title: Cleveland Man Sentenced on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – Deven Smith, 44, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, to 211 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on July 15, 2021, Cleveland Police Safe Streets Task Force initiated a traffic stop of a 2008 Audi Q7 that was parked and running in the area of East 79th Street and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland. When officers approached the driver, Deven Smith, they observed a bag of suspected controlled substance on the front passenger seat, several clear plastic bags on Smith’s lap, and a digital scale in the center console. Smith admitted to officers that he also had a firearm in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger, model P345 .45 caliber pistol between the driver’s seat and the center console. Officers also located just over 10 grams of cocaine base, almost 30 grams of cocaine, methamphetamine and two cell phones. Smith is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions. The investigation was conducted by the Cleveland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Zarzycki.


title: Canton Defendant Sentenced on Racketeering and Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: AKRON – Justin Bush, 35, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi after he pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, and to distributing narcotics. Bush was also ordered to pay a $300 Special Assessment and serve 3 years of supervised release after release from imprisonment. According to court documents, Bush was a member of the Shorb Blocc gang that was responsible for violent street crimes including shootings and robberies as well as drug distribution in Canton, Ohio for much of the last decade. Bush was a long-term member of the Shorb Blocc gang and took part in criminal activities supporting the gang such as shooting at rival gang members and selling narcotics, specifically fentanyl. The investigation was conducted by the Canton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Corts, Vasile Katsaros and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.


title: Tehachapi Man Arrested for Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — On May 25, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 15-count indictment against Blake Wayne Reed, 27, of Tehachapi, charging him with bank fraud, use and possession of unauthorized debit and credit cards, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and unauthorized possession of a Postal Service key, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The indictment was unsealed following his arrest today. According to court documents, from August 2020 to April 2021, Reed obtained hundreds of pieces of stolen mail that included at least 130 checks and 30 debit cards or credit cards belonging to other individuals and businesses. Reed then altered and forged signatures on the stolen checks and used stolen debit cards to deposit the checks into victims’ bank accounts and into his own bank account. He then made cash withdrawals from the inflated accounts. He also used victims’ stolen debit cards to make cash withdrawals from their accounts. Reed’s scheme caused more than $40,000 in fraudulent transactions to be made on the victims’ bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany M. Gunter and Joseph D. Barton are prosecuting the case. If convicted, Reed faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for each of the bank fraud charges, a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for use and possession of unauthorized debit and credit cards and unauthorized possession of a Postal Service key, a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of stolen mail charge, and a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to other counts and a fine of up to $250,000 for the aggravated identity theft charge. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Connecticut Woman Faces Up to 20 Years for Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Connecticut woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to possessing fentanyl and cocaine base with the intent to distribute. According to court records, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the suspected trafficking of illegal narcotics from an Avon residence. In July 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant and found Chrissie LaForge , 42, inside the residence. Law enforcement seized approximately $1,200 in cash from LaForge and found 44.9 grams of fentanyl and 12.65 grams of cocaine base in her purse. LaForge faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. ###


title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to the Illegal Possession of Firearms

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A former Ohio man pleaded guilty today in federal court to the illegal possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Bernard Murphy, a/k/a Bernard Malik El, 38, pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of two firearms as a prohibited person. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for September 18, 2023. On May 2021, the defendant had been residing at the Days Inn in Campton for several months when Campton Police Department received a tip about his potential involvement in narcotics trafficking at the hotel. Upon searching the defendant’s hotel room, law enforcement seized a 9MM handgun and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun . Murphy is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction in the State of Ohio in 2008. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Campton Police Department led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Newport News Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to persuading a child to engage in unlawful sexual activity and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, Timothy Desain, Jr. 40, distributed CSAM over a social media platform. On October 26, 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from the social media platform and forwarded the tip to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, who forwarded the tip to the FBI. A federal search warrant was issued for the home of Desain and electronic devices were seized. The search of his home also yielded containers of marijuana, scales, Garda deposit bags, and three firearms. During the investigation, it was uncovered that Desain exploited a minor. Desain also admitted to embezzling approximately $35,000 from Garda. Desain pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a child and distribution of child pornography, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Wilson Hanes accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa McKeel is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-23.


title: Wholesale Drug Trafficker and Distributor Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The leader of a Brockton-based drug-trafficking organization (DTO) was sentenced on June 1, 2023 for gun and drug offenses committed while on pretrial release for two pending state gun charges. Kevin Cardoso, 26, of Brockton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release. On Feb. 1, 2023, Cardoso pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; one count of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of methamphetamine; and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of methamphetamine. Cardoso oversaw a DTO that distributed wholesale quantities of controlled substances, including cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around the Brockton area. Multiple locations where DTO members stored, prepared, or distributed narcotics were located during the investigation. Some of those locations were identified based on the electronic location monitoring data from the ankle bracelet Cardoso was wearing at the time while on pretrial release for two pending state gun charges. Specifically, the locations were determined according to the corresponding date and time of drug-trafficking communications Cardoso sent via his Snapchat. Additionally, a food delivery account that Cardoso and his associates utilized similarly revealed a commonality of locations – later determined to be stash locations – where Cardoso was directing food orders. During an October 2021 search of a stash location Cardoso operated and managed in Dedham, at least 2,000 grams of cocaine, at least 3,000 grams of fentanyl, at least 5,000 grams of methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, blender parts, multiple respirators, press equipment (including a hydraulic press, press plates and various symbols, logos and emblems for drug-labeling purposes) and approximately $72,000 cash were recovered. Additionally in October 2021, during a search of Cardoso’s apartment, a firearm and ammunition, at least 20 cellphones, over $26,000, an Audemars Piguet watch and a diamond pendant with the number “39” were recovered. A number of the seized phones contained drug-trafficking communications between Cardoso and others regarding the supply and/or distribution needs of the DTO’s members and its customer base. Digital evidence also showed Cardoso instructing others to obtain legal documents from a lawyer’s office for purposes of smuggling drugs into the jail via attorney mail. At the time of Cardoso’s arrest, over $6,000 was recovered from his person and vehicle, as well as three additional cellphones. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John. E. Mawn Jr., Interim Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher D. Delmonte; East Bridgewater Police Acting Chief Michael Jenkins; Westport Police Chief Keith A. Pelletier; Dedham Police Chief Michael D’Entremont; Plymouth Police Chief Michael E. Botieri; Newton Police Chief John F Carmichael Jr.; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins; Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux; and Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of Levy’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Millbury Man Arrested for Possessing Large Quantities of Ammunition in Violation of Court Restraining Order

