title: High-Ranking MS-13 Fugitive Arrested on Terrorism Charges

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: At the conclusion of a removal hearing, a federal court in Houston, Texas ordered Elmer Canales-Rivera, aka Crook de Hollywood, a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, aka MS-13, to be transferred in custody to the Eastern District of New York where he and 13 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders were indicted in December 2020 on terrorism offenses relating to their direction of the transnational criminal organization’s criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and elsewhere over the past two decades. On Nov. 9, Canales-Rivera was arrested by members of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) when he arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Specifically, Canales-Rivera has been charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism and narco-terrorism conspiracy. “We allege that Elmer Canales-Rivera, a founding member of MS-13’s ‘Twelve Apostles of the Devil,’ bears responsibility for the gang’s efforts over decades to terrorize communities, target law enforcement, and sow violence here in the United States and abroad,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The arrest of this high-ranking, long-time leader of MS-13 should serve as a warning to MS-13’s other leaders that the Justice Department will hold you accountable for your crimes.” “This arrest makes it clear that there is no hiding place for leaders of criminal syndicates that threaten our communities,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Through the dedication and investigative abilities of HSI agents and our federal partners, we are taking on criminal organizations like MS-13 and helping to bring all those who perpetrate transnational crimes to justice.” “With determination and coordinated effort, the FBI and our law enforcement and foreign partners successfully apprehended a violent criminal that directly threatened the safety of our communities,” said FBI Director Christopher A. Wray. “This pursuit exemplifies the FBI's commitment to safeguard the American public and continued promise to dismantle criminal networks like MS-13.” “The defendant’s appearance in a federal courtroom today in the United States is a giant step in holding him accountable for his significant role as an alleged member of the MS-13 gang’s leadership body known as the ‘Twelve Apostles of the Devil’ and later renamed Ranfla Nacional, ” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “As alleged, Canales-Rivera along with his co-defendants acted as a board of directors, directing acts of violence, intimidation, and material support of terrorists in El Salvador and throughout the United States, including in the Eastern District of New York where he will appear next in a federal courtroom in Central Islip to answer these charges.” As set forth in the indictment, which was returned on Dec. 16, 2020 and unsealed on Jan. 14, 2021, and related court filings, Canales-Rivera and his co-defendants are part of MS-13’s command and control structure, consisting of the Ranfla Nacional , Ranfla en Las Calles , and Ranfla en Los Penales. They play significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations in El Salvador, Mexico, the United States, and throughout the world. In total, 27 of the highest-ranking leaders of MS-13 have been charged in the Eastern District of New York in this indictment and the related indictment of United States v. Arevalo-Chavez, et al. As further alleged, in approximately 2002, Canales-Rivera, his co-defendants, and other MS-13 leaders began establishing a highly-organized, hierarchical command and control structure as a means to effectuate their decisions and enforce their orders, even while in prison. They directed acts of violence and murder in El Salvador, the United States, and elsewhere, established military-style training camps for its members and obtained military weapons such as rifles, handguns, grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket launchers. Further, beginning in approximately 2012, Canales-Rivera and other members of the Ranfla Nacional negotiated with officials from the government of El Salvador (GOES) and obtained benefits and concessions from the GOES. In order to extract those benefits and concessions from the GOES, MS-13 engaged in public displays of violence to threaten and intimidate civilian populations, targeted GOES law enforcement and military officials, and manipulated the electoral process in El Salvador. Canales-Rivera played one of the most prominent roles in MS-13’s negotiations and agreements with the GOES. Additionally, as alleged, the Ranfla Nacional directed the expansion of MS-13 activities around the world, including the United States and Mexico, where several high-ranking leaders were sent to organize operations, make connections to obtain narcotics and firearms from Mexican drug cartels such as the Zetas, Gulf Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, and engage in human trafficking and smuggling. The Ranfla Nacional also directed MS-13’s large membership in the United States to engage in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and extortion, to raise money to support MS-13’s terrorist activities in El Salvador and elsewhere. Finally, the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13’s transnational leadership structure is alleged to have directed members in the United States to commit acts of violence, including murders, to further its goals and implemented rules that enabled MS-13 to entrench itself in parts of the United States, including within the EDNY where, under the defendants’ leadership and rules, MS-13 has committed numerous acts of violence — including murders, attempted murders, assaults, kidnappings, drug trafficking, extortion of individuals and businesses, obstructed justice and sent dues and the proceeds of criminal activity by wire transfer to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador. For example, this the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York’s Long Island Criminal Division has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 leaders, members, and associates for carrying out more than 65 murders in the Eastern District of New York between 2009 and the present. When the indictment was unsealed in January 2021, Canales-Rivera was in custody in El Salvador serving a prison sentence, and the United States lodged an INTERPOL Red Notice and submitted an extradition request for Canales-Rivera to the GOES. However, in or about November 2021, Canales-Rivera was released from custody by the GOES and then unlawfully entered Guatemala. Canales-Rivera remained a fugitive until Nov. 7, when he was apprehended by Mexican authorities. Further, in addition to requesting Canales-Rivera’s extradition, in 2021 and 2022, the United States requested the extradition of 11 of his co-defendants, including Borromeo Enrique Henriquez, also known as “Diablito de Hollywood,” who is widely recognized as the most powerful member of the Ranfla Nacional . To date, the GOES has not extradited any of those defendants. Two of Canales-Rivera’s co-defendants, Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, aka Lucky de Park View and Lacky de Park View, and Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, aka El Grenas de Stoners and Oso de Stoners, and three related defendants from the Arevalo-Chavez indictment, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, aka Cruger de Peatonales; Juan Antonio Martinez-Abrego, aka Mary Jane de Hollywood, and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, aka Veterano de Tribus, remain at large. Members of the public with information concerning their whereabouts are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI’s toll-free MS-13 tip line, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or HSI’s tip line at 866-347-2423 or www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form . Together, FBI and HSI have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the fugitives. This case was brought by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Durham of the Eastern District of New York, and comprised of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, including the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of New York; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; and the District of Columbia, as well as other government agencies and offices have been essential partners in JTFV, including the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the FBI’s Criminal Division; HSI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); USMS; Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP); and U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General. The FBI Los Angeles Field Office spearheaded JTFV’s MS-13 leadership investigations, with critical support provided by the Criminal Investigative Division’s Safe Streets Gang Unit, along with HSI’s National Gangs and Violent Crime Unit and HSI’s New York and Houston Field Offices. Additionally, the FBI Legal Attachés in Mexico City and San Salvador, FBI Houston Field Office, HSI Attaché Mexico City, USMS Legal Attaché in Mexico City, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston provided critical support in connection with the arrest, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the USMS for the Southern District of Texas for coordinating the initial appearance in Houston. Numerous Justice Department components that contributed to this indictment, including: the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Executive Office; the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs; and the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training. In addition, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) have provided valuable assistance for JTFV’s mission. If convicted, Canales-Rivera faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, and Megan E. Farrell for the Eastern District of New York’s Long Island Criminal Division are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Donnelly for the District of New Jersey, Matthew Shepherd for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stewart Young for the District of Utah from JTFV. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Alto rango de la MS-13 fugitivo es arrestado por cargos de terrorismo

