title: Hartford Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERIC MUNOZ, Jr., also known as “Bebo,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 88 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics. According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made eight controlled purchases of fentanyl from Munoz Jr. and his father, Eric Munoz, Sr. Munoz Jr. and Munoz Sr. were arrested on August 25, 2021. On that date, a search of Munoz Jr.’s residence on Harbison Avenue in Hartford revealed more than 900 grams of loose fentanyl, approximately 3,800 wax folds of fentanyl, approximately 300 grams of cocaine, approximately 50 grams of crack cocaine, five handguns, and $29,921 in cash. A search of Munoz Sr.’s residence, also on Harbison Avenue, revealed approximately 900 grams of loose fentanyl, 280 wax folds of fentanyl, 41 rounds of assorted ammunition, and $15,888 in cash. A search of an apartment located on Capitol Avenue in Hartford, which Munoz Jr. and Munoz Sr. used to store, process, and package narcotics, revealed approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, 5,100 wax folds of fentanyl, 130 grams of cocaine, 88 grams of crack cocaine, and eight rounds of ammunition. Munoz Jr. has been detained since his arrest. On April 11, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Munoz Jr. has a prior federal narcotics trafficking conviction. In August 2017, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 31 months of imprisonment for that offense. Munoz Sr. also pleaded guilty and, on July 25, 2023, was sentenced to 115 months of imprisonment. The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Manchester Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.


title: Georgia Laboratory Owner Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge and Agrees to Pay $14.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: Civil Division

body_text: ATLANTA, GA – Andrew “Drew” Maloney, 57, of Roswell, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks. The guilty plea is part of a global settlement with the United States and several states in which Maloney and the clinical laboratory that he owned, Capstone Diagnostics, of Atlanta, Georgia, have also agreed to pay approximately $14.3 million to resolve allegations that they violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by paying volume-based commissions to independent contractor sales representatives to arrange for or recommend medically unnecessary urine drug tests and respiratory pathogen panels (RPPs). Maloney and Capstone have also agreed to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes. “The law prohibits health care providers, including laboratories, from paying kickbacks to third parties to generate business,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As we have repeatedly witnessed, such payments can undermine the integrity of federal health care programs by inducing unnecessary services and other fraudulent practices.” “Unfortunately, Capstone and Maloney are hardly alone, as we have witnessed some clinical laboratories and their owners across the country engage in unscrupulous kickback and billing schemes that caused incalculable harm to Medicare,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who defraud valuable government programs designed to benefit our most vulnerable citizens. By simultaneously obtaining criminal and civil resolutions, as well as working with our partners from the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, this case demonstrates our office’s commitment to using all available tools to hold accountable those who seek to steal from federal health care programs.” “To maintain public trust in the health care system, we must ensure patients and taxpayers that care provided by federally funded healthcare programs is dictated by clinical needs, not fiscal greed,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “To do that, the FBI and our partners are committed to combining resources and holding providers who bill the government for unnecessary services accountable.” “Health care providers who cause the submission of Medicare and Medicaid claims for medically unnecessary services pose a significant risk to these programs and the patients who rely on them,” stated Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG works diligently with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who, to satisfy their own greed, exploit federal health care programs.” “The citizens of our country place immense trust in the integrity of our federal health care programs, and with it, the ability to ensure adequate care for all,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Darrin K. Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Corruption in all forms undermines that trust, and we will work relentlessly with our investigative partners to pursue and hold accountable those who illegally profit from DoD healthcare programs.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between August 2017 and December 2018, Capstone entered into an arrangement with a program operating as Do It 4 the Hood (D4H), which held itself out as providing after school mentoring services to at-risk teenagers in Georgia. Once enrolled, participants were required to submit to frequent urine specimen collections for drug testing without regard to medical need or the history of the participant. Maloney was aware that the participants needed the tests to participate in the program and that many of these participants were covered by Medicaid. Capstone, with Maloney’s knowledge and approval, paid the operators of D4H a percentage of Medicaid reimbursements for samples submitted by the program, in violation of federal law. While the scheme was ongoing, Capstone submitted over $1 million in claims, causing Georgia Medicaid to pay out at least $400,000 in claims related to the fraudulent drug testing. In addition to Maloney’s guilty plea, four other individuals have pleaded guilty in connection with this fraudulent drug testing scheme: Dr. Duriel Gray, 45, of Cartersville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive health care kickbacks in the Northern District of Georgia. Gray is licensed to practice medicine in Georgia and was recruited to be the “medical director” for D4H in Georgia. D4H used Gray to provide a “standing order” under which Capstone could submit the fraudulent drug testing claims to Medicaid. Gray did not have a physician-patient relationship with the students, never examined any of them, and did not review or discuss the drug tests with any of the participating students. For his role in the scheme, Gray received approximately $30,000. On April 13, 2023, Gray was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $417,200.40 in restitution. Bree’Anna Harris, 32, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering in the Western District of North Carolina to charges filed in the Northern District of Georgia and Western District of North Carolina. Among other things, Harris incorporated an entity, BPolloni Consulting, LLC, which entered into a purported marketing agreement with Capstone. The arrangement between BPolloni and Capstone was used to receive and conceal the fraudulent kickback payments and distribute them to her coconspirators. On December 5, 2023, Harris was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment for her role in the D4H scheme and related schemes in North Carolina and elsewhere. Glenn Pair, 36, of Stonecrest, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering in the Western District of North Carolina to charges filed in the Northern District of Georgia, Western District of North Carolina, and District of South Carolina. On July 27, 2022, Pair was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment for his role in the D4H scheme and related schemes in North Carolina, South Carolina, and elsewhere. Rachel Sheats, 48, of Woodstock, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks in the Northern District of Georgia in January 2024. Sheats acted as Capstone’s chief operations officer during the relevant time and served as a key point person for D4H at Capstone. Sheats’ sentencing hearing remains pending. Maloney and Capstone also entered into a civil settlement agreement under which they agreed to pay $14.3 million to the federal government, the State of Georgia, and several other states, to resolve claims arising from the submission of false claims to government health care programs. In addition to the allegations described above, the civil settlement resolves allegations that, between April 2020 and December 2021, Maloney and Capstone sought to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic by paying independent contractor sales representatives to recommend RPPs to senior communities interested only in COVID-19 tests. RPPs are an expensive panel that tests for many different respiratory pathogens, some of which are very rare, do not cause overlapping clinical syndromes, and are found only in specific patient populations. To generate orders, Capstone’s independent sales representatives completed test requisition forms for RPPs using forged signatures of physicians who had only ordered COVID tests and sham diagnosis codes that did not reflect the medical conditions of the senior community residents receiving the tests. Capstone subsequently billed federal health care programs for these medically unnecessary tests and paid its sales representatives a commission for each test. The federal share of the settlement is approximately $13.9 million and approximately $400,000 constitutes a recovery for state Medicaid programs. The civil settlement resolves, in part, a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The claims resolved by the civil agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of civil liability. As part of today’s resolution, whistleblower Jesse Allen will receive approximately $2.86 million. Mr. Allen worked as Capstone’s laboratory manager from April 2017 to January 2019. Maloney’s sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2024, before U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla and Georgia Deputy Attorney General Jim Mooney are prosecuting the criminal case. Assistant United States Attorney Neeli Ben-David, Deputy Director Paul R. Perkins, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, DOJ-Fraud Section, and Senior Assistant Attorney General Richard Tangum, Georgia Medicaid Fraud Division are handling the civil case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mellori E. Lumpkin-Dawson also participated in the civil case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across the federal government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . One of the most powerful tools in combatting health care fraud 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 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Justice Department Finds Conditions at Three Mississippi Prisons Violate the Constitution

