharges of oil or hazardous substances – including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic and lead – at the Duck & Otter Creeks NRDA site near Toledo, Ohio. The site is just east of the Maumee River and encompasses the creeks, adjoining wetlands, floodplain areas and uplands. Duck and Otter Creeks flow into Maumee Bay in Lake Erie. In the aquatic environment, oil spills directly cause PAH pollution, and PAHs and metals were identified in creek sediments at different locations throughout the site and in concentrations that could cause injury including to invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals. “These settlements will enable restoration work that will significantly improve the environment in the area of the Maumee River and nearby Lake Erie,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Addressing the harm caused by releases of toxic contaminants will benefit local communities and restore important habitat.” “The Maumee River watershed, including Duck and Otter Creeks, provides key habitats for migratory birds and fish, and supports hunting and fishing activities for local residents,” said Midwest Regional Director Will Meeks of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). “We are excited to work with our partners in the Maumee Area of Concern Advisory Committee and the City of Toledo on restoring this incredible resource. The proposed project will provide additional benefits to the local community and this important river and coastal area.” “For decades, these companies released toxic industrial pollutants into Ohio waterways, damaging our local wildlife and ecosystem,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Our office is proud to assist the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the Department of the Interior in taking this critical step to protect our residents’ health, preserve our environment and ensure compliance with CERCLA and other environmental laws.” A draft Restoration Plan , also being made available today by the USFWS for a 30-day public review and comment period, recommends restoration work at the Delaware and Clark Island Complex within the Maumee River. This project will improve water quality in the Maumee River and includes restoring approximately 23 acres of alluvial islands and constructing shoreline enhancements to reduce further island erosion. The project also includes the creation and restoration of island, wetland and submerged habitat for aquatic and bird wildlife as well as vegetation, including plantings of native plants. Attorneys from ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case in conjunction with the Department of the Interior and USFWS. The proposed consent decrees were lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The settlements are subject to a 30-day comment period and final court approval. The consent decrees will be available for viewing on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees .


title: Richmond County man sentenced to prison for trafficking illegal synthetic drugs

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: AUGUSTA, GA: A Richmond County man who operated a mail-order business selling illegal synthetic drugs has been sentenced to federal prison. Conway James Rhinehart , 43, of Hephzibah, Ga., was sentenced to 108 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, specifically a-PHP, a synthetic cannabinoid, and Eutylone, commonly known as “bath salts,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Rhinehart to forfeit $50,000 in seized proceeds and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “Conway James Rhinehart was so brazen in his illegal drug-selling operation that even after he was indicted and freed on pre-trial release, he continued selling illegal drugs until taken into federal custody,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “This sentence shuts down his operation and holds him accountable for his illegal activity.” As described in court documents and testimony, investigators in 2020 began seizing packages containing a-PHP and Eutylone sent from various overseas locations to Rhinehart under multiple aliases and addresses in the Augusta area. Rhinehart was packaging, reselling and shipping the drugs nationwide through a website, marketing them as “energy powders” or “energy crystals.” Rhinehart was indicted in June 2022, and after being released on bond was arrested after again attempting to operate his mail-order business. He pled guilty in September 2023. “Removing this offender from the Richmond County community will effectively disrupt a major illegal synthetic drug operation,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This defendant will now spend well-deserved time in prison.” “This sentencing sends a very clear message that Postal Inspectors will relentlessly investigate individuals who try to illegally utilize the mail system to transport drugs,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We thank our law enforcement partners for their invaluable help in bringing this defendant to justice.” The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania State Police, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys L. Alexander Hamner, Matthew A. Josephson and Jeremiah L. Johnson.


title: New York Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A New York man was sentenced on Jan. 5, 2024 in federal court in Springfield for drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl. Chanty Reynoso Vasquez, 28, of Bronx, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to two years in prison. In July 2023, Reynoso Vasquez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents, Reynoso Vasquez brought over 30,000 bags of fentanyl laced heroin from the Bronx to Springfield on March 30, 2022. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.


title: Henderson Drug Trafficker Found With a Large Capacity Magazine Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

body_text: ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A Henderson man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and possession of firearms, including a firearm loaded with a large capacity magazine. On July 11, 2023, Tyrik Pettaway, 21, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl. “The unwavering dedication and relentless efforts of the Henderson Police Department have been instrumental in upholding justice and ensuring the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Their exemplary commitment to teamwork among state and federal law enforcement is commendable and emboldens public trust in our justice system.” “Our collaboration with the Eastern District of North Carolina US Attorney’s Office continues to benefit our community,” commented Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. “The efforts of all involved are evident. I am hopeful this sentence gives pause to those in our community walking a similar path.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, after receiving multiple reports that Pettaway and Neno King were dealing drugs, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of suspected heroin containing fentanyl from Pettaway and King in the Spring of 2022. In March 2022, agents executed a search warrant at a residence used by Pettaway in Henderson where they recovered a firearm with a large capacity magazine and approximately 1,100 dosage units of a substance containing fentanyl, rifle ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Pettaway has prior felony convictions for possession of a stolen firearm (2020), possession with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver heroin (2020 and 2021), and breaking and entering to terrorize (2020). King pled guilty to drug trafficking and gun charges in March of this year and was sentenced to 180 months in prison in August . Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Henderson Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00335-BO.