body_text: UPDATE: Charges against the defendant were dismissed in August 2023. BOSTON – A Millbury man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing large amounts of ammunition, including armor-piercing ammunition, in violation of a 2021 restraining order. Nial Luu, 31, was charged on June 2, 2023 with unlawful possession of ammunition by a person subject to a court order restraining him from harassing stalking, or threatening an intimate partner. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy, Luu was detained pending a hearing set for June 7, 2023. According to court records, Luu is subject to an active California State Court order restraining him from assaulting, threatening, abusing, harassing, following, interfering, or stalking a former intimate partner. As a result, Luu is prohibited from possession or receiving firearms or ammunition. During a search of Luu’s residence, approximately 200 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, capable of being fired from and AR 15-style rifle, which were marked as “green tipped” or armor-piercing, as well as approximately 300 rounds of 9 mm ammunition were seized. According to the charging documents, various component parts necessary to assemble multiple AR-15 style rifles and Glock-style handguns, and four 30-round magazines compatible with an AR 15 style rifle were also seized from Luu’s residence. The charge of unlawfully possession ammunition while subject to a court order restraining him from harassing stalking, or threatening an intimate partner provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Millbury Police Chief Brian Lewos made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Worcester Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office is 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Peabody Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Over Four Kilograms of Fentanyl Pills

body_text: BOSTON – A Peabody man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with selling approximately 40,000 fentanyl pills. Manuel E. Tejeda, 42, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Sept. 7, 2023. In January 2020, Tejeda was arrested and charged with co-defendant Jose Esmerlin Diaz. In January 2020, Diaz delivered an estimated 13,800 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms) disguised as Percocet 30s to a cooperating source on Jan. 17, 2020, at a price of $6 per pill. Shortly thereafter, Tejeda and another man arrived in the vicinity of the drug transaction to deliver additional pills, and were found in possession of an estimated 27,000 fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 3.1 kilograms). A subsequent search of a storage unit used by Tejeda in Salem resulted in the discovery of approximately two kilograms of suspected fentanyl and/or heroin, $150,000 in cash and an industrial/commercial grade pill press that could be used to press powder-form opiates into pills. Keys located on Tejeda at the time of his arrest opened locks to the storage unit. On May 23, 2023, Diaz was sentenced to 52 months in prison and two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 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; Peabody Police Chief Thomas M. Griffin; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Dell’Anno, Craig Estes and Kunal Pasricha of Levy’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on June 2, 2023, ALEX REYES, also known as “A.J.,” 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to an effective term of imprisonment of 60 months, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm. Judge Shea sentenced Reyes to 39 months of imprisonment. Reyes has been detained in state custody since August 2021 and he will not receive credit on his federal sentence for his time served to date. According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an ongoing investigation into gangs, drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms in Waterbury. The investigation revealed that Reyes and his associate, Julian Goodman, were distributing fentanyl and heroin. On August 26, 2021, Waterbury Police attempted to execute search warrants for Reyes’s residence and person. Reyes, who was sitting in his car as officers approached, fled the scene and struck two police vehicles. He was located later that day using Goodman’s vehicle. After Reyes was apprehended, a search of his person revealed a 9mm handgun and $1,433 in cash, and a search of Goodman’s vehicle revealed more than 80 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, multiple cell phones, and $3,492 in cash. Goodman was apprehended a short distance away. In 2016, Reyes was convicted in state court of drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. On December 13, 2022, Reyes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Reyes has been detained since his arrest. Goodman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Connecticut State Police; the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police; the Waterbury Police Department; the Wolcott Police Department; and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and John T. Pierpont, Jr. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter. The prosecution 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. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Cahokia Heights Teen Indicted for Trafficking Glock Switches from China

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

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A teenager from Cahokia Heights was arraigned on a two-count indictment in federal court, and he is now facing charges for engaging in a scheme to transport Machine Gun Conversion Devices, more commonly known as Glock switches, from China to St. Clair County. Carlos Akins, 19, is facing one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun and one count of transporting prohibited weapons without a license. “Glock switches have exploded in popularity in recent years, and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to remove the devices from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Our office stands ready to prosecute the individuals responsible for trafficking Glock switches into southern Illinois.” “The growing popularity of machine gun conversion devices poses a very real threat to public safety and the law enforcement community,” said Bernard Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Field Division. “As this case clearly demonstrates, ATF is committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to investigate the trafficking and use of these devices and remove them from our communities.” “Conversion devices or switches that allow a handgun to become fully automatic are becoming more common and the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group is committed to stopping the proliferation of these devices,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. According to court documents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Chicago intercepted a package of 10 Glock switches from China in route to an address in East St. Louis for Akins in December 2022. CBP notified ISP of the package, and troopers partnered with ATF to conduct a controlled pick-up for the defendant. After his arrest, Akins gave law enforcement consent to search his bedroom. Officers located a Glock with a purple switch, an extended magazine and an additional cell phone. During an interview, the defendant told police he ordered Glock switches from an app and had sold nine switches to customers for a total of $2,000. In January 2023, Homeland Security Investigations seized another package of 10 Glock switches addressed to Akins. In total, Akins is accused of ordering 30 Glock switches from China. Under federal law, auto sears, commonly known as Glock switches, are defined as a machine gun, because the relatively simple and small conversion devices can turn semi-automatic pistols into automatic weapons. If convicted, the defendant can be sentenced to up to 15 years in federal prison and face fines up to $250,000. An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury. ATF and ISP are contributing to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Arshi is prosecuting the case.


