title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Ruther Glen man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. According to court documents, in early 2022, Joseph Butts, 50, a registered sex offender as a result of a prior rape conviction involving a minor, began messaging over various social networks with an undercover agent from the FBI. During the months-long communications, the defendant sent child sexual abuse material to the FBI agent and repeatedly sought to arrange an in-person meeting with the agent, who was posing as a parent of a twelve-year-old daughter, so that the defendant could pay for sex with the fictitious child. A search warrant at defendant’s residence later uncovered additional images and videos of child sexual abuse material. 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 sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Mozzi 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 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. 2:23-cr-053.


title: Man Admits Burglarizing Two Missouri Gun Shops

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

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man on Thursday admitted breaking into two Jefferson County, Missouri gun shops in 2020 and stealing multiple firearms. Carnell Robinson, 21, of Jennings, Missouri, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. On July 12, 2020 at about 1 a.m., burglars broke into Mike’s Pawn and Jewelry in Imperial, where they stole four AR-style rifles, a shotgun, ammunition and jewelry. The next day, also at 1 a.m., they broke into Top Gun Shooting Sports near Arnold and stole two rifles and numerous boxes of ammunition. Robinson’s fingerprint was later found on a gun case at Mike’s. Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Feb. 14, 2024. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Boyce is prosecuting the case.


title: Pennsylvania Cocaine Possessor Ordered to Pay $50,000 in Financial Penalties for his Role in Distributing Cocaine

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Marquan Sherrod Wilson, 53, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 27, 2023, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 60 months of probation, and was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, and an additional $25,000 of community restitution. Wilson pleaded guilty on March 29, 2023, to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. On November 2, 2020, Wilson traveled to Arizona from out of state and purchased approximately 978 grams of cocaine from individuals in Tucson. Wilson planned to deliver the cocaine to others, but was pulled over by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers on Interstate 10, as he was attempting to leave Arizona. Officers seized the cocaine and placed Wilson under arrest. Community restitution is based on the amount of public harm caused by the offense, as determined by the sentencing judge. By law, 65 percent of the total amount of restitution is paid to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s Crime Victim Services designated to administer crime victim assistance in the state in which the crime occurred. The remaining 35 percent is paid to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System designated to receive federal substance abuse block grant funds. The goal of community restitution is to help financially support the communities affected by the criminal behavior through the designated state agencies. Wilson agreed with prosecutors to make community restitution and a fine part of his guilty plea to demonstrate that he accepted full responsibility for his actions. The Drug Enforcement Administration - Sierra Vista, conducted the investigation in this case. The Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Willcox Police Department assisted with Wilson’s arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Lizano, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 21-CR-02281-SHR RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-174_Wilson # # # 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: Former State Employee Sentenced to 36 Months for Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Former New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) employee Wendell Giles, age 53, of Albany, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain more than $800,000 in unemployment insurance benefits by abusing his position with the NYSDOL. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG). As part of his previously entered guilty plea to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, Giles admitted that he and another former NYSDOL employee, Carl J. DiVeglia III, abused their state computer systems access to create and approve false unemployment insurance applications in 2020 and 2021, including applications for the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Giles recruited relatives, friends and friends-of-friends to submit false benefits applications over the phone to DiVeglia after Giles had instructed them to lie in response to eligibility questions. Giles and DiVeglia then took a share of the benefits paid by NYSDOL on the false claims. Giles used his share to enrich himself, including by purchasing a three-wheeled motorcycle. In text messages, DiVeglia suggested a vanity license plate for Giles’s new vehicle, “TY PUA,” which Giles understood to mean “Thank You Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.” Giles responded, “Lol.” Giles had been employed as a Senior Employment Security Clerk, and DiVeglia as a Labor Services Representative. Giles admitted responsibility for $826,530 in losses to pandemic-related UI benefits programs administered by the state. He has agreed to pay full restitution to NYSDOL. DiVeglia previously pled guilty to related charges and also agreed to pay restitution. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 2-year term of supervised release, to begin after Giles is released from prison. Judge Suddaby also ordered Giles to pay $826,530 in restitution to the State of New York and to forfeit a $100,000 money judgment to the United States. The FBI and USDOL-OIG investigated this case, with assistance from the NYSDOL Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal and Joseph S. Hartunian prosecuted this case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across 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: Brockton Man Indicted for Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A previously convicted felon has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for unlawfully possessing a Glock pistol and 18 rounds of ammunition. Michael Whitfield, 42, of Brockton, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Whitfield was previously charged by criminal complaint on Sept. 13, 2023. According to the charging documents, on March 6, 2023, upon arrival at a motor vehicle accident scene in Brockton, law enforcement observed Whitfield in a vehicle with significant damage, its airbag deployed and a broken passenger door window. It is alleged that there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle and an empty tequila bottle was observed on the passenger seat floor. It is further alleged that a Glock 19X .9mm pistol loaded with 18 rounds was found on the driver’s side floorboard between Whitfield’s legs. Due to a prior felony conviction stemming from 2006, Whitfield is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, 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 and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Brockton Police Department and the Brockton Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 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: Minnesota Man Sentenced for Conspiring with Michael Mann to Defraud Lenders