title: Jamaica Plain Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

body_text: BOSTON – A Jamaica Plain man was sentenced on Jan. 5, 2024 in federal court in Boston for a May 2022 robbery of a TD Bank in Cambridge. Jalonni Shabazz, a/k/a “Jalonni Tucker,” 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2023, Shabazz pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. On May 2, 2022, at approximately 12:49 p.m., a suspect wearing a royal blue baseball hat, gray short-sleeved T-shirt, a camouflage pattern garment around his neck and medical mask entered the TD Bank on Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. The suspect handed the teller a note that read, “All of the Money - No Dye packs - or alarms,” and then told the teller, “This is a robbery honey.” The teller complied with the suspect’s demands and gave cash to the suspect. The man then fled on foot after taking $2,200 cash from the teller. During a search of the area surrounding the bank, a royal blue baseball hat, consistent with that worn by the suspect in the robbery, was located. DNA obtained from the hat belonged to Shabazz. In addition, analysis of the bank’s surveillance footage and the defendant’s Facebook account identified Shabazz’s features – including his tattoo, hair and an article of clothing – to be consistent with that of the robbery suspect. At the time of the robbery, Shabazz was on supervised release following a 2017 federal conviction for two bank robberies for which he was sentenced to 54 months in prison. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John E. Mawn, Jr.; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Boston Man Sentenced for Witness Intimidation

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced on Jan. 5, 2024 for attempting to prevent a victim from testifying against him in a federal proceeding. Defendant was on federal supervised release for sex trafficking when he exposed himself to the victim. Mark Pinnock, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 33 months followed by three years supervised release. In October 2023, Pinnock pleaded guilty to one count of witness intimidation. In 2014, Pinnock was sentenced to eight years in prison for a sex trafficking offense. In July 2022, after his release from prison, Pinnock was working as an Amazon driver while under federal supervision. A victim reported to law enforcement that Pinnock exposed his penis to her while delivering a package to the condominium complex where the victim worked as a custodian. As a result, the U.S. Probation Office sought to revoke Pinnock’s term of supervised release and the Court scheduled a hearing to adjudicate Pinnock’s alleged offense. One week before the hearing, Pinnock directed a co-conspirator to go to the condominium complex on his behalf at a time when he knew that the victim would be working. The co-conspirator falsely claimed that he worked for the state and told the victim not to go to Court while standing with his hand in his pocket in a threatening manner as if he had something in it. Pinnock also used an encrypted messaging application to send an anonymous message to the security officer at the complex to “let the cleaning lady know” she would be arrested by immigration officials if she were to go to court. Finally, Pinnock placed three separate phone calls to immigration officials in an attempt to have the victim detained for being unlawfully present in the United States. In the calls to immigration officials, Pinnock falsely claimed that he had heard the victim was gang-affiliated, among other things. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. The Brockton Police provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Bakersfield-Based Methamphetamine Ring

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Alberto Gomez-Santiago, 38, a Mexican national residing in Arvin, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in March 2021, Gomez delivered 26 pounds of methamphetamine to co-defendants Jorge Calderon-Campos, 42, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, and Mark Garcia, 23, of Bakersfield. Law enforcement officers later seized the drug from Garcia’s vehicle during a traffic stop. This transaction was one of many transactions involving Calderon-Campos, who was the target of a wiretap investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than 86 pounds of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of heroin. The wiretap investigation also uncovered an illegal cockfighting enterprise involving Calderon-Campos, who is charged in a second indictment with violations of the Animal Welfare Act. An associate, Horacio Ortega-Martinez, 36, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, previously entered a guilty plea to the unlawful possession of gamecocks for an animal fighting venture and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Francisco Javier Torres Mora, aka Johnathan Benjamin Torres Luna, 30, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, previously entered a guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute 60 pounds of methamphetamine and is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 29, 2024. Charges remain pending again Calderon-Campos, Garcia, Jose Beltran-Chaidez, 68, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, and two other co-defendants. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was the product of an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Kern County Sheriff's Office, the Kern County Probation Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Former Baton Rouge Motel Manager Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Joshua Lamb, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to wire fraud. According to admissions made during his plea, in late 2022 and early 2023, Lamb was working as the general manager of Comfort Suites Medical District hotel in Baton Rouge. During that time, he operated a scheme to defraud the hotel by wiring at least $90,000 of unearned money to himself. Although Lamb initially claimed the wirings were authorized reimbursements, they were not. In the weeks before he was caught in March 2023, Lamb was routinely wiring himself thousands of dollars a week in unauthorized payments. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Wallace.


title: U.S. District Court And U.S. Attorney’s Office Warn Public Of Jury Duty Scam