title: Felon Sentenced to 60 Months for His Role in Illegal Firearms Purchase

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Keymal Bert Rucker, 31, of Laughlin, Nevada, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 60 months in prison. Rucker pleaded guilty to Aiding and Abetting a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm. From May 2019 to July 2020, Rucker directed his co-defendant, Rochelle Renee Conlin, to buy at least 102 firearms from Arizona gun stores on his behalf. Rucker provided Conlin with the money to purchase firearms, instructed her on what firearms to purchase, and took possession of the firearms after she purchased them. At the time, Rucker knew that he was a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Five of the handguns that Conlin purchased for Rucker have been recovered by law enforcement in California. At the time of Rucker’s arrest, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives seized two machine gun conversion devices, a Glock pistol, an AR-15 style rifle, and several hundred rounds of ammunition from his residence. A machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “switch,” converts a pistol from semi-automatic to fully automatic. Previously seized from his vehicle and residence were two loaded .40 caliber handguns, an AK-47 pistol, extended and drum magazines, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, approximately $14,000 in U.S. currency, marijuana, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, an embossing machine with accessories, seven jars of Tannerite, and binary explosives. This case was 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-21-08082-SMB-PHX RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-085_Rucker # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Caribou Man Faces 10+ Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Caribou man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, John Miller , 22, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Miller knowingly and intentionally joined and participated in the conspiracy. Miller is the eleventh defendant to plead guilty in this case; four other participants in the conspiracy were sentenced in prior related cases. Miller faces at least ten years and up to life imprisonment and a minimum of five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Milton Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution Activities

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Stephen Boles, 30, of Milton Vermont, was sentenced today by the Hon. William K. Sessions III, United States District Judge, to 5-years of incarceration to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute the drug. According to the facts agreed to by the parties, on or about May 18, 2022, Stephen Boles was found in possession of over 10,000 glassine baggies of fentanyl, a CZ 9-mm pistol, and ammunition at his home in Milton. Officers also found over $190,000.00 and drug packaging materials at the residence. This was Boles’s second federal drug conviction. In imposing the 5 year sentence, Judge Sessions varied downward from the otherwise applicable Advisory Sentencing Guidelines in part to recognize Boles’s struggles with addiction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the DEA and the Milton Police Department for their work on the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represented the United States. Mark Kaplan, Esq. represented Mr. Boles.


title: Waynesburg Resident Indicted for Violating Federal Narcotics Laws

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Waynesburg, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The two-count Indictment named Johnathan Fannon, age 32, Waynesburg, PA, as the sole defendant. Fannon was arrested on these federal charges last Thursday. According to information presented to the Court, on or about November 4, 2021, Fannon attempted to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The Indictment also charged Fannon with possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, both Schedule II controlled substances. The law provides for a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and up to a maximum sentence of forty years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least four years. If, however, the defendant has a prior conviction for a serious drug felony or a serious violent felony that is final, then the potential penalties include a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years to a maximum of life, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least eight years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Sacaton Man Receives Sentence of Over 20 Years for Second Degree Murder

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Reggie Marion Lewis, Sr., 46, of Sacaton, Arizona, was sentenced on May 26, 2023, by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 245 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Lewis pleaded guilty on September 21, 2022, to Second Degree Murder. On May 15, 2021, Lewis shot the victim, killing him. Lewis is an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community. The Gila River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Raynette Logan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00331-PHX-GMS RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-086_Lewis # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Colorado Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Tramadol

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that John Gentile, 59, of Arvada, Colorado, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge William K. Sessions III to two years of probation for conspiring to distribute Tramadol. Tramadol is an opioid used for pain relief and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under federal law. According to court records, beginning in or about January 2020 and continuing through 2021, Gentile became involved in receiving and redistributing controlled substances and misbranded pharmaceutical drugs shipped to him by a drug supplier in India. Typically, large quantities of the substances, including Tramadol and others, were shipped from outside the United States and received by Gentile in Colorado. Gentile then redistributed smaller quantities of the substances, including Tramadol, to customers via mail. Gentile also shipped a package to a Vermont coconspirator and received electronic payments from the Vermont coconspirator as reimbursement for shipping and packaging drugs. Gentile was arrested in March 2022. At the time of his arrest, investigators seized approximately 17,500 pills from his vehicle. The pills included Tramadol and other Schedule IV controlled substances like Alprazolam (Xanax) and Zolpidem (Ambien), among others. U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commented, “At a time when counterfeit prescription drugs are being used to hide fentanyl from unsuspecting users, it is especially important for law enforcement to be on the look out for prescription drugs being distributed without signoff from a medical professional. The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations did excellent work to identify Gentile’s illegal receipt and redistribution of Tramadol and other controlled substances. This office looks forward to continued partnership with FDA to ensure that illegal distributors like Gentile are brought to justice.” “Prescription drugs that are smuggled from overseas and are outside the secure supply chain can present a serious health risk to those who use them. The drugs may contain dangerous ingredients and are manufactured under unknown conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Fernando P. McMillan, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who traffic in illegal prescription drugs.” This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Boscia represented the government. William E. Kraham, Esq. represented Gentile.