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Luke Steiner, age 35, of Woodbury, Minnesota, was sentenced today to 2 years of probation, and to pay nearly $13 million in restitution, for conspiring with former ValueWise CEO Michael T. Mann to defraud companies that loaned millions of dollars to ValueWise subsidiaries. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Steiner, who previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud, had worked at Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He admitted that between 2013 and September 2019, while working at Optum, he conspired with Mann and Derek Schwartz to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in loans for Mann’s companies. Steiner admitted that he worked with Mann to induce financing companies to loan money on the basis of fake invoices purporting to show payments owed by his employer, Optum, to several of Mann’s companies. Steiner’s role was to falsely represent to the financing companies that the fake invoices were valid and payable by Optum when, in fact, he knew that they were not. He admitted that the conspiracy caused a total of $12,968,505.22 in losses to two financing companies, one based in New York and the other in Colorado. Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn ordered Steiner to pay $12,968,505.22 in restitution to the two financing companies, and to forfeit an additional $11,300 to the government, the latter amount representing the total value of Amazon gift cards that Mann periodically sent Steiner, between December 2017 and August 2019, as thank-yous for Steiner’s participation in the fraudulent scheme. Mann, formerly of Saratoga County, New York, pled guilty to various crimes in connection with his fraudulent scheme, and was sentenced in August 2021 to 144 months in prison . Schwartz, age 54, of Coppell, Texas, pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud, on September 21, 2023 , and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2024. The FBI investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Barnett and Cyrus P.W. Rieck are prosecuting this case.


title: Worcester Man Indicted for Role in Drug Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in connection with his alleged role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. Hector Torres, 32, was indicted on one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Torres will appear for arraignment in Worcester at a later date. In or about June 2022, Torres allegedly conspired with others to possess and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. The charge of conspiring to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Acting Chief Paul Saucier of the Worcester Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the court documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: University Of Miami Student Charged With Hacking Multi-National Shipping, Receiving, And Supply Chain Management Company And Orchestrating Nationwide, Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Matthew Frederic Bergwall (21, Coral Gables), also known as “MXB,” with conspiracy to commit computer and mail fraud, and substantive mail fraud. If convicted on all counts, Bergwall faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Bergwall that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Bergwall will make his initial appearance today in Miami. According to the indictment, from December 2021 until April 2022, Bergwall gained unauthorized access to compromised employee accounts of a multi-national shipping, receiving, and supply chain management company (the Victim Company). Bergwall and his co-conspirators used these accounts to enter fraudulent tracking information for merchandise transported by the Victim Company on behalf of victim-retailers located all over the country. This allowed the co-conspirators to pursue full refunds from victim-retailers while maintaining physical possession of the merchandise, such as high-end electronics, jewelry, designer clothing, and accessories. Bergwall and his co-conspirators offered this service for sale, which was marketed as “FTID” (Fraudulent Tracking ID). Bergwall’s FTID fraud scheme caused nearly 10,000 fraudulent returns and resulted in at least $3.5 million in lost product and sales revenue to victim-retailers. In addition to orchestrating the overall FTID fraud scheme, at times, Bergwall purchased merchandise for himself and later submitted fraudulent tracking information to the Victim Company, prompting full refunds from victim-retailers. For example, during the course of the conspiracy, he did so with regard to a $41,000 Rolex President Day-Date watch, a $600 TeamGee H2O Electric Skateboard, a $350 Samsung 43-inch Smart UHD TV, and an $80 pair of Reebok shoes. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, with valuable assistance from Homeland Security Investigations Miami. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons. Download Indictment


title: Federal Halfway House and Former President Plead Guilty  to Wire Fraud and Making False Statements

