title: Fifth Member of Bakersfield Drug Ring Sentenced

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Jorge Calderon-Campos, aka Americano, 42, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, was sentenced today to eight years and one month in prison by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston for his involvement in a drug distribution operation in Bakersfield and for unlawfully possessing animals for the purpose of cockfighting, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on March 30, 2021, Calderon supplied 26 pounds of methamphetamine to co-defendants Mark Garcia, 24, of Lamont, and Alberto Gomez-Santiago, 38, a Mexican national. On April 7, 2021, Calderon was involved in a 60-pound methamphetamine transaction with co-defendants Byron Adilio Alfaro-Sandoval, 47, of Bakersfield; Francisco Javier Torres Mora, aka Johnathan Benjamin Torres, 31, a Mexican national; and Alberto Gomez-Santiago, 39, a Mexican national. In addition, on Jan. 27, 2022, Calderon obtained more than 2 pounds of heroin from co-defendant Jose Angel Beltran-Chaidez, 68, a Mexican national, after Calderon negotiated for the drug with Beltran’s brother and co-defendant Antonio Beltran-Chaidez, 54, also a Mexican national. Each of these drug transactions occurred in Bakersfield. In addition, between Jan. 16 and April 26, 2022, Calderon knowingly possessed fighting birds for the purpose of having them participate in an animal fighting venture, in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. During a search of his residence on April 26, 2022, law enforcement officers found numerous hens for breeding gamecocks and fighting roosters, various cockfighting implements, including razors and spurs, and six cockfighting trophies, including several with plates inscribed with “Team Amkno” (shorthand for “Team Americano”). At another property where Horacio Ortega-Martinez, 38, a Mexican national, resided and where Calderon maintained drugs and some of his fighting birds, officers found approximately 250 fighting roosters, approximately 250 “Mexican slashers” or knives used for cockfighting, training mitts commonly used for training and fighting roosters, and miscellaneous antibiotics, vitamins and supplements that commonly are used for breeding and training roosters for fighting. This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Kern County Sheriff's Office, Kern County Probation Department, and Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. Six of the defendants in this investigation have entered guilty pleas, including: Alberto Gomez-Santiago, who was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison. Francisco Javier Torres Mora, who was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison. Antonio Beltran-Chaidez, who was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison. Horacio Ortega-Martinez, who was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison for a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Jose Beltran-Chaidez, who is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 2, 2024. Mark Garcia, who is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 3, 2024. Charges are pending against Alfaro-Sandoval, and he is scheduled for trial on Jan. 28, 2025. The charges are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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: Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Methamphetamine Delivery to Fresno

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Donis Ariel Maldonado, 28, a Guatemalan national residing in El Monte, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Maldonado agreed with other members of the conspiracy to distribute 22 pounds of heroin and over 80 pounds of methamphetamine sourced from Mexico. On June 24, 2019, Maldonado delivered the drugs to an informant in Fresno. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative (HIDTA), which consists of personnel from the California Department of Justice, Fresno Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. Maldonado is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Feb. 18, 2025. Maldonado faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $2 million 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. 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: Eagle River man guilty of trafficking firearms from Alaska to California

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal jury convicted an Eagle River man late last week for trafficking firearms from Alaska to California after a five-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from February 2021 to April 2022, Cornelius Smith, 33, bought 28 firearms from gun stores and private parties in Alaska. During that same time period, Smith received around $9,000 total in payments from various Sacramento-based family members and associates. The payments often corresponded to the price Smith paid for the guns. After five of those firearms were recovered in the Sacramento area, Smith’s frequent firearm purchases were reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and an investigation commenced. In April 2022, ATF agents searched Smith’s home and found empty gun boxes in his room for many of the firearms he purchased in 2021. None of the recently purchased firearms were found in the boxes or in his home. Through the investigation, law enforcement learned that on June 24, 2021, Smith flew from Anchorage to Sacramento and declared that he was carrying “shooting equipment.” After that flight, the firearms that Smith bought in the days prior began turning up in California, as early as July 4, 2021. Smith made multiple other flights to and from Sacramento thereafter. Law enforcement recovered 13 of Smith’s 28 firearms in California. Two of the firearms were possessed by Smith’s Sacramento-based relatives, Andrew and Adam Williams. Adam Williams, now deceased, was a felon and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. None of the firearms have been recovered in Alaska, and 15 are still unaccounted for. Smith was found guilty on Nov. 1 of one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and 10 counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Smith was found not guilty of one count of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state-resident. “Straw purchasing firearms – buying a gun with the intent to transfer it to another person illegally – poses a serious risk to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “We thank our law enforcement partners in Alaska and California for their assistance in this successful investigation and prosecution. We remain committed to combatting firearms trafficking from source states, like Alaska, to areas with higher demand and profit margins.” “Straw purchasing and trafficking firearms is extremely irresponsible, dangerous and illegal,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “The firearms Mr. Smith purchased were recovered by law enforcement agencies in California, and with 15 still unaccounted for, they still pose a danger to whichever communities they are in right now. This is not a victimless crime.” The ATF Seattle Field Division and Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, Sacramento Police Department, San Francisco Police Department, Folsom Police Department, Pittsburg Police Department, Daly City Police Department, Vacaville Police Department and Citrus Heights Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Ainsley McNerney are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Fresno County Farmer and Owner of Fruit Packing Company Convicted of Crop Insurance Fraud