title: Collin County Dentist Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Related Fraud

body_text: PLANO, Texas – A Plano dentist has been sentenced to federal prison for COVID-19 relief related violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Brian Bui, 43, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan. According to court documents, Bui used his dentistry business to obtain at least two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans by submitting materially false application paperwork, including fabricating supporting documentation and lying about the number of employees and monthly payroll expenses. As a result of his conduct, he obtained approximately $1.89 million in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Bui used the funds in a manner not authorized by the program, including for non-business, personal investments. Bui was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,491,305.97. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Varadarajan. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, 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: U.S. Attorney’s Office and Not In Our Town Present First Sacramento Screening of Documentary Film Repairing The World: Stories From The Tree Of Life

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Sunday, June 4, community members and leaders gathered at The Crest Theatre to watch the first screening in Sacramento and the Central Valley of “Repairing The World: Stories From The Tree Of Life.” The documentary film is about Pittsburgh’s powerful community response to hate in the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, showing what it means to be “stronger than hate.” The documentary follows survivors, families of the victims, diverse community members, students, and civic leaders as they examine their vulnerabilities and the impact of rising antisemitism, racism, hate speech, and gun violence. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in the country, a local community that has faced violence and trauma works to heal and grapple with what it means to be stronger than hate. The screening was presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and Not In Our Town, and co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, Jewish Community Relations Council, Leonard M. Friedman Bar Association, Federal Bar Association Sacramento Chapter, Asian/ Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento, Women Lawyers of Sacramento, and SacLegal, Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association. The U.S. Attorney’s Office leads Hate Crimes Task Forces in Sacramento and Fresno that bring together federal, state, and local law enforcement with community partners to address and combat hate crimes. “Hate-based violence is a serious crime that destroys communities, and preventing these crimes is a top department priority,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our community and law enforcement partners, will continue to shine a light on the impact of these crimes and work with our partners to stand united against hate.” The film’s director, Patrice O’Neill said, “Not In Our Town is honored to partner with the U.S. Attorney's Office and leading organizations in the Sacramento area for this first screening of “Repairing the World” in Central California. The Pittsburgh community presents powerful lessons about how we can build alliances in our cities and towns that will help us become stronger than hate.” Learn more about this important film here: https://repairingtheworldfilm.org/ .


title: Navajo Man Charged with Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Harley Etcitty made an initial appearance in federal court on an indictment charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Etcitty, 19, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for June 6, 2023. According to the indictment, on Oct. 9, 2022, in Shiprock, Etcitty assaulted two victims, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 in the indictment, with a knife. John Doe 1 was seriously injured and had to be transferred to Flagstaff for a higher level of care. John Doe 2 received multiple lacerations which required sutures. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Etcitty faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. FBI Farmington Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-122


title: Utah Fraudster Sentenced to 24 Months After Stealing Thousands of Dollars in PPP Loan Money

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City, Utah – A Utah man was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $450,000 in restitution after he admitted to making false statements in a COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, and money laundering. According to court documents, in May 2020, in the District of Utah and elsewhere, Chris E. McCormick, 64, of Cottonwood Heights, illegally made false representations to Mountain America Credit Union to obtain approximately $266,000 in PPP funds for his small business, Peak Debt Consumption LLC. Mountain America Credit Union is a bank where deposits were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in connection with PPP loan applications. McCormick falsely stated and caused to be falsely stated that Peak Debt Consumption LLC had 12 employees and had a monthly payroll of $100,000. In McCormick’s plea agreement, he further admitted that he committed money laundering by sending an online wire transfer for $225,000 of fraudulently obtained PPP loan money from his small business Mountain America Credit Union account to his personal TD Ameritrade account. McCormick was ordered by the court to pay $465,995 in restitution and will have 36 months of supervised release following his 24 months prison sentence. “Mr. McCormick’s actions were illegal and unfair to other honest and hard-working small businesses trying to make ends meet during a challenging time,” said U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah. “PPP fraud imposes serious penalties, and we hope cases like these serve as a deterrent to other potential scammers seeking to defraud the U.S. Government.” “Mr. McCormick’s crimes impacted all taxpaying citizens and small business owners that legitimately needed pandemic-related assistance,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI. “When opportunistic fraudsters seek to profit from federal programs in search of an illegitimate payday, the FBI and our partners stand ready to hold them accountable.” “Mr. McCormick intentionally took hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds intended to provide relief for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress. “Our agency is committed to bringing justice to those who have exploited the pandemic for personal gain and have stolen from America’s taxpayers.” The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. Gully and Jacob J. Strain of the District of Utah prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud .


title: Justice Department Honors Law Enforcement Officers in Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing

component: Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, recognizing the exceptional work of 19 law enforcement officers and deputies from 15 jurisdictions across the country. The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn rank-and-file officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing. This year, the Department received nominations for almost 200 individual officers, deputies, and troopers. Nominations came from 49 states, representing state, local, campus, sheriff, and other agency types. “Every day, law enforcement officers across the country are asked to respond to some of the most difficult, most dangerous, and most traumatic moments that our communities face,” said Attorney General Garland. “Today’s awardees exemplify the very best of the noble profession of policing.” The work being honored this year ranges from individuals who created and run creative programs geared to marginalized youth and senior citizens; officers whose diligent and dedicated efforts solved cold cases after many years; and law enforcement who peacefully resolved situations that could have resulted in great harm to others, were it not for their heroic efforts. The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing is made possible through the Department’s work with national law enforcement stakeholder groups, who play a vital role in the review process. The various components throughout the Department also play a critical role, providing the review process with a depth of knowledge and experience that is inherent across the Department. The result is this annual awards program, which allows the Department to highlight a group of officers whose commitment to their communities is obvious through their exceptional efforts. A list of award winners can be found here . Complete information on the Sixth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing can be found here .