body_text: Al final de una audiencia de traslación, un tribunal federal en Houston, Texas ordenó que Elmer Canales-Rivera, alias Crook de Hollywood, un líder de alto rango de La Mara Salvatrucha, alias MS-13, fuera trasladado bajo custodia al Distrito Este de Nueva York, donde él y otros 13 líderes de alto rango de la MS-13 fueron acusados formalmente en diciembre de 2020 por delitos de terrorismo relacionados con su conducción de las actividades delictivas de la organización de criminalidad transnacional en Estados Unidos, El Salvador, México, México y en otros lugares durante las últimas dos décadas. El 9 de noviembre, Canales-Rivera fue arrestado por miembros del FBI, Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) y el Servicio de Alguaciles de los Estados Unidos (USMS) al llegar al Aeropuerto Intercontinental George Bush en Houston, Texas. Concretamente, Canales-Rivera ha sido acusado de conspiración para prestar y ocultar apoyo material a terroristas, conspiración para cometer actos de terrorismo que trascienden las fronteras nacionales, conspiración para financiar el terrorismo y conspiración narcoterrorista. “Sostenemos que a Elmer Canales-Rivera, miembro fundador de los ‘Doce Apóstoles del Diablo’ de la MS-13, le cabe responsabilidad por las acciones de la pandilla a lo largo de varias décadas para aterrorizar a las comunidades, atacar a las fuerzas del orden y sembrar la violencia aquí en Estados Unidos y en el extranjero”, expresó el fiscal general Merrick B. Garland. “La detención de esta persona, que es un alto líder desde hace tiempo en la MS-13, debería servir de advertencia a otros líderes de la MS-13 para entender que el Departamento de Justicia los hará responder por sus crímenes”. “Este arresto deja claro que no hay ningún escondite seguro para los cabecillas de consorcios delictivos que amenazan a nuestras comunidades”, apuntó el secretario de Seguridad Nacional Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Con la dedicación y las aptitudes de investigación de los agentes de HSI y nuestros socios en el ámbito federal, estamos enfrentando a organizaciones delictivas como la MS-13 y contribuyendo a llevar ante la justicia a todos aquellos que cometen delitos transnacionales”. “Con determinación y actuación coordinada, el FBI y nuestras fuerzas de seguridad y socios extranjeros lograron capturar a un criminal violento que amenazaba de manera directa la seguridad de nuestras comunidades”, señaló el director del FBI, Christopher A. Wray. “Este esfuerzo ejemplifica el compromiso del FBI de salvaguardar al público estadounidense y la promesa continua de desarticular a las redes criminales como la MS-13”. “La comparecencia del acusado en el día de hoy ante un tribunal federal en Estados Unidos es un paso inmenso en el proceso para que rinda cuentas por su papel clave como presunto miembro del órgano de liderazgo de la pandilla MS-13, conocido como los ‘Doce Apóstoles del Diablo’, y posteriormente renombrado Ranfla Nacional”, expresó el fiscal estadounidense Breon Peace para el Distrito Este de Nueva York. “Conforme se sostuvo, Canales-Rivera y sus coacusados actuaron como un directorio, disponiendo que se cometieran actos de violencia e intimidación y se prestara apoyo material a terroristas en El Salvador y en todo Estados Unidos, incluido el Distrito Este de Nueva York, donde en breve comparecerá ante un juzgado federal en Central Islip para responder por estos cargos”. Según se establece en la acusación formal, que se pronunció el 16 de diciembre de 2020 y se reveló el 14 de enero de 2021, Canales-Rivera y sus coacusados forman parte de la estructura de mando y control de la MS-13, que está conformada por la Ranfla Nacional, Ranfla en Las Calles y Ranfla en Los Penales . Desempeñan papeles importantes de liderazgo en las operaciones de la organización en El Salvador, México, Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. En total, 27 de los máximos líderes de la MS-13 han sido acusados en el Distrito Este de Nueva York en esta acusación formal y en la acusación conexa en la causa Estados Unidos v. Arevalo-Chávez et al. Se sostiene asimismo que, aproximadamente en 2002, Canales-Rivera, sus coacusados y otros líderes de la MS-13 empezaron a establecer una estructura jerárquica de mando y control sumamente organizada como medio para ejecutar sus decisiones y hacer cumplir sus órdenes, incluso mientras se encontraban en prisión. Ordenaron que se cometieran hechos de violencia y homicidios en El Salvador, Estados Unidos y otros lugares, establecieron campamentos de entrenamiento de estilo militar para sus miembros y obtuvieron armas militares como fusiles, pistolas, granadas, artefactos explosivos improvisados y lanzacohetes. Además, a partir de aproximadamente 2012, Canales-Rivera y otros miembros de la Ranfla Nacional mantuvieron negociaciones con funcionarios gubernamentales de El Salvador y obtuvieron beneficios y concesiones del Gobierno de El Salvador. Con el fin de obtener esos beneficios y concesiones del Gobierno de El Salvador, la MS-13 llevó a cabo manifestaciones públicas de violencia para amenazar e intimidar a la población civil, atacó a agentes de la fuerza pública y militares del Gobierno de El Salvador y manipuló el proceso electoral en El Salvador. Canales-Rivera tuvo uno de los papeles más prevalentes en las negociaciones y acuerdos de la MS-13 con el Gobierno de El Salvador. A su vez, como se alega, la Ranfla Nacional dirigió la expansión de las actividades de la MS-13 en todo el mundo, incluidos Estados Unidos y México, adonde se envió a varios altos líderes a organizar operaciones, entablar contactos para obtener narcóticos y armas de fuego de carteles mexicanos de narcotráfico como los Zetas, el Cártel del Golfo, el Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) y el Cártel de Sinaloa, y participar en trata y contrabando de personas. La Ranfla Nacional también ordenó a los numerosos miembros de la MS-13 en Estados Unidos que se involucren en actividades delictivas, como tráfico de drogas y extorsión, con el fin de recaudar dinero para apoyar las actividades terroristas de la MS-13 en El Salvador y en otros lugares. Por último, la Ranfla Nacional y la estructura de liderazgo transnacional de la MS-13 habrían ordenado a miembros en Estados Unidos que cometieran actos de violencia, incluidos homicidios, para conseguir sus objetivos e implementar reglas que posibilitaron que la MS-13 se afianzara en partes de Estados Unidos, incluso dentro del Distrito Este de Nueva York, donde, bajo el liderazgo y las reglas de los acusados, la MS-13 ha perpetrado numerosos actos de violencia, como homicidios, tentativas de homicidio, agresiones, secuestros, tráfico de drogas y extorsión de personas y empresas, ha obstruido la justicia y ha enviado contribuciones y el producto de actividades delictivas mediante transferencias electrónicas a líderes de la MS-13 en El Salvador. Por ejemplo, la Fiscalía Federal para la División Criminal de Long Island del Distrito Este de Nueva York ha procesado a cientos de líderes, miembros y asociados de la MS-13 por cometer más de 65 homicidios en el Distrito Este de Nueva York entre 2009 y hasta el momento. Cuando se dio a conocer la acusación en enero de 2021, Canales-Rivera se encontraba detenido en El Salvador cumpliendo una pena de prisión, y Estados Unidos presentó una circular roja de INTERPOL y una solicitud de extradición de Canales-Rivera al Gobierno de El Salvador. Sin embargo, aproximadamente en noviembre de 2021, Canales-Rivera fue liberado de la custodia del Gobierno de El Salvador y más tarde ingresó ilegalmente en Guatemala. Canales-Rivera permaneció prófugo hasta el 7 de noviembre, cuando fue detenido por las autoridades mexicanas. Además de solicitar la extradición de Canales-Rivera, en 2021 y 2022, Estados Unidos solicitó la extradición de 11 de sus coacusados, incluido Borromeo Enrique Henríquez, también conocido como “Diablito de Hollywood”, quien es ampliamente reconocido como el integrante más poderoso de la Ranfla Nacional. Hasta la fecha, el Gobierno de El Salvador no ha extraditado a ninguno de esos acusados. Dos de las otras personas acusadas junto con Canales-Rivera —Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, alias Lucky de Park View y Lacky de Park View, y César Humberto López-Larios, alias El Grenas de Stoners y Oso de Stoners— y tres acusados que figuran en la acusación de Arevalo-Chávez —Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, alias Cruger de Peatonales; Juan Antonio Martínez-Abrego, alias Mary Jane de Hollywood, y Francisco Javier Román-Bardales, alias Veterano de Tribus— siguen prófugos. Se recomienda enfáticamente al público que tenga información sobre su paradero que se comunique con la línea gratuita del FBI para denuncias sobre la MS-13, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), o la línea de denuncias de HSI llamando al 866-347-2423 o a través de www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form Juntos, el FBI y HSI han ofrecido una recompensa de USD 20.000 a cambio de información que posibilite el arresto y la condena de los fugitivos. Este caso fue presentado por la Fuerza Operativa Conjunta Vulcan ( Joint Task Force Vulcan , JTFV), creada para combatir a la MS-13, dirigida por el fiscal federal adjunto John J. Durham del Distrito Este de Nueva York, e integrada por Fiscalías Federales en todo el país, incluido el Distrito de Nueva Jersey; el Distrito Norte de Ohio; el Distrito de Utah; el Distrito de Massachusetts; el Distrito Este de Texas; el Distrito Sur de Nueva York; el Distrito Sur de Florida; el Distrito Este de Virginia; el Distrito Sur de California; el Distrito de Nevada; el Distrito de Alaska; y el Distrito de Columbia, así como otras agencias y oficinas gubernamentales que han sido socios clave en la JTFV, incluida la División de Seguridad Nacional del Departamento de Justicia y la División Criminal del FBI; Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI); la Administración para el Control de Drogas de Estados Unidos (DEA); la Oficina de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF); el USMS; la Oficina Federal de Prisiones (FBOP); y la Oficina del Inspector General de la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional. La Oficina de Campo del FBI en Los Ángeles encabezó las investigaciones de la JTFV sobre los cabecillas de la MS-13, con el apoyo crítico prestado por la Unidad de Pandillas Safe Streets de la División de Investigaciones Penales, junto con la Unidad Nacional de Pandillas y Delitos Violentos de HSI y las Oficinas de Campo de HSI en Nueva York y Houston. A su vez, los agregados legales del FBI en Ciudad de México y San Salvador, la Oficina de Campo del FBI en Houston, el Agregado de HSI en Ciudad de México, el Agregado Legal del USMS en la Ciudad de México y los agentes del Servicio de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de Estados Unidos en el Aeropuerto Intercontinental George Bush en Houston prestaron apoyo crítico para el arresto, así como la Fiscalía Federal y el USMS para el Distrito Sur de Texas para coordinar la audiencia inicial en Houston. Fueron varios los componentes del Departamento de Justicia que contribuyeron a esta acusación, incluidas la Sección Antiterrorista de la División de Seguridad Nacional; la Oficina Ejecutiva de las Fuerzas Operativas sobre la delincuencia organizada y la represión en materia de drogas (OCDETF); la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales del Departamento de Justicia; y la Oficina de Desarrollo, Asistencia y Capacitación del Ministerio Público en el Extranjero de la División Penal. Además, la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales de Narcóticos y Aplicación de la Ley del Departamento de Estado de EE. UU. y la Oficina de Control de Activos Extranjeros ( Office of Foreign Assets Control , OFAC) del Departamento del Tesoro de EE. UU. han proporcionado asistencia valiosa para la misión de la JTFV. De ser condenado, Canales-Rivera se enfrenta una pena máxima de prisión perpetua. La acción penal es impulsada por los fiscales federales adjuntos John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, y Megan E. Farrell, de la División Penal de Long Island del Distrito Este de Nueva York, con la asistencia de los fiscales federales adjuntos James Donnelly del Distrito de Nueva Jersey, Matthew Shepherd del Distrito Norte de Ohio y Stewart Young del Distrito de Utah de la JTFV. Una acusación implica solamente un señalamiento. Todos los acusados se presumen inocentes hasta tanto se demuestre su culpabilidad sin lugar a duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.