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida–Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg warn the public of a nationwide scam in which callers pose as U.S. Marshals or other government officials and claim that the victim is about to be arrested for not appearing for jury duty but can avoid arrest by paying a fine. The Middle District of Florida has recently received an increased number of phone calls from victims regarding these scams and deems it of the utmost importance to promote awareness and prevent more people from falling prey to such scams. The scammers may provide convincing information, including about the victim (e.g., addresses, date of birth, etc.), real names of federal judges or court employees, actual court addresses, court phone numbers, and case and badge numbers. Scammers may even “spoof” the phone number on the caller ID so that the call falsely appears to originate from a court number or the number of another government agency. The caller then tells the victim they can avoid arrest by paying an immediate fine and walks them through purchasing a prepaid debit or gift card or making an electronic payment to satisfy the “fine.” These phone calls are fraudulent, and citizens should not provide the caller with any personal or financial information. In no instance will a court official, U.S. Marshals Service, or other government employee contact someone and demand payment or personal information by phone or email. “We’ve seen a resurgence of jury scams in recent months where a caller demands that someone pay a fee or face arrest for missing jury duty. Let me be clear: these calls are fraudulent,” warns Chief Judge Corrigan. “If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a judge or other court official, do not give them your credit card or other financial information. The court appreciates those citizens who are called for jury service and always endeavors to treat them with respect.” “Jury service is one of the most important public services a citizen can perform, and it is a serious matter when scammers attempt to use a citizen’s sense of civic duty to defraud them,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “If someone calls and threatens you to pay them to not be arrested for missing federal jury duty, you are being scammed. This scam works by trying to create a false sense of urgency that you must pay money immediately to avoid arrest. Do not fall for it. Hang up the phone and instead report the call to the appropriate federal authorities.” Residents of the Middle District of Florida who believe they have been the victim of such a scam are encouraged to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ and your local FBI Field Office . Below are a few preventative facts to remember if contacted by a scammer: The court will always send a jury summons by U.S. Mail. A court will never ask for a credit/debit card number, wire transfers, bank routing numbers, or demand payment over the phone for any purpose. A prospective juror who disregards a summons will be contacted by the District Court Clerk’s Office by mail and may, in certain circumstances, be ordered to appear before a judge. Such an order will always be in writing and signed by the judge. A fine will never be imposed until after an individual has appeared in court and been given the opportunity to explain their failure to appear. If a fine is imposed, it will be in open court and reduced to writing (and will not be payable by gift card number). Report scams to the District Court Clerk’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, or Federal Trade Commission. You can remain anonymous when you report. You can authenticate a call by contacting the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court. Each division phone number is on the Court’s website at www.flmd.uscourts.gov .


title: Federal Drug Trafficking Complaint Follows Seizure of Thirteen Pounds of Fentanyl-Laced Pills

body_text: NASHVILLE – A joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has resulted in the arrest of three individuals for conspiring to distribute over 13 pounds of fentanyl-mixed pills in Nashville, Tennessee, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. The complaint charges Karl Chandler, Jr., 36, Jacquez McCoy, 26, and Branelle Brooks, 23, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing fentanyl. Chandler is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On January 4, 2024, agents intercepted a suspicious package that had been shipped to Nashville from Phoenix, Arizona. Upon searching the package, they discovered a substantial quantity of pills containing fentanyl. The pills, which bore the same color, shape, and imprints as legitimate oxycodone 30 milligram pills, were concealed in two vacuum-sealed bags hidden inside of air mattresses. In total, the package contained approximately 6.27 kilograms, or 13.8 pounds, of suspected fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. Agents re-assembled the package without the narcotics and followed those who retrieved it upon delivery, resulting in the arrests of Chandler, McCoy and Brooks. Federal agents also recovered a firearm as part of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily E. Petro is prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # # # #


title: Russian National Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Murat Kurashev, 36, of Sacramento, California, pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. According to court documents, Kurashev attempted to provide financial support to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State and engages in terrorism in Syria. Between July 2020 and February 2021, Kurashev used money transfer services to send approximately $13,000 to two known couriers of an HTS fundraiser. Records obtained from the money transfer services documented multiple transactions from Kurashev to the couriers in Turkey usually in increments of $1,000. The couriers retrieved the funds often within 24 hours of transfer. Surveillance footage from money transfer businesses captured Kurashev in the midst of some of the transactions. Law enforcement’s review of social media and encrypted mobile messaging discussions between Kurashev and the fundraiser, demonstrated that they believed that providing money in support of the HTS’s fighters was tantamount to being engaged in violent jihad. During these conversations with the fundraiser, Kurashev mentioned that he wished he could join the fight in Syria as a mujahideen and regretted that he could only provide financial support. These conversations make clear that Kurashev was fully aware of the fundraiser’s violent extremist ideology and participation and work on behalf of HTS. Additional evidence seized by the FBI revealed that Kurashev followed the fundraiser’s online presence and various social media accounts. Some of fundraiser’s social media accounts that were viewed by Kurashev included solicitations for money to purchase military equipment, boots, clothing, firearms, and, in one case, a motorcycle. FBI forensic analysis of Kurashev’s Apple iCloud account revealed it to be replete with violent extremist content, including a video depicting HTS fighters. It appears that Kurashev watched this video while driving his work van along Interstate 80. Kurashev faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for March 18. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch, and U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola for the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Foreign National Sentenced for Conspiring to Launder Proceeds of Internet Fraud Schemes

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Nigerian national was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison and ordered to pay over $1.46 million in restitution for conspiring to launder money derived from internet fraud schemes. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Olugbenga Lawal, 33, of Indianapolis, Indiana, worked directly with the Nigeria-based leader of an international criminal organization that defrauded individuals and businesses across the United States out of millions of dollars through sophisticated internet-based fraud schemes, including romance fraud and business email compromise schemes. The criminal organization frequently targeted elderly victims who believed they had fallen in love with people they had met on the internet. Lawal then laundered millions of dollars of proceeds from the fraud schemes. Between January 2019 and June 2020, bank accounts used by Lawal and his co-conspirators to launder money on behalf of the criminal organization received millions of dollars traced directly to individuals and businesses defrauded over the internet by members of the criminal organization. Accounts Lawal controlled received over $3.6 million in deposits between January 2019 and May 2020. Those deposits were spread across seven different bank accounts Lawal opened in his own name or the name of his business entity, Luxe Logistics LLC. Ultimately, Lawal controlled bank accounts at no less than five different financial institutions in furtherance of his money laundering. Additionally, Lawal played a role in laundering money for the criminal organization by converting the fraud dollars deposited in his accounts into Nigerian currency accessible in Nigeria. He engaged in import/export transactions involving the shipment of cars to Nigeria and currency exchange business transactions to facilitate the repatriation of the organization’s fraud proceeds back to Nigeria. On Aug. 10, 2023, Lawal was convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to commit money laundering. Three co-conspirators, Michael Hermann, Rita Assane, and Dwight Baines, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss for the District of Delaware, and Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Mary K. Daly and Michael Grady of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse S. Wenger and Meredith Ruggles for District of Delaware prosecuted the case, with assistance from MLARS Trial Attorneys Madeleine Case and Jasmin Salehi Fashami.