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Jatinderjeet “Jyoti” Sihota, 37, of Selma, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit crop insurance fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court records, for many years, Sihota’s family’s farming operation produced table grapes and other crops in Fresno and Tulare Counties, and it sold many of those crops through a fruit packing company where Ralph Hackett was a member and manager. The farming operation also entered into financial agreements with the fruit packing company where various costs that the farming operation incurred selling its crops were advanced and covered by the company. The farming operation then had to pay the fruit packing company back by a certain date. Beginning in 2012, Sihota became involved with her family’s farming operation. Thereafter, from 2012 through 2016, she and Hackett carried out a fraud scheme to obtain more than $650,000 in crop insurance payments to which they were not entitled. They caused false information that underreported the amount of crops the farming operation sold through the fruit packing company to be provided to the insurance company to make it appear as though the farming operation had suffered significant crop losses when that was not true. Hackett, 69, of Clovis, was separately charged and has pleaded guilty for his role in the fraud scheme. He agreed to certain sentencing enhancements because he directed lower-level employees at the fruit packing company to participate in the scheme and hid his misconduct from other principals at the company. Hackett also agreed to pay criminal restitution of $650,000 and a separate civil settlement of $605,000. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and Risk Management Agency Special Investigations Staff. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case. “The USDA OIG is committed to combatting crop insurance fraud through criminal investigations and civil enforcement. Fraudulent activity within the crop insurance program undermines its intent and misdirects taxpayer dollars from where they were intended. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California for pursuing justice until these conspirators were held accountable,” said USDA OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Dionida. Sihota is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2025, and Hackett is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2025. They each face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentences, 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: Georgia Poll Worker Arrested for Making Bomb Threat to Election Workers

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Georgia poll worker was arrested today for mailing a letter to the Jones County Elections Superintendent threatening poll workers. According to the criminal complaint, Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was serving as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office on Oct. 16 when he allegedly had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening, Wimbish conducted online research to determine what information about himself would be publicly available. The following day, Wimbish mailed a letter addressed to the Jones County Elections Superintendent, purportedly from a “Jones County Voter.” The letter was allegedly drafted to make it appear as if it came from the voter, such as by stating that Wimbish had “give[n] me hell” and that Wimbish was “conspiring votes” and “distracting voters from concentrating.” The letter threatened that Wimbish and others “should look over their shoulder,” that “I know where they go,” that “I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them,” and that the “young men will get beatdown if they fight me” and “will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back.” Further, the letter threatened to “rage rape” the “ladies” and warned them to “watch every move they make and look over their shoulder.” The letter concluded with a handwritten note, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.” Wimbish is charged with mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter, and making false statements to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia made the announcement. The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by PIN and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fresno Woman Who Managed Her Husband’s Orthodontics Practice Pleads Guilty to Tax Charges and Agrees to Forfeit Her Mansion and BMW

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Pilar Rose, 51, formerly of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to tax evasion and obstructing an IRS audit, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Rose also agreed to forfeit her interest in more than $2.5 million of proceeds from the sale of her and her husband’s mansion and BMW that authorities previously seized. According to court records, from 2012 through 2015, Rose prepared false financial statements for her husband’s orthodontics practice that significantly underreported the practice’s profits. As a result, Rose evaded more than $870,000 that she and her husband owed in federal taxes. Then, in early 2016, Rose obstructed an IRS audit of her and her husband’s taxes. She altered hundreds of checks that were for the couple’s nondeductible personal expenses, such as their mortgage, utilities, landscaping, pool cleaning, cars, credit cards, and children’s college tuition, to make it appear as though the checks were for deductible business expenses. She also created false financial statements for her husband’s orthodontics practice to match the altered checks. She provided the altered checks and false financial statements to the IRS auditors to try to avoid paying the federal taxes that she and her husband actually owed. In June 2015, Rose had sought a $1.5 million home mortgage refinance loan on the couple’s mansion located on Van Ness Boulevard in Fresno. To assure the bank of their creditworthiness and induce the bank to make the loan, Rose submitted copies of her and her husband’s federal tax returns that showed significantly greater income than was reported on the actual returns they filed with the IRS. The bank declined the loan after discovering the discrepancies. Then, in July 2015, Rose applied to a second bank for a $1,475,000 home mortgage refinance loan on the Van Ness Boulevard residence. In the application, she represented that their bank accounts had a combined balance of more than $250,000 when they actually had less than $3,000. She also submitted copies of her and her husband’s federal tax returns, and a profit and loss statement, that significantly exaggerated the profitability of her husband’s orthodontics practice. As a result, the second bank approved the loan, and Rose and her husband received $1,475,000 to which they were not entitled. Authorities later seized the residence. Moreover, in September 2017, Rose purchased a new BMW sedan for approximately $90,000. She made a $25,000 down payment and financed the remaining $65,000 through a loan she obtained from a third bank. In the loan application, Rose represented that she was an attorney who made more than $600,000 per year when she actually was not an attorney. She also used the Social Security number belonging to her husband’s former dental school classmate because she knew that using her real SSN would result in her having a low credit score, which may have disqualified her from receiving the loan. As a result, the loan was approved, and Rose received more than $65,000 to which she was not entitled. Authorities later seized the BMW. This case is the product of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton, Michael Tierney, Alyson Berg, and Kevin Khasigian are prosecuting the case. Rose is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2025. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and $100,000 fine for the tax evasion charge and an additional three years in prison and a $5,000 fine for the obstruction charge. 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.