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – The former president and director of Secor, Inc., a federal halfway house that contracted with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to house inmates, pled guilty today to making false statements and committing wire fraud. The corporation, through its attorney, also pled guilty to those charges. The former president and director will serve at least one year in federal prison under the plea agreement. Matthew Castle, 35, of Lebanon, Virginia, and Secor, Inc., each pled guilty today in federal court to one count of making materially false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the United States and one count of wire fraud. Under the plea agreements, Castle will serve between 12 and 21 months in prison, and Secor will serve a term of probation of one to five years. Additionally, Castle and Secor will pay $208,105 in restitution, forfeit $40,000, and pay an additional $30,000 in fines. “This company and its former president and director were paid to house offenders for the Bureau of Prisons and instead of taking on that responsibility, they chose to defraud the American taxpayers and the Bureau of Prisons,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “This case was investigated internally using a U.S. Attorney’s Office financial fraud investigator and it represents a new beginning for the Western District of Virginia, one where financial crimes are investigated and prosecuted entirely within our Office.” According to court documents, Secor was a residential reentry center, commonly referred to as a halfway house, for inmates from the BOP who were nearing the end of their federal prison sentences. In 2018, Secor entered into a contract with the BOP that allowed some of the offenders under the care of Secor to be assigned to “home confinement,” meaning those offenders resided at an approved residence not owned by Secor. BOP paid Secor a per diem rate for offenders who resided at Secor’s facilities and a different per diem rate for those on home-confinement. Under the terms of the contract, Secor was required to outfit home-confinement offenders with GPS monitoring equipment so the offenders’ whereabouts could be determined at all times. In addition, Secor personnel were required to personally visit each offender’s residence on at least a monthly basis to ensure the offender was living at the offender’s assigned residence, in a safe environment, and in accordance with applicable rules. In fact, Castle and Secor failed to meet these requirements. For example, Secor did not outfit many of the home-confinement offenders with GPS monitoring and failed to conduct home visits as required. Nonetheless, Castle routinely completed documentation certifying that he had conducted such visits and noted no issues. In addition to signing these phony documents himself, Castle often wrote false observations like “things were going well,” and the offender “had no questions or concerns to address at the time.” Each month, Castle submitted invoices to BOP for payments pursuant to the contract between Secor and the BOP. BOP then issued payments to Secor based on Castle and Secor’s representations that Castle and Secor were providing home-confinement services in accordance with the contract. The case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the assistance of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Pierce and Randy Ramseyer are prosecuting the case.


title: Pierce County man indicted for unlawful possession of firearms – including machine guns

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A Pierce County, Washington man with a prior federal conviction for illegal gun possession, was indicted this week for unlawfully possessing firearms – including two weapons that had been modified to be machine guns, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Brady Lee Eltz, 39, made his initial appearance on a criminal complaint last week, and was ordered detained. According to records filed in the case, on October 4, 2023, Fife Police were dispatched to an auto-glass repair shop where workers at the shop reported seeing firearms in the trunk of a vehicle Eltz brought in for repair. Workers also reported seeing bullet holes in the vehicle. After law enforcement took Eltz info custody, they checked the bathroom at the business. Eltz had gone into the bathroom when he saw police arrive. In the cabinet below the sink police found two firearms – 9 mm handguns. One, a Glock, had an illegal switch known as an “auto-sear” installed. The switch allows the gun to be fired automatically, making it a machine gun. The Glock had been reported stolen. Fife Police towed Eltz’s vehicle and applied for a warrant to search it. During the search of the vehicle’s trunk, they found three additional firearms – including a stolen rifle that had been modified to fire automatically, making it a machine gun. Police then discovered a bag with two improvised explosive devices. Pierce County Sheriff’s Office bomb technicians were called in to evaluate the devices and make them safe. One was an explosive simulator likely stolen from the U.S. Army. It can cause serious bodily injury if exploded in a confined space. The second explosive was a thick cardboard tube filled with a black powder that appeared to be flammable. After the explosives were made safe, police continued their search of the trunk and found two additional rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, latex face masks, body armor, gun sites, holsters, and other firearms accessories. Eltz also had GPS trackers, several knives, and a voice-changing device. Eltz is prohibited from possessing any firearms because of criminal convictions including a 2013 conviction in the Western District of Washington. Eltz was sentenced to five years in prison for that crime. Illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Possession of a machine gun is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF) with assistance from the Fife Police Department and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. The Washington State Patrol assisted with locating and arresting Eltz on a federal warrant after he posted bail and left state custody. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marci L. Ellsworth.


title: Marion County Man Indicted For Fraud Relating To Theft From The Department Of Veterans Affairs

