title: Two More Sentenced for Roles in Beckley-to-Philadelphia Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Hassan Abdullah, also known as “San,” 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and Donte Webster, 23, of Beckley, West Virginia, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic over 140 firearms from the Beckley area to Philadelphia. According to court documents and statements made in court, Abdullah traveled from Philadelphia to Beckley with conspiracy ringleader Bisheem Jones, also known as “Bosh,” and other co-defendants to oversee the purchase of firearms at Beckley-area stores that the conspirators took back to Philadelphia to sell for profit. Webster was one of several straw purchasers who bought firearms for the conspirators in exchange for money or drugs. Jones or an intermediary would tell the straw purchasers which firearms to buy, and provide the money for the purchases. Webster admitted to straw purchasing a Glock 19Gen5, 9mm pistol, a Glock 26Gen5, 9mm pistol, and a Taurus G2C, 9mm pistol for Jones in Beckley on July 6, 2021. During each purchase, Webster falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 that he was the buyer of the firearms when he knew he was purchasing them for Jones and his trafficking conspiracy. Webster further admitted that he bought at least 13 firearms for Jones in June and July, 2021, so Jones and others could transport and resell them outside of West Virginia. Of the over 140 firearms trafficked by the conspirators between early 2020 and mid-2021, approximately 45 were recovered at crime scenes primarily in Philadelphia and have been connected to two homicides, crimes of domestic violence, and other violent offenses. Abdullah pleaded guilty to interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license. Webster pleaded guilty to making false statements in acquisition of firearms. Abdullah and Webster are among 18 defendants who pleaded guilty in connection with the firearms trafficking. After five days of trial, a federal jury found Jones, 37, of Philadelphia, guilty on December 16, 2022, of conspiracy to travel interstate with the intent to deal in firearms without a license, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and interstate travel with the intent to deal in firearms without a license. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Philadelphia Police Department. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Negar M. Kordestani and Steve Loew 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-46. ###


title: Ethete Man Sentenced for Assault With Fire

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Quentin Charles Lee , age 28, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 30 months in prison with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for assault with a dangerous weapon, namely fire, by means of using lighter fluid and a lighter. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 21, 2023. Based on court documents, a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer was dispatched to a residence in Arapahoe, Wyoming, on September 20, 2022, in response to a reported assault. The victim was laying on a couch with apparent injuries from a fight. The victim explained that his injuries were caused by Lee, who set the victim on fire and hit him. The officer also noticed two couches and a blanket were burned, and there was lighter fluid nearby. Lee later admitted lighting the couches on fire, which he said occurred after he and the victim had an argument. Lee pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. This crime was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Case Number: 0:22-CR-000146-ABJ


title: Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Weapon at FCI Beckley

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Iglesias McEntyre, 34, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, pleaded guilty today to possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 14, 2022, McEntyre failed to clear a metal detector after numerous attempts. An FCI Beckley staff member conducted a visual search of McEntyre and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in McEntyre’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal approximately 5 3/4 inches long, sharpened to a point, with a toothbrush for a handle and thread wrapped around the handle to secure it. McEntyre admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon. McEntyre is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-50. ###


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared recently before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt: Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on April 28 was: Brittany Nicole Lewis, 32, of Corvallis, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious crime, Lewis faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug offense and a mandatory five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearms crime. Lewis was released pending further proceedings. The Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-20. Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on April 25 was: James Faddis Kennedy, 73, of Red Lodge, on charges of possession of unregistered firearm and illegal possession of a machine gun. If convicted of the most serious crime, Kennedy faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Kennedy was released pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-25. Appearing on April 26 was: Nathaniel James Jansen, 35, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted of the most serious crime, Jansen faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Jansen was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-47. Elmer Brady, 67, a transient, on charges of bank robbery. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brady faces a maximum of 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Brady was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-42 Appearing on April 27 was: Scott Francis Richardson, 44, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Richardson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Richardson was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-40. Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on April 21 was: Martaveon Makei Scott, aka Lo, 25, of Williston, North Dakota, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Scott faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Scott was detained pending further proceedings. The Havre Police Department and Tri-Agency Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-86. Dustin Alan Robbins, 37, a transient, on charges of robbery, assault with intent to commit a felony and intimidation. If convicted of the most serious crime, Robbins faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Robbins was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-25. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Bristol Man Involved in Gun Trafficking Scheme Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA BENTZ, 39, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for illegally trafficking firearms from South Carolina to Connecticut. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, ATF and Hartford Police recovered multiple firearms that had been purchased in South Carolina. In July 2020, one of the firearms was found in the possession of a convicted felon. In September and October 2020, additional firearms were recovered at the scenes of two separate homicides in Hartford. The investigation revealed that Alberto Vazquez, of Hartford, conspired with Bentz and others to purchase firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Columbia, South Carolina, transport them to Connecticut, and sell them to felons and other customers in the Hartford area. Vazquez, Bentz, and their coconspirators purchased approximately 37 firearms through this scheme. Twenty-eight of these firearms were purchased by Bentz’s wife, Tywonda Bentz, in South Carolina between May and July 2020. Bentz was arrested on April 21, 2021. On November 23, 2021, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license, to unlawfully transport firearms, and to make false statements to law enforcement. Bentz, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 24. Vazquez, whose criminal history includes convictions for felony weapon possession, robbery, and larceny offenses, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license and to unlawfully transport firearms, unlawful transportation of firearms, and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon. On October 11, 2022, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. Tywonda Bentz pleaded guilty and await sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Hartford Police Department; the Columbia (S.C.) Police Department; and the Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens through 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. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Two Waterloo Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm as Felons