title: Central Valley Corporate Insider Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $5 Million in Livestock Feed Ingredients

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Shawn Sawa, 47, formerly of Clovis, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in stealing millions of dollars’ worth of canola from international food processors. Canola is commonly used to make livestock feed. According to court documents, from 2015 through 2017, Sawa and Richard Best stole $4.8 million worth of canola from the food processors. They then sold the canola for a windfall. Sawa and Best carried out the scheme through Best’s now defunct train-to-truck transloading company, Richard Best Transfer Inc. (RBT). A transloading company transfers commodities from one mode of transportation to another mode. The victim food processors sent hundreds of thousands of tons of their canola to RBT for delivery to their customers. Sawa was the manager of a victim food processor’s branch office in Fresno and had a close relationship with Best. Sawa and Best sold the stolen canola through an acquaintance in Texas who used to work in the livestock-feed industry. The acquaintance sold the stolen canola to farms and dairies and distributed the proceeds according to Best’s instructions. This included wire transfers to Sawa, RBT, and Best’s bank accounts. The account that Sawa used was opened in his spouse’s name to try to conceal the scheme. Throughout the scheme, Sawa and Best caused RBT to email fraudulent inventory reports to the victim food processors representing that RBT had certain amounts of their canola in-stock when, in fact, RBT had significantly lesser amounts. Sawa and Best used the proceeds from the scheme to purchase luxury homes and multiple vehicles, take trips, hire private karate teachers, and cover RBT’s operating expenses, among other expenses. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case. Sawa is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Sawa faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. Best was also charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The charges against him are pending and are only allegations. He is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Russian National Residing in Sacramento Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Murat Kurashev, 36, a Russian national who resided in Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Kurashev attempted to provide financial support to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization that engages in terrorism in Syria. Between July 2020 and February 2021, Kurashev used money transfer services to send approximately $13,000 to two known couriers of an HTS fundraiser. Records obtained from the money transfer services documented multiple transactions from Kurashev to the couriers in Turkey, usually in increments of $1000. The couriers retrieved the funds often within 24 hours of transfer. Surveillance footage from money transfer businesses captured Kurashev during some of the transactions. Social media and encrypted mobile messaging discussions between Kurashev and the fundraiser made clear that Kurashev was fully aware of the fundraiser’s violent extremist ideology and participation and work on behalf of HTS. Kurashev stated that he wished he could join the fight in Syria as a mujahideen and regretted that he could only provide financial support. As their conversations showed, Kurashev and the fundraiser believed that providing money in support of the HTS fighters was tantamount to being engaged in violent jihad. According to court documents, Kurashev followed the fundraiser’s online presence and various social media accounts, which included solicitations for money to purchase military equipment, boots, clothing, firearms, and, in one case, a motorcycle. Forensic analysis of Kurashev’s Apple iCloud account revealed it to be replete with violent extremist content, including a video depicting HTS fighters. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. Kurashev is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on March 18, 2024. Kurashev faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Neshoba County man pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse of a minor on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. According to court documents, in September of 2017, Scottie Amos, 26, committed a sexual act on a minor who was between the ages of 12 and 16 in the Tucker Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Amos was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2022. Amos is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Amos has previously pleaded guilty to burglary and awaits sentencing in that case as well. U.S. Attorney Todd Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jessica Orench of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations all investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: Highlights From United Against Hate Community Event at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee participated in a United Against Hate outreach event bringing DOJ officials and FBI partners to community members to elevate effective strategies to prevent, report, and respond to hate crimes and incidents. United Against Hate is a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to inform communities about hate crimes and reporting hate-related incidents. The Department launched the initiative in 2022 with the goal of building trust, opening lines of communication, and strengthening coordination between relevant partners and the community to help combat a growing number of hate and bias-related incidents since 2021. This recent event took place on January 7 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in partnership with CasaLuz, a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and resources to Hispanic/Latinx domestic violence victims in the Memphis area. The program featured U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Smith, Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Cornejo, and FBI Special Agent Jeremy Baker. Below are photos from the event along with a video of U.S. Attorney Ritz’s opening remarks. Remarks in Spanish Remarks in English. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to host presentations throughout the Western District of Tennessee to help communities understand what hate crimes are, how federal agencies respond to hate crimes, and what people can do to help victims. Community organizations or leaders that wish to partner with the United States Attorney’s office to explore holding such an event in their community should contact the District at 901-544-4231. Anyone who feels they have been the victim of a hate crime or may have witnessed a hate crime should immediately report the crime to state or local police by dialing 9-1-1, then quickly report the incident to the FBI at tips.FBI.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Next, please report the incident to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division at civilrights.justice.gov or by contacting the Civil Rights Coordinator in the Civil Division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 901-544-4231.