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Paul Lesslie Thompson (69, Anthony) with one count of receipt of stolen government property. If convicted, Thompson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and an order of forfeiture for at least $1,169,327.54, which represents the proceeds of the offense charged in the indictment. According to the indictment, between May 1993 and December 2022, Thompson willfully received, concealed, and retained $1,169,327.54 that was stolen from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation. An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.


title: Taylor County man sentenced to 10 years for methamphetamine trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Jack Getz, age 36, of Grafton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking. According to court documents and statements made in court, Getz was working with others to sell methamphetamine in Taylor and Monongalia Counties. Getz’s home, vehicle, and a storage unit were searched during the investigation. Officers found more than two pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol, drug paraphernalia, and multiple cell phones. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Former Shelby County Jailer Sentenced Over Plan to Smuggle Narcotics into Facility

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, a federal judge sentenced a former deputy jailer for possession of narcotics knowing that they would be distributed inside the county jail. Kevin G. Ritz, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. Kimberly Price , 31, of Memphis was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for her role in arranging delivery of cocaine and fentanyl to inmates at the Shelby County Correctional Center. U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. also ordered Price to serve two years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. According to information presented in court, in September 2020, the FBI Tarnished Badge Task Force initiated an investigation into allegations that Price, a deputy jailer at the Shelby County Correctional Center, was smuggling narcotics into the facility to be distributed to inmates. An inmate cooperating with the investigators made contact with Price to request that Price purchase narcotics that would ultimately be smuggled into the jail by a third party and delivered to the inmate. Price agreed, and on October 16, 2020, delivered a bag of cocaine to a cooperating source in exchange for $1000. On November 4, 2020, Price met with the cooperator again and provided fentanyl pills in exchange for $1300. On May 4, 2023, Price pled guilty to a two-count criminal information alleging possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney David Pritchard, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.


title: Engineer Indicted For Bombing Energy Facilities In California

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Peter Karasev, 36, a U.S. citizen residing in San Jose, was arraigned in the Northern District of California today on an indictment charging him with destroying energy facilities and using fire or explosives to commit a federal crime. Karasev made his appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi. According to court documents, Karasev was indicted on Oct. 19. As alleged in counts one and two of the indictment, Karasev knowingly and willfully damaged the property of two energy facilities – specifically, two PG&E transformers in San Jose, California on Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, respectively – and attempted to cause and caused significant interruption and impairment of those energy facilities. The indictment also alleges, in count three, that the defendant used fire and an explosive to commit a felony, specifically, the destruction of an energy facility on Jan. 5, 2023. “These charges make clear that those who attack our country’s critical infrastructure will be met with the full force of the Justice Department,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We have charged Peter Karasev with bombing two energy transformers in Northern California, leaving more than 1,500 households and businesses in the San Jose community without power. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern District of California and the FBI for their work to bring the defendant to justice and prevent further harm to the San Jose community.” “The defendant in this case allegedly used explosives to try to cut off electricity to more than 1,500 San Jose businesses and residences,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “Damaging our region’s critical infrastructure endangers innocent victims—including our most vulnerable citizens such as the elderly and the sick—and we will not tolerate it. We will vigorously prosecute any malicious attempts to disrupt the power grid.” “Attacks and threats against neighborhood energy facilities with explosives are more than alarming. The FBI and our partners will not tolerate criminal activity that puts the safety of our citizens at risk,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. “I commend the San Jose Police Department for their swift action in identifying and apprehending Karasev. Their excellent detective work prevented further harm to our community.” As described in a government memorandum seeking Karasev’s pretrial detention, Karasev constructed, planted and ignited the explosive devices that caused each of the transformer explosions. Both attacks occurred during the early morning hours in commercial areas occupied by stores and businesses, and collectively terminated power to over 1,500 households and businesses in the San Jose community. The government’s memorandum also detailed that in the months leading up to the attacks, Karasev was building and experimenting with homemade explosives, as well as manufacturing methamphetamine, in his own home. At the time of his arrest, Karasev was allegedly in possession of a range of improvised explosive devices in varying stages of completion, as well as multiple firearms, additional weapons, over 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, and other hazardous substances. Karasev was arrested in March 2023 by the San Jose Police Departement and remained in custody on related state charges prior to his transfer to federal custody for this case. A federal grand jury charged Karasev with two counts of destruction of an energy facility and one count of use of fire or an explosive to commit a federal felony. If convicted, Karasev faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison on the third count to be served consecutively to any imprisonment imposed for either of the other counts. Karasev faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Karasev was ordered detained pending his next federal court appearance. His next appearance is scheduled to take place on January 30, 2024, before Hon. Beth Labson Freeman, United States District Judge. This case is being investigated by the FBI and the San Jose Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. cr_23-00364-blf-01_indictment.pdf