title: Bristol Man Charged with Additional Sex Trafficking and Obstruction of Justice Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a superseding indictment charging DAVID MARSHALL, also known as “Saint,” 38, of Bristol, with additional sex trafficking and obstruction of justice offenses. On November 15, 2022, the grand jury returned an indictment charging Marshall with the forceful sex trafficking of one adult female and offenses related to his alleged actions following his arrest. As alleged in court documents, between January and April 2022, Marshall sold the victim for commercial sex and repeatedly raped and beat the victim if she did not follow his orders. He also controlled the victim by plying her with fentanyl and threatening to harm her family. In March 2022, the victim attempted to escape from Marshall and obtained an order of protection against him after he was arrested by Cromwell Police for threatening to kill her. It is further alleged that, on April 27, 2022, Marshall was arrested by police in Freeport, Maine, after he severely beat the victim. While in jail, Marshall contacted the victim in violation of the protection order, and attempted to convince her not to cooperate with the police and to continue to prostitute herself to earn money to bail him out of jail. Marshall also contacted another person from jail in an attempt to remotely erase the evidence on his cell phone, but he was unable to do so because the FBI had already secured the phone. The superseding indictment, which was returned on October 24, 2023, alleges that Marshall forcibly sex trafficked three additional adult females between 2016 and 2022. In addition, on May 10, 2023, while he was detained in federal custody, Marshall again attempted to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of this matter. The superseding indictment charges Marshall with four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life on each count; two counts of attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years on each count; and one count of interstate violation of a protection order, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, but the maximum penalty may be increased to 10 years if the conduct resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim, or to life imprisonment if the conduct constituted sexual abuse or aggravated sexual abuse. Marshall has been detained since April 27, 2022. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Newington Police Department, Cromwell Police Department, Freeport (Maine) Police Department, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Amanda S. Oakes. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine for its assistance in this case.


title: Massachusetts Resident Admits to Participating in a Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting a Rhode Island Senior