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: The Justice Department announced today its findings that conditions of confinement at three Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities violate the 8th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The Department’s 60-page report details its findings from a thorough investigation of the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility. These three prisons currently house about 7,200 people. The report concludes that MDOC routinely violates the constitutional rights of people incarcerated at all three facilities by failing to protect them from widespread physical violence. The state does not adequately supervise the incarcerated population, control the flow of contraband, adequately investigate incidents of serious harm, or provide adequate living conditions. These problems are exacerbated by chronic understaffing that has allowed gangs to exert improper influence inside the prisons. The report also concludes that Mississippi unconstitutionally subjects persons at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility to prolonged restrictive housing under harsh conditions that places them at substantial risk of serious physical and psychological harm. “People living in prisons and jails have a constitutional right to safe and adequate living conditions,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “Our investigation uncovered that people in these three facilities were subjected to violent and unsafe conditions, in violation of the Constitution. We look forward to working with Mississippi officials to remedy these violations and improve safety and living standards for people incarcerated in the state of Mississippi.” “Every state is constitutionally obligated to protect the people it incarcerates from known, pervasive and deliberately unchecked violence, and to house people in conditions that do not pose a serious risk of physical and psychological harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation uncovered chronic, systemic deficiencies that create and perpetuate violent and unsafe environments for people incarcerated at these three Mississippi facilities. The unconstitutional conditions in Mississippi’s prisons have existed for far too long, and we hope that this announcement marks a turning point towards implementing sound, evidence-based solutions to these entrenched problems. The Justice Department stands ready to enforce the dictates of the Constitution that protect the safety and human dignity of all people housed at state prison facilities. Our work makes clear that people do not abandon their civil and constitutional rights at the jailhouse door.” “Ensuring constitutional and humane conditions of confinement in our prisons is a key part of public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi. “By allowing physical violence, illegal gang activity, and contraband to run rampant, Mississippi not only violates the rights of people incarcerated at these facilities, but also compromises the legitimacy of law enforcement efforts to protect our communities. Our office remains committed to upholding the rights of all our district’s residents. We look forward to working with the Mississippi Department of Corrections to protect the constitutional and civil rights of those incarcerated at these three Mississippi prison facilities.” “The conclusion of the investigation and the issuance of findings is only the start of the work necessary to ensure that the state of Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Corrections fulfill their constitutional obligations to the people it incarcerates,” said U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “The minimum remedial measures outlined in this report create the framework for what the state must do to reasonably protect people in these facilities from violence and prevent deprivation of fundamental physical and psychological needs. While this report makes clear that there is much work for the state to do, we are committed to working with state officials to ensure that Mississippi abides by its constitutional obligations.” Today’s announcement follows the Department’s April 2022 report finding that conditions at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (known as Parchman) violated the constitutional rights of persons incarcerated there by subjecting them to violence, failing to provide adequate care for serious mental health needs, or adequate suicide prevention measures and using prolonged restrictive housing in a manner that poses a risk of serious harm. The Justice Department launched its investigation of Parchman, Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility in February 2020, under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). As required by CRIPA, the department provided the State of Mississippi with written notice of the supporting facts for its conclusions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address the alleged violations. The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi conducted the investigation. For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section . You can also report civil rights violations to the section by completing the complaint form available at civilrights.justice.gov/ . To provide information related to the Department’s investigation of the four Mississippi prisons, please call 1-833-591-0288 or email the department at Community.MSDoc@usdoj.gov .


title: Georgia Man Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining U.S. Citizenship

component: Criminal - Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section

body_text: ATLANTA - Mezemr Abebe Belayneh, also known as “Mezmur Amare Belayneh,” was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge William M. Ray, II, for fraudulently obtaining United States citizenship. Belayneh had unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship by concealing his involvement in the “Red Terror,” a campaign of oppression and mass killings committed in Ethiopia that began in 1976. “Mezemr Belayneh violently beat political opponents in Ethiopia and lied about it to U.S. immigration authorities. Through this deception, he unlawfully entered this country and obtained U.S. citizenship,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Individuals who persecuted people in their home countries should take note: if you seek refuge unlawfully in the United States, we will investigate and prosecute you.” “Belayneh obtained U.S. citizenship by concealing from immigration authorities the abuse he inflicted on teenagers in Ethiopia during the Red Terror in the late 1970s,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We hope that today’s sentencing brings a measure of peace and closure to the defendant’s courageous victims—some of whom testified at trial—and sends a clear message to others that we will continue to investigate and prosecute human rights abusers who fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship.” “When a person attempts to become a U.S. citizen under false pretenses, it jeopardizes our naturalization process and we will not stand idly by for war criminals and human rights violators to use our nation as a safe haven,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations. “Simply put, those who knowingly and willfully misrepresent themselves to obtain U.S. citizenship status will be held accountable for their deceitful actions.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Mezemr Abebe Belayneh unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship in 2008 by concealing his persecution and acts of violence against political opponents during a period known as the Red Terror in Ethiopia. The Red Terror was a campaign of brutal violence in the late 1970s in which Ethiopia’s ruling military council and its supporters detained, interrogated, tortured, and executed thousands of perceived political opponents. During the Red Terror, Belayneh served as a civilian interrogator at a makeshift prison known as Menafesha in the city of Dilla, Ethiopia. Belayneh detained teenage victims in a crowded prison for weeks and months, interrogated them about their political beliefs, and directed and participated in severe beatings in which they were whipped or hit with sticks. Belayneh also forced prisoners to physically fight one another for the prison guards’ amusement. Belayneh concealed that conduct when he obtained a visa to enter the United States in 2001 and when he became a U.S. citizen in 2008. Belayneh, 67, of Snellville, Georgia, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. On July 26, 2023, Belayneh was convicted of two counts of unlawfully procuring citizenship, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1425(a), following a jury trial. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Tal C. Chaiken and Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) prosecuted the case, with assistance from HRSP Senior Historian Dr. Christopher Hayden. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Massachusetts Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Million Dollar Payroll Tax Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Melrose man was sentenced yesterday for a decade-long tax fraud scheme in which he failed to pay employment taxes he withheld from employees of his two businesses. Stephen Schofield, 70, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper to nine months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. Schofield was also ordered to pay a fine of $7,500 and restitution of $1,051,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. In October 2023, Schofield pleaded guilty to one count of failure to pay over taxes. Schofield operated and controlled two businesses – Schofield Concrete Forms in Stoneham, and Schofields of Melrose, Inc. located in Melrose. For tax years 2010 through 2020, Schofield withheld federal and state employment taxes from his employees’ wages and issued W-2 forms to the employees showing that the taxes had been withheld. However, Schofield did not pay over those taxes to the IRS as required by federal law, resulting in a federal tax loss of approximately $1,051,000. Although Schofield did not file corporate or individual tax returns for 10 years, the IRS investigation showed that Schofield used company funds to pay $612,000 to himself and $344,000 to a family member who was not a company employee. He also paid for other personal expenses including travel, jewelry, restaurants, boating supplies and opening a Fidelity investment account. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: KC Chiefs ‘Superfan’ Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery, Money Laundering