title: National City Man Sentenced for Transporting Teens for Prostitution

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – January 5, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Kenneth Tenorio of National City was sentenced in federal court today to 106 months in prison for transporting two female teens from San Diego to Phoenix, Arizona and El Paso, Texas, for the purpose of prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Bencivengo admonished the defendant for his treatment of victims, saying: “You just took advantage of their vulnerabilities to put money in your pocket.” She noted the maximum sentence of 120 months was appropriate but gave Tenorio credit for the time he spent in custody in Texas on local charges prior to the federal proceedings. According to court records, Tenorio’s conduct spanned multiple states and involved multiple victims, including juveniles. The defendant exploited women and minors who had been removed from their homes and placed in the foster care system as part of his overall scheme to profit from their commercial sex work. Tenorio pleaded guilty on August 8, 2023, admitting that he transported two of his victims from California to Arizona and Texas for the purpose of offering them for commercial sex for his own financial gain. The defendant used his Megapersonals account – a dating website that is frequently used to solicit prostitution – to post commercial sex advertisements featuring the two victims wearing lingerie. The defendant expected his victims to provide him with a portion of the proceeds they earned from engaging in commercial sex acts in these various locations. According to his plea agreement, beginning in September 2020, the defendant also trafficked a 15-year-old minor identified as JF1. The defendant knew JF1 was a minor and nonetheless sent text messages to JF1 for the purpose of recruiting and enticing her to engage in prostitution. The plea agreement reflects that in October 2020, JF1 stayed with the defendant at his residence in National City, California, and he used a false California identification to post online commercial sex advertisements featuring her. He also instructed her on how to engage in prostitution on “the blade” – a slang term that refers to an area of town where prostitutes/sex workers solicit sex-buyers – and informed her that he would provide protection for a fee. The defendant admitted that JF1 worked “the blade” for him a number of times in October 2020, and each time, he drove her there and picked her up, collecting a portion of the illicit proceeds she earned. “Sex trafficking is a deplorable crime that impacts victims for a lifetime,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This sentence brings justice to the victims and the community is safer with this defendant off the streets. People being exploited are often overlooked and isolated. If you suspect someone is in an unsafe situation or they are being controlled by a “pimp,” romantic partner, manager or employer, or anyone who monitors their movements, their spending and/or their communications, please report it to law enforcement. If we know about it, we can offer help.” “This lengthy sentence serves as an appropriate punishment for the defendant’s role in exploiting multiple victims for the sole purpose of financial gain, including preying upon a minor,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “Now behind bars, this man cannot participate in the lowest form of humanity – placing our most vulnerable population in harm’s way. HSI and our partnered agencies are committed to aggressively targeting those who continually victimize people for profit.” “Predators like Mr. Tenorio take advantage of vulnerable people and underage victims. They alternate locations, thinking law enforcement won’t catch on. But that’s not true, and the results of this case as well as this substantial sentence should be a warning to other criminals,” said Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy. “I’m proud of our detectives for playing a key role in the initiation and follow up of this investigation. The Chula Vista Police Department remains dedicated to working with all of our law enforcement partners and community organizations to combat sex trafficking and hold those who participate in these unconscionable acts accountable.” January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. Indicators that someone is being trafficked include frequent running away; sudden separation or isolation from friends and loved ones; changes in behavior, appearance, and attire; new friend groups; unexplained new or multiple cell phones; and secrecy with phones and social media. If you believe you may know someone who is in trouble, held in a forced work situation, or being exploited, please contact Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-347-2423, the FBI, your local police department, the sheriff, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. “We can all do our part to protect the most vulnerable among us,” McGrath said. “Working together, we can find more of the people in need, offer them support, and deliver justice to those who would trade freedom for profit.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill S. Streja. DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr2746-CAB Kenneth Tenorio 54 National City, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2421 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCIES The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, the Chula Vista Police Department, and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, a regional, multi-agency effort led by the California Department of Justice dedicated to supporting survivors and holding traffickers accountable. The task force is comprised of numerous federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. The investigation was also supported by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org .


title: Nigerian National Sentenced to 121 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Launder Proceeds of Internet Fraud Schemes

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Nigerian national was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for conspiring to launder money derived from internet fraud schemes. Lawal’s sentence included an order that he pay $1,460,875 in restitution to victims of the fraud schemes. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence. Olugbenga Lawal, 33, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to commit money laundering on August 10, 2023. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lawal worked directly with the Nigeria-based leader of an international criminal organization that defrauded individuals and businesses across the United States out of millions of dollars through sophisticated internet-based fraud schemes, including romance fraud and business email compromise schemes, and laundered the proceeds of those fraud schemes. The criminal organization frequently targeted elderly victims who believed they had fallen in love with people they had met on the internet. Between January 2019 and June 2020, bank accounts used by Lawal and his co-conspirators to launder money on behalf of the criminal organization received millions of dollars traced directly to individuals and businesses defrauded over the internet by members of the criminal organization. Lawal played a vital role in laundering money for the criminal organization by working to convert the fraud dollars entering his accounts into Nigerian currency accessible in Nigeria. He engaged in sophisticated import/export transactions involving the shipment of cars to Nigeria and currency exchange business transactions to facilitate the repatriation of the organization’s fraud proceeds back to Nigeria. Three co-conspirators, Michael Hermann, Rita Assane, and Dwight Baines previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and have yet to be sentenced. U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “Criminal organizations around the world continue to use the internet to defraud hardworking American citizens and businesses out of millions of dollars. Too often, those victims are elderly individuals who unknowingly give up their life savings to a fraudster. My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting the criminal actors who perpetrate those frauds and individuals, like Mr. Lawal, who launder their money.” “Lawal went to great lengths to further this sophisticated scheme to defraud vulnerable Americans and legitimate businesses,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI'S Baltimore Field Office. “This sentence is more than just, given the unscrupulous tactics used. This case demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to hold fraudsters accountable.” This case was investigated by FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington Resident Agency. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse S. Wenger and Meredith C. Ruggles of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and Trial Attorneys Mary K. Daly and Michael Grady of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), with assistance from MLARS Trial Attorneys Madeleine Case and Jasmin Salehi Fashami. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-11.