component: Criminal - Public Integrity Section

body_text: MACON – A Georgia poll worker was arrested today for mailing a letter to the Jones County Elections Superintendent threatening poll workers. According to the criminal complaint, Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was serving as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office on Oct. 16 when he allegedly had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening, Wimbish conducted online research to determine what information about himself would be publicly available. The following day, Wimbish mailed a letter addressed to the Jones County Elections Superintendent, purportedly from a “Jones County Voter.” The letter was allegedly drafted to make it appear as if it came from the voter, such as by stating that Wimbish had “give[n] me hell” and that Wimbish was “conspiring votes” and “distracting voters from concentrating.” The letter threatened that Wimbish and others “should look over their shoulder,” that “I know where they go,” that “I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them,” and that the “young men will get beatdown if they fight me” and “will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back.” Further, the letter threatened to “rage rape” the “ladies” and warned them to “watch every move they make and look over their shoulder.” The letter concluded with a handwritten note, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.” Wimbish is charged with mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter, and making false statements to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia made the announcement. The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by PIN and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fresno Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Todd Eric Mumma, 61, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 21 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release during which time his access to minors, computers, and the internet will be restricted, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Mumma was also ordered to register as a sex offender and pay a forfeiture money judgment, representing the proceeds of property subject to forfeiture totaling $160,000. The court also ordered that Mumma pay $71,200 in restitution to a victim and $55,100 in special assessments. In March 2024, a federal jury found Mumma guilty of actual and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Mumma used hidden digital video recording devices in a residence to create sexually explicit images of a minor. He edited recordings on a computer and then transferred the most sexually explicit images onto a cellphone where the images were stored in a password‑protected application and viewed numerous times. This case was the product of an investigation by the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, specifically, Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: San Carlos Fraudster Who Cheated Investors Out Of More Than $1 Million Sentenced To Over Three Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – David Scott Cacchione was sentenced today to 40 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with an investment fraud scheme and a false federal disaster loan application, and tax evasion. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge. Cacchione, 59, of San Carlos, was initially charged by complaint on Jan. 16, 2024, and by superseding information on Aug. 7, 2024. On Aug. 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to all four counts in the superseding information — one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion in connection with multiple schemes. According to his plea agreement, Cacchione admitted that he and an alleged co-conspirator defrauded multiple investors by convincing them that their money would be used to purchase accounts receivable that did not exist. Instead, Cacchione used the investor funds to pay personal expenses and to reimburse other victims. Cacchione admitted that victim investors were defrauded out of more than $1.13 million in this scheme. As detailed in court documents, in addition to the investment fraud scheme, Cacchione submitted an Economic Injury Disaster Loan application in September 2020 for a company that he falsely claimed had $1 million in revenue and three employees in the 12-month period prior to Jan. 31, 2020. Based on these false statements, Cacchione obtained a $149,900 loan that he used to pay personal expenses. “The defendant made multiple misrepresentations in order to enrich himself. He did so by convincing multiple individuals to invest in accounts receivable that did not exist and by diverting disaster relief funds intended to help small businesses to a business that was a sham,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “My office will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who seek to defraud individuals and federal programs.” “David Cacchione treated other people’s money as his own,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “He broke promise after promise and paid his own personal expenses instead of investing his victims’ money. Today, however, he learned a lesson in accountability. The FBI is committed to safeguarding the public from fraud schemes and will continue to work alongside our partners to bring perpetrators like Cacchione to justice.” “White collar crime is not victimless, and today’s sentencing reinforces it does not go unpunished. Mr. Cacchione’s multiple schemes victimized individual investors and preyed upon federal programs designed to help small businesses recover from dire natural disaster impacts,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley. “IRS-CI stands up for individuals victimized by financial fraudsters and defends the sanctity of benevolent government programs by putting those who willfully abuse them in jail.” In addition to the 40-month prison term, Judge Donato also ordered defendant to pay more than $1.4 million in restitution, sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release, and ordered the defendant to forfeit his $450,000 equity stake in a technology company. Defendant has been in custody since Apr. 24, 2024, and will begin serving his sentence immediately. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp, and IRS-CI Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley. Assistant United States Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.


title: Schenectady Man Charged with Firearm and Drug Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Willie Mills, age 31, of Schenectady, New York, was ordered detained last week following his indictment and arrest for possession of a firearm as a prohibited person and distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division, made the announcement. According to the indictment, on April 27, 2023, Mills unlawfully possessed a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The indictment also charges that Mills distributed cocaine and fentanyl on four separate dates in 2023 and 2024. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges filed against Mills carry a prison term of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Mills was arraigned in Albany on October 29 before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel. Following a detention hearing on October 31, Mills was ordered detained pending trial. DEA is investigating the case with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Paulbeck is prosecuting the case.


title: Two Romanian Nationals Charged with ATM Skimming and Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Radu-Lucian Grigoras, 45, and Gheorghe Nistor, 42, both nationals of Romania, were indicted on two charges of financial institution fraud and two charges of aggravated identity theft. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Grigoras and Nistor were arraigned in federal court last week on a 4-count indictment alleging that from no later than April 2024 through at least August 2024, the defendants participated in a scheme to defraud financial institutions. The indictment alleges that the defendants installed skimming devices and pinhole cameras within ATMs belonging to financial institutions. Those devices captured and stored the debit card information of unsuspecting individuals who conducted transactions at those ATMs. The pinhole cameras recorded the customers entering their PINs to conduct the ATM transactions. The indictment further alleges that after installation of these devices, the defendants returned within five days to remove these devices and caused the stolen account information to be encoded onto the magnetic strips of other cards, which they used at ATMs to fraudulently withdraw money from customers’ accounts. The indictment alleges that the defendants executed the scheme in multiple states, including New York, Kansas, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that as a result of the scheme to defraud, the defendants fraudulently withdrew in excess of $175,543.00 The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Each of the fraud counts in the indictment carries a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine. The maximum sentence for aggravated identity theft is a mandatory consecutive 2 years’ imprisonment. The charges also carry a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Town of Cicero Police Department, City of Auburn Police Department, Leavenworth, Kansas Police Department, St. Charles City, Missouri Police Department, and the St. Peters, Missouri Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie and Paul Tuck are prosecuting the case.


title: Cholo Abdi Abdullah Convicted for Conspiring to Commit 9/11-Style Attack at the Direction of Al Shabaab