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Worcester, MA, resident appeared in federal court in Providence today and admitted to participating in a fraud scheme that, among other things, intended to defraud a Portsmouth, RI, senior of $7,500, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Fangzhou Qian, 29, admitted to being a member of a conspiracy that contacted victims via telephone and, fraudulently posing as a representative of the victims’ bank, told them that their bank account had been compromised. Victims were instructed to withdraw large amounts of money from their bank account in order to protect their assets, and to provide the funds in cash to a member of the conspiracy who, posing as a courier, would soon arrive at their residence. According to information presented to the court, in May 2023, a member of the conspiracy, posing as “Sam,” a bank employee, contacted a 73-year-old Portsmouth, RI , resident and falsely informed him that his bank account had been compromised. The Portsmouth senior was instructed to withdraw $7,500 from his bank account and provide the money to a courier, later identified by law enforcement as Qian, who would stop by his residence that day. The Portsmouth resident withdrew the money, but notified law enforcement of the potential scam call. Qian was intercepted by law enforcement before being able to retrieve the money and was arrested. According to information presented to the court, members of the conspiracy used some of the funds stolen from their victims to purchase large quantities of gift cards. Qian admitted to purchasing 170 Apple gift cards from various stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire during the same timeframe during which members of the conspiracy, including Qian, were attempting to defraud the Portsmouth resident. Qian pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on January 17, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman. The matter was investigated by the Portsmouth Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. ###


title: Two Puerto Rican Men Sentenced for Federal Hate Crime Against a Latina Transgender Woman and Obstruction of Justice Charges

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Two Puerto Rican men were sentenced today to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release each for federal charges of conspiracy to commit a hate crime and obstruction of justice, arising out of an assault with a dangerous weapon against a transgender woman because of her gender identity. “The defendants have been held accountable for assaulting a Latina transgender woman because of her gender identity and then trying to obstruct an investigation into that assault,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No one should live in fear of hate-fueled violence because of who they are. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting people who target LGBTQI+ people with acts of violence or who try to obstruct investigations into these heinous crimes. We hope that this prosecution makes clear to LGBTQI+ victims and survivors that we see them, and we hear them, and we will stand up for them when they are targeted by hate-fueled violence.” “The defendants’ attack endangered and terrified their victim, and such actions have no place in our community,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “Bias-motivated violence not only runs contrary to our values but violates federal civil rights laws. We recognize the very real threats and acts of violence faced by the LGBTQI+ community and are determined to use every tool available to preserve the life, safety, and dignity of this community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to seek justice for all victims of hate crimes and will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits unlawful acts of hate-fueled violence.” “Every human being should be treated with respect and dignity,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “There are no minor offenses when it comes to hate crimes. We at the FBI reiterate our position of zero tolerance for hate and ask anyone who has been a victim or a witness to a hate crime, to report it either by calling your local FBI field office or by leaving a tip online through tips.fbi.gov .” According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2020, at around 12:29 a.m. ET, Jordany Rafael Laboy-Garcia and Christian Yamaurie Rivera-Otero, along with their former co-defendant Anthony Steven Lobos-Ruiz, were out driving together in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, when they saw the victim, identified as A.N.L., standing under a tent near the side of the road. The defendants recognized A.N.L. from social media posts concerning an incident that had occurred the day prior at a McDonald’s in Toa Baja. During that incident, A.N.L. had used a stall in the McDonald’s women’s restroom. Upon recognizing A.N.L., Lobos-Ruiz used his iPhone to record a video of himself yelling, “la loca, la loca,” as well as other disparaging and threatening comments to A.N.L. from inside the car. The defendants then decided to get a paintball gun to shoot A.N.L. and record another iPhone video. Within 30 minutes, they retrieved a paintball gun and returned to the location where they had last seen A.N.L., who was still at that location. Lobos-Ruiz then used his iPhone to record Laboy-Garcia shooting at A.N.L. multiple times with the paintball gun. After the assault ended, Lobos Ruiz shared the iPhone video recordings with others. Several hours later, Rivera-Otero and Lobos-Ruiz exchanged text messages, in which they told each other to delete the evidence of their harassment and paintball gun assault of A.N.L., in order to conceal their involvement. Following this message exchange, Lobos-Ruiz deleted the videos on his iPhone of himself yelling at A.N.L. and of Laboy-Garcia firing paintballs at A.N.L. As part of the plea agreement, Laboy-Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit a hate crime and admitted that he shot paintballs at A.N.L. because she was, and was perceived to be, transgender. Rivera-Otero pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and admitted to directing his co-defendant to delete video recordings of the biased motivated assault and harassment of A.N.L. Lobos-Ruiz previously pleaded guilty to committing a hate crime, admitting that he participated in assaulting A.N.L. because she was, and was perceived to be, transgender and was sentenced to 33 months in prison. The FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Contreras for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Selling Ghost Guns

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A previously convicted felon pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester today to manufacturing and selling firearms – including ghost guns – and unlawfully possessing ammunition. Mickie Simmons, 32, of Brookfield, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, one count of dealing firearms without a license and two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30, 2024. Simmons was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in May 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022. On two separate occasions between March and May 2022, Simmons sold a confidential source ammunition and ghost guns – firearms that have been manufactured by an individual and not by a firearms manufacturing company. During a later search of Simmons’ residence, at least five ghost guns, including an AR-15 short-barrel rifle, 15 ghost gun kits, numerous rounds of ammunition, components of assault-style rifles, several other firearms and more than $25,000 in cash was seized. Due to a 2014 state conviction for breaking and entering, larceny and conspiracy for which he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, Simmons is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.


title: Venezuelan Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Distributing Thousands of Fentanyl Pills

body_text: BOSTON – A Venezuelan man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for trafficking fentanyl. Frank Bienvenido Perez Diaz, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to five years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In July 2023, Perez Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Over the course of a year, Perez Diaz had multiple discussions with a cooperating witness regarding selling the cooperating witness controlled substances, including kilograms of fentanyl. Subsequently, on April 16, 2021, Perez Diaz sold over 2,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills to a cooperating witness. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