title: Canadian Company Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling Harp Seal Oil in the United States

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: FeelGood Natural Health Stores Ltd. (FeelGood) pleaded guilty today to one count of violating the Lacey Act by knowingly transporting and selling harp seal oil capsules in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The MMPA makes it unlawful to transport or sell any marine mammal, including harp seals, or products thereof, for any purpose other than public display, scientific research, or enhancing the survival of a species or stock. According to the plea agreement, FeelGood is a Canadian corporation located in Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Between at least April 2019 and May 2021, FeelGood offered harp seal oil capsules for sale in the United States on both its own webpage and a third-party platform. It did so even though its website on the third-party platform acknowledged, “NOT ship to USA,” and though FeelGood received a notice that some shipments had been seized by the federal government for violation of the MMPA. Nevertheless, FeelGood shipped at least 936 bottles of capsules valued at over $10,000. FeelGood either shipped purchased items directly from Canada to the customer in the United States (in some instances a covert U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent) or shipped the items from or through fulfillment centers run by a third party in the United States. “Our wildlife laws were passed to ensure the continued existence and enjoyment of these natural resources for future generations,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Those who deliberately exploit marine mammals for commercial purposes in U.S. markets in violation of our wildlife laws will be criminally prosecuted.” “This office takes the security of our borders very seriously. The illegal importation of marine mammal products not only violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act but also jeopardizes the safety of protected species such as harp seals,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. FeelGood faces a maximum sentence of a fine of $500,000 and five years’ probation. Pursuant to the plea agreement the parties agree to recommend a fine of $20,000 and three years’ probation during which FeelGood must create and implement a compliance plan, train its employees, obtain any necessary licenses, and cooperate fully with the government. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 28. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking in fish and wildlife, or plants taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of underlying federal, state, foreign or Indian Tribal law. The Lacey Act also prohibits making or submitting a false label, record, or account of fish, wildlife, or plant that has been or is intended to be transported in interstate or foreign commence. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case. The Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan prosecuted the case.


title: Readout of Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke’s Trip to Mississippi

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division traveled to Lexington, Jackson, Indianola, and Clarksdale, Mississippi, on June 1 and June 2 to continue the division’s tour to engage with stakeholders in underserved communities and reaffirm the department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans. On Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi met with community leaders and stakeholders in Lexington at the Holmes County Circuit Court Complex. Holmes County is ranked as one of the poorest counties in the nation. In her remarks, Assistant Attorney General Clarke discussed the Justice Department’s commitment to address civil rights issues, including enforcing federal school desegregation orders, addressing jail and prison conditions and prosecuting hate crimes. The meeting focused on civil rights issues, like law enforcement accountability. In the afternoon, Assistant Attorney General Clarke met with staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. She thanked the office’s leadership and staff for their service and commitment to protecting civil rights. After the meeting, she toured the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. In the evening, Assistant Attorney General Clarke participated in a community conversation at Jackson State University that was opened by NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson. The Mississippi Center for Justice’s President and CEO Vangela Wade moderated a conversation with Assistant Attorney General Clarke, who discussed her career as a civil rights attorney and the department’s efforts to protect the right to vote and to achieve economic justice, among others After the moderated discussion, local stakeholders raised concerns about local civil rights issues, including law enforcement accountability. On Friday, Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi traveled to Indianola. There, she toured Lockard Elementary School, a majority-Black public school, and visited Indianola Academy, a majority-white charter school, with State Representative Otis Anthony. The school tours were followed by a community meeting at the Mississippi Center for Justice’s Indianola office. During the meeting, community leaders and educators discussed efforts to advance equitable educational experiences throughout the state. Assistant Attorney General Clarke ended the day at the Clarksdale City Hall for a community meeting with Mayor Chuck Espy, U.S. Attorney Joyner and local stakeholders. She reiterated the Justice Department’s commitment to work with state and local partners to address civil rights and racial equity issues. In the upcoming weeks, Assistant Attorney General Clarke will travel to South Carolina to meet with stakeholders in underserved communities. Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney LaMarca speak to community members in Lexington. Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S Attorney LaMarca with the staff for the Southern District of Mississippi. Assistant Attorney General Clarke at the Mississippi Center for Justice. Assistant Attorney General Clarke and Clarksdale Mayor Chuck Espy. Assistant Attorney General Clarke at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum