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: A jury returned a guilty verdict today against Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 34, on all six counts in the indictment, which included conspiring to provide, and providing, material support to a foreign terrorist organization; and conspiring to murder U.S. nationals, commit aircraft piracy, destroy aircraft, and commit transnational acts of terrorism. Abdullah is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2025. “The jury found that Cholo Abdi Abdullah, an operative of the terrorist organization al Shabaab, conspired to murder Americans in a terrorist attack reminiscent of the September 11 attack on our country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s conviction ensures that Abdullah will spend decades in prison for his crimes. The Justice Department will never stop working to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who would use heinous acts of violence to harm the American people. It does not matter where terrorists hide, they will not evade the long arm of the law.” “Today, the jury returned a unanimous verdict holding Cholo Abdi Abdullah responsible for trying to replicate one of history’s most heinous acts of terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “Abdullah trained with al Shabaab for months in Somalia to become a deadly terrorist, and then spent months at flight school preparing to hijack a commercial aircraft to crash it into a building in the United States. Abdullah relentlessly pursued his goals and was on the cusp of getting a commercial pilot license while conducting extensive attack planning, such as how to breach an airplane cockpit door. I commend the tireless work of our federal law enforcement partners and the career national security prosecutors of this office. This effort has been carried forward by generations of agents and prosecutors who never relented in their effort to bring Abdullah to justice and keep this nation safe. Thanks to their work and today’s verdict, Abdullah will now serve a lengthy sentence in federal prison.” According to the indictment and the evidence presented at trial, Abdullah was an operative for the foreign terrorist organization Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mijahideen, commonly known as “al Shabaab,” based in Somalia. After training with al Shabaab for months with AK-47 assault rifles and explosives at a series of safe houses in Somalia, Abdullah participated in a plot to hijack a commercial aircraft and crash it into a building in the U.S. He spent months at a flight school in the Philippines working toward a commercial pilot license, and researched how to obtain pilot jobs, targets such as the tallest buildings in a major American city, transit visas to the U.S., and how to open a cockpit door from the outside. Abdullah also sent encrypted messages reporting his progress to his al Shabaab handler, including his extensive research on post-September 11 hijackings. Abdullah conspired to commit this attack on behalf Al Shabaab, which has sworn allegiance to al Qaeda and is responsible for numerous deadly terrorist attacks, including attacks that have claimed American lives. Starting in or about 2019, al Shabaab embarked on a string of terrorist attacks as part of an operation in response to the U.S.’s decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, which the group has dubbed “Operation Jerusalem Will Never be Judaized.” In particular, these terrorist attacks perpetrated by al Shabaab included an attack on Jan. 15, 2019, at a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 21 people, including a U.S. national and survivor of al Qaeda’s September 11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York; a Sept. 30, 2019, attack on a U.S. military facility in Somalia; and a Jan. 5, 2020, attack on another U.S. facility in Kenya, in which three Americans were killed. Abdullah was convicted on six counts: conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, for which he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, for which he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to murder U.S. nationals, for which he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison; conspiring to commit aircraft piracy, for which he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison; conspiring to destroy aircraft, for which he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, for which he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The FBI New York Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. The Justice Department also thanks the FBI Legal Attaché Offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Manila, Philippines; the FBI’s Hudson Valley Resident Agency; the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division; the U.S. Department of Defense; the Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations, including the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and the Joint Terrorism Task Force-Kenya; the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya; the Philippine National Police; the Philippine Department of Justice; the Joint Terrorism Financial Investigations Group-Philippines; and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley and Jonathan L. Bodansky for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Poteau Resident Sentenced For Drug Distribution

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Shauna Raye Henderson, age 46, of Poteau, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months each for one count of distribution of fentanyl and one count of distribution of methamphetamine. The terms are set to be served concurrently. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, and the District 16 Drug Task Force. On March 12, 2024, Henderson pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on March 9, 2023, Henderson sold pills containing approximately 5 grams of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. On June 22, 2023, Henderson sold approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Honorable John C. Coughenour, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Henderson will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.


title: Quincy, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 108 Months for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon and Violating His Supervised Release

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Quincy, Illinois, man, Donte Clausell, 36, was sentenced on October 31, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, to 96 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Judge Lawless also sentenced Clausell to 12 months in prison, to be served consecutively to his other sentence, for violating his supervised release. At the time he unlawfully possessed the firearm, Clausell was serving a sentence of supervised release for a drug distribution conviction in the Eastern District of Missouri. On September 26, 2020, Clausell knowingly possessed a firearm containing an extended ammunition clip that was loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition. Clausell was indicted in November 2020 and plead guilty in February 2023. The statutory penalties for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon are up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Quincy Police Department and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Clausell is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Port St. Lucie Firearms Dealer Charged with Failing to Keep Proper Records of Sales

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Nov. 1, Michael John Pellicione, 76, the owner of a Port St. Lucie gun shop who operated out of his residence, was arraigned on a federal indictment charging him with selling several firearms “off the books” in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(5), which penalizes the failure of a firearms dealer to keep a proper record of sales. According to allegations contained in court documents filed in this matter, Pellicione, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), failed to enter the sale of five firearms into his acquisition and disposition (A&D) record. Federal law requires an FFL to record, in the A&D book, all of the firearms that the FFL receives or makes, and then indicate where each of those firearms are – whether they are still in the FFL’s inventory or where they went if they were sold or transferred. Additionally, the A&D book must include the type of firearm, the make, model, caliber, and serial number, the date and from whom the firearm was received and that person's address, as well as the name, date, and address of the person to whom the firearm was sold or transferred. If convicted of the charged offense, Pellicione faces up to five years’ imprisonment. Markenzy Lapointe, U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, made the announcement. HSI Fort Pierce and ATF Fort Pierce investigated this case. Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger is prosecuting this matter. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 24-cr-14055. ###


title: Butler County man sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for narcotics conspiracy involving at least 11 kilograms of fentanyl & cocaine