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Two men from Waterloo, Iowa, were sentenced to prison terms after possessing a firearm as felons. Bruce Terrell Sanford, 32, from Waterloo received the prison term after a November 28, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Houston Simmons III, 26, from Waterloo received the prison term after a December 15, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Evidence at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings showed that Simmons III and Sanford were sitting in a car outside of a club in Waterloo on September 5, 2021, when officers were called to the club. Sanford was in the driver’s seat of the car, and Simmons III was in the front passenger’s seat. Officers could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the car and then searched the car. Inside the car, officers located a loaded Taurus PT111 G2 A, 9-millimeter pistol in the passenger door compartment next to where Simmons III was seated. Officers were able to determine that the pistol was stolen. Officers also found a burnt marijuana roach in the center console area of the car, a baggie of marijuana in the driver’s side door, an opened bag containing marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle, and a bag of marijuana in Sanford’s pocket. Sanford and Simmons III both admitted to possessing the pistol. Sanford was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted in Black Hawk County, Iowa, of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in 2010, burglary in the third degree in 2010, and criminal mischief in the second degree in 2011. Simmons III was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted in Black Hawk County, Iowa, of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in 2019. Sanford was sentenced on April 27, 2023, to 70 months’ imprisonment. Simmons III was sentenced today to 44 months’ imprisonment. Both Sanford and Simmons III were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. They were each ordered to serve a 3‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Sanford and Simmons III are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-2019. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Eight People Sentenced in Conspiracy to Distribute Crystal Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – The last of eight defendants involved in a crystal methamphetamine distribution ring has been sentenced. U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks sentenced Rudy Salinas, 31, of Rancho Bucamanca, California to over nine years in federal prison. During prior hearings, Judge Middlebrooks sentenced Salinas’s co-conspirators to the following federal prison sentences: Alexander McKay, 37, of West Palm Beach, Fla. – eight years; Daniel Armstrong, 39, of Oakland Park, Fla. – six and one half years; Stacy Boyd, 49, of Lake Worth Beach, Fla. – five years; Ryan Haughey, 37, of West Palm Beach, Fla – four years; Billy Rigney, 35, of West Palm Beach, Fla. –four years; Nikoli Moore, 30, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – two and one half years; Christopher Vega, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – five years on this offense, plus one year for violating his supervised release in a separate drug case. The eight defendants pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties from April to November 2022. Salinas served as the primary source of supply. He distributed multi-pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine to Armstrong and McKay who, in turn, distributed it to Boyd, Vega, Haughey, Rigney, and Moore, for further distribution across South Florida. Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized over five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from the defendants. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, announced the sentence imposed by Judge Middlebrooks. DEA Miami Field Division, West Palm Beach District Office investigated the case, with assistance from West Palm Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Boynton Beach Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, and Margate Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Ralston prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove 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 22-cr-80176. ###


title: Seven persons arraigned on charges in meth trafficking investigation on Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations, three counties

body_text: BILLINGS — Seven persons accused in a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations and in Yellowstone, Big Horn and Rosebud counties appeared for arraignment this week on various charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Six of the defendants face charges in a multi-count indictment alleging meth trafficking, firearms and money laundering crimes. A seventh defendant faces drug trafficking charges in a companion indictment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. All defendants were detained pending further proceedings. Agents with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI arrested the defendants, along with co-defendants, in a recent coordinated takedown involving multiple law enforcement officers at various locations on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations, and in Yellowstone, Big Horn and Rosebud counties. A 13-count indictment alleges that multiple defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute meth from January 2022 through March 2023 in Billings, in Yellowstone County; Hardin, in Big Horn County; Crow Agency, Wyola and Lodge Grass, in Big Horn County and on the Crow Indian Reservation; and at Lame Deer, in Rosebud County and on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. The indictment further alleges possession and distribution trafficking crimes, firearms crimes and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The meth conspiracy count carries a penalty of a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Two of the defendants, Daniel Jiminez-Chavez, aka Raton, 40, of Lodge Grass, and Darlon Richard Lefthand, 37, of Hardin, pleaded not guilty on April 24 to various charges in the indictment, while Roderick Plentyhawk, 39, of Billings; Ranita Roselle Redfield, 47, of Lodge Grass; Carly Joy James, 42, of Billings; and Frederica Lefthand, 52, of Lodge Grass, pleaded not guilty on April 26 to various counts. PACER case reference. 23-41. Seven additional co-defendants named in the same indictment pleaded not guilty on April 21 to various counts. Those defendants include Wendell Lefthand, 54, of Lodge Grass; Melanie Rose Bloodman, 54, a transient; Jeffrey Prettypaint, 30, of Crow Agency; Keilee Shambrae Diaz, 35, of Crow Agency; Zachary Douglas Bacon, 35, of Garryowen; Morgan Luke Hugs, 34, of Lodge Grass; and Anthony Springfield, 23, of Hardin. In a companion indictment, Adrienne Dawn LaForge, 35, of Lame Deer, pleaded not guilty on April 26 to three meth trafficking crimes. If convicted of the most serious crime, LaForge faces a mandatory minimum of five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least 4 years of supervised release. Co-defendant Jacklyn Marcel Garcia-Littlebird, 58, of Lame Deer, pleaded not guilty on April 21 to the indictment. The indictment alleges that from January 2022 until October 2022, at Lame Deer, in Rosebud County; and at Crow Agency, in Big Horn County; LaForge and Garcia-Littlebird conspired with others to traffic meth. PACER case reference. 23-38. The indictments are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI investigated the cases. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl XXX


title: Suburban Chicago Couple Plead Guilty to Child Labor Trafficking and Are Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — Two Aurora residents have pleaded guilty to two counts each of forced labor and have been sentenced to six and a half years in prison by a federal judge in Chicago. Per their plea agreements, between February 2019 and February 2020, SANTOS TEODORO AC-SALAZAR, 27, and OLGA CHOC LAJ, 34, who are both Guatemalan citizens, conspired to unlawfully enter the United States with two children who were not their own in order to more easily be allowed entry into the United States and to avoid prolonged detention by U.S. immigration authorities. Once in the United States, Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj harbored the two children (ages 15 and 10 at the time) in a residence in Aurora by, among other things, failing to enroll the children in school, prohibiting them from leaving the residence except in limited circumstances, and instructing them to provide false information to third parties, including law enforcement authorities. Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj also forced the two children to work as their domestic servants and childcare providers and would physically strike and threaten to strike the children if the children did not do as they were told. Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj also forced the older child to work various paying jobs outside the Aurora residence and took nearly all of the earnings from the jobs the child worked. U.S. District Court Judge Sara L. Ellis imposed the 78-month sentence, with a time served credit of 8-months, for Choc Laj on January 27, 2023, and imposed the identical sentence to Ac-Salazar on April 25, 2023. In addition to the 78-month prison sentence, the Court also ordered Ac-Salazar and Choc Laj to pay $98,364 in restitution to the victims. The sentences are announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of Homeland Security Investigations ; and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Great Lakes Region. Substantial assistance in the investigation has been provided by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Aurora Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri. “This case outlines the extent to which many will go in order to enter and stay within this country, and the prevalence of child trafficking and labor trafficking occurring throughout our country on a daily basis” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “The abuses suffered by the victims in this case are unforgivable. Our Office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in all forms of trafficking and forced labor, and to bringing justice to the victims in these cases”. “Those responsible for committing these heinous crimes sought to benefit financially by abusing the most vulnerable members of our community,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “Homeland Security Investigations will continue to work with our partners to prioritize the safety of children across the state of Illinois and beyond.” “Santos Teodoro Ac-Salazar and Olga Choc Laj trafficked two children who they forced to work for them against their will. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who engage in labor trafficking and involuntary servitude, particularly when children are involved,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.