title: Bitwise Industries Founders Irma Olguin Jr. and Jake Soberal Charged for $100 Million Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Irma Olguin Jr. and Jake Soberal, the founders and leaders of the failed Fresno-based technology company Bitwise Industries, self-surrendered today on a federal complaint charging them with conspiring to commit wire fraud and taking more than $100 million from various businesses and individuals, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. “The defendants could have chosen simply to admit the failure of Bitwise’s business model. Instead, they used lie after lie to pull over $100 million into a dying venture through fraud,” U.S. Attorney Talbert said. “Olguin and Soberal fabricated bank statements, lied to investors, provided false financial information to their board of directors, forged documents, and used buildings Bitwise no longer even owned as collateral for loans, all while lining their own pockets. Our office will continue to investigate and prosecute those responsible for such financial crimes, and we are grateful for the hard work of the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, as well as the civil enforcement work of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.” “The alleged deceptive business practices of Mr. Soberal and Ms. Olguin Jr. have directly and negatively impacted over 900 families from the Fresno and Bakersfield communities. Today’s complaint is a starting point toward justice for those families,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Silva of the Oakland Field Office. “These sorts of white-collar crimes often root from greed and mismanagement and leave hard working tax paying citizens damaged in their wake. Let me say this to any would be fraudulent business owners in pursuit of ill-gotten proceeds: The talented and motivated special agents from IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners from the FBI will catch you.” “Deceptive practices within the corporate world, as alleged in this case, have far-reaching consequences. Our dedicated team of special agents and professional staff worked tirelessly to uncover a complex web of misconduct,” stated Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “We value our strong partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS Criminal Investigation. Together, we are resolute in our commitment to upholding justice, ensuring transparency, and breaking the cycle of financial wrongdoing. The collaboration between our team and our partners underscores the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable, reinforcing ethical leadership, and empowering individuals to report misconduct. It is through these efforts that we aim to make a meaningful difference in the fight against financial crimes.” According to court records, Bitwise abruptly collapsed earlier this year despite recent reports the company was worth over $500 million and was financially sound. All of the company’s approximately 900 employees and apprentices were immediately furloughed and later laid off, and the company’s board of directors fired Olguin and Soberal. The complaint filed this week alleges that beginning no later than January 2022, Olguin and Soberal agreed to lie to board members, investors, lenders, and others about Bitwise’s finances to obtain investments, loans, and other funding. They did so by fabricating financial information in board presentations and investor materials, and altering and forging bank statements, audits, and other financial records to inflate Bitwise’s revenues, cash balances, and property holdings. Much of the money went towards paying Bitwise’s payroll and fringe benefits, including Olguin and Soberal’s $600,000 per year salaries, outfitting the company’s office spaces, and repaying debts owed to prior lenders. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton and Henry Z. Carbajal III are prosecuting the case. If convicted, Olguin and Soberal each face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. complaint_olguin_soberal_.pdf


title: Dominican Man Indicted For Illegal Reentry And Fentanyl Distribution

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Ricardo Pena, age 58, of the Dominican Republic, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury with illegal reentry and four counts of distributing fentanyl. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on or about March 7, 2017, Pena was previously removed from the United States through Alexandria, Louisiana, and it is alleged that he reentered the United States without first obtaining legal permission to do so. The indictment also alleges that on or about October 25, 2023, Pena was encountered in Dauphin County. In addition, the indictment alleges that on four occasions, Pena distributed fentanyl between August 23, 2023, and October 10, 2023. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case. This case is also 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 maximum penalty for this offense is up to 100 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Addiction Treatment Center Supervisor Admits to Participating in a Scheme to Defraud Federal, State, and Private Health Care Insurers