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Butler County man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 200 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for conspiring to traffic at least 11 kilograms of narcotics. In February 2024, Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett found Eric Jason Clark, 42, of Fairfield, guilty of participating in a narcotics conspiracy. Judge Barrett announced the verdict following a bench trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Clark was dealing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and fentanyl in Cincinnati and had criminal contacts in the Los Angeles area. In May 2021, The DEA received intelligence that Clark had expressed interest in purchasing 10 kilograms of cocaine from a source in Los Angeles for $33,000 per kilogram. Later that month, Clark met locally with a confidential source to arrange a drug transaction after being contacted by an undercover agent. Clark told the source he wanted to obtain a shipment of fentanyl, calling it “China.” During his arrest in August 2021, Clark had five kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, more than $204,000 in cash and five cell phones in his car. At his stash house – a luxury apartment on Freedom Way in Cincinnati – agents found three more kilograms of fentanyl and three more kilograms of cocaine. At the residence in which Clark resided in Fairfield, agents discovered more than $15,000 in cash and two firearms. Clark was on federal supervised release when he was arrested for the instant offense in August 2021. He was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division; Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A Jones; and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge announced the sentence imposed today. Criminal Chief Christy L. Muncy and Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Bellair Man Indicted For COVID Loan Fraud Using Deceased Former Business Partner’s Identity

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Stephen L. Gurba (68, Belleair) with wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Gurba faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of wire fraud (2 counts), 30 years in prison on the false statement count, and a 2-year mandatory term of imprisonment on the aggravated identity theft counts (2 counts). The indictment also notifies Gurba that the United States intends to forfeit approximately $1.2 million, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses. According to court documents, between March and June 2020, Gurba submitted false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications and supporting documentation on behalf of Big Red Express Trucking, LLC and Zenith Express, LLC. To obtain approval and funding for the Big Red and Zenith EIDL loans, Gurba fraudulently assumed the identity of his former business partner who passed away in 2019, listed his former business partner’s name, signature, and other means of identification on the EIDL loan applications certifying under criminal penalty that the applications were true and correct. Gurba also used his deceased business partner’s name and forged his signature on the EIDL loan authorization agreements and loan notes he submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA). During post-loan related communications with the SBA, Gurba continued to impersonate his deceased business partner. As a result of his fraudulent scheme, Gurba induced the SBA to approve and fund the Big Red and Zenith EIDL loans. Additionally, Gurba applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf a Big Red from an SBA authorized financial institution. Gurba certified and signed under criminal penalty that all the PPP loan proceeds would be spent on payroll, mortgages, rent, or other SBA authorized expenses. In reality, Gurba used the majority of the PPP proceeds to enrich himself, family members, payoff unrelated business debts, and other impermissible expenses. As a result of Gurba’s false statement, the financial institution approved and funded a $955,448.75 PPP loan to Big Red. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Small Business Association – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department's response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form .


title: Arizona Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daniel Raymundo Alvillar, age 46, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced on November 4, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Alvillar to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Alvillar is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On January 12, 2023, a Nebraska State Trooper in marked patrol unit and parked on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County, observed a vehicle without a front license plate. As the Trooper proceeded to drive towards the vehicle, he observed a traffic violation and initiated a traffic stop. The driver was identified as co-defendant Jesus Quinones Dominguez. The passenger was identified as Alvillar. Quinones consented to a vehicle search after informing the Trooper that he had a screwdriver in his pocket. Troopers noticed two screws missing from the plastic cover of the tailgate. The Trooper observed a heat-sealed bag inside the tailgate on the truck. The Trooper then took off the plastic cover and discovered 11 heat sealed bags containing blue pills with the impressions “M30” on them, known as fentanyl pills. In total, 11.28 pounds were recovered. A forensic lab found all representative samples of the pills tested positive for fentanyl, with a total weight of 5,071.9 grams. Post-arrest, Quinones admitted to the drugs and transportation. He was being paid $4,000 to drive the drugs to Chicago. According to Quinones, he told Alvillar he would split the payment with him. Alvillar denied knowledge of the drugs but did provide consent to search his cell phone. On his phone, were photographs, both stock and taken by the phone of small blue “M30” pills – same as the pills being transported. The phone had images of marijuana as well as narcotics discussions involving cannabis, “weed,” “20 sack,” and “blues” – a reference to M30 pills. Alvillar’s co-defendant, Jesus Daniel Dominguez, is scheduled for trial on December 17, 2024. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of Cocaine as Repeat Offender

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ricardo Muro, age 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced November 4, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Muro to 225 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Muro’s release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release. On January 17, 2023, agents with a DEA task force intercepted a package of marijuana addressed to Muro's business in Omaha. A controlled delivery of the package and search of the business pursuant to a search warrant uncovered more marijuana and THC gummies. Muro's house in Omaha was also searched pursuant to a warrant. Inside, agents found approximately one kilogram of cocaine, marijuana, THC cartridges, and $9,380 cash. Muro has two prior federal drug trafficking convictions, which enhanced his statutory minimum sentence and his advisory guideline sentence. The $9,380 will be ordered forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to making purchases on illicit online marketplace and cocaine charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Corey Robert Dodge a/k/a Cakesbaylor, 42, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the cases, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin. Between March 26, 2020, and May 30, 2021, Dodge purchased 14 packages on Genesis Market, that included stolen account credentials. The stolen credentials included accounts for Paypal, Tracfone, eBay, Amazon, FedEx, Etsy, Walmart, Chase, Venmo, and eTrade. In addition, on April 3, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Dodge’s residence to search for evidence related to his use of Genesis Marketplace. During the search, the FBI also found and seized quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and drug paraphernalia. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2025, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Jamestown man going to prison for selling meth

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mark R. Maio, 40, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Maio and co-defendant Brittany Dellahoy. During the search, law enforcement recovered quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and $2,036 in cash. Brittany Dellahoy was previously convicted and sentenced. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division. # # # #


title: Justice Department to Monitor Voting Compliance in Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket for the Nov. 5 general election. The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities across the country. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion. On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931. [The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available to receive complaints on Election Day at (401) 709-5010. Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov . Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. ###


title: Departamento de Justicia monitoreará el cumplimiento de las votaciones en Pawtucket, Providencia y Woonsocket