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: Video statement by U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, of financial institutions in seven states. “His violent crime spree across the Midwest and beyond traumatized bank employees and victimized financial institutions in seven states,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “The defendant tried to conceal hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen cash by using it to gamble online and at casinos, but the odds caught up with him. With today’s conviction, he will be held accountable for the full scope of his criminal conduct, including his attempt to flee from justice.” Xaviar Michael Babudar, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of money laundering and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. Babudar also pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, which is contained in a separate case filed in the Northern District of Oklahoma. Babudar also admitted that he engaged in a string of nine bank and credit union robberies (or attempted robberies) in 2022 followed by two bank robberies committed while he was a fugitive from justice. Babudar laundered much of the stolen money through area casinos and online gambling. “Babudar walked into a bank in Bixby, Oklahoma, demanded money, and threatened to shoot them if they did not comply,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Babudar posed a serious danger and risk to the public. I am thankful for the efforts of the Bixby Police Department, the FBI, and federal prosecutors in holding him accountable.” “While Babudar garnered significant national attention,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus, “his criminal actions were reckless – intimidating and victimizing bank employees and the institutions themselves. Significant law enforcement resources were utilized across multiple states to locate and arrest Babudar. This would not have occurred without the assistance and due diligence of our local, state, and federal partners. Today’s guilty plea highlights the value the FBI places on these partnerships and the continued commitment by law enforcement across the nation to hold individuals accountable for their actions.” Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Babudar must pay at least $532,675 in restitution to the victim financial institutions. Babudar also must forfeit to the government any property involved in his money laundering activity, including an autographed painting of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick L. Mahomes II that has been recovered by the FBI. Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing. Babudar pleaded guilty today to stealing $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed the bank teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. As he fled on foot, Babudar left behind a black glove and approximately $1,420 in $20 bills in a wooded area near the bank. Investigators later recovered Babudar’s DNA from the black glove. Babudar then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account in an attempt to conceal the criminal nature of the proceeds. Babudar also pleaded guilty today to stealing $139,500 from Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union in Bixby, Okla., on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the credit union armed with what appeared to be a black handgun, jumped the teller counter, and ordered a bank employee at gunpoint to go to the credit union’s vault. Once at the vault, Babudar demanded that bank employees open the vault and put the money from the vault into a plastic bag. During this robbery, Babudar told credit union employees that if they did not comply he would shoot them. When Babudar was arrested shortly after the robbery, he had a large bag in his possession that contained $139,500 in $100 bills plus $10,750 in $50 bills, totaling $150,250 in cash. When investigators searched his 2019 Mazda 3, they found numerous pairs of goggles and gloves, which Babudar wore during a series of bank robberies. Investigators also found a Barstool Sportsbook Betslip for $20,000, dated Nov. 19, 2022; a FanDuel Betslip for $4,000, dated Dec. 1, 2022; and letters from Community America Credit Union related to his deposits of $20,000 and $50,000 on May 2, 2022. By pleading guilty today, Babudar also admitted that he committed, or attempted to commit, nine robberies of banks and credit unions in addition to the two to which he is pleading guilty. Those crimes, including two bank robberies committed while Babudar was a fugitive from justice, will be considered relevant conduct at the time of his sentencing. Babudar admitted that he stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Babudar entered the bank armed with what appeared to be a firearm and ordered bank employees to open their vault. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft. Babudar admitted that he stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. Babudar brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. After carrying the stolen money back to Missouri, Babudar began laundering this money through area casinos, depositing the cash he received from these casinos into his personal bank account. Babudar admitted that he stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. Babudar, armed with what appeared to be a black and silver firearm, climbed over the bank teller counter. He pressed the firearm against the teller’s body and demanded that credit union employees take him to the vault. Employees complied with Babudar’s demands, provided him with cash from the teller drawers, and took him to the vault. Babudar told credit union employees that if he was given a dye pack he would “come back and put a bullet in your head.” After Babudar fled on foot, a hat was recovered; investigators extracted DNA from the hat that matched the DNA extracted from Babudar’s glove in the March 2, 2022, robbery. A few days later, Babudar used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino. Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minnesota, on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered this credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. Babudar fled from the credit union, however, after seeing the vault only held small bills. Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered the credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. When he saw the vault only contained small bills, Babudar demanded $100 bills. Credit union employees told him they didn’t keep $100 bills in the vault, and Babudar fled on foot. Babudar admitted that he stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following the two unsuccessful robberies the previous day, Babudar returned to the same facility he had robbed on March 2, 2022, which had since then become a branch of First Interstate Bank. Babudar entered the bank carrying what appeared to be a firearm and jumped over the teller counter. He ordered the bank employees, at gunpoint, to open the vault. He fled on foot after the bank employees gave him the cash in the vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal bank account. Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Pinnacle Bank in Papillon, Nebraska, on Dec. 15, 2022. At approximately 1:55 p.m., Babudar entered the vestibule area of Pinnacle Bank and pulled on the doors, but was unable to open them. He then left the area. The next day, he robbed the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union and was arrested. Babudar, after being arrested in Oklahoma in December 2022, was released on bond in February 2023. Months earlier, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023. Days later, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. According to court documents, Babudar used his gambling winnings to purchase a vehicle in Henderson, Nevada, and evade law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023. In today’s plea agreement, Babudar admitted that he robbed two additional banks while he was a fugitive from justice. Babudar admitted that he stole $1,100 from Heritage Bank in Sparks, Nevada, on June 8, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a beanie, a Covid-19 mask, a blue long-sleeved shirt, khaki pants, and a fanny pack. Babudar showed a note to the Heritage Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller. Babudar admitted that he stole $950 from U.S. Bank in El Dorado Hills, California, on July 3, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, a Covid-19 mask, and a yellow reflective vest. Babudar showed a note to the U.S. Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller. Babudar has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Babudar is subject to a sentence of up to 50 years in federal prison without parole, with the parties agreeing to recommend that the sentences imposed for each count run concurrent to one another. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2024, after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Daly and Stephanie C. Bradshaw in the Western District of Missouri, and U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Johnson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston in the Northern District of Oklahoma. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bixby, Okla., Police Department. The Bixby, Okla., Police Department arrested Babudar in December 2022, and the Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted the FBI in the July 2023 arrest.