title: Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced To Eight Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, WA – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Joseph William Baker, age 28, of Airway Heights, Washington, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison by Senior District Court Judge Wm. Fremming Nielsen. Baker was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(viii), stemming from a traffic stop on November 22, 2021. According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on November 22, 2021, the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office (“WCSO”) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Baker in the Colfax, Washington area. Upon contact with WCSO deputies, Baker appeared extremely nervous and was shaking uncontrollably. He was unable to produce a driver’s license and advised the deputy that his driver’s license was suspended. Baker was asked to get out of his car, and in doing so, the deputy noticed a bag of heroin on the floor of the vehicle. A subsequent search of Baker’s person revealed methamphetamine in his pocket as well as just over $800 in U.S. Currency. Baker admitted the money was from drug sales and that there was a loaded handgun in his car that may have been stolen. A state search warrant was obtained for Baker’s vehicle, and the WCSO located over 100 fentanyl-laced pills, approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, two ounces of heroin, two working digital scales with drug residue on them, and a loaded Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP caliber semi-automatic firearm. A record check on the firearm, and subsequent witness interviews, revealed the firearm was stolen from the Spokane area about a week prior to the traffic stop. After Baker’s federal indictment, he was released to attend drug treatment. After about one week in treatment, Baker left, absconded from supervision, and was a fugitive for close to seven months before being located and rearrested. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Nielsen noted that drug trafficking is a very serious activity that harms the community. The Court explained that Baker’s activities fed the addictions of others and created additional addicts. Judge Nielsen further noted that Baker engaged in this dangerous conduct notwithstanding multiple prior felony convictions and a history of assaultive behavior. As Judge Nielsen put it, Baker had “thumb[ed] his nose at the system,” by failing to appear for his criminal cases on at least twelve separate occasions. “I’m grateful for the professionalism and dedication of the federal and state law enforcement team, who work together to keep our communities safe,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Mr. Baker brought dangerous drugs into our community and possessed stolen firearms that put our neighborhood at risk. Today’s sentence reaffirms our Office’s commitment to prevent violence and holding individuals accountable for their crimes.” Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers stated, “I could not be more pleased with the outcome of this case and the cooperation we received from our federal partners. The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue every avenue we can to keep our communities, streets and neighborhoods safe from those who intend to violate the law and traffic in dangerous and deadly narcotics.” He continued, “The public expects its law enforcement agencies to protect and serve. In order to do that, we must also hold people accountable. Todays’ sentence demonstrates that in Whitman County and Eastern Washington accountability is the rule, not the exception.” “Mr. Baker received many opportunities to bring his conduct in line with the law, but repeatedly chose not to do so,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “Our communities are safer when we remove armed drug dealers from our streets for an extended period of time.” This case was investigated by the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard. Case No.: 2:22-CR-024-WFN


title: United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref Administers the Oath of Office to Three Women Selected to Serve as Federal Prosecutors in Eastern Washington

body_text: Spokane and Richland, WA – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today that three women – Laurel J. Holland, Frieda K. Zimmerman, and Allie S. Jensen – were sworn in as federal prosecutors for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Holland, Zimmerman, and Jensen will represent the United States of America in criminal and civil cases prosecuted in federal court. Holland and Zimmerman will serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), and Jensen will serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA). AUSA Holland is the first ever federal prosecutor appointed to serve fulltime in the newly staffed U.S. Attorney’s Office in Richland, Washington. AUSA Zimmerman and SAUSA Jensen will serve out of the main office in Spokane. After administering the oath of office, U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Today, each of these incredible women affirmed their commitment to execute faithfully their duties to serve and defend the Constitution of the United States. Each brings a wealth of experience, talent, and a strong commitment to public service.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued,” We know from experience that these three women are exceptional attorneys and prosecutors. They are dedicated to building safer and stronger communities for everyone in Eastern Washington.” AUSA Holland will serve in the Criminal Division, which handles all manner of federal criminal cases on behalf of the United States. Holland previously served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Benton County from October 2009 through October 2015 and again from January 2019 through May 2023. In between, Holland served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Yakima, Washington from 2015 through 2018. From April 2022 until now, Holland served as a SAUSA, handling cases in both state and federal court. Throughout her career, Holland has been recognized for her work prosecuting cases involving the exploitation of young children. AUSA Zimmerman, another member of the Office’s Criminal Division, will handle a variety of cases ranging from narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms possession to fraud and public corruption. Earlier this year, Zimmerman was honored by Attorney General Merrick Garland for her work at the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. As a SAUSA for DOE, Zimmerman has been recognized as an expert in the areas of white-collar crime, False Claims Act cases, health care fraud, civil rights, and COVID-19 fraud. Prior to her federal service, Zimmerman served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General and worked at a local law firm in Spokane. SAUSA Jensen will handle white collar fraud for both the Criminal and Civil Divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2022, and later this year, she will begin a clerkship for the Honorable Zia M. Faruqui, who serves as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Prior to law school, Jensen was an elementary school teacher for the District of Columbia Public Schools in Washington D.C. With today’s announcement, the Tri-Cities now has, for the first time ever, a staffed U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “Laurel Holland’s appointment as an Assistant United States Attorney marks a significant milestone for the Eastern District of Washington. When I became the United States Attorney a little more than a year ago, I made a commitment to open a staffed branch office in the Tri-cities, and we have worked tirelessly to make this happen. Today, we officially have fulfilled that promise.” She continued, “Our expansion in the Tri-Cities area is just getting started. We anticipate additional growth in the weeks, months, and years to come.” U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref (center) with, from left to right, SAUSA Allie S. Jensen, AUSA Frieda K. Zimmerman, AUSA Laurel J. Holland, and Criminal Chief Alison Gregoire