title: Brainerd Felon Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison for Distribution of Controlled Substances

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Brainerd man has been sentenced to 150 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on April 26, 2022, a Minnesota State Patrol Trooper traffic stopped Kyle Vernon Elwell, 29, at a gas station in Motley, Minnesota. Elwell was arrested on an active warrant. Before his arrest, Elwell threw a pouch with approximately $7,995 onto the ground. The State Trooper also found a bag with 51 M-30 fentanyl pills on the ground. During a subsequent search of Elwell’s vehicle, law enforcement found approximately 834 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and an unserialized “ghost” handgun. Elwell pleaded guilty on September 2, 2022, to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was sentenced yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Minnesota State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley M. Endicott prosecuted the case.


title: South Florida Residents Arrested for Building “Ghost Guns” and Machine Gun Conversion Devices

body_text: MIAMI – This week, Marshal Vivian Harris, 37, of Davie, Florida, and Wisler Majeure Jacques, 40, of Margate, Florida, appeared in federal court in Miami following their arrests for dealing firearms without a license and possession or transfer of a machine gun. According to court documents, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Harris and Jacques in February 2023. During the investigation, Jacques sold approximately 27 “ghost guns” and 48 auto sears to investigators. Ghost guns are unserialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home. Auto sears are devices that turn handguns into machine guns. Jacques obtained these “ghost guns” from Harris before selling them to law enforcement. On April 25, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Harris’ residence. During the search, agents found 3D printing equipment and a computerized mill machine that was designed to manufacture firearms parts. Agents also found several partially completed ghost guns. Harris later admitted to possessing the firearm manufacturing equipment and admitted that he attempted to use the 3D printer to manufacture auto sears. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, announced the charges. ATF Miami Field Division investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gerarde is prosecuting it. This case and prosecution was carried out by members of the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The South Florida HIDTA, established in 1990, is made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who, cooperatively, target the region’s drug-trafficking and money laundering organizations. The South Florida HIDTA is funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which sponsors a variety of initiatives focused on the nation’s illicit drug trafficking threats. An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case numbers 23-mj-02790 and 23-mj-02789. ###


title: Former Chief of Staff to Mayor of Lawrence Indicted for Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lawrence, Mass., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Jhovanny Martes-Rosario, 48, was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography. Martes-Rosario was previously arrested by state authorities on related charges and released on conditions. Martes-Rosario was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan C. Cleary of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Union Financial Secretary Pleads  Guilty to Stealing Union Funds

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRIAN GERALD , age 51, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 24, 2023 to a one count indictment for embezzling assets of a local labor union in violation of 29 U.S.C. § 501(c) before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, GERALD was the Financial Secretary of United Steelworkers Local 13-189. GERALD was responsible for organizing Local 13-189’s financial records, keeping an accounting of its income, and filing IRS forms and reports. GERALD was also responsible for maintaining Local 13-189’s debit card in a safe location. From January 2015 through September 2020, GERALD misused the union’s debit card to make 493 ATM cash withdrawals totaling $107,387.90 in cash and fees. GERALD also misused the union’s debit card to make payments for his personal accounts for a total of $36,589.41. GERALD misappropriated a total of $143,977.31 of union funds. GERALD faces a up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Labor in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit and Troy Bell, of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Federal Charges Filed Against Washington State Man Caught Trafficking Fentanyl Powder and Methamphetamine

component: Criminal - Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Bothell, Washington man is facing federal drug charges after he was caught transporting large quantities of fentanyl powder and methamphetamine on Interstate 5 in Marion County, Oregon. Edilio Abimael Giron-Rodas, 34, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court documents, at approximately 9:45am on April 27, 2023, an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling north on Interstate 5 in Marion County. After Giron-Rodas, the driver, consented to a search of the vehicle, the trooper found large quantities of suspected powdered fentanyl, counterfeit oxycodone pills, and methamphetamine in several shopping bags on the backseat of the vehicle. Field tests later confirmed the bags contained approximately 11½ pounds of powdered fentanyl, 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, four pounds of methamphetamine, and a small quantity of cocaine. Giron-Rodas made his first appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. This case was investigated by OSP and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: CORRECTED NEWS RELEASE: South Florida Residents Arrested for Dealing Ghost Guns and Switches

body_text: MIAMI – This week, Marshal Vivian Harris, 37, of Davie, Florida, and Wisler Majeure Jacques, 40, of Margate, Florida, appeared in federal court in Miami following their arrests for dealing firearms without a license and possession or transfer of a machine gun. According to court documents, federal agents began investigating Harris and Jacques in February. It is alleged that during that time, Jacques sold about 27 “ghost guns” and 48 auto sears to investigators. Ghost guns are untraceable firearms with no serial numbers. Ghost guns are often sold disassembled, requiring buyers to build them at home. Auto sears (also called switches) are small devices that, when added to a handgun, turns the handgun into a machine gun. According to the charges, Jacques obtained the ghost guns from Harris before selling them to law enforcement. On April 25, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Harris’ home. During the search, agents found 3D printing equipment and a computerized mill machine that was designed to manufacture firearms parts, as well as several partially completed ghost guns, according to the charges. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, announced the charges. ATF Miami Field Division investigated this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gerarde is prosecuting it. This case and prosecution was carried out by members of the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The South Florida HIDTA, established in 1990, is made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who, cooperatively, target the region’s drug-trafficking and money laundering organizations. The South Florida HIDTA is funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which sponsors a variety of initiatives focused on the nation’s illicit drug trafficking threats. An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case numbers 23-mj-02790 and 23-mj-02789. ###