title: Cincinnati man pleads guilty to committing federal hate crime by physically assaulting Asian American student based on race

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to committing a federal hate crime by physically assaulting a victim based on the victim’s race. Darrin Johnson, 27, admitted to physically attacking an Asian American victim on Calhoun Street at the University of Cincinnati on Aug. 17, 2021. “I remain steadfast in the belief that hate has no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “We will continue to use our federal law enforcement authority to investigate and prosecute hate crimes like the one committed by Johnson.” According to court documents, Johnson made racist comments toward the victim, including, “Go back to your country…You brought the kung flu here…You’re going to die for bringing it.” After threatening to kill the victim, Johnson punched the victim on the side of his head. The force of the punch caused the victim to fall and hit his head on the bumper of a parked car. Johnson continued his attack on the victim, who was bleeding on the ground, until two bystanders intervened and restrained Johnson. The victim suffered multiple injuries, including an orbital contusion, facial lacerations and acute head injury. In October 2021, Johnson pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and criminal intimidation for the incident and was sentenced to serve 360 days in county jail. Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022. The parties involved in this case have recommended a sentence of up to 22 months in prison. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Gaffney Painter is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Former NYPD Officer-Turned Forex Investor Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Jason Rodriguez with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The indictment relates to Rodriguez’s role as the Chief Operating Officer of Technical Trading Team, LLC (Technical Trading Team), a foreign exchange-focused (forex) investment fund he founded in 2020. Rodriguez was arrested this morning and his initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced arrest and indictment. “As alleged, the victims trusted Rodriguez with millions of dollars for what they were assured would be safe investments, supported by the defendant’s claim that he had quit the NYPD because he had become so successful at trading, which was untrue,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Rodriguez also falsely promised the victims that their investments would be safe because there would be guardrails over his trading activity to limit the risks. In reality, Rodriguez ignored those guardrails and lost millions in investor funds and also misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars which he used to pay for luxury car rentals, travel and other personal expenses.” “Jason Rodriguez falsely represented his time as an NYPD officer to earn the trust of prospective investors, to whom he then made alleged false promises that cost his victims millions of dollars. He withheld the reality of his failed trades and used the investment funds on his personal desires. The FBI will hold accountable anyone who manipulates others, especially for financial gain in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. According to the indictment, Rodriguez founded Technical Trading Team in April 2020. Rodriguez pitched the fund as a forex-focused investment fund, with Rodriguez, who served as Chief Operating Officer, in charge of all trading. Rodriguez promised investors that Technical Trading Team would have a “loss reserve account” that could be used to repay investors if the company lost money trading, that Rodriguez would never risk more than 1% of assets under management on any single trade and would not hold positions open overnight. Each of these promises was meant to assure investors that their investment would be safe. Rodriguez and Technical Trading Team broke all of these promises and as Rodriguez lost more and more money in the forex markets, he used new investor money to pay older investors promised investment returns. Prior to founding Technical Trading Team, Rodriguez served as an NYPD officer for approximately seven years. During the solicitation process, Rodriguez told prospective Technical Trading Team investors that he had quit the NYPD because he had become so successful at forex trading. The Technical Trading Team presentation similarly represented that Rodriguez’s “zealous ambition for trading took precedence resulting in the end of his law enforcement career . . .” Rodriguez failed to disclose that he resigned from the NYPD after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor crime and incurring a number of disciplinary infractions. To date, of the approximately $4.8 million in investor funds wired to accounts controlled by Rodriguez between April 2020 and September 2022, approximately $3.5 million has never been paid back to the investors. The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The government’s case is being handled by the Business and Securities Fraud Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Weintraub is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : JASON RODRIGUEZ Age: 37 Bellerose, Queens E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-79


title: Colombo Crime Family Captain Sentenced to 51 Months for Long-Running Labor Union Extortion and Other Schemes