title: Two Men Sentenced for 21-Carjacking Conspiracy

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy believed responsible for 21 carjackings or attempted carjackings in the St. Louis area. U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Monday sentenced Detrich Lamon Williams Jr., 21, to 19 years in prison. Judge Pitlyk sentenced Aaron L. Morris, 22, on May 31 to 14 years in prison. Both men pleaded guilty to all five counts that they faced: carjacking conspiracy, two counts of carjacking, brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. They admitted as part of their guilty pleas that they were among a group of teenagers from the Castle Point neighborhood in St. Louis County that committed carjackings and attempted carjackings in St. Louis and St. Louis County between July and October of 2020. Police believe the group committed a total of 21 carjackings. In most of the incidents, Morris drove a relative’s SUV or a stolen car and Williams or another person stole the victims’ vehicles at gunpoint. Williams used Morris’ pistol, which had a distinctive green laser sight that had been described by several victims and helped lead investigators to the carjacking ring. In his plea, Williams admitted stealing a Toyota Camry at gunpoint on Aug. 17, 2020, and then leading police on a high-speed chase that began in St. Louis and ended near Castle Point only after police used spike strips to disable the Camry. Both men also admitted the following incidents: On Sept. 26, 2020, Williams and another person, who was armed with a pistol, stole a 2017 Volvo S60 sedan from a pizza delivery driver in St. Louis. Morris was driving. On Oct. 11, 2020, Morris drove Williams and others to the South County Mall. Williams approached a woman who had just parked and exited her 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, fired a shot in the air and stole the woman’s purse and 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Later that same day, Williams was with Morris and two others in St. Louis when they spotted a Jeep Cherokee in an alley. Williams and Morris stayed in the vehicle while the others confronted the owner of the Jeep. One of the others shot the Jeep’s owner before the group fled, Williams’ plea says. The case was investigated by the Webster Groves Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Boyce is prosecuting the case.


title: Ada Resident Sentenced For Second Degree Murder

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Stephen Tanner Vineyard, age 31, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 200 months in prison for second degree murder. The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Ardmore Police Department, the Carter County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On May 10, 2022, Vineyard pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree. According to investigators, a 59-year-old Ardmore resident sustained multiple shotgun wounds in the early morning hours of June 30, 2014, and was left to die on her front porch. Years later, witnesses came forward and recounted statements Vineyard made at the time of the murder admitting his involvement. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because Vineyard is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Vineyard will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.


title: Pontotoc County Resident Sentenced For Involuntary Manslaughter In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lloyd Ray Hatley, age 68, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On April 29, 2022, a federal jury found Hatley guilty of involuntary manslaughter at trial. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on February 22, 2017, Hatley was driving on State Highway One in Pontotoc County when he rear-ended another vehicle. The investigation revealed that Hatley failed to brake until less than a second before impact. The collision killed a passenger in the other vehicle, and severely wounded the driver. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City. Hatley will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Ibanez represented the United States.


title: Tahlequah Resident Sentenced For Manslaughter In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Keia Marie Beaver, age 33, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On May 9, 2022, Beaver pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, Beaver admitted that on October 17, 2017, she shot and killed the victim in the heat of passion. The investigation revealed Beaver transported the victim to the hospital after the shooting and initially told law enforcement the gun accidentally went off while she was loading it. Later, Beaver admitted to shooting the victim during an argument. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Beaver will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Lorenz represented the United States at sentencing.


title: Repeat Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Offense

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison for a child pornography offense. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement. According to court documents, Daniel Guenther, 58, of Louisville was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for attempting to access with intent to view child pornography after having been previously convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography and child molesting. In 2007, Guenther had previously been convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky and was sentenced to 17 years in prison followed by a life term of supervised release. During his term of supervised release, Guenther was found to be in possession of an unauthorized and unmonitored cellular telephone with internet capabilities and to have used that cellular telephone to attempt to access with intent to view child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the United States Probation Office for the Western District of Kentucky with assistance from the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources." ###


title: Dozens sentenced for their roles in Atlanta-based fraud and money laundering operation that stole over $30 million from individuals and companies