title: New Britain Man Involved in Drug Ring Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN REYES, 40, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began an investigating an organization that was trafficking large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Reyes and other members of the organization were receiving bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from out-of-state suppliers. They then stored, processed and packaged the heroin/fentanyl in multiple locations, including apartments located at 280 Collins Street in Hartford where some members of the organization also resided, and then distributed the drug in the Hartford area, and also the Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts area. A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford. The investigation also revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity. During the investigation, law enforcement executed 12 search warrants in Connecticut and Massachusetts and seized approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, much of which was packaged for resale in hundreds of thousands of bags. Investigators also seized numerous vials of Xylazine, which is a horse tranquilizer used by narcotics traffickers as a heroin/fentanyl additive. Seven firearms, gun magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet proof vest were also seized. Fourteen individuals were charged with various narcotics, firearms and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation. Reyes was arrested on June 29, 2017, and was released on a $200,000 bond in December 2017. On October 15, 2021, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. He failed to appear for his sentencing on September 19, 2022, and was located and arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in Texas on November 22, 2022. He has been detained since that date. The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Two Goshen County Men Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Rily Shawn Ralls, age 47, of Torrington, Wyoming, and Terry Gene Patch, age 35, of Fort Laramie, Wyoming, were both sentenced for possession of child pornography by United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. Ralls pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced on April 7, 2023, to 63 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. Patch also pled guilty and was sentenced on April 27, 2023, to 40 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $66,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. The two men came to the attention of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) in March 2022 after ICAC received cybertips from Google. Upon further investigation, agents determined that Ralls and Patch, who lived in the same residence, had both downloaded images and videos of child pornography. The investigators were able to identify email addresses, unique URLs and mobile phone numbers tied to each man that were used in viewing and downloading the pornography. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation through their participation in the Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Wyoming Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christyne M. Martens. Case Number 22-cr-00106-ABJ


title: Casper Man Sentenced for Possession With Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

body_text: Tyler Scott Bressette, age 38, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Bressette on April 27, 2023, and also imposed eight years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, the Casper Police Department executed a search warrant for Bressette’s home on January 21, 2022. There, officers found two jars containing over 800 blue-colored tablets stamped “M 30.” The pills contained fentanyl and had a total weight of approximately 87 grams. Bressette pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on January 21, 2022. This crime was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Case No. 22-CR-00149-ABJ


title: Foreign National Sentenced for Using Stolen Identity During COVID-19 Relief Prosecution

body_text: MIAMI – A foreign national was sentenced today to an additional year and nine months in prison for using a stolen identity during her earlier prosecution for her role in the submission of fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $9.2 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. According to court documents, Tanika Candy Hospedales, 44, of Trinidad and Tobago, applied for and received a PPP loan in May 2020 on behalf of her company using the name and personal identifying information of another person, Keyaira Bostic, without authorization. Hospedales sought a fraudulent PPP loan of $84,515 on behalf of her company, I Am Liquid Inc., and referred other conspirators to the scheme who sought $3,345,895 in fraudulent loans, for a total intended loss of $3,430,410. During an investigation into her involvement in PPP loans, Hospedales falsely identified herself to law enforcement as Keyaira Bostic. Hospedales was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with fraudulent PPP loans, and the charging documents identified her as Keyaira Bostic. On Nov. 21, 2021, during her trial before a jury on the PPP fraud charges, Hospedales falsely testified that her name was Keyaira Bostic. The jury convicted Hospedales. During these proceedings, Hospedales provided false information to the probation office regarding her identity and surrendered a U.S. passport in the name of Keyaira Bostic that she had fraudulently obtained in 2012. On Feb. 3, 2022, the court sentenced Hospedales on her trial conviction for PPP fraud to three years and eight months in prison, three years of supervised release, and entered a written judgment against Hospedales in the name of “Keyaira Bostic.” A subsequent investigation confirmed that Hospedales was not, in fact, Keyaira Bostic. Law enforcement obtained visa records that demonstrate that in March 2003, Hospedales entered the United States from Trinidad and Tobago on a temporary visa under her true name. Hospedales pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for using a false identity during her earlier prosecution. Her term of imprisonment, which will be served consecutively to her earlier sentence for PPP fraud, is followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Philippe Furstenberg of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office made the announcement. The IRS-CI, FBI, and DSS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Turken for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. 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 . ###


title: Supervisor Charged With Aggravated Sexual Abuse Of Subordinate At Palo Alto VA Hospital

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Onofre Salas-Lozano appeared in federal court today to face an indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and making false statements to a federal agent during an investigation, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Special Agent in Charge Jason Root of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (VA OIG). During today’s appearance in federal court, the government described that Salas-Lozano, 40, of Palo Alto, and the victim both worked for a janitorial services company that cleans the Palo Alto VA Hospital. The indictment charges that Salas-Lozano used force and fear to cause the victim to engage in a sex act at the hospital on July 2, 2021. At the time of the incident, Salas-Lozano was the victim’s direct supervisor. Salas-Lozano is also charged with lying to a VA OIG special agent during a subsequent investigative interview by claiming he never had sexual intercourse with the victim. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Salas-Lozano is charged in the indictment’s first count with aggravated sexual abuse in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(a), which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The second count in the indictment charges him with sexual abuse in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2242(1), which also carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The third and last count in the indictment charges Salas-Lozano with making a materially false statement in a federal investigation, which carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Salas-Lozano was arraigned in San Jose federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. The government moved for detention and Salas-Lozano’s detention hearing is scheduled for May 3, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen. Salas-Lozano was ordered detained until then. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Harris is prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by VA OIG, with assistance from VA Police.


title: New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Kickback Conspiracy and Tax Evasion

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juller Perez Salcedo, age 44, of Garfield, New Jersey, pled guilty today to conspiring to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud, and also to tax evasion. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Tammy L. Tomlins, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement. Perez Salcedo admitted that from at least 2015 to 2019, he co-owned a trucking company in New Jersey that transported products as a third-party contractor for a bedding company with a distribution facility in West Coxsackie, New York. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Perez paid kickbacks to the transportation manager of the bedding company in exchange for the use of the bedding company’s trucks and drivers to transport merchandise from West Coxsackie to Perez’s truck yard in Clifton, New Jersey, which allowed Perez to avoid certain transportation costs. Perez then fraudulently invoiced and received payment from the bedding company as if his trucking company had transported and delivered the merchandise from West Coxsackie when Perez and his trucking company did not in fact transport the merchandise from West Coxsackie. As a result of the scheme, the defendant caused $422,170.86 in losses to the bedding company. Perez also evaded taxes between January 2014 and April 2018 by cashing gross receipts checks on behalf of his trucking business, providing false and incomplete information to tax preparers and omitting the cashed checks, and filing false federal income tax returns. Perez Salcedo evaded a total of $477,090 in taxes. Perez Salcedo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on September 5, 2023. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Perez Salcedo also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment, and to pay restitution to the bedding company and the IRS. The FBI and IRS-CI investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting this case.