title: Boyd County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland man, Jonathan Michael Whitt, 35, was sentenced on Monday, to 30 years in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, on May 8, 2022, law enforcement discovered sexually explicit photos of Whitt and a minor victim. Subsequent investigation revealed that Whitt and the minor had a sexual relationship, from 2011 to 2013, and that Whitt had taken sexually explicit images of the victim during that time. During a separate investigation, law enforcement also discovered that Whitt was trading child sexual abuse material with others, by joining online groups and sending and receiving links to hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. Under federal law, Whitt must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Todd Kelley, Ashland Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by FBI, HSI, KSP, and Ashland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . — END —


title: Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl and Using and Trafficking Stolen Identities and Credit Cards

body_text: BOSTON – A Malden man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to distributing fentanyl and using stolen identities to conduct transactions and obtain credit cards. Derick Coulanges, a/k/a/ “Casa,” 28, pleaded guilty on Jan 5, 2024 to distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of five or more identification documents with intent to use them unlawfully; and use of and trafficking in unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud to obtain property valued over $1,000. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2024. Coulanges was charged by criminal complaint in July 2023. In January and February 2023, Coulanges was recorded selling a cooperating witness 50 grams of fentanyl in Coulanges’ Mercedes Benz. In the recordings, Coulanges also offered to procure counterfeit driver’s licenses for the cooperating witness that contained stolen personal identifying information (PII). Coulanges would go on to explain the manner in which a counterfeit driver’s license bearing stolen PII could be utilized to open bank accounts and obtain credit cards to purchase items. In March 2023, during a search of Coulanges’ Malden apartment which he had obtained using a drug customer’s stolen identity, approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine was located. A search of Coulanges’ Mercedes Benz revealed six driver’s licenses bearing stolen PII and one counterfeit license that bore Coulanges’ photograph but contained stolen PII of an individual from Ohio. A subsequent investigation revealed that the individuals associated with the driver’s licenses had been the victims of identity theft and had bank accounts and credit cards opened in their name. The counterfeit driver’s license bearing Coulanges’ photograph had been used to open bank accounts, apply for loans and obtain credit cards. Surveillance footage was located depicting Coulanges opening the accounts and then utilizing the fraudulently obtained credit cards to conduct transactions at various retailers, including at two jewelry stores where he purchased approximately $12,000 in jewelry. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of five or more identification documents with intent to use them unlawfully provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of unauthorized access devices to fraudulently obtain more than $1,000 provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Redwater Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute over 50 Grams of Methamphetamine

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Leake County woman pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in May of 2021, Kelsy Ann Billie, 24, conspired to distribute over fifty grams of methamphetamine near the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Billie was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023. Billie is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of forty years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd Gee, Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Whitney Woodruff, Regional Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: Woman Sentenced for Threatening to Murder U.S. Probation Officer

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Tammy Morgan, 56, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to time served in federal custody after pleading guilty to Transmitting a Threatening Interstate Communication. At the time of her sentencing, Morgan had been held in federal custody for approximately 14 months. According to court documents, on multiple occasions spanning from October 2018 through August 2022, Ms. Morgan sent repeated voicemails, texts messages, and physical notes threatening Victim 1, a federal probation officer. In the course of her official duties, Victim 1 supervised the release of the defendant’s husband, who was placed under federal supervision following his release from federal prison following a conviction in the Southern District of Indiana. Specifically, on March 16, 2021, Morgan called Victim 1 at her office and left a voicemail stating, “I have a driving while suspended on my record, and I’m going to have a murder charge on my record…” Three days later, Morgan left another voicemail stating, “I’m going to hurt somebody…And I’m going to blow your f*****g head off.” On June 22, 2022, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt issued an Order prohibiting Morgan from entering the U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis. In the Order, Chief Judge Pratt referenced a January 13, 2022, incident wherein Morgan warned an employee, “You look scared, and you should be.” The Order also referenced a June 1, 2022, incident wherein Morgan informed another court employee that “somebody’s going to get hurt.” According to the same Order, on four occasions, Morgan attempted to enter the U.S. Courthouse with a pocketknife. On July 14, 2022, Morgan approached a U.S. Probation Officer as she walked to her parked vehicle and asked if Victim 1 was at the office. One month later, Morgan left a note on the same Officer’s vehicle that read “I lost my everything because of [Victim 1.] She lied and stole my children and our money, I want justice.” “Federal probation officers play a critical role in protecting the public by helping offenders successfully reenter society and ensuring they comply with the law following their return from prison—an inherently difficult and sometimes dangerous job,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “No public servant should have to suffer death threats just for doing their job. Our office takes threats to all federal employees very seriously and is committed to supporting and protecting our counterparts in the court system.” The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Morgan be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Vandalia man sentenced to 13 years in prison for possessing bulk amounts of fentanyl, xylazine within elementary school zone

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – A Vandalia man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 156 months in prison and eight years of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute drugs within 1,000 feet of a local elementary school. The United States argued at sentencing that Jason Glanton, 34, possessed enough fentanyl to kill hundreds of thousands of full-grown adults in close proximity to kids in kindergarten through third grade at Helke Elementary School on Randler Avenue in Vandalia. Glanton’s narcotics included fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and a xylazine mixture known by the street names “tranq dope” and “zombie dope.” Xylazine is particularly dangerous because it has no known antidote, meaning Narcan/naloxone is less effective at reversing overdoses. According to court documents, in the fall of 2022, the FBI and Dayton Police Department began investigating Glanton for fentanyl trafficking. Law enforcement observed Glanton sell fentanyl on at least three occasions in January and February 2023. While executing a search warrant in February 2023, agents discovered more than 136 grams of fentanyl, $9,000 in cash, five semiautomatic handguns and more than 300 rounds of ammunition in a basement office at Glanton’s home on Pool Avenue. Investigators also discovered three loaded handguns in the primary bedroom. In Glanton’s Chevrolet Silverado, officials discovered $10,000 in cash in the trunk and a loaded handgun in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle. When Glanton was arrested in March 2023, he had more than $1,700 in cash on him and nearly 75 grams of fentanyl in his Chrysler 300. Glanton pleaded guilty in September 2023. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Larue County Couple Sentenced to Over Two Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Sell Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Stolen from Pharmacy