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – More than three dozen individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a large-scale fraud and money laundering operation that targeted individuals, corporations, and financial institutions throughout the United States. The defendants used business email compromise schemes, romance fraud scams, and retirement account scams, among other frauds, to steal more than $30 million from numerous victims. “The Department of Justice has tirelessly worked for more than four years to obtain justice for dozens of victims impacted by this brazen criminal organization,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The defendants’ sentences should serve as a stark warning to others that fraud and money laundering crimes are top priorities for this office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.” “Several members of this conspiracy fraudulently obtained funds from ERISA-covered employee benefit plans. The funds, which originated from unwitting individuals’ retirement accounts, were deposited into personal and business bank accounts that were created in furtherance of this money-laundering conspiracy. The greed of the conspirators caused workers and prospective retirees to lose significant portions of their hard-earned retirement funds. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration to protect the integrity of employee benefit plans,” said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “These fraud scams, although not violent, are not victimless and can be devastating to businesses and individuals who fall prey to them,” said Keri Fairly, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The sentencing of all these individuals shows the FBI’s dedication to working with our partners to hold anyone accountable who would steal from hard working and honest individuals, rather than put in the work themselves.” “These scammers defrauded individuals and companies with the sole purpose of enriching themselves,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the nation’s financial infrastructure and ensure that financial crimes do not go unpunished.” “This sentencing illustrates the Secret Service’s dedication to protecting our nation’s financial systems,” said Steven R. Baisel, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Atlanta Field Office. “We are thankful for our law enforcement partners’ commitment and support as we worked together to bring this case to justice.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: The defendants engaged in multiple fraud and money laundering conspiracies that stole millions of dollars from victims located throughout the United States and abroad. The defendants were charged across several related pending cases. U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II, sentenced the following individuals for their respective roles in this criminal scheme: Joshua Roberts, also known as “Onyx,” 32, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to eight years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $9,675,739.73 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on August 10, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 29, 2022. Darius Sowah Okang, also known as “Michael J. Casey,” “Richard Resser,” “Thomas Vaden,” “Michael Lawson,” “Matthew Reddington,” and “Michael Little,” 32, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $6,204,119 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 17, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft on September 2, 2021. George Kodjo Edem Adatsi, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,373,797.43 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on July 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 7, 2021. Benjamin Ibukunoluwa Oye, 29, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to five years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,163,127.01 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering on March 4, 2020. Prince Sheriff Okai, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,950,586.54 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 12, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 6, 2020. Hamza Abdallah, also known as “Reggie Lewis,” 33, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,051,473.87 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 24, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 18, 2020. Dominique Raquel Golden, also known as “Desire Tamakloe,” “Mellissa Moore,” “Nicole Nolay,” “Raquel Roberts,” “Maria Henderson,” and “Raquel Golden,” 32, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to four years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $7,830,607.05 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on March 28, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 30, 2021. Kelvin Prince Boateng, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $870,333 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 17, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 2, 2021. Jonathan Kojo Agbemafle, also known as “Skinny,” 29, of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,637,625.01 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on August 8, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 4, 2022. Blessing Oluwatimilehin Ojo, also known as “Timmy,” 37, of Nigeria, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,711,304 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on October 26, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on July 19, 2022. Desire Elorm Tamakloe, also known as “Chubby,” 28, of Smyrna, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,215,357.81 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 18, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 13, 2022. Stephen Abbu Jenkins, also known as “Face,” “Steven Abbu Jenkins,” “Steven Jenkins,” and “Steve Jenkins,” 56, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and seven months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $726,290 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 8, 2022. Obinna Nwosu, 29, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,045,065.75 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on December 16, 2020, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 17, 2020. Ojebe Obewu Ojebe, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $893,879.55 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on September 27, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on June 2, 2022. Francesco Benjamin, also known as “B-More,” 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $987,070 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 1, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 19, 2022. Chukwukadibia Ikechukwu Nnadozie, also known as “Chuka” and “Michael McCord,” 30, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $231,507.19 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on May 9, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 28, 2022. Abubakar Sadik Ibrahim, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,193,750.27 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 1, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 27, 2021. John Ifeoluwa Onimole, 31, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,117,966.06 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 25, 2023, after pleading guilty to money laundering on December 7, 2022. Chadrick Jamal Rhodes, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and 11 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 31, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 12, 2021. Chadwick Osbourne Stewart, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 26, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 22, 2021. Macario Lee Nelson, a/k/a “Mac,” 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 17, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on September 29, 2021. Afeez Olaide Adeniran, a/k/a “Ola,” 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $352,830.25 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on October 6, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 18, 2022. Kahlia Andrea Siddiqui, 31, of Chamblee, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $325,811 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 9, 2022. Solomon Agyapong, also known as “Gumpe,” 34, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $496,123.92 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 18, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 11, 2022. Christopher Akinwande Awonuga, 31, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $113,276.27 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 8, 2020, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on August 22, 2019. Emanuela Joe Joseph, 37, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $442,557.08 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on February 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 26, 2022. Seth Appiah Kubi, 63, of Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced to two years in custody, to be followed by one year of supervised release. He was sentenced on July 7, 2020, after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft on March 4, 2020. Oluwafunmilade Onamuti, also known as “Mathew Kelvin,” 29, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $167,195 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on July 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 7, 2021. Paul Chinonso Anyanwu, 31, of Hampton, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $57,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on December 19, 2019, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 18, 2019. Casey Broderick Williams, 29, of Covington, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and one day in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 2, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on July 30, 2019. Alexus Ciera Johnson, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and one day in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $106,879 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on May 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 11, 2022. Egale Veonzell Woods, Jr., 44, of East Point, Georgia, was sentenced to one year in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $165,007.19 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 4, 2020. Gregory Thomas Hudson, 42, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $125,291.45 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 27, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on March 14, 2022. Uchechi Chidimma Odus, also known as “Uche,” 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $83,345.47 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on May 17, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on December 21, 2022. Matthan Bolaji Ibidapo, also known as “B.J.,” 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release with a portion to be served in home confinement and ordered to pay $82,490.50 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 1, 2022. Tyler Keon Roussell, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to six months in custody, to be followed by six years of supervised release with a portion served in home confinement, and ordered to pay $368,400.49 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 21, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on May 16, 2019. Monique Wheeler, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release with a portion to be served in home confinement, and ordered to pay $71,010 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on December 2, 2022, after pleading guilty to money laundering on July 13, 2022. Chineda Obilom Nwakudu, 28, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to three years of probation with a portion to be served in home confinement and ordered to pay $123,645.85 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 23, 2019. Ahamefule Aso Odus, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted by a jury on January 30, 2023, of conspiracy to commit money laundering and multiple substantive money laundering offenses. His sentencing is pending. Motswana Mulongo, also known as “David Mulongo” and “Henry Tipton,” 38, of Decatur, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 10, 2023. His sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2023. Oumar Bouyo Mbodj of Kennesaw, Georgia, is deceased, and charges filed against him were dismissed. This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program—the keystone drug, money laundering, and transnational organized crime enforcement program of the Department of Justice. This case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The investigating agencies received considerable support from the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly K. Connors and Russell Phillips prosecuted the case. For further information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Former Correctional Officer at State Prison Sentenced to Serve 13 Months in Federal Prison for Accepting Bribes to Smuggle Contraband

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, TY CRAIG , 25, of Hunter, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 13 months in federal prison for accepting bribes to smuggle contraband while serving as a correctional officer at an Oklahoma state prison, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. On February 13, 2023, Craig was charged by Information with one count of receipt of a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. On March 1, 2023, Craig pleaded guilty to accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the JCCC. The contraband included cellphones, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Court documents reflect that that Craig was formerly employed at the James Crabtree Correctional Center (JCCC) in Helena, Oklahoma, a medium-security state prison. As a correctional officer, Mr. Craig was responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the JCCC and its inmates. Today, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Craig to serve 13 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, upon release from prison. In addition to the 13-month term of imprisonment, Craig was ordered to forfeit the cash bribes he received. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck prosecuted the case. Reference is made to court filing for further information.