title: Waterford Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bradley Boisen, age 26, of Waterford, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a child, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As part of his guilty plea, Boisen admitted that on April 21, 2021, he met someone over the internet and agreed to pay this person $100 to engage in sexual acts with a 14-year-old child. That same day, Boisen traveled to a location in Albany, where he was to meet and engage in sexual acts with the minor. Upon arriving at the meeting location, Boisen informed an undercover law enforcement officer that he had only $60 and negotiated as to what sex acts he could engage in for $60. After coming to an agreement, Boisen handed the undercover officer $30, half of the agreed-upon price, and promised to provide the remaining $30 after he engaged in the sexual acts with the 14-year-old child. Boisen was then arrested. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Boisen to serve 15 years of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment. Boisen will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the Colonie Police Department, Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Williams as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by the United States Attorney’s offices and marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc


title: Eleventh Circuit Upholds Armed Career Criminal Sentence And Holds Florida Aggravated Assault A Violent Felony

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

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced that on April 25, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the 211-month sentence of Fred Somers, age 46. That sentence was imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle in January of 2013 after Somers plead guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of an unregistered firearm. “The Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) mandates harsher sentences for armed felons who have at least three prior convictions for either ‘violent felonies’ or ‘serious drug offenses’,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With a 20-year-history full of drug and violent felony offenses, Somers is the exact type of dangerous, career criminal the ACCA was designed to keep off the streets.” Somers’ criminal history includes felony convictions for burglary of a structure, conspiracy to distribute heroin, false imprisonment and battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting an officer with violence. Based on those prior convictions, the government sought, and the district court imposed, an enhanced sentence under the ACCA. In January of 2016, Somers filed a collateral motion challenging his ACCA sentence. The district court denied his motion, but Somers appealed, arguing that he was incorrectly sentenced under ACCA because his aggravated assault conviction did not meet ACCA’s definition of “violent felony.” After the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Borden v. United States , 141 S. Ct. 817 (2021), which held that ACCA’s violent felony definition excludes reckless crimes, the Eleventh Circuit sent the case to the Florida Supreme Court for clarification of whether Florida’s assault statue covers reckless threats. After briefing and oral argument, the Florida Supreme Court rejected Somers’ argument that Florida assault can be committed recklessly. See Somers v. United States , 355 So.3d 887 (Fla. 2022). The Florida Supreme Court reasoned that the ordinary meaning of Florida’s assault definition “prohibits an intentional expression of an intent to use physical force to harm another’s person” and that such expression “cannot be accomplished via a reckless act.” With the benefit of the Florida Supreme Court’s clarification of Florida law, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s denial of Somers’ motion in a published opinion, holding that Florida convictions for aggravated assault qualify as violent felonies under ACCA. Assistant United States Attorney Jordane Learn represented the government before the Eleventh Circuit and the Florida Supreme Court. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Former West Virginia Parole Officer Sentenced for Witness Tampering

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former West Virginia regional director of parole for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia to 87 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release for witness tampering. David Jones, 51, admitted that earlier this year, he deliberately withheld information and lied to state and federal investigators during their investigations of sexual misconduct by a state parole officer whom Jones supervised. Jones also admitted that, on multiple occasions from 2020 to this year, he repeatedly instructed a witness in the same investigation to lie to federal investigators and to destroy and withhold evidence. Specifically, Jones admitted both that he encouraged the witness to delete recordings she had of the parole officer sexually harassing her and he instructed the witness to delete evidence of his communications with her. “The defendant interfered with state and federal investigations of egregious sexual misconduct by a state parole officer the defendant was supposed to supervise,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously investigate and hold accountable individuals who obstruct and interfere with federal criminal civil rights investigations.” “David Jones’ attempt to cover up Anthony DeMetro’s reprehensible conduct makes the victim’s courage all the more commendable,” said U.S. Attorney Will Thompson for the Southern District of West Virginia. “Far too often, survivors of crime don’t seek justice because they are afraid that no one will believe them or that those in authority will betray them as David Jones tried to do in this case. We must be relentless in holding individuals like Mr. Jones accountable for their misconduct while ensuring that survivors are heard, believed, and supported.” “Mr. Jones crossed a line and abused his position of public trust by asking a witness to lie and delete evidence in a criminal investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “As the Regional Director of Parole in West Virginia, he was entrusted to uphold the law. Instead, he attempted to use his official capacity to influence a sexual misconduct investigation. This sentencing is a reminder that the FBI is committed to ensuring those who violate the public’s trust are held accountable.” The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Trial Attorney Daniel E. Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Coleman and Nowles Heinrich for the Southern District of West Virginia prosecuted the case.


title: Three Nigerian Nationals Extradited from the United Kingdom and Spain to Face Fraud Charges