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – El Fiscal Federal Zachary Cunha anunció hoy que el Departamento de Justicia monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales de derechos electorales en Pawtucket, Providence, e Woonsocket en las elecciones generales del 5 de noviembre. El Departamento de Justicia hace cumplir las leyes federales de derechos electorales que protegen el derecho de acceso a las urnas de todos los ciudadanos. El Departamento envía personal del departamento periódicamente a monitorear elecciones en comunidades a través de todo el país. La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia coordinará este esfuerzo conjunto. Los monitores incluirán a personal del Departamento de Justicia, quienes se pondrán en contacto con oficiales electorales estatales y locales según sea necesario. La Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles hace cumplir las leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto, incluyendo la Ley del Derecho al Voto, la Ley Nacional de Inscripción de Votantes, la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar, la Ley de Votación para los Uniformados y los Ciudadanos en el Extranjero y la Ley de Derechos Civiles. La Sección de Derechos en Razón de Discapacidad de la División hace cumplir la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés) para asegurar que las personas con discapacidades tengan igualdad de oportunidades de votar plenamente. La Sección Penal de la División hace cumplir las leyes federales penales que prohíben la intimidación de votantes y la supresión del voto por razón de raza, color, origen nacional o religión. En el Día de las Elecciones, personal de la División de Derechos Civiles estará disponible para recibir preguntas y quejas del público relacionadas a posibles vulneraciones de las leyes federales de derechos electorales. Estos reportes podrán presentarse mediante la página web del Departamento en www.civilrights.justice.gov o por teléfono al número gratuito (800) 253-3931 (disponible en español). La Fiscalía Federal también estará disponible para recibir quejas el Día de las Elecciones al (401) 709-5010. Las personas que tengan preguntas o quejas relacionadas a la ADA pueden llamar a la línea directa de información sobre la ADA al (800) 514-0301 o (833) 610-1264 (TTY) o someter su queja a través del enlace en la página web del Departamento sobre la ADA en www.ada.gov. Denuncias relacionadas a disturbios en un lugar de votación siempre deben reportarse a los oficiales electorales locales (incluyendo a los funcionarios con sede en ese lugar de votación). Denuncias relacionadas a violencia, amenazas de violencia o intimidación en un lugar de votación deben reportarse inmediatamente a la policía local llamando al 911. Estas denuncias deben reportarse al Departamento una vez se hayan puesto en contacto con las autoridades locales. Información adicional sobre la votación y las elecciones, incluyendo documentos guías y otros recursos, está disponible en la página web www.justice.gov/voting . Aprenda más sobre la Ley del Derecho al Voto y otras leyes federales electorales en la página web www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section . Las quejas sobre posibles violaciones de las leyes federales de derechos electorales se pueden presentar directamente a la División de Derechos Civiles en Washington, DC mediante el formulario de queja en la página web https://civilrights.justice.gov/ o por llamada a 800-253-3931. ###


title: Readout of Director Rachel Rossi’s Trip to Northern California

component: Office for Access to Justice

body_text: Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice traveled to San Francisco to deliver the keynote address at the Pathways to Justice Conference, a statewide legal services conference held every three years. The engagement included meetings on access to justice issues and initiatives happening in Northern California. Opening the visit, Director Rossi participated in a listening session hosted by the California Community Justice Workers Working Group, a group of legal aid and access to justice leaders aiming to leverage professional support from nonlawyers to support legal service providers in delivering legal assistance to underserved and marginalized communities. Director Rossi delivered brief opening remarks and then heard from working group members on its proposed recommendations for a community justice worker program in California. The presentation was followed by a discussion with legal aid leaders from across California. Tuesday morning, Director Rossi delivered the keynote address for the Pathways to Justice Conference convened by the State Bar of California, the Legal Aid Association of California and the California Judicial Council. The conference convenes nonprofit legal service providers, private bar pro bono volunteers and staff from court departments and self-help centers from across the state to discuss access to justice topics. In her remarks, Director Rossi highlighted Office for Access to Justice initiatives and focused on the need to foster collaboration between state, local and federal access to justice stakeholders. Following the keynote, Director Rossi met with leadership from the Legal Aid Association of California, a statewide membership organization of over 100 legal aid providers. In the meeting, Director Rossi listened to the most pressing issues facing California’s legal aid community and discussed support for efforts to increase interagency collaboration at the state level in the pursuit of access to justice. That afternoon, Director Rossi attended a roundtable discussion with Bay Area public defense chiefs and leadership, including from San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Sonoma, Solano and Marin County, California offices. Director Rossi shared information about Access to Justice Office resources including the Public Defense Resource Hub and the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable federal funding digital resource . The discussion included the challenges confronting public defense professionals in Northern California such as lack of resources, caseload and workload challenges, recruitment and retention concerns and the unique resource needs for specialized and effective youth defense representation. The roundtable also touched on best practices and innovative public defense strategies spearheaded across bay area offices, including their advocacy and policy work, creative recruitment strategies and holistic representation models. Director Rossi then met with Prisoner Legal Services to discuss their work providing civil legal assistance to individuals incarcerated locally. She highlighted the pilot program launched by the Office for Access to Justice in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which similarly provides civil legal services to adults in federal custody, including through the first medical-legal partnership in a federal prison in the United States. They discussed future collaboration and sharing of best practices. Director Rossi also met with the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of California to discuss implementation of the Report and Recommendations Concerning Access to Counsel at the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Pretrial Facilities , unique issues facing Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys, and other issues facing federal defenders in the district. Closing the trip, Director Rossi met with U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. Director Rossi delivered the keynote address for the 2024 Pathways to Justice Conference in San Francisco. Director Rossi and Bay Area public defense chiefs and leadership. Director Rossi and Office for Access to Justice staff met with representatives from Prisoner Legal Services.