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Larue County, Kentucky, couple was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in federal prison today for conspiring to steal hydrocodone and oxycodone from a pharmacy to sell. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Acting Inspector General David T. Lovely of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General made the announcement. According to court records, Ashley Ramsey-Wilmoth, 41, and Stephen Troy Wilmoth, 46, were both sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, fined $2500.00 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,728.59 for one count of conspiracy to commit theft of medical products and one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Ashley Ramsey-Wilmoth, an employee of Century Medicines, a retail pharmacy in the supply chain for oxycodone and hydrocodone, took unopened bottles of oxycodone and hydrocodone from Century Medicines prior to the oxycodone and hydrocodone being made available for retail purchase by a consumer. She then provided the oxycodone and hydrocodone to her husband, Stephen Troy Wilmoth, to sell and distribute. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the DEA, the Kentucky State Police, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General. This case was part of the Department of Justice’s 2023 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action announced in June 2023. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case. ###


title: Mason County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – James Franklin Will III, 42, of Point Pleasant, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 15, 2023, law enforcement officers encountered Will while responding to reports of a suspicious person at a Point Pleasant residence. The residents told officers that Will had entered their home with two firearms. Officers recovered a loaded Sig Sauer AR-15 .223-caliber rifle and a Smith & Wesson .22-caliber revolver at the residence. Will admitted to possessing the firearms. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Will knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for attempt to commit a felony on December 7, 2015, and conspiracy on November 13, 2017, both in Mason County Circuit Court, and for unlawful possession of a deadly weapon by a felon in Wood County Circuit Court on April 16, 2021. Will is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Point Pleasant Police Department and the Mason County Sheriff’s Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-148. ###


title: Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Larry Williams Jr., 52, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 9, 2023, Williams sold approximately 1 gram of methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant at a Washington Avenue location in Huntington. Williams admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling quantities of methamphetamine and heroin to a confidential informant on January 31, 2023, and March 16, 2023, in Huntington. On March 21, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Williams’ Adams Avenue residence in Huntington and found approximately 134 grams of methamphetamine, 15 grams of heroin, 6 grams of fentanyl, and 18 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack.” Officers also found digital scales, a drug press and approximately $292 in the residence during the search. Williams admitted to possessing and intending to distribute the controlled substances. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-87. ###


title: Former Bullitt County Master Commissioner Sentenced to 2 Years and 11 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Victims

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – The former Bullitt County Master Commissioner was sentenced today to 2 years and 11 months for defrauding two trusts originally held by senior beneficiaries. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the Louisville Field Office made the announcement. According to court records, John Anthony Schmidt, 67, an attorney and the Former Bullitt County Master Commissioner, was sentenced to 2 years and 11 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, with a special condition of 100 hours of community service, for one count of wire fraud and two counts of bank fraud. There is no parole in the federal system. The charges in this case were in connection with Schmidt’s scheme to steal over $435,000 while he was serving as the court appointed trustee for two trusts, the beneficiaries of which relied on Schmidt to manage the trusts’ assets. As part of his scheme, Schmidt stole from the trusts to pay for his own personal expenditures, including to pay debts he incurred to individuals he had represented or purported to represent in the course of his legal practice and to replace missing funds from the Bullitt County Master Commissioner bank account. Schmidt was also ordered to pay restitution to multiple victims in the case. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Public Corruption Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Zimdahl prosecuted the case. ###


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Frank W. Basenback, 36, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 8, 2023, Basenback agreed to sell heroin to a confidential informant. Basenback admitted that he sold approximately 56 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant on the 3300 block of Harvey Road in Huntington in exchange for $1,000. Basenback further admitted to selling a total of approximately 243 grams of fentanyl to confidential informants at the same location for a total of $4,000 during separate occasions on August 23, 2023, and September 4, 2023. On September 14, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant a Basenback’s Haynie Road residence. Officers found approximately $42,892 in the residence and approximately 2 kilograms of fentanyl in a truck parked outside. Officers also found $711 on Basenback’s person. Basenback admitted that he possessed and intended to distribute the seized fentanyl, and further admitted that the seized cash and $14,608.69 in his bank account were drug proceeds from selling fentanyl. Basenback is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-155. ###


title: U.S. Navy Sailor Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese Intelligence