body_text: Two Puerto Rican men were sentenced today to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release each for federal charges of conspiracy to commit a hate crime and obstruction of justice, arising out of an assault with a dangerous weapon against a transgender woman because of her gender identity. “The defendants have been held accountable for assaulting a Latina transgender woman because of her gender identity and then trying to obstruct an investigation into that assault,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No one should live in fear of hate-fueled violence because of who they are. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting people who target LGBTQI+ people with acts of violence or who try to obstruct investigations into these heinous crimes. We hope that this prosecution makes clear to LGBTQI+ victims and survivors that we see them, and we hear them, and we will stand up for them when they are targeted by hate-fueled violence.” “The defendants’ attack endangered and terrified their victim, and such actions have no place in our community,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “Bias-motivated violence not only runs contrary to our values but violates federal civil rights laws. We recognize the very real threats and acts of violence faced by the LGBTQI+ community and are determined to use every tool available to preserve the life, safety, and dignity of this community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to seek justice for all victims of hate crimes and will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits unlawful acts of hate-fueled violence.” “Every human being should be treated with respect and dignity,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “There are no minor offenses when it comes to hate crimes. We at the FBI reiterate our position of zero tolerance for hate and ask anyone who has been a victim or a witness to a hate crime, to report it either by calling your local FBI field office or by leaving a tip online through tips.fbi.gov .” According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2020, at around 12:29 a.m. ET, Jordany Rafael Laboy-Garcia and Christian Yamaurie Rivera-Otero, along with their former co-defendant Anthony Steven Lobos-Ruiz, were out driving together in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, when they saw the victim, identified as A.N.L., standing under a tent near the side of the road. The defendants recognized A.N.L. from social media posts concerning an incident that had occurred the day prior at a McDonald’s in Toa Baja. During that incident, A.N.L. had used a stall in the McDonald’s women’s restroom. Upon recognizing A.N.L., Lobos-Ruiz used his iPhone to record a video of himself yelling, “la loca, la loca,” as well as other disparaging and threatening comments to A.N.L. from inside the car. The defendants then decided to get a paintball gun to shoot A.N.L. and record another iPhone video. Within 30 minutes, they retrieved a paintball gun and returned to the location where they had last seen A.N.L., who was still at that location. Lobos-Ruiz then used his iPhone to record Laboy-Garcia shooting at A.N.L. multiple times with the paintball gun. After the assault ended, Lobos Ruiz shared the iPhone video recordings with others. Several hours later, Rivera-Otero and Lobos-Ruiz exchanged text messages, in which they told each other to delete the evidence of their harassment and paintball gun assault of A.N.L., in order to conceal their involvement. Following this message exchange, Lobos-Ruiz deleted the videos on his iPhone of himself yelling at A.N.L. and of Laboy-Garcia firing paintballs at A.N.L. As part of the plea agreement, Laboy-Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit a hate crime and admitted that he shot paintballs at A.N.L. because she was, and was perceived to be, transgender. Rivera-Otero pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and admitted to directing his co-defendant to delete video recordings of the biased motivated assault and harassment of A.N.L. Lobos-Ruiz previously pleaded guilty to committing a hate crime, admitting that he participated in assaulting A.N.L. because she was, and was perceived to be, transgender and was sentenced to 33 months in prison. The FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Contreras for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. ###


title: Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Convictions Of Ronald Glen Davis And William Bynum

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: “Moments ago, a Manhattan jury convicted former NBA players Ronald Glen Davis and William Bynum of a criminal scheme to defraud the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. While many of the more than 20 defendants convicted in this case were well-known NBA stars, their conduct was otherwise a typical fraudulent scheme designed to defraud the NBA’s health care plan and net the defendants over $5 million in illicit profits. Today’s conviction exemplifies that despite notoriety or success in sports or any other field, no one is exempt from criminal charges if they engage in fraud.”


title: KC Husband, Wife Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Three Child Victims

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., couple has indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the sexual exploitation of three child victims. Houston Wade Young, 36, and Jessica Ann Young, 33, were charged in an eight-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, Nov. 14. The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned against Houston Young on July 25, 2023, and adds Jessica Young (who was arrested today) as a defendant with additional charges. The federal indictment charges Houston Young with one count of using a minor (identified in court documents as Jane Doe) to produce child pornography, two counts of using the internet and a cell phone to attempt to induce Jane Doe and another minor (identified in court documents as John Doe 1) to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of receiving and distributing child pornography, and one count of distributing child pornography. The indictment charges Jessica Young with two counts of using a minor, John Doe 1, and another child victim identified in court documents as John Doe 2 to produce child pornography, and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Vernon County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations. Project Safe Childhood 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 individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Three Indian River County residents sentenced to prison for drug trafficking

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Three Indian River County, Florida residents were sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking crimes, following a long-term drug trafficking investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO). Beginning in July of 2022, the IRCSO began an undercover operation to purchase cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), fentanyl, and other illegal substances from individuals in Indian River County. The investigation was initiated due to historical complaints of narcotic transactions and narcotics overdoses at an Arcade in Vero Beach. During this operation, the IRCSO and DEA joined forces and used an undercover detective to purchase the controlled substances. In addition, from July 2022 until March 2023, the DEA and IRCSO investigated a loosely organized drug trafficking organization that was distributing meth in Indian River County. During the investigation, the IRCSO and DEA utilized an undercover detective to purchase illegal narcotics from members of the drug trafficking organization. The investigation led to the seizure of approximately 859 grams of meth. Montravius Deon Stuckey, 23, Karen Dayana Bermudez-Torres, 42, and Lakesia Denise Blackshell, 41, all of Indian River County, pleaded guilty for their involvement in the drug trafficking organization, as set forth in their respective agreed upon factual proffers and plea agreements. U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez sentenced each of the three defendants to federal prison. On Nov. 8, Stuckey was sentenced to 97 months in prison, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth, and three substantive counts of distribution of a of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth. On Nov. 8, Bermudez-Torres was sentenced to 100 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth, and three substantive counts of distribution of a of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth. On Oct. 2, Blackshell was sentenced to 70 months in prison after having pleaded guilty to two substantive counts of distribution of a of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of meth. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of DEA, Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Eric Flowers of IRCSO announced the sentences imposed. DEA Miami Field Division, Port St. Lucie Resident Office and IRCSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Acosta prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Zloch is handling asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-14015. ###


title: New Haven Felon Caught with Gun and Drugs Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAURICE MENAFEE, also known as “Mo,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 86 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm possession offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of February 9, 2022, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department Shooting Task Force observed a car involved in suspected drug transactions at the intersection of Baldwin Street and Davenport Avenue in New Haven, and then traveling recklessly at high rate of speed throughout the city. Investigators subsequently located the vehicle parked at a residence on Plymouth Street and identified the driver as Menafee. After Menafee was apprehended, a search of his person revealed $564 in cash and a search of the car revealed a Sig Sauer P238 .380 caliber pistol, 64 baggies of crack cocaine, and 116 wax folds of fentanyl. Menafee’s criminal history includes state firearm and drug convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Menafee has been detained since his federal arrest on March 2, 2022. On January 10, 2023, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Boyles and Nathaniel J. Gentile. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Man Extradited From Spain To Face Child Sex Abuse Charges

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS , MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Kristian Ignacio Feliz, age 24, of Danbury, Connecticut, has been extradited from Spain to face prosecution in the United States after being indicted in March 2023 for committing child sex crimes. The indictment specifically charges Feliz with three counts of sexually exploiting a minor in Kalamazoo County in January 2023, and one count of coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. “I am grateful to the FBI and our Spanish law enforcement partners for their persistent and successful efforts to find and arrest the defendant in Spain, and to facilitate his swift extradition to the United States to face these very serious charges,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “We are prepared to make our case as part of our ongoing efforts to protect children.” "The FBI prioritizes the protection of children from dangerous predators and is fully committed to investigating criminals, regardless of their location in the world,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “Those who make the unconscionable decision to victimize innocent children will be brought to justice. The FBI works with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to hold those criminals accountable, and I would like to extend my appreciation to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for initiating this case and the Spanish National Police for their support in extraditing the defendant to the United States. We continue to urge the public to report alleged crimes of child sexual and physical abuse by calling 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324), contacting your Legal Attaché Office, or submitting tips online to http://tips.fbi.gov ." “Investigating sex crimes that involve children are extremely difficult to pursue because they cross jurisdictional lines and involve sophisticated computer activity,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division Captain Rafael Diaz .“However, the Task Force Officer program that allows Kalamazoo Public Safety Detective Stolsonburg to coordinate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation means that sexual predators will be found and held accountable. This commitment does not waiver.” The government expects the defendant’s initial appearance will take place on November 16, 2023, at the federal courthouse in Grand Rapids at a time to be determined by the court. Spanish Civil arrested Feliz in June 2023, in Barcelona, at the request of the United States. The extradition proceedings took place in the Spanish judiciary system, through which Feliz consented to be extradited to the United States in August 2023. The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) to prepare and submit a request for Kristian Ignacio Feliz’s provisional arrest, with a plan to seek his extradition soon after. U.S. Attorney Totten and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Michigan Cheyvoryea Gibson extend their appreciation and thanks to Spain’s Ministry of Justice, Spanish National Police, and Guardia Civil. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following website: www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Castle, and investigated by the FBI, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State provided critical assistance in securing Feliz’s arrest and extradition. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Harrison County man sentenced for federal firearms violation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Neal Boram, II, age 38, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 80 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Boram, a convicted felon, persuaded a female to purchase him a 9mm pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in Morgantown. Investigators searched Boram’s hotel room and found the 9mm pistol’s box, another firearm, ammunition, and controlled substances. Further investigation revealed that Boram sold the 9mm, along with two other firearms, to a convicted felon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Domestic Violence Offender Is Sentenced To Prison For Possession Of A Firearm By A Felon