title: Northern Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty   to Extraterritorial Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Walton, Ky., man, Robert Maxwell Werner, 46, pleaded guilty, on Thursday, before U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to a charge of extraterritorial production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, Werner is a U.S. citizen who was living in the Philippines from February 2021 through November 2021. During this time, Werner became the customer of a Filipino individual who would sell access to dozens of minor victims for in-person or livestreamed sexual acts. For several months, Werner paid this individual for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and multiple in‑person meetings with minor boys in the Philippines. Specifically, Werner admitted to engaging in sexually explicit conduct with at least one minor for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct between July 2021 and November 2021, while in the Philippines. Werner further admitted to transporting that sexually explicit material into the United States. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky announced the guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth and Trial Attorney Rachel Rothberg, with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Werner is scheduled to appear for sentencing on March 7, 2025. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence. 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, 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: Baton Rouge Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr., announced that a Bill of Information was filed charging James S. Burland, age 69, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with possession of child pornography. According to the Bill of Information, between on or about November 11, 2022, and April 9, 2023, Burland did knowingly possess material that contained images of child pornography involving prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese. NOTE: A Bill of Information is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty.


title: Prior Felon Sentenced to 128 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Offenses

body_text: TALLAHASSEEE, FLORIDA – Durrell Marquis Lee, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 128 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to multiple counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and for violation of his federal supervised release for a 2016 federal firearms conviction. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence. “Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence acknowledges the defendant’s continued criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal drug offenses.” Court documents reflect that Lee, despite being released from federal prison in July 2021, along with others was actively receiving and distributing pound quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. Investigation revealed that over the course of several weeks during May 2023, Lee sold smaller quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in three targeted drug operations of Lee and others associated with him. The investigation led to a May 25, 2023, law enforcement operation during which FHP Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Lee, the sole occupant, who was thought to be in possession of additional illegal narcotics. After initially stopping for the Trooper, Lee fled from Troopers who attempted to give chase. Shortly thereafter and several miles away, officers located Lee’s abandoned vehicle; inside investigators discovered several ounces of cocaine, “crack” cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA, Alpha-PVP, drug paraphernalia, and almost $3,000 in U.S. currency. Lee was located and arrested later that evening in Tom Brown Park in Tallahassee during which arrest officers were confronted by a female who fired upon officers, who returned fire. No connection between Lee and the female could be determined. "Illegal drug activity is dangerous and has no place in our community," said Chief of Police Lawrence Revell. "We are pleased to see justice served with this sentencing and appreciate the collaborative work by everyone involved in this case. We will continue to conduct thorough investigations into those who seek to endanger our community with such harmful and addictive substances." Lee’s prison sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release. “Highly addictive and destructive, methamphetamine poses a serious danger to the safety and health of our Florida communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “We remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold those who distribute this deadly poison in our communities accountable for their actions.” The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tallahassee Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Mountin prosecuted the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html


title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced  to Over 19 Years’ Imprisonment

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – A registered sex offender from Missouri was recently sentenced to prison. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to the information presented in court, Jayson Lance Luther, 32 , met a minor child residing in Dyersburg, TN at a holiday event in December 2022. Luther and the minor child exchanged phone numbers and, shortly thereafter, began texting one another. In January 2023, the minor child’s parent uncovered the messages and reported it to the police. The investigation revealed over 1,200 pages of messages between Luther and the minor child. Many of the texts were sexually explicit. On August 13, 2024, Luther pled guilty to knowingly enticing a minor to engage in any sexual activity for which a person can be charged. United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Luther to 235 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “We are committed to protecting all citizens of this District, but most importantly the young and vulnerable,” said Acting United States Attorney Fondren. “This sentence is a reflection of the seriousness of this offense, and we will continue to work to ensure that dangerous perpetrators see justice.” Danny H. Goodman, Jr., District Attorney General for the Twenty-Ninth Judicial District of Tennessee, who assigned Andrew Hays as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to the Western District, stated, “The partnership that the Twenty-Ninth Judicial District of Tennessee has established with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has been invaluable for the citizens of our district. This case is a perfect example of this collaboration of teams which allows us to remove dangerous individuals from our communities to keep our citizens and children safe.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dyersburg Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Hays for the Western District of Tennessee, who prosecuted the case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Texas Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LEONEL GONZALEZ (“GONZALEZ”) , age 41, a resident of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to one hundred twenty months imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five hundred (500) grams or more of amixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A) and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, on five occasions between May 25, 2020, and July 2, 2020, GONZALEZ distributed kilogram quantities of methamphetamine to a methamphetamine customer who then redistributed the drugs within the Eastern District of Louisiana. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Bridger Mother and Son Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison on Murder and Assault Charges

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Bridger, South Dakota, woman and her son, both convicted of Second-Degree Murder, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencings took place on October 28, 2024. Theodora Belt, age 48, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on each of the remaining assault charges, all to run concurrently. Bailey Belt, age 23, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on the assault charges involving two separate victims, all to run concurrently. Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. On, June 28, 2024, mother and son were convicted following a federal jury trial of all counts in the Indictment. The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2023, in Bridger, in the Cheyenne River Reservation. Theodora and Bailey Belt were at the victims’ home socializing. An argument began between the parties and the defendants assaulted victim #1 by punching, kicking, and beating him with a shovel. As victim #1 lay on the ground outside the home he was run over with Theodora’s car, which ultimately killed him. In addition, Bailey Belt struck victim #2 in the head with a shovel, causing him to be life-flighted to Rapid City for medical treatment. He survived the assault. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy R. Morley and Brian J. Murphy prosecuted the case. The defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Failure to Appear in Federal Court