body_text: A U.S. Navy service member was sentenced today to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay a $5,500 fine for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in exchange for bribery payments. According to court documents, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, aka Thomas Zhao, of Monterey Park, California, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of conspiring with the intelligence officer and one count of receiving a bribe. “Mr. Zhao betrayed his solemn oath to defend his country and endangered those who serve in the U.S. military,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today, he is being held to account for those crimes. The Justice Department is committed to combatting the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine our nation’s security and holding accountable those who violate our laws as part of those efforts.” “Zhao betrayed his country and disgraced himself when he accepted bribes from an intelligence officer with the People’s Republic of China,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “As a result, he has now been removed from the military and will serve time in federal prison. Today’s sentence shows that my office will swiftly act to root out and punish those who seek to undermine our nation’s security.” “Make no mistake, the PRC is engaged in an aggressive effort to undermine the national security of the U.S. and its partners,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Zhao chose to betray the oath he took to our country and put others at risk by providing sensitive U.S. information to a PRC intelligence official. The Chinese Communist Party has repeatedly shown it will freely break any law or norm to achieve a perceived intelligence advantage. Today’s sentencing demonstrates, yet again, the inability of China’s Intelligence Services to prevent the FBI and our vital partners from apprehending and prosecuting the spies China recruits.” “Mr. Zhao betrayed his oath to the United States and deserves to be held fully accountable for accepting bribes in exchange for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Angel Cruz of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Office of Special Projects. “NCIS will continue to leverage its unique law enforcement and counterintelligence authorities to vigorously pursue those who attempt to compromise our national security information. We are grateful to the FBI and Department of Justice for their substantial assistance to this lengthy investigation and greatly appreciate our continued partnership.” Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held a U.S. security clearance, engaged in a corrupt scheme to collect and transmit sensitive U.S. military information to the intelligence officer in violation of his official duties. Between August 2021 and at least May 2023, Zhao received at least $14,866 in at least 14 separate bribe payments from the intelligence officer. In exchange for the illicit payments, Zhao secretly collected and transmitted to the intelligence officer sensitive, non-public information regarding U.S. Navy operational security, military trainings and exercises, and critical infrastructure. Zhao entered restricted military and naval installations to collect and record this information. Zhao transmitted plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan. He used sophisticated encrypted communication methods to transmit the information. He also destroyed evidence and concealed his relationship with the intelligence officer. Zhao’s conduct violated his official duties to protect such information and the oath he swore to protect the United States. The FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division and NCIS conducted the investigation. IRS-Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annamartine Salick, Sarah Gerdes, Christine Ro and Kathrynne Seiden for the Central District of California prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Waters for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section provided valuable assistance.


title: U.S. Navy Sailor Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Prison for Transmitting Sensitive U.S. Military Information to Chinese Intelligence Officer

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A United States Navy service member was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China. Wenheng Zhao, 26, also known as Thomas Zhao, of Monterey Park, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also fined Zhao $5,500. Zhao pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of conspiracy and one count of receiving a bribe in violation of his official duties. Zhao, who was stationed at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, held a U.S. security government clearance and underwent routine trainings on efforts by hostile nation states to acquire sensitive information. Between August 2021 and at least May 2023, Zhao received at least $14,866 in 14 separate bribe payments from the intelligence officer, who directed Zhao to surreptitious collect and transmit sensitive U.S. military information and offered to pay Zhao bonuses for controlled and classified information. In exchange for the illicit payments, Zhao repeatedly entered restricted military and naval installations to secretly collect non-public information regarding U.S. Navy operational security, military trainings and exercises, and critical infrastructure. Zhao used encrypted communications to transmit that sensitive, non-public information to the intelligence officer. Zhao transmitted plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders, and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan. Zhao attempted to conceal his crimes and his relationship with the intelligence officer by destroying evidence. “Zhao betrayed his country and disgraced himself when he accepted bribes from an intelligence officer with the People’s Republic of China,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “As a result, he has now been removed from the military and will serve time in federal prison. Today’s sentence shows that my office will swiftly act to root out and punish those who seek to undermine our nation’s security.” “Mr. Zhao betrayed his solemn oath to defend his country and endangered those who serve in the U.S. military,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today, he is being held to account for those crimes. The Justice Department is committed to combatting the Chinese government’s efforts to undermine our nation’s security and holding accountable those who violate our laws as part of those efforts.” “Mr. Zhao abdicated his oath to the United States and put American troops in harm's way when he accessed and handed over sensitive information to China for a payout,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “Today's sentence should make it very clear that the FBI and our partners in the military and at the U.S. Attorney's Office will hold accountable anyone who succumbs to advances by the Chinese or any U.S. adversary, and in doing so, puts American secrets and American lives at risk.” “Mr. Zhao betrayed his oath to the United States and deserves to be held fully accountable for accepting bribes in exchange for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information to an intelligence officer from the People’s Republic of China,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Angel Cruz of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Office of Special Projects. “NCIS will continue to leverage its unique law enforcement and counterintelligence authorities to vigorously pursue those who attempt to compromise our national security information. We are grateful to the FBI and Department of Justice for their substantial assistance to this lengthy investigation and greatly appreciate our continued partnership.” The FBI’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division of the Los Angeles Field Office and NCIS conducted the investigation. IRS Criminal Investigation provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Annamartine Salick, Sarah Gerdes, Christine Ro and Kathrynne Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section prosecuted this case, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Waters of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section. The Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the Department of Justice provided substantial assistance.


title: Westport Resident Charged with Misappropriating $477K U.S. Treasury Check

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, Acting Inspector General Heather M. Hill of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging NEIL A. LOTT, 50, of Westport, with wire fraud related to a misappropriation scheme. As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, from 2017 until August 2021, Lott was a 51 percent owner of Pacific Atlantic Handling Services, LLC (“PAH”), a baggage handling company based at John F. Kennedy International Airport. In August 2021, Lott was terminated from PAH for cause. However, in November 2021, Lott opened a business bank account in the name of PAH without PAH’s knowledge or authorization. On November 30, 2021, Lott deposited into this account a U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $477,167, paid to the order of PAH, for an Employee Retention Tax Credit. The indictment was returned on January 3, 2024, and Lott was arrested on January 4. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was released on a $350,000 bond. If convicted of wire fraud, Lott faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the Westport Police Department, with assistance from the Port Authority Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.