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A convicted domestic violence offender was sentenced to prison today for possession of a firearm by a felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. ordered Gregory Dashawn Fondren, 26, of Charlotte, to serve 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Alicia Jones, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. “Armed domestic abusers are far more likely to inflict serious bodily harm on their intimate partners, and potentially create dangerous situations for innocent bystanders and responding law enforcement officers. My Office will continue to utilize federal gun laws to prevent and prosecute prohibited persons from illegally possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Too often, we’ve seen domestic violence turn deadly when a firearm is involved,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jones. “ATF works daily to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous and prohibited individuals, including those with a history of domestic violence.” According to information contained in court documents and court proceedings, on September 17, 2021, a witness called 911 to report that a male, later identified as Fondren, was physically assaulting and strangling a female at the parking lot of a grocery store. CMPD officers arrived at the scene and saw that the victim, who was Fondren’s girlfriend, was injured and was bleeding as a result of the assault. A witness told CMPD officers that he saw Fondren put the victim in a headlock, then punch and kick her while she was on the ground. Fondren ran away when law enforcement arrived. According to court records, CMPD officers located Fondren and he was apprehended soon after. Officers also recovered Fondren’s backpack that he had discarded as he was fleeing the scene and removed from the backpack Fondren’s ID card and a .38 caliber revolver. Court records show that Fondren is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior domestic violence conviction of Assault by Strangulation and a conviction for Common Law Robbery. Fondren is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. The investigation was conducted by the ATF in coordination with CMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimlani Ford of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. * * * According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence , 19% of domestic violence involves a weapon. The presence of a gun in a domestic situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%. To understand more about domestic violence, visit: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence#dv . If you require immediate help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or Strong Hearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483.


title: El Paso Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Causing Fentanyl Overdose Death

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man pleaded guilty in a federal court in El Paso to one count of distribution of fentanyl, causing death or serious bodily injury. According to court documents, Christian Torres, 24, was the supplier of counterfeit M-30 pills containing fentanyl at his residence on March 4, 2022. Torres and another user consumed the pills, which led to the overdose and death of the other person. The death was determined to be the result of fentanyl toxicity. Torres faces 20 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Countryman is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Houstonian sent to prison for trafficking meth and heroin

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute nearly 4,000 grams of drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jorge Delgado-Santacruz pleaded guilty Nov. 29, 2022. U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Delgado-Santacruz to serve 180 months in prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony about the impact meth and heroin has had on the community at large and noted the sentence was appropriate to deter this kind of activity. The investigation began in November 2020 when authorities learned Delgado-Santacruz was trafficking both meth and heroin in the Houston area. Law enforcement set up numerous controlled drug buys. Delgado-Santacruz would negotiate the sale price of the substances and then directed others to deliver the narcotics. Delgado-Santacruz was ultimately held accountable for the distribution of 892 grams of meth and 3,059.357 grams of heroin from Dec. 9, 2020, to Jan. 18, 2022. The total street value of all the drugs attributable to him is estimated at $375,000. Delgado-Santacruz has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart A. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: Registered Sex Offender Convicted of Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in Pittsburgh convicted a Pennsylvania man today for possessing modified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of child celebrities. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on two separate occasions, James Smelko, 56, of Pittsburgh, possessed pictures that digitally superimposed the faces of child actors onto nude bodies and bodies engaged in sex acts. Smelko possessed the pictures at his home in Pittsburgh, and law enforcement discovered the pictures during a search of Smelko’s computer. Smelko was then charged for possessing CSAM. While pending trial, Smelko was found to have violated his conditions of release by again possessing such images, after concerning searches and images were detected by court-mandated monitoring software on his cell phone. The jury convicted Smelko of two counts of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Slidell Man Sentenced to 33  Months Imprisonment for Manufacturing Machine Gun Conversion Devices and  Obstruction of Justice

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on November 9, 2023, RENE LADMIRAULT , age 21, of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 33-months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty. LADMIRAULT was a manufacturer of machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as “Glock switches.” These devices, when attached to Glock firearms, convert semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic firearms, or machine guns. LADMIRAULT manufactured the devices at his residence using a 3D-printer and a milling machine and used Instagram to sell them. After learning that LADMIRAULT was illegally manufacturing the devices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at his residence. As the agents attempted to enter the residence, LADMIRAULT flushed a machine gun conversion device down his toilet to destroy the device and to avoid its seizure by the FBI. After serving his term of imprisonment, LADMIRAULT will be supervised by U.S. Probation for two (2) years. LADMIRAULT must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.00. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: Dulce Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Steven Williams pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Williams, 29, of Dulce, and an enrolled member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. According to court records, between February 11 and February 14, 2023, Williams repeatedly assaulted Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, with a knife, injuring her hands, throat, and arms. At sentencing, Williams faces up to ten years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-266


title: Fourteen Gang Members and Associates Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A superseding indictment was unsealed today in the District of Minnesota charging 14 additional members and associates of the Minneapolis Highs gang with racketeering (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl trafficking. Additional charges include firearms violations, kidnapping, assault, and carjacking. “Today’s charges against the Highs gang are focused on the criminal organization’s extensive fentanyl trafficking operations,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “Selling fentanyl in our communities is as dangerous and lethal as the brazen gun violence we’ve seen in our cities. Addressing the nexus between narcotics trafficking and violent crime is a critical piece of our Violent Crime Strategy, and I am grateful to my law enforcement partners who are equally focused on protecting the lives of Minnesotans, regardless of the threat.” In addition to the previously charged conduct involving a years-long pattern of violence, the superseding indictment alleges an extensive fentanyl trafficking operation involving Arizona-based suppliers. Between the summer of 2020 and the spring of 2023, Highs members are alleged to have made numerous round-trip flights from Minneapolis to Phoenix, at times carrying large sums of U.S. currency, to obtain fentanyl pills for re-sale in Minneapolis. During the same time period, Highs members shipped numerous U.S. Postal Service parcels containing fentanyl pills to Minneapolis from Arizona. The superseding indictment alleges numerous instances of fentanyl possession and distribution in and around Highs territory in Minneapolis. Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 11.6 kilos of fentanyl, at least 36 firearms, and over $218,000 in U.S. currency. The following defendants are charged in the Highs superseding indictment, with all defendants being from Minneapolis, unless otherwise noted below. Gregory Brown, aka Lil’ G, aka Knowledge, 33, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Marques Walker, aka Q, aka Quez, 41, is charged with RICO Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Deandre Poe, aka Squizzy, aka Fat Squad, 34, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Clinton Brown, aka CJ, 29, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Amarjah Lester, aka M-Thang, 21, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Possession of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Christopher Lee Washington, aka Flock, aka David Hendricks, 29, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Ernest Ketter, aka Shakedown, 27, is charged with RICO conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Robert Lesure, aka Bibby Folks, 21, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Avante Nix, aka Fat Folks, 21, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Arron Davis, aka A-Boogie, 31, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Dashawn Jackson, aka D-Nice, 31, is charged with RICO Conspiracy and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Jadarius Wright, 29, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Carlos Serrano, 31, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Leneal Frazier, aka Baby Chop, aka Lil’ Chop, 22, who was previously indicted on September 6, 2023, is charged with Kidnapping in Aid of Racketeering, Assault in Aid of Racketeering, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence. If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy. The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the cases, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha H. Bates, Justin A. Wesley, Albania Concepcion, and Jordan L. Sing for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Brian W. Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