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Failure to Appear. The sentencing took place on August 5, 2024. Ethan Blue Bird, age 35, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Blue Bird was indicted for failure to appear in April of 2023 and later, in January of 2024 for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. He pleaded guilty on May 6, 2024. From January of 2021 through April of 2023, Blue Bird was involved in a conspiracy with several others in the distribution of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. As part of the conspiracy, Blue Bird was responsible for distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. On April 24, 2022, Blue Bird was found in possession of a firearm. He admitted to law enforcement to being a daily user of methamphetamine. Following his initial indictment, Blue Bird was released on bond conditions. On March 28, 2023, Blue Bird failed to appear for the jury trial previously scheduled relating to the firearm offense. These cases were investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan Dilges and Kirk Albertson prosecuted the cases. Blue Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 28, 2024. Kaylonie Goff, 30, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Goff was also ordered to pay $5,013.18 in restitution to the family of an overdose victim. Goff was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death and two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. She pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024. The conviction stems from Goff and others distributing large quantities of fentanyl and heroin in the Rapid City area between 2021 and 2023. A pill Goff sold led to the overdose death of another person. In sentencing Goff, Judge Theeler focused on the deadly risks of distributing fentanyl and the fact every time Goff sold fentanyl, she was putting others at risk. The judge further found Goff’s significant role in the conspiracy and her attempts to obstruct the investigation justified a sentence of 25 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is a local drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case. Goff was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Ten indicted in multi-county drug trafficking operation

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

body_text: NOTE: Edited to remove one defendant. SAVANNAH, GA: Ten defendants face multiple drug trafficking charges after the unsealing of a federal indictment alleging a regional conspiracy to distribute large amounts of multiple illegal drugs. The defendants all face a primary charge of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, and Marijuana, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. That charge carries upon conviction a statutory penalty of up to life in prison, along with substantial financial penalties, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “This drug trafficking investigation required significant coordination from multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify and interrupt the conspiracy,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “We commend the hard work of our law enforcement partners in protecting our community.” The newly unsealed indictment in USA v. Johnson, et al., describes a drug trafficking conspiracy operating throughout Bulloch, Chatham, and Liberty counties. Multiple law enforcement agencies, coordinated through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, identified the key members of the conspiracy and conducted multiple searches of homes, vehicles, and “trap houses” in which drugs were stored, and during those searches discovered and seized large amounts of drugs along with 11 firearms. The defendants were charged in the indictment and after it was unsealed have been making their initial appearances in U.S. District Court. Those charged with conspiracy in USA v. Johnson et al. are: William Johnson , a/k/a “G,” a/k/a “Gansta,” 36, of Hinesville, Ga.; Keannon Wyckoff , a/k/a “Cuz,” a/k/a “Lank,” a/k/a “Link,” 41, of Statesboro; Thomas Blagmon , 40, of Hinesville; James Blagmon , a/k/a “G-Man,” 41, of Allenhurst, Ga.; Erick Collins , a/k/a “E,” a/k/a “Big E,” 53, of Statesboro; Christopher Grant , “a/k/a “Crip,” a/k/a “Scrappy,” 36, of Hinesville; Antwuan Byrd , 39, of Midway, Ga.; Dederick Bryant , 45, of Ludowici, Ga.; Jacob Robinson , a/k/a “Miles,” 48, of Hinesville; and, Irma Wyckoff , a/k/a “Auntie,” 60, of Hinesville. In addition to the conspiracy charge, multiple defendants also face other charges alleging drug possession and distribution, illegal firearms possession, and for maintaining drug-involved premises. The indictment contains only charges; all defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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. This case is being prosecuted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Georgia Ports Authority Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the Savannah Police Department, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Hinesville Police Department, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, and the Long County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant U.S. Attorney and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.


title: Martin Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on October 29, 2024. KT High Elk, also known as KT Burgee, age 30, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. High Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 17, 2024. High Elk and an 18-year-old woman were at a house party on January 15, 2022, in Eagle Butte in the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. When the woman went upstairs, High Elk followed her, then touched her genitalia without her consent. At the time, High Elk was required to register as a sex offender based on a 2014 conviction for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. He was apprehended horseback riding near Snellman, Minnesota, in March of 2024. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. High Elk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on October 30, 2024. Hunter Hill, age 23, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Upon release from federal prison, Hill must register as a sex offender. Hill was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 12, 2024. The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 10, 2024, when Hill, while using his cellular phone and the social media application Taimi, attempted to receive images of child pornography from an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old female. Hill drove to a park in Sioux Falls to meet with the undercover agent and was subsequently arrested. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case. Hill was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Piedmont Man Sentenced to Over Six Years in Federal Prison on Drug Charge

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Piedmont, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 28, 2024. Sammy Stabber, 55, was sentenced to six years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Stabber was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024. The case originated from a traffic stop in Rapid City in August of 2023. Stabber, the passenger in the car, fled the traffic stop. When he was apprehended, officers learned he had absconded from parole and had been carrying over three ounces of methamphetamine. In sentencing Stabber, District Judge Theeler noted the seriousness of the crime of distribution of methamphetamine and how much danger it causes in the community. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case. Stabber was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Porcupine Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank Fraud

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Bank Fraud. Lyle Dean Misun Tibbits, 31, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Tibbits was also ordered to pay $22,500 in restitution to Security First Bank. Investigation showed Tibbits, who was employed as a ranch hand, stole checks from his employer’s checkbook and successfully cashed six of them, for a total loss of $22,500. Tibbits’ seventh attempt to cash a check was reported as fraudulent. Tibbits was captured on bank video footage cashing the checks. In sentencing Tibbits to a custody term, Judge Schreier stated his choice to steal checks from his employer was “reprehensible.” Judge Schreier further required Tibbits to make monthly payments towards the restitution after his release from custody. This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case. Tibbits was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.