component: Civil Division

body_text: Three Nigerian nationals were extradited to the Southern District of Florida to face federal charges related to allegations that they operated an international fraud scheme. Kennedy Ikponmwosa was extradited from Spain and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres on April 18. Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham and Jerry Chucks Ozor were extradited from the United Kingdom today and will make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eduardo I. Sanchez on Monday, May 1, in Miami. Ikponmwosa, 51, Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, 49, of Madrid, Spain; and Abraham, 44, Ozor, 43, and Emmanuel Samuel, 39, of London, UK, face federal charges in Miami, Florida. Neboh, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, Samuel, and Ozor were arrested in April 2022 by authorities in Madrid and London, based on an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida, and have remained incarcerated since then. Samuel pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud on March 27. According to court documents, the defendants are charged with operating an inheritance fraud scheme. Over the course of more than five years, they allegedly sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the United States, falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to serve as money mules. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds. “The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who defraud U.S. consumers, wherever they are located. I thank the Kingdom of Spain and the UK for their tireless efforts in assisting U.S. authorities to find and arrest these individuals so that they may face charges here in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims from outside the United States.” “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service constantly strives to protect our communities from predatory criminals seeking to abuse and exploit the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division. “This case is an example of how Postal Inspectors will vigorously pursue fraudsters and ensure that they are brought to justice for the crimes they have committed.” “These extraditions prove that by pulling law enforcement agencies together, we can best focus on investigating individuals and illicit criminal organizations associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect vulnerable seniors,” Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “I want to thank everyone involved in this investigation and in the extradition process for their dedication; together we have the tools to keep our elderly from falling prey to these scams.” The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Neboh and Samuel were both extradited earlier this year. If convicted, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, and Ozor each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Consumer Protection Branch, USPIS, and HSI are investigating the case. Senior Trial Attorney Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Europol, and authorities from the UK, Spain, and Portugal provided critical assistance. The department urges individuals to be on the lookout for these types of schemes. An inheritance scam is a form of an imposter scam in which fraudsters pretend to be someone they are not, often a lawyer, banker, or foreign official. These fraudsters will try to get people excited about a large windfall and may use legitimate-looking legal documents as part of the scam. Be wary of unexpected contact from individuals offering a large inheritance. Do not send money or provide information to anyone you do not know. Seek advice from a trusted individual or an independent professional if you are in doubt. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Announces National Human Trafficking Coordinator and National Coordinator for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department today announced the designation and appointment of a National Human Trafficking Coordinator and a National Coordinator for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. The Attorney General has designated Hilary Axam, Director of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU), to serve as the Department’s National Human Trafficking Coordinator, and has designated Steven J. Grocki, Chief of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), as the Department’s National Coordinator for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. “Human trafficking and child exploitation are devastating crimes that prey on some of the most vulnerable members of society, and the Department of Justice is committed to preventing and prosecuting these cases and to vindicating the rights of victims and survivors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Hilary Axam and Steven Grocki bring critical experience to their roles as National Coordinators, and I am grateful for their continued dedication to the Department’s fight against these crimes and to strengthening our capacity to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.” The Attorney General’s designation of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator is made pursuant to the Abolish Human Trafficking Act, while his designation of the National Coordinator for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction is made pursuant to the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 . Both Coordinators are responsible for developing and implementing Department-wide and interagency national strategies, coordinating efforts throughout the Department, and representing the Department in significant interagency and external stakeholder engagements. As widely recognized subject matter experts in their respective fields, each will play a central role in guiding Departmental-level policies, strategies, and priorities. “Human trafficking inflicts unspeakable harm on some of the most vulnerable members of society. We must do everything in our power to combat these grave violations of victims’ civil rights and bring human traffickers to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under Hilary Axam’s leadership, the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has been widely recognized, both nationally and globally, as leading experts in victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches to seeking justice for human trafficking survivors. Her extensive experience and specialized expertise will be critical as we continue advancing our whole-of-Department fight against human trafficking.” “Child exploitation is one of the most reprehensible and destructive offenses confronting our nation today” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division’s Chief of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Steven J. Grocki, has extensive experience in investigating and prosecuting child exploitation cases and leads our campaign to combat the sexual exploitation of children. As National Coordinator for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, he will guide Department-level policies, strategies, and priorities in this area. The National Coordinator will also draw directly upon the specialized expertise within the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and work to ensure proper coordination with subject matter experts within and outside of the Department.” Hilary Axam has served as the Director of the HTPU in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division since 2009. She previously served as the Unit’s Senior Litigation Counsel. Since joining the Department as a federal prosecutor in 2001, she has prosecuted and supervised human trafficking cases of national significance involving sex trafficking, compelled farm and factory labor, domestic servitude, and forced labor in restaurants, bars, and cantinas. As HTPU’s Director, Axam serves as one of the Department’s preeminent anti-trafficking subject matter experts. Steven Grocki was selected to serve as Chief of the Criminal Division’s CEOS in October 2015. Grocki first joined CEOS in 2004 and has since served as a Trial Attorney, Assistant Deputy Chief, Deputy Chief, and now Chief. CEOS and its High Technology Investigative Unit are the nation´s experts in prosecuting federal child exploitation cases, including online child exploitation crimes, extraterritorial offenders, and child sex trafficking. CEOS also develops national and global policy seeking to eradicate the sexual exploitation of children and builds national and global response capacity through training and outreach.


title: Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Agrees to Pay Nearly $24 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

body_text: A plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, along with his son, medical practices, and billing company, have agreed to pay $23.9 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting or causing the submission of false claims to both Medicare and Medicaid. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Dr. Joel Aronowitz; Daniel Aronowitz; Joel A. Aronowitz, M.D., a medical corporation; Tower Multi-Specialty Medical Group; Tower Wound Care Center of Santa Monica, Inc.; Tower Outpatient Surgery Center, Inc.; and Tower Medical Billing Solutions (the settling parties) falsified the place of service for skin grafts and billed multiple times for single-use skin substitute products. The United States contends that the Settling Parties manipulated the place of service code on claims for skin grafts to fraudulently maximize reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. The United States further contends that Dr. Aronowitz failed to properly dispose of unused portions of single-use skin graft materials and, instead, used them in later procedures involving other Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, resulting in thousands of instances of double billing. “When health care providers violate federal health care program requirements, they undermine the integrity of these programs and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates the department’s commitment to preventing providers from misappropriating public funds for their own private gain.” “Our investigation revealed a long-running practice to illegally maximize profits, ultimately costing public health programs millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “The Medicare and Medicaid programs are taxpayer-funded programs, and we are committed to wiping out abuses that line the pockets of unscrupulous providers.” In connection with the settlement, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), negotiated the voluntary exclusion of Dr. Aronowitz and Tower Multi-Specialty Medical Group from Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal health care programs, as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(f), for a period of 15 years. Daniel Aronowitz will be excluded for three years. “HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding providers accountable for defrauding federal health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. DeFrancesca of HHS-OIG. “Those who egregiously exploit Medicare and Medicaid put their personal financial gain before patients’ needs and safety.” Medicaid is funded jointly by the states and the federal government. The state of California paid for a portion of the Medicaid claims at issue and will receive a total of approximately $497,619 from the settlement. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam , or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by parties that worked for Dr. Aronowitz and his associated medical practices and businesses: TDP, a billing company, Dr. Jason Morris, a podiatrist, and Harold Bautista, a billing department employee. Under the qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the government and receive a portion of any recovery. The civil lawsuits are captioned as follows: United States ex rel. TDP RCM Servs., LLC v. Aronowitz, et al. (C.D. Cal.), United States ex rel. Morris, et al. v. Tower Wound Care Ctr. of Santa Monica, Inc., et al. (C.D. Cal.), and United States ex rel. Bautista et al. v. Tower Outpatient Surgery Center, Inc., et al. (C.D. Cal.). The amount to be recovered by the private parties has not been determined. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section. HHS-OIG assisted in the investigation. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Ezroj for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Lyle Gruby of the Civil Division. The exclusions of the individual and entity were negotiated by Senior Counsel Patrice Drew of the HHS-OIG. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Justice Department Releases Strategic Plan for Supporting the Goals of the Federal Interagency Alternatives and Reentry Committee