body_text: Earlier today, Vincent Ricciardo, also known as “Vinny Unions,” was sentenced to 51 months in prison, $350,000 in forfeiture and $280,890 in restitution by United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, for his participation in the long-running extortion of a senior official of a Queens-based labor union (the “Labor Union”) and other criminal schemes he carried out as a captain in the Colombo crime family of La Cosa Nostra. Ricciardo pled guilty to racketeering in July 2023 , and admitted to his participation in the extortion of the Labor Union and various conspiracies to commit money laundering, loansharking and fraud in connection with workplace safety certificates. Vincent Ricciardo is the tenth defendant sentenced in the case for conduct in connection with the scheme to infiltrate and divert funds from the Labor Union and other schemes. Four defendants still await sentencing. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentence. “This prosecution represents our continued commitment to combatting organized crime and prosecuting the individuals who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of hardworking union members and their employers,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s sentence holds Vincent Ricciardo accountable for his long-running extortion scheme, as well as for his yearslong participation in the wide range of crimes committed by the Colombo crime family.” Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Nassau County Police Department, the New York City Department of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section for their valuable assistance in the investigation. As set forth in court filings and facts presented during the sentencing proceedings, Vincent Ricciardo and his co-conspirators committed a variety of crimes – including extortion, loansharking, fraud and drug-trafficking – to enrich themselves and to promote the continued operation of the Colombo crime family. The Colombo crime family’s administration, including then-boss Andrew Russo (who passed away during the pendency of the case), underboss Benjamin “Benji” Castellazzo and consigliere Ralph DiMatteo, as well as captains Theodore Persico, Jr. and Richard Ferrara, and solider Michael Uvino, agreed to use extortionate means, including threats of bodily harm, to force the senior union official to give over a portion of his salary and ultimately to make decisions that would financially benefit the Colombo crime family’s administration. This included pressure from the defendants to force the trustees of the Labor Union’s associated healthcare benefit fund (the “Health Fund”) to select vendors who were associated with the Colombo crime family and handpicked by some of the defendants. Among other goals, the crime family’s administration sought to divert more than $10,000 per month from the Health Fund’s assets to themselves. In one consensually recorded conversation, Vincent Ricciardo threatened to kill the senior union official, stating that the senior union official would continue to obey him because he knew Ricciardo would “put him in the ground right in front of his wife and kids, right in front of his fucking house, you laugh all you want pal, I’m not afraid to go to jail, let me tell you something, to prove a point? I would f*****g shoot him right in front of his wife and kids, call the police, f**k it, let me go, how long you think I’m gonna last anyway?” In addition, Ricciardo and fellow Colombo crime family members Castellazzo, DiMatteo, Persico, Ferrara and Uvino joined with others — co-defendants Albert Alimena, Erin Thompkins and Joseph Bellantoni — who assisted other labor unions and health funds to devise a scheme to launder money from Health Fund contracts and vendor payments. These defendants attempted to re-bid Health Fund vendor contracts for claims administration, pharmaceuticals and other health services to persons and companies affiliated with Bellantoni, and to select a company run by Alimena as the Health Fund’s third-party administrator. Vincent Ricciardo also worked with Bonanno crime family solider John Ragano, who was also known as “Bazoo” and the “Maniac,” in a scheme to issue fraudulent workplace safety training certifications from two occupational safety schools Ragano purported to operate in Long Island. Rather than provide workplace safety trainings required to obtain Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification, Ragano, along with John Glover and Domenick Ricciardo, falsified paperwork submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor and other government agencies which represented that hundreds of workers had completed construction safety training courses when they had not. Vincent Ricciardo plotted to funnel various Union workers to Ragano’s schools for fraudulent certifications and used the facilities to conduct meetings involving members of La Cosa Nostra. Nine defendants were previously sentenced. Persico, Jr., who the government alleged was slated to be the family’s next crime boss, pled guilty to racketeering and was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and restitution in the amount of $280,890. Underboss Castellazzo pled guilty to money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. Consigliere DiMatteo pled guilty to racketeering and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and restitution in the amount of $280,890. Solider Michael Uvino pled guilty to racketeering and was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment, forfeiture of $66,000 and restitution in the amount of $280,890. Associate Domenick Ricciardo pled guilty to racketeering and was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment, forfeiture of $25,000 and restitution in the amount of $280,890. Alimena and Bellantoni pled guilty to health care fraud conspiracy and received two years’ probation and fines of $20,000 each. Ragano was sentenced to 57 months’ custody, as well as forfeiture of $500,000. Four defendants await sentencing, including Colombo crime family captain Richard Ferrara and associate Thomas Costa. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash, Michael W. Gibaldi and Andrew Reich are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant: VINCENT RICCIARDO (also known as “Vinny Unions”) Age: 77 Franklin Square, New York Other Defendants : ALBERT ALIMENA Age: 69 Pompano Beach, Florida JOSEPH BELLANTONI Age: 41 Massapequa, New York BENJAMIN CASTELLAZZO (also known as “Benji”) Age: 85 Manahawkin, New Jersey THOMAS COSTA Age: 54 West Islip, New York RALPH DIMATTEO Age: 68 Merrick, New York RICHARD FERRARA Age: 61 Brooklyn, New York JOHN GLOVER Age: 64 Queens, New York VINCENT MARTINO Age: 45 Medford, New York THEODORE PERSICO, JR. (also known as “Teddy”) Age: 59 Brooklyn, New York JOHN RAGANO (also known as “Bazoo” and the “Maniac”) Age: 61 Franklin Square, New York DOMENICK RICCIARDO Age: 57 Franklin Square, New York ERIN THOMPKINS Age: 55 Franklin Square, New York MICHAEL UVINO Age: 57 Garden City, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-466 (S-1) (HG)


title: Florida Resident Sentenced to 60 Months for Smuggling Firearms from U.S. to Violent Haitian Gang That Kidnapped 19 Americans

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

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jocelyn Dor, 31, a Haitian citizen who resided in Orlando, Florida, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for participating in a sophisticated smuggling scheme that exported or attempted to export at least 24 firearms from the United States to Haiti, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates ordered Dor to serve three years of supervised release. Dor pleaded guilty Oct. 30, 2023, to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, violating the Export Control Reform Act, and laundering money with the purpose of promoting a specified unlawful activity. Dor originally was charged in a May 2022 indictment that named co-defendants Joly Germine, also known as “Yonyon,” 31, a Haitian national and Eliande Tunis, 45, a U.S. citizen, of Pompano Beach, Florida. According to government documents, 400 Mawozo is a notoriously violent Haitian gang and criminal organization that operated in the Croix-des-Bouquets area to the east of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. From Jan. 12, 2020, 400 Mawozo was engaged in armed kidnappings of U.S. citizens in Haiti for ransom. Germine served as the “King” of 400 Mawozo and directed operations from a Haitian prison using unmonitored cell phones. Now in U.S. custody, Germine pleaded guilty on January 31, 2024, to his role in the gunrunning conspiracy that smuggled firearms to Haiti in violation of U.S. export laws, and the laundering of ransoms paid for U.S. hostages to the gang in 2021. Germine faces life in prison when he is sentenced May 15, 2024. Co-defendant and Germine’s former girlfriend Tunis pleaded guilty on the eve of trial on January 17, 2024. Tunis, who styled herself as the “Queen” of 400 Mawozo, also faces up to life in prison when she is sentenced on May 8, 2024. Dor operated as a straw purchaser for 400 Mawozo. Between September 18, 2021 and October 17, 2021, he purchased 10 semiautomatic high-power rifles at gun shops in the Orlando area at Germine’s direction for the express purpose of shipping the weapons to 400 Mawozo gang leaders in Haiti. The rifles were intended for combat. One of the weapons, a Barrett .50 caliber rifle, is primarily used by militaries against equipment. Dor falsely stated to the gun vendors that he was the “actual buyer” of the firearms. He also received multiple transfers of thousands of U.S. dollars from his co-conspirators to pay for them. The FBI attempted to arrest Dor on October 31, 2021, but was unable to find either Dor or the high-powered rifles. Dor stopped using his cell phones, showing that he was aware that law enforcement was looking for him. The search expanded to the Midwest where Dor was nearly captured at a trucker rest stop. On November 5, 2021, Dor rented a storage unit in Orlando. On November 8, 2021, Dor had his attorney contact the FBI to turn himself in. The FBI arrested Dor that day and recovered the guns at the Orlando storage unit. He has remained in custody since his arrest. In October 2021, the 400 Mawozo gang claimed responsibility for kidnapping 16 U.S. citizens, including five children, and one Canadian citizen who were part of a missionary organization visiting an orphanage in Port au Prince. The gang demanded a ransom of $l million for each hostage. The hostages escaped on or about December 16, 2021. Earlier that year in June, the gang took two U.S. citizens hostage and released them only after receiving $25,000 ransom. In August, the gang took another U.S. citizen hostage and released her after receiving $50,000. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Miami Field Office with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Haitian National Police, the government of Haiti, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida’s Special Prosecutions Section. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert and Kimberly Paschall and Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Beau Barnes of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division.


title: Speedway Agrees to Improve Processes to Ensure Refueling Assistance for Customers with Disabilities