body_text: A superseding indictment was unsealed today in the District of Minnesota charging 14 additional members and associates of the Minneapolis Highs gang with racketeering (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl trafficking. Additional charges include firearms violations, kidnapping, assault, and carjacking. In addition to the previously charged conduct involving a years-long pattern of violence, the superseding indictment alleges an extensive fentanyl trafficking operation involving Arizona-based suppliers. Between the summer of 2020 and the spring of 2023, Highs members are alleged to have made numerous round-trip flights from Minneapolis to Phoenix, at times carrying large sums of U.S. currency, to obtain fentanyl pills for re-sale in Minneapolis. During the same time period, Highs members shipped numerous U.S. Postal Service parcels containing fentanyl pills to Minneapolis from Arizona. The superseding indictment alleges numerous instances of fentanyl possession and distribution in and around Highs territory in Minneapolis. Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 11.6 kilograms of fentanyl, at least 36 firearms, and over $218,000 in U.S. currency. If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota, Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Engelbert of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, Chief Brian O’Hara of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Kuszynski of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chicago, Inspector in Charge Bryan S. Musgrove of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Denver Division, Chief Deputy Tracey Martin of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and Assistant Commissioner Eddie Miles of the Minnesota Department of Corrections made the announcement. The ATF, FBI, MPD, IRS-CI, USPIS, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota BCA, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the cases, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies also contributed to the investigation. Trial Attorney Brian W. Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha H. Bates, Justin A. Wesley, Albania Concepcion, and Jordan L. Sing for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the cases. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Superseding Indictment


title: Chicago-Area Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to False Tax Return Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: An Illinois woman pleaded guilty today to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns. According to court documents and statements made in court, Vervia Watts, of Lansing, operated a tax preparation business for clients in Illinois and elsewhere. From January 2017 through June 2023, Watts prepared and filed individual income tax returns for her clients, intentionally reporting false education expenses and business income to obtain refunds from the IRS in amounts greater than they were entitled to receive. Watts received at least $300 for each return she prepared, which, in total, claimed more than $1.5 million in fraudulent refunds. Watts is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 14, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Watts also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Meredith Havekost and Regina Jeon of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Largest-Ever Counterfeit Goods Seizures Result In Trafficking Charges Against Two Individuals

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the recent seizures of approximately 219,000 counterfeit bags, clothes, shoes, and other luxury products with a total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (“MSRP”) of approximately $1.03 billion. [1] Two indictments were unsealed today charging ADAMA SOW and ABDULAI JALLOH, a/k/a “Troy Banks,” with trafficking in counterfeit goods. The defendants were arrested this morning and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. SOW’s case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. JALLOH’s case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants used a Manhattan storage facility as a distribution center for massive amounts of knock-off designer goods. The seizures announced today consist of merchandise with over a billion dollars in estimated retail value, the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in U.S. history. This is a testament to the commitment of this Office and its law enforcement partners to combat counterfeit trafficking in New York City.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “Today's groundbreaking announcement underscores the unwavering commitment of HSI New York in the fight against intellectual property theft and serves as a testament to the dedication of our team and partner agencies, who have tirelessly pursued justice, culminating in the largest-ever seizure of this kind. I extend my gratitude to all those involved for their relentless efforts and late nights dedicated to upholding the law.” NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime because it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers. Today’s indictments show how seriously the NYPD and our federal partners take this offense. And we will continue to work hard to hold accountable anyone who seeks to benefit by selling such items on the black market.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictments and other publicly available information: [2] From about January 2023, up to and including October 20, 2023, ADAMA SOW and ABDULAI JALLOH ran large-scale counterfeit goods trafficking operations out of a storage facility located in Manhattan. JALLOH also trafficked counterfeit goods out of an offsite location in Manhattan. Searches of premises controlled by SOW have resulted in the seizure of over 83,000 counterfeit items with a total estimated MSRP of over $502 million. Searches of premises controlled by JALLOH have resulted in the seizure of over 50,000 counterfeit items with a total estimated MSRP of over $237 million. A photograph of boxes of counterfeit goods seized from the storage facility is below. A photograph of one of the storage units controlled by ADAMA SOW inside the storage facility is below. A photograph of one of the storage units controlled by ABDULAI JALLOH inside the storage facility is below. * * * ADAMA SOW, 38, of Queens, New York, and ABDULAI JALLOH, 48, of New York, New York, are each charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of HSI and NYPD. He further thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection for its assistance and the management of the storage facility in Manhattan for its cooperation with the execution of the seizures. The cases are being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Ross is in charge of the prosecutions. The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] The street value of counterfeit goods typically is significantly lower than the MSRP. [2] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Man Sentenced in Lakewood Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Darren Michael Connolly, age 27, of Englewood, was sentenced to 147 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for bank robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a weapon during a federal crime of violence. His codefendant, James David Trujillo Jr., age 25, of Lakewood, was sentenced on September 18, 2023, to 135 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. According to facts presented at trial, on June 15, 2022, Connolly and Trujillo robbed a Canvas Credit Union on West 5th Avenue in Lakewood. The men were armed with an AR-15 and shotgun. Connolly was wearing a GPS bracelet at the time of the robbery. Both he and codefendant Trujillo were covered in masks and ran from the bank to a waiting getaway car. Connolly was arrested at his residence on June 16, 2022 and charged. Officers found the AR-15 and shotgun in Connolly’s residence. Investigators were able to identify Trujillo soon thereafter. Connolly subsequently pleaded guilty, and a jury found Trujillo guilty of bank robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a weapon during a federal crime of violence. “We will not tolerate such brazen criminal conduct in our communities,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “We thank our law enforcement partners for their invaluable help in bringing these defendants to justice.” “It’s a blatant criminal who carries out the armed robbery of a bank while he is being monitored on parole. Clearly, this is a hardened felon and the public is safer with him behind bars,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force will continue to work with state and local agencies to protect our communities from violent criminals.” United States District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello presided over the sentencing on November 14, 2023. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Coccaro handled the prosecutions. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. CASE NUMBER: 22-cr-00213