component: Office of the Associate Attorney General

body_text: As part of an all-of-government strategy set forth in the May 2022 Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety , the Justice Department’s newly released report, Rehabilitation, Reentry, and Reaffirming Trust: The Department of Justice Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan), represents its ongoing commitment to strengthening the safety of our communities, while advancing thoughtful, evidence-informed initiatives and reforms throughout the criminal justice system. The Executive Order established the Federal Interagency Alternatives and Reentry Committee (ARC or Committee), chaired by the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and comprised of the Attorney General and the secretaries of more than a dozen executive agencies. The Committee has been focused on three goals: safely reducing unnecessary criminal justice interactions, supporting rehabilitation during incarceration, and facilitating reentry into society of people with criminal records. As required by the Executive Order, the Strategic Plan outlines a department-wide vision for promoting the Committee’s goals at the federal level, as well as ways the department can support those goals in state and local justice systems through grantmaking, guidance, and technical assistance. Safely Reducing Unnecessary Criminal Justice System Interactions : The Strategic Plan highlights a number of department initiatives aimed at safely reducing unnecessary criminal justice system interactions, including supporting community-based alternatives for addressing less serious offenses, promoting safe and effective interactions with state and local law enforcement for individuals with mental health and/or substance use conditions, supporting diversion and alternatives to incarceration where appropriate, and addressing the crack-to-powder sentencing disparity in the federal system. Supporting Rehabilitation During Incarceration : The Strategic Plan emphasizes the myriad ways the department is supporting rehabilitation during incarceration, including by expanding access to correctional education and employment opportunities, providing treatment and other rehabilitative services in Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities, launching a national training and technical assistance hub to guide jail administrators in establishing and maintaining safe and humane facilities, and encouraging access to the ballot box for eligible persons. Facilitating Reentry Into Society of People With Criminal Records : Given the importance of preparing individuals for release after incarceration, the Strategic Plan outlines a number of department initiatives and programs designed to facilitate successful reentry, including reducing barriers to obtaining critical government-issued identification, promoting continuity of healthcare for individuals returning from incarceration to the community, identifying resources for record clearing and expungement, improving community supervision outcomes, and issuing a Dear Colleague Letter for state and local courts and juvenile justice agencies that addresses common practices around court-imposed fines and fees. “This Strategic Plan represents the Justice Department’s comprehensive approach to strengthening public safety, advancing public trust, and promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in our criminal justice system,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to support our state and local partners as they undertake the critical work of safeguarding communities and strengthening the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.” “Second Chance Month recognizes the promise presented by a new opportunity and a fresh start for individuals as they rejoin their communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The Strategic Plan released today builds on the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring a criminal justice system that is fair for all—and our obligation as federal law enforcement to lead by example—by promoting rehabilitation, reentry, and public trust.” “Every day, the criminal justice system touches lives across the country in countless ways—from individuals who are arrested and incarcerated to police officers, victims, families, and communities,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “This Strategic Plan sets forth the Justice Department’s priorities and vision for a better, fairer system for all stakeholders. It is a comprehensive outline of our work to advance public safety through more thoughtful approaches to criminal justice system interactions, rehabilitation and humane treatment during incarceration and detention, and ensuring the necessary supports for individuals to live healthy, productive lives despite a criminal record or past incarceration.” The department will continue to support both the work of the Committee and the initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan. In the months and years to come, the department will operationalize and build upon this Strategic Plan to ensure that justice systems nationwide embody the principles of equality, dignity, and justice for all. The department’s full strategic plan is available here . The department’s strategic plan fact sheet is available here .


title: Tennessee Corrections Officer Convicted of Obstructing Investigation Into Allegations of Sexual Misconduct with an Inmate

body_text: A Tennessee man was found guilty yesterday of obstructing an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused an inmate in his custody. James Stewart Justice, 32, of Columbia, a corrections officer with the Maury County Jail, was convicted of one count of falsification of records. According to evidence introduced at trial, the defendant, formerly known as James Stewart Thomas, wrote an official report for the jail in response to allegations that he had violated the Prison Rape Elimination Act. In his report, the defendant 1) falsely claimed that he had reported to two Maury County Jail supervisors that an inmate had made sexual advances toward him while the inmate was in his custody at a hospital; 2) falsely claimed that those two Maury County Jail supervisors both advised him not to write a report about those alleged sexual advances by the inmate; and 3) omitted that he had a sexual relationship with the inmate after the inmate’s release from the custody of the Maury County Jail. “The defendant pledged to protect and serve but instead he abused his authority as a corrections officer to try to cover up sexual misconduct at the county jail,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This verdict sends a clear message that the Justice Department will hold accountable any official who obstructs a federal civil rights investigation.” “Today’s verdict ensures that James Justice will be held accountable for his actions. As importantly, it ensures that he will no longer be entrusted to serve as a law enforcement officer,” said U.S Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “I commend our trial team and partners at the FBI for an excellent job of investigating and presenting this case to the jury.” “When a correctional officer abuses his authority, it undermines the respect and reputation of all law enforcement officers," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office. "The FBI will vigorously investigate and bring to justice any official who violates the constitution and the trust of the people." Justice faces maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 18. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Klopf for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Readout of Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer’s Visit to United States Penitentiary Lewisburg

component: Office of the Pardon Attorney

body_text: On April 27, Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer and members of her team visited United States Penitentiary (USP) Lewisburg, a medium-security Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility, and its adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. The Pardon Attorney and her team provided an overview of the federal clemency process and answered questions from inmates and staff. The Pardon Attorney and her team met with over 300 inmates and staff in three different housing units, including the Reintegration Unit, the Camp and the Residential Drug and Alcohol Program. The visit to USP Lewisburg was the second in a series of quarterly educational events that the Pardon Attorney is providing to inmates and staff in the BOP. The first took place at FCI Ft. Dix, a low-security institution, in January 2023. 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 Pardon Attorney’s visit to USP Lewisburg is one of a series of outreach and education events conducted by the Office of the Pardon Attorney in recognition of Second Chance Month. Other events have included: An educational webinar on the pardon application process, presented in connection with the ACLU on April 26. An informational session on the pardon application process for D.C. residents, hosted by the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Affairs. A Celebration of Second Chances , highlighting clemency recipients and their advocates within and outside the Department of Justice, on April 21. These April outreach events 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.