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a resolution with Speedway/7-Eleven, Inc. in response to allegations that Speedway failed to provide refueling assistance to customers with disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) and related regulations, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “Speedway/7-Eleven has worked cooperatively to address this issue and promptly institute company-wide changes to ensure it is providing refueling assistance to individuals with disabilities as required by the ADA,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the ADA and ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations.” The resolution follows a civil rights complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that Speedway failed on multiple occasions to provide refueling assistance to customers with disabilities in circumstances requiring such assistance. As a result of the resolution, Speedway/7-Eleven is required to distribute information regarding refueling assistance requirements and company policy to all Speedway locations and employees nationwide; ensure that Speedway employees are promptly trained on the policy; ensure that telephone numbers and buttons located at or near fuel pumps contain accurate contact information for use by individuals seeking refueling assistance; implement new procedures to ensure that Speedway takes specific corrective action when it receives refueling assistance complaints; and pay $26,000 to compensate the individual complainant. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov , or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (833) 610-1264 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in the District of Minnesota is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 612-664-5600, or obtain information about how to file a complaint online by visiting www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint . This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen E. Rau of the District of Minnesota in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.


title: Missouri Man Indicted for Travelling to Louisiana to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with Twelve-Year-Old Female

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERIC CHARLES FULLER , age 54, from Springfield, Missouri, was indicted on February 23, 2024 for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) (Count 1), and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b) (Count 2). According to the indictment, between on or about December 7, 2023, and January 12, 2024, FULLER attempted to persuade and entice an individual he believed to be a twelve-year-old female to engage in illegal and illicit sexual activity. Between January 11, 2024, and January 12, 2024, FULLER travelled from Springfield, Missouri, to Mandeville, Louisiana, by automobile for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with the individual FULLER believed to be a twelve-year-old female. If convicted, FULLER faces a mandatory minimum of ten (10) years in prison up to life in prison as to Count 1 and a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) years as to Count 2. As to each count, FULLER also faces at least five (5) years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. FULLER may also be required to register as a sex offender. U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Rockford Skilled Therapy Provider To Pay $1.5 Million To Settle Federal Health Care Fraud Suit

body_text: CHICAGO — A Rockford, Ill.-based skilled therapy provider and its current and former owners have agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve civil allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by falsely submitting claims to Medicare for purported physical and occupational therapy. Settlements and consent judgments resolve allegations that BRYNWOOD MYOFASCIAL THERAPY LLC, its current owner, MALGORZATA ZASADNY, and its former owner, MARLA MONGE, fraudulently billed Medicare for (1) therapy services when the provider was actually out of the country, (2) physical therapy or occupational therapy when the services were performed by massage therapists rather than licensed physical or occupational therapists, (3) services performed by an occupational therapy assistant or physical therapy assistant when they were not properly supervised, (4) therapy services under improper codes to avoid caps on certain services, and (5) occupational and physical therapy when there were no licensed occupational therapist or physical therapist on site. The settlements and consent judgments resolve a civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago by a former employee of Brynwood Myofascial Therapy under the qui tam , or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act permits private citizens to bring lawsuits on behalf of the United States for false claims, and to share in any recovery. The United States intervened in the lawsuit prior to the settlements and consent judgments. As part of a settlement agreement and consent order entered by U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, Brynwood Myofascial Therapy and Zasadny agreed to pay $953,959, while Monge agreed to pay $615,345. The public is reminded that civil allegations are accusations only, and there was no determination of liability as part of the settlements and consent judgments. The settlements and consent judgments were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy. Brynwood Myofascial Therapy order on consent judgment


title: Former St. Charles County Youth Hockey Coach Admits Recording Sexual Abuse of Two Minors

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former youth hockey coach on Wednesday admitted sexually abusing two minors and recording that abuse. James R. Lambert , 42, of Lake St. Louis, admitted sexually abusing one victim over 50 times between 2007 and 2018, when the victim was between the ages of 6 and 17 years old. The sexual abuse occurred in St. Charles County, Missouri and in other states and foreign countries where the victim was taken by Lambert. Lambert also recorded his sexual abuse of the victim on numerous occasions. Lambert also admitted sexually abusing a second victim in St. Charles and St. Louis counties when that victim was between 6 and 9 years old. When the first victim came forward and reported Lambert’s sexual abuse, he also reported his suspicions that Lambert was abusing the second victim. Investigators later found hundreds of files on Lambert’s electronic devices documenting his abuse of the second victim. They also found at least 1,185 files containing child sexual abuse material that Lambert obtained online. Lambert pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of production of child pornography, one count of transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity, one count of receiving child pornography and one count of aggravated sexual abuse. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson will ask for 50 years in prison, the plea agreement says. Anyone with information regarding possible additional victims is asked to contact the Lake St. Louis Police Department by calling 636-625-8018 or emailing policetips@lakesaintlouis.com. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lake St. Louis Police Department, the St. Charles County Cybercrime Task Force and the Maryland Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegally Using Social Security Number

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on February 22, 2024, HENRY EDGARDO ORTIZ , age 44, was sentenced to three years’ probation for illegally using a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). According to court documents, ORTIZ , using the name of another individual, applied for a Louisiana Identification Card, issued on May 4, 2018. He applied to a Jefferson Parish Office of Motor Vehicles facility, using the social security number of another individual. The Social Security Administration confirmed that the number had been issued to another individual in Puerto Rico. In February 2022, ORTIZ , appeared at the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office to apply for a diversion status on an unrelated charge that he faced. When he presented a Honduran passport, in his own name, to the District Attorney’s office diversion department, they became suspicious and contacted the Department of Homeland Security. After the Department of Homeland Security investigated ORTIZ‘s Louisiana driver’s license paperwork, his fraudulent use of a social security number was revealed. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Fall River Man Pleads Guilty to Oxycodone Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a drug distribution conspiracy involving oxycodone pills. Austin Gonsalves, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 30, 2024. Gonsalves was arrested and charged along with five others in July 2023 for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone pills across Southeastern Massachusetts. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023 . Between at least February 2023 and May 2023, Gonsalves obtained oxycodone pills, allegedly from co-defendant Kenneth Veiga, which he then distributed to others. JA search of Gonsalves’ Fall River residence in July 2023 resulted in the seizure of approximately $16,000 in cash and approximately 400 oxycodone pills. The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard CGIS; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting 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 . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Selah Drug Distributor Who Sold Pound Quantities of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in the Yakima Valley Sentenced to More than Eleven Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Ronald Lee Ralston Jr.,36, of Selah, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 138 months imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to court documents and information disclosed at sentencing, the FBI developed information that Ralston and another man, Jessie Lee Johnson, were distributing large amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Ralston’s home in Selah, Washington. FBI Task Force members arranged for a confidential informant to set up a controlled buy at Ralston’s house. On May 4, 2023, the informant arrived at the home and tried to purchase methamphetamine from Ralston. However, Ralston said the methamphetamine he had on hand was spoken for and not for sale. While no sale took place that day, Ralston and Johnson were captured on video discussing future drug sales. On May 16, the informant returned to Ralston’s home and purchased one pound of methamphetamine and 100 pills of fentanyl from Ralston and Johnson for $2,000. Ralston also told the informant he could get any amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl with 24-hour notice. A search warrant was executed on June 7, 2023 at Ralston’s residence. In Ralston’s trailer, located on the property, law enforcement seized 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and two firearms. In the main residence, law enforcement officers seized another firearm and an additional half-pound of methamphetamine. Ralston and Johnston pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine on November 28, 2023. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2024. “The FBI’s Drug Task Force identified Mr. Ralston and Mr. Johnson as major sources of dangerous drugs in Eastern Washington. I’m grateful for the quick work of Task Force Officers to shut down this drug operation,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to fighting the drug epidemic by aggressively stopping the supply of illegal narcotics in our communities.” “It is heartbreaking to see how these poisons destroy lives, relationships, and communities in Washington and across the United States," said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The sentence in this case represents the significance the FBI, our federal, state, and local partners, and prosecutors place on saving lives through the removal of illicit drugs from our communities and holding those accountable who are responsible for their distribution. We are fighting back every time to take drugs off the streets.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Customs and Border Protection and the Selah Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Swenson.