title: Bronx Man Charged In Shooting Outside Apartment Building

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging DANTE PETTEWAY with illegally possessing ammunition in connection with a shooting by PETTEWAY in front of a residential building in the Bronx on June 21, 2023. PETTEWAY was arrested last night and presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, earlier this summer, Dante Petteway opened fire in a residential neighborhood in the Bronx, endangering not only the life of his intended victim, but also the lives of others in the community. Thanks to our partners at the FBI and the NYPD as well as the career prosecutors of this Office, who have a longstanding history of combatting violent crime in the city, the defendant has now been apprehended.” NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “This arrest is another example of methodical policing in action. The NYPD and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to identifying and charging anyone responsible for driving crime and violence in New York City. The diligence of our NYPD detectives and our colleagues at the FBI and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District has resulted in one less criminal on our streets today.” According to the allegations in the Complaint: [1] On June 21, 2023, at approximately 8:20 p.m., PETTEWAY, accompanied by another individual, walked down the sidewalk of East 167th Street in the Bronx, drew a firearm, and shot multiple rounds across the street. Below is a still image of PETTEWAY showing PETTEWAY as he fired the gun. After shooting the firearm, PETTEWAY ran into a nearby apartment building while holding the firearm in his right hand. A still image from the surveillance footage with PETTEWAY holding the firearm in his right hand is below. Upon canvassing the scene, NYPD officers recovered five shell casings and also located a vehicle that had been damaged by several bullet holes. Photographs of several of the recovered shell casings are provided below. PETTEWAY was not permitted to possess ammunition because of a prior felony conviction for robbery. * * * PETTEWAY, 27, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgia V. Kostopoulos is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Drug Dealer Who Traveled to Chicago to Get Drugs for Dealers in Iowa Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who was on federal supervised release from a prior drug conspiracy conviction was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for participating in another drug conspiracy. Toney Edward Henderson, age 50, from Camden, Arkansas, received the prison term after a May 3, 2023 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony and possession of a firearm by a felon. From August 2021 until September 2022, Henderson traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and then re-distributed the drugs in Iowa. Henderson was on federal supervised release for a previous cocaine related and firearm conviction during this time. Henderson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Henderson was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. He was also sentenced to a consecutive term of 60 months’ imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release for his prior federal conviction. There is no parole in the federal system. Henderson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR- 94. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Mexican Man from Florida Sentenced to Prison for Illegally  Reentering the United States After Being Deported

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to three months in federal prison. Luis Ronaldo Lopez-Lopez, age 24, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Arcadia, Florida, received the prison term after a September 12, 2023, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Lopez-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Lopez-Lopez was previously deported in December 2017 and January 2018. On August 13, 2023, immigration officials learned Lopez-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Lopez-Lopez at the Dubuque County Jail following his arrest on state charges for public intoxication and soliciting prostitution. Those charges are still pending. Lopez-Lopez had been residing in a Dubuque hotel while illegally working in the area. Lopez-Lopez had previously been convicted in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico of illegal entry into the United States in December 2017. Lopez-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lopez-Lopez was sentenced to 90 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Lopez-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-1017. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Readout of Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer’s Visit to Federal Correctional Institution Petersburg

component: Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

body_text: On Nov. 13, Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer and members of her team visited Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Petersburg, which has a medium-security and low-security Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) facility for men with an adjacent minimum security camp, located in Petersburg, Virginia. The Pardon Attorney and her team provided a series of educational sessions about the federal clemency process and answered questions from inmates and staff. The Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 300 inmates and staff during their visit. The visit to FCI Petersburg was the fourth in a series of quarterly educational events that the Pardon Attorney is conducting for inmates and staff at different FBOP locations. The first took place at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security institution in New Jersey in January. During that visit, the Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 700 inmates and staff in a day-long series of trainings throughout the facility. The second took place at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg, a medium-security institution in Pennsylvania in April. During that visit, the Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 300 inmates and staff in a day-long series of trainings throughout the facility. The third took place at FCI Aliceville, a low-security institution for women in Alabama in July. During that visit, the Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 500 inmates and staff in a day-long series of trainings throughout the facility. These educational sessions within the FBOP are part of a year-round initiative by the Office of the Pardon Attorney to increase the accessibility and transparency of the clemency process through education and community engagement.


title: Former St. Louis Postal Worker Admits Depositing Checks Stolen from Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former employee of the U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday admitted stealing checks from the mail and depositing them in her own account. Porcia Denise Rhodes, 27, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of bank fraud and one count of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Rhodes, who was a mail processing clerk at the time, admitted stealing about 21 checks. Rhodes then scratched out the payee’s name and wrote in her own before depositing the checks into her personal bank account. The checks were valued at $5,035. In one example listed in Rhodes’ plea agreement, she intercepted a birthday card containing a $500 check that a Troy, Illinois woman was trying to mail to her grandson in Florida. Rhodes is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Sarah E. Pitlyk. The bank fraud charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both. The theft charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Lane is prosecuting the case.


title: Tishomingo Woman Sentenced to Serve 18 Months in Federal Prison for Embezzling More Than $1.4 Million from Oklahoma City Business

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: Defendant Used Software to Alter Business Bank Statements OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, STEPHANIE FANNIN , 45, of Tishomingo, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On April 12, 2023, Fannin was charged by Information with wire fraud. According to the Information, beginning in March 2014, and ending in April 2021, Fannin served as office manager for General Lighting and Sign Services, Incorporated (GLSS), a business located in Oklahoma City. The Information further alleged that between August 2018 and April 2021, Fannin issued at least 294 unauthorized checks from the GLSS bank account and defrauded GLSS out of approximately $1,432,260.03. On May 3, 2023, Fannin pleaded guilty. As part of her guilty plea, Fannin admitted that she issued at least 294 unauthorized checks from GLSS. She further admitted that she used special computer software to alter bank statements to make it appear the unauthorized checks had been made payable to GLSS vendors, when in fact the checks were deposited into her personal bank account. At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Fannin to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Heaton also ordered Fannin to pay restitution in the amount of $1,432,260.03. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the extensive nature of Fannin’s scheme and ordered her to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving her federal prison sentence by December 14, 2023. This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Former Sewerage and Water Board Official Sentenced for Theft

body_text: NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMES ARNOLD was sentenced today for Theft from an Agency Receiving Federal Funds. United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced ARNOLD to four years of probation, 90 days of which are to be served under home confinement, and restitution in the amount of $108,290. ARNOLD engaged in a theft scheme while employed as a Utility Services Administrator for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (S&WB). Beginning in approximately 2012, and continuing until in or about November 2021, ARNOLD stole S&WB funds by causing the S&WB to issue plumbing permits when it had not received the fees required for the issuance of those permits. ARNOLD did this by instructing plumbers to provide him directly with payments for the fees. ARNOLD would then keep the payments for his personal use and cause the S&WB to issue the permits without the S&WB having received the required fees. “The Arnold case is a prime example of the FBI's commitment to drag public corruption into the daylight, no matter how long it takes,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge for FBI New Orleans. “Stealing from the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board is by extension taking advantage of the very people who rely on its services every day.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit was in charge of the prosecution.