component: Criminal Division

body_text: A foreign national was sentenced today to an additional year and nine months in prison for using a stolen identity during her earlier prosecution for her role in the submission of fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $9.2 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. According to court documents, Tanika Candy Hospedales, 44, of Trinidad and Tobago, applied for and received a PPP loan in May 2020 on behalf of her company using the name and personal identifying information of another person, Keyaira Bostic, without authorization. Hospedales sought a fraudulent PPP loan of $84,515 on behalf of her company, I Am Liquid Inc., and referred other conspirators to the scheme who sought $3,345,895 in fraudulent loans, for a total intended loss of $3,430,410. During an investigation into her involvement in PPP loans, Hospedales falsely identified herself to law enforcement as Keyaira Bostic. Hospedales was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with fraudulent PPP loans, and the charging documents identified her as Keyaira Bostic. On Nov. 21, 2021, during her trial before a jury on the PPP fraud charges, Hospedales falsely testified that her name was Keyaira Bostic. The jury convicted Hospedales. During these proceedings, Hospedales provided false information to the probation office regarding her identity and surrendered a U.S. passport in the name of Keyaira Bostic that she had fraudulently obtained in 2012. On Feb. 3, 2022, the court sentenced Hospedales on her trial conviction for PPP fraud to three years and eight months in prison, three years of supervised release, and entered a written judgment against Hospedales in the name of “Keyaira Bostic.” A subsequent investigation confirmed that Hospedales was not, in fact, Keyaira Bostic. Law enforcement obtained visa records that demonstrate that in March 2003, Hospedales entered the United States from Trinidad and Tobago on a temporary visa under her true name. Hospedales pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for using a false identity during her earlier prosecution. Her term of imprisonment, which will be served consecutively to her earlier sentence for PPP fraud, is followed by three years of supervised release. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Philippe Furstenberg of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office made the announcement. The IRS-CI, FBI, and DSS investigated the case. Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Turken for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.


title: Malvern Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: HOT SPRINGS – A Malvern man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs. According to court documents, Jadadire Lashawn Nellums, age 46, was identified by law enforcement to be distributing methamphetamine in the Malvern, Arkansas, geographical area. Between the months of July 2020 and August 2020, investigators were able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Nellums . On August 17, 2020, searches were conducted at multiple properties associated with Nellums, resulting in investigators locating and seizing over 1,400 grams of pure methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov .


title: United States Attorney Names Long-Time Federal Prosecutor Arvo Q. Mikkanen to Serve in Newly Created Role as Senior Counsel for Tribal Relations

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, United States Attorney Robert J. Troester named Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Arvo Q. Mikkanen to serve in a newly created role as Senior Counsel for Tribal Relations for the Western District of Oklahoma, as part of the office’s strong commitment to Indian country. "Arvo Mikkanen has 30 years of federal prosecution experience and is one of the foremost authorities in the Department of Justice on the law related to Indian country," said U.S. Attorney Troester. "It is only fitting that he serves in this newly created role as Senior Counsel for Tribal Relations to further solidify the commitment, service, outreach, and collaboration by my office with the Tribes in the Western District of Oklahoma." "I am extremely excited to accept this new position and look forward to utilizing my experience in the courtroom and knowledge of state, tribal, and justice systems to build upon what we have already accomplished," said AUSA Mikkanen. "I also hope to improve the understanding regarding the complexities of providing justice in Indian country and strengthen the cooperation among the federal government, the 21 tribal governments in the district, and the various state and local law enforcement agencies. Ultimately, the goal is for both tribal and non-tribal citizens to feel an added sense of public safety across the Western District by working together more closely in a cohesive fashion." This position is historic—the first of its kind at the U.S. Attorney’s Office—and will be instrumental in coordinating Indian country law enforcement and public safety throughout the district, including training, management of law enforcement priorities, consulting with tribal leadership and justice officials, and strengthening relationships between federal, tribal, and state law enforcement partners. As Senior Counsel for Tribal Relations, AUSA Mikkanen will play a unique and crucial role in the Department of Justice’s effort to prevent and respond to violent crime in Indian country, as well as address such important issues as cross deputization, jurisdictional concerns, outreach to tribal communities, and improved strategies regarding Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. The following Tribal Nations have land located within the Western District: Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Caddo Nation, Cherokee Nation, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Chickasaw Nation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Comanche Nation, Delaware Nation, Fort Sill Apache Tribe, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Kaw Nation, Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, Kiowa Tribe, Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Sac and Fox Nation, Shawnee Tribe, Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. Today’s announcement follows the announcement last week of the U.S. Attorney’s adoption and implementation of Savanna’s Act Guidelines to improve the response and investigation of cases involving Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which Mikkanen was instrumental in drafting. More information on the guidelines can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/pr/united-states-attorney-issues-guidelines-part-new-federal-strategy-cases-involving . AUSA Mikkanen is Kiowa/Comanche and an enrolled member of the Kiowa Tribe. He has served in both the civil and criminal divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has served as a tribal liaison, and has been counsel of record in more than 750 cases in the U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City. AUSA Mikkanen has also served as a federal judicial law clerk, civil practitioner, tribal judge, tribal prosecutor, and law professor during his legal career. He received an A.B. magna cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1983, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. from Yale Law School in 1986. AUSA Mikkanen has been well recognized throughout his career. He received the Gold United States Congressional Award from the U.S. Congress in 1985; the Oklahoma Bar Association's Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award in 1992; the Equal Access to Justice - Pro Bono Publico Award from Oklahoma Indian Legal Services in 1992; the American Bar Association's Spirit of Excellence Award in 2004; and the Sonja Atetewuthtakewa Award for Distinguished Service in the Protection of Native American Children in 2003. In 2011, the National Association of Former United States Attorneys presented AUSA Mikkanen with the Exceptional Service Award. In 2012, AUSA Mikkanen received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in Indian Country during the 60th Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony, which recognizes department employees and others for their outstanding dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s missions. Additional information about Indian country resources in the Western District of Oklahoma is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/programs/indian-country .