title: Brazilian Citizen Previously Convicted of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Minor Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian citizen was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Guilherme Pereira, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to time served (approximately six weeks) and one year of supervised release. In September 2023, Pereira pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Pereira was removed from the United States in August 2018 after he was convicted in Massachusetts state court of one count of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older and three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Sometime after his removal, Pereira unlawfully returned to the United States and was arrested in January 2020. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Randa Allison Sentenced To 14 Months In Prison For COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme

body_text: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On February 28, 2024, Randa Allison, 29, of Stevenson, Alabama, was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment after being convicted of mail fraud involving a scheme to defraud COVID-19 unemployment programs in several states. Allison was sentenced by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Following her incarceration, she will be on five years of supervised release. In addition, she was ordered to pay $120,025 in restitution to the Pennsylvania and Alabama Departments of Labor, and to forfeit to the United States $100,225 as part of a money judgment. As part of the filed plea agreement with the court, Allison pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. According to court documents, from June 2020 through June 2021, Allison conspired with others to devise a scheme in which she defrauded the United States government and the governments of Tennessee, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and California to obtain money from the states’ COVID relief programs in the form of unemployment insurance proceeds funded by the United States government. Specifically, Allison acquired personal information from others and used it to fraudulently make mass online applications for money earmarked by the states to provide unemployment insurance relief for those affected by the national pandemic. She falsely claimed in the applications that the individuals whose personal information was reflected on the applications worked in those states. The states then mailed debit cards to addresses in the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Allison would receive a percentage of the payout of the fraudulent claim. The defendant was personally responsible for the fraudulent distribution of over $120,000 of unemployment protection insurance funds. The scheme itself involved the fraudulent distribution of over $550,000 in unemployment protection insurance funds. “As if the pandemic were not traumatic enough for our communities, fraudsters like the defendant callously took advantage of the crisis to obtain a financial windfall,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III. “We will continue to work with our partners at every level of law enforcement to pursue and prosecute criminals who used the crisis for fraudulent personal gain.” “Randa Faye Allison and her co-conspirators filed fraudulent Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims with multiple state workforce agencies, enriching themselves by defrauding a program intended to assist struggling American workers during an unprecedented global pandemic,” said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI system from those who exploit these benefit programs.” “The FBI takes very seriously our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud for personal gain. Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively investigate those who lined their pockets with money intended to help struggling businesses and workers as a result of the COVID pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Steven Neff represents the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the FBI as part of the Smoky Mountains Financial Crimes Task Force. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across the government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . ###


title: Cedar City Residents Accused of Stealing 76 Firearms from C-A-L Ranch Stores Face Federal Charges

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – A federal grand jury in St. George returned an indictment charging three Cedar City residents with firearm offenses after they were accused of stealing multiple guns from C-A-L Ranch Stores, a licensed dealer of firearms, in Cedar City, Utah. According to court documents, Russell Wesley Gruber, 29, of Cedar City, Utah; Darrell Glen Devoge, 48, of Cedar City; and Parker Darrell Devoge, 20, of Cedar City, stole multiple firearms in November 2023 from C-A-L Ranch Stores located in Cedar City. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants took and carried away 76 firearms, which include rifles, shotguns, revolvers and pistols, with the intent to permanently deprive C-A-L Ranch Stores of those firearms. Gruber and Darrell G. Devoge then stored several of the stolen firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. Gruber, Darrell G. Devoge and Parker D. Devoge are charged with theft of firearms from a licensed dealer. Gruber and Darrell G. Devoge are also charged with possession of stolen firearms and felon in possession of firearms. Their initial court appearance on the indictment was Feb. 22, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the United States District Courthouse in St. George, Utah. A jury trial is set for April 29, 2024. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The investigation is being worked jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cedar City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Burton and Brady Wilson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting 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. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Bixby Man Sentenced for Robbery

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson sentenced Waylon Cody Johnson, 24, to 65 months imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery. Judge Jackson further ordered Johnson to pay $277.09 in restitution. According to court documents, on August 21, 2022, Johnson walked into a Subway store with a gun demanding the store employee to “give [him] all the money.” Johnson threatened to kill the employee if they attempted to contact the police and not comply with his demands. It was later determined the gun Johnson used in the robbery was a replica gun that looked like a pistol. Johnson is a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: U.S. Attorney Karam Holds United Against Hate Program At Wilkes-Barre Area High School

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office held an event at the Wilkes-Barre Area High School to promote the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative. The event, which included federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, focused on educating students on how to identify, report, and prevent hate crimes. In its auditorium and broadcasted to over 2,800 students, the Wilkes-Barre Area High School hosted subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, the Luzerne County District Attorney, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department. Presenters highlighted differences between hate crimes versus hate incidents and provided options for responding to hate incidents when situations do not constitute a federal or state crime. Presenters also distinguished unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity, including identifying protected speech versus speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes. U.S. Attorney Karam previously hosted meetings in November 2022, in the Harrisburg area with an audience of various law enforcement agencies and community leaders from across the mid-state; in March 2023, at Scranton High School for students and community leaders; in December 2023, in Harrisburg and Scranton with Jewish faith leaders; and, January 2024, with Central York High School for students. Also, scheduled this month, U.S. Attorney Karam will meet with Islamic faith leaders. “We are committed to reach young people, our future leaders, to ensure they understand the difference between speech that is protected under the First Amendment and crimes that threaten not just one individual but groups of people because of what they look like, who they love, and what faith they practice,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “The United Against Hate initiative continues to bring our communities together in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.” Those who believe they are subject to hate crimes or incidents should contact local law enforcement and the FBI. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov . # # #


title: Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Willie James Hunter, Jr. (22, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hunter faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a car in which Hunter was the passenger. The car slowed down, and Hunter exited the vehicle. The car then fled from police and was later found abandoned. Officers located a handgun and a rifle in the abandoned car. Hunter’s fingerprints were later found on the rifle. At the time, Hunter had prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm by a delinquent and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As a convicted felon Hunter is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Hunter agreed to forfeit the rifle. This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Former Alabama Correctional Sergeant Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Inmate by Using Excessive Force and Lying to Cover It Up

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Sergeant, Devlon Williams, 38, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for using excessive force on an inmate and lying afterwards in an official report and to investigators in an attempt to cover up his abuse. He was previously convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law, falsification of records and obstruction of justice by a federal jury in the Middle District of Alabama. “This defendant was a sergeant who was supposed to set an example for those he supervised and instead he callously abused his authority and brutalized a vulnerable inmate during a time of need,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will not tolerate this type of violent conduct inside our jails and prisons, and we will continue to prosecute corrections officials who violate the constitutional and civil rights of people in their custody. This sentencing should send a clear message to officials employed in correctional settings that they are not above the law and will be held accountable when they break it.” “While most members of law enforcement serve honorably and professionally, some are not so dedicated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Williams savagely beat and taunted an inmate who was not resisting and posed no threat, then lied to conceal his crime. He must be held responsible for his actions. Failure to do so would discredit the noble service of every other officer and weaken the public’s trust in those who are sworn to protect.” “Former corrections officer Devlon Williams not only attacked the victim while transporting him to receive critical care for suicidal ideation, but also attempted to cover up his crimes and intimidate witnesses,” said Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the dignity and civil rights of individuals in custody, and we will investigate any law enforcement and corrections officers who abuse their authority.” According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Williams transported a suicidal inmate, D.H., from ADOC Staton Correctional Facility’s chapel to the healthcare unit. Rather than take the inmate to the infirmary to receive the aid that he needed, Williams stopped in the main hallway of the healthcare unit, where, away from other inmates, Williams assaulted D.H. while taunting him by yelling, “since you want to die, I’m going to help you.” Witnesses testified at trial that Williams repeatedly punched and kicked D.H., who was lying on the ground in a fetal position and not resisting or posing a threat to anyone. Williams continued the beating by hitting D.H. multiple times with a collapsible baton. Another corrections officer, Larry Managan Jr., also participated in the beating. After the beating, Williams and Managan attempted to cover up their misconduct. Williams made false statements about the assault to an ADOC investigator and prepared a false report about the incident. He also pressured junior-ranking officers and eyewitness nurses to lie along with him after the fact. Managan previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced for obstructing justice and testified against Williams at trial. The FBI Mobile Field Office and the ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: Doctor Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Accept Kickbacks in Connection with Fraudulent Telemarketing Scheme Victimizing Medicare and TRICARE Patients in Eastern Washington

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Thomas Andrew Webster, M.D., age 51, of Sylvania, Ohio, pled guilty to conspiring to accept kickbacks in connection with a fraudulent telemarketing and medical supply scheme throughout Washington and in other states. District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Dr. Webster’s guilty plea and set sentencing for June 26, at 1:15 in Spokane, Washington. The Medicare program provides health insurance coverage for elderly and disabled Americans. The Department of Defense’s TRICARE program provides health benefits to United States Armed Forces military personnel, military retirees, and their dependents. Medicare and TRICARE provide health insurance coverage for eligible health services, including, under certain conditions, for durable medical equipment (DME). For DME to qualify for reimbursement, the DME is required to be ordered by a physician who is treating the beneficiary for a specific illness or injury, and is required to be part of the course of that treatment. During the relevant time period, Dr. Webster lived in Olympia, Washington, and was a licensed physician in Washington. According to the Plea Agreement and information disclosed in court proceedings, between May 2021 and September 2023, Dr. Webster participated in a telemarketing scheme and conspiracy. A company identified as “Company A” obtained Medicare and TRICARE beneficiary information by using telemarketers to contact patients in Eastern Washington and elsewhere to obtain their personal and health information. Company A then used the information to create a fake medical record that falsely and fraudulently reflected doctor visits and treatment that did not exist, and fraudulent medical orders for DBE. Dr. Webster then signed the fraudulent medical documentation and DME orders, which were then sold by Company A to companies that used the orders to falsely bill Medicare and TRICARE. Company A and Dr. Webster also falsely and fraudulently billed Medicare and TRICARE for the fictitious doctor visits and exams that did not take place. “Health care fraud and kickback schemes are a serious problem” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “They divert precious public funds away from treating patients, drive up the cost of health care services, and often make quality health care beyond the reach of the most vulnerable members of our community who need it the most. Telemarketing schemes that target and exploit the elderly and our servicemembers are especially pernicious because they prey on those who are often most in need of a doctor’s independent judgment that is not tainted or biased by the doctor’s own personal financial interest.” According to the Plea Agreement and information disclosed in court proceedings, Medicare and TRICARE paid more than $13.7 million for DME fraudulently ordered by Dr. Webster for thousands of beneficiaries in Eastern Washington and elsewhere, including beneficiaries who lacked the limb for which Defendant supposedly performed the exam and ordered the DME, because it had been previously amputated. Dr. Webster also admitted to directly receiving at least $839,565 from Medicare and TRICARE for fraudulent doctor visits and exams that never took place. As part of the Plea Agreement, Dr. Webster agreed to forfeiture of bank accounts and other assets representing the proceeds of his criminal conduct. "Dr. Webster’s conviction culminates his illicit, greed-driven scheme to defraud federal healthcare programs, including the Department of Defense's TRICARE program," said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent-in-Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. "Fraudulent healthcare billings inflate costs, erode public confidence, and in the case of the Department of Defense, ultimately degrade American warfighter readiness and undermine the missions of our military services.” “Physicians that receive unlawful kickbacks in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary services erode the public’s trust and waste valuable taxpayer dollars” said Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This outcome demonstrates HHS-OIG’s steadfast commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who defraud federal health care programs.” “I am grateful for, and commend, the exceptional investigative work on this case performed by HHS OIG and DCIS, as well as the important forfeiture work that will return precious funds to the public so that they can be used for patient care” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer and stronger, by aggressively pursuing telemedicine kickback schemes, healthcare fraud, and elder abuse.” The conspiracy offense carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in federal prison. The case was investigated by HHS OIG’s Seattle Field Office and DCIS’ Western Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States; Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Donovan is handling the forfeiture action. Case No. 2:23-cr-00135-MKD


title: Missouri Man Admits Setting Fires that Burned 220 Acres

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Poplar Bluff, Missouri on Tuesday admitted setting fires that burned 220 acres of U.S. Forest Service and private land in 2022 and agreed to repay $66,000. Adam D. Gambling, 44, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one felony count of setting fires on public land. He admitted setting a series of fires on Nov. 8, 2022, near Beaver Lake in the Mark Twain National Forest in Butler County. Those fires burned a total of 220.68 acres, of which 95.3 acres were privately owned. After an investigation, the U.S. Forest Service developed Gambling as a suspect. During a voluntary interview at his home, Gambling admitted that he had started the fires. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 24. The charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. Gambling also agreed to pay $66,094 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the cost of fighting the fires. The U.S. Forest Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is prosecuting the case.