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A clinical social worker today admitted to a federal judge that she helped devise and execute a scheme that shortchanged Rhode Island and Massachusetts substance abuse disorder patients out of counseling and treatment services while, at the same time, defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurers out of more than $3.5 million dollars, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Mi Ok Song Bruining, 63, of Warwick, admitted that, while employed as a supervisor at Recovery Connections Centers of America, Inc. (RCCA) in Providence, she and others working at her direction routinely submitted false and fraudulent claims for psychotherapy and counseling services that did not occur for the length of time billed, consistently billing for far more patients than was possible for RCCA staff to have seen during office hours. Bruining, known at RCCA as the “5 Minute Queen” for her speed in seeing patients for so-called counseling sessions, admitted that while billing for 45-minute sessions she actually saw patients for no more than 5-10 minutes, at times asking patients only one question before she ended a session. According to information presented to the court, to facilitate this fraud, Ms. Bruining directed counselors and others at RCCA to record in their notes that they were providing counseling in 45-minute intervals, but without listing AM or PM for the start time. Ms. Bruining gave this instruction so that it was not clear that they were seeing more patients than possible within a single hour. She also instructed other counselors to copy and paste the last visit’s note into each entry to make the bill look complete. As a result, many of the patient notes for patients billed by RCCA were simply identical cut-and paste copies of the same note. Bruining pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on February 15, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom and Kevin Love Hubbard. The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the IRS, Customs and Border Protection, and the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General for their assistance in the investigation. ###


title: Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced - November 2023

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the November 2023 Federal Grand Jury A. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Pablo Escobar-us. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Pablo Escobar-us, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Feb. 18, 2014, at or near Brownsville, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-363 Edgar Garcia-Rodriguez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Edgar Garcia-Rodriguez, 22, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Jan. 23, 2022, at or near Brownsville, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-362 Lerontez Sherod Hill; Bobbe Gene Taylor; Tashonna Leigh Anderson; Walter Jay Johnson; Kemareay Keishion Green; Jeremiah Hamlin . Kidnapping; Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; (superseding). Hill, 38, of Tulsa; Taylor, 25, of Tulsa; Anderson, 36, of Bixby; Johnson, 25, of Tulsa; Green, 25, of Atoka; and Hamlin, 39 of Tulsa are with is charged with kidnapping and robbery on August 17, 2021. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-318 Jonathan Eliezer Miranda Juarez. Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor . Jonathan Eliezer Miranda Juarez, 29, of Commerce, is charged with knowingly transported a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity on Aug. 18, 2023. He also charge with coercion and enticement of a minor from Aug. of 2020 through Aug. 18, 2023. The Indiana Delphi Police Department, the Commerce Police Department, Oklahoma State Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Robert and Stephanie Ihler are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-347 Efrain Lira-Anaya. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Efrain Lira-Anaya, 47, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition on July 27, 2023. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy M. Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-361 Dakota Shane May. Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Dakota Shane May, 28, of Tulsa, a Muscogee Creek Nation member, broke into a residence with intent to steal on Aug. 9, 2023. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Ihler is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-360 Shelly Annette McElroy; Gary Don McElroy . Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Tampering with a Record, Document, and Other Object. Shelly Annette McElroy, 51, and Gary Don McElroy, 54, of Tulsa, conspired and possessed methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute on Oct. 8, 2023. Shelley McElroy was also charged with attempting on Oct. 9 and Oct. 12, 2023, to tamper with and erase the contents of a cellular phone seized as evidence on Oct. 8, 2023. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam D. McConney and Niko Boulieris are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-348 Jason Ryan Mitchell. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of an Unregistered Weapon Made from a Shotgun. Jason Ryan Mitchell, 41, of Owasso, knowingly he had previously been convicted of felonies, possessed a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him on Sep. 5, 2023. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-349 Charles William Pebeahsy, III. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Charles William Pebeahsy, 51, of Quapaw, assaulted his victims with intent to commit murder on May 31, 2023. Pebeahasy is a tribal member of the Quapaw Nation. the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-357 Luis Angel Perez-Serrano. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Luis Angel Perez-Serrano, 25, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Dec. 19, 2019, at or near San Ysidro, California. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-355 Luis Miguel Rodriguez Perez. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Luis Miguel Rodriguez Perez, 30, a Mexican national and United States lawful permanent resident, is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on Oct. 18, 2023. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam D. McConney and Niko Boulieris are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-358 Ronald Dale Sanders. Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country; Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion. Ronald Dale Sanders, 55, of Belton, Missouri, from Aug. 2023 to Oct. 15, 2023, traveled to engage in a sexual act with an Indian child under the age of 16. Sanders is additionally charged for attempting to destroy or conceal evidence from Oct. 15, 2023, to Oct. 18, 2023. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-354 Juan Villalobos-Jimenez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Juan Villalobos-Jimenez, 29, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Jul. 10, 2015, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-353 Brandon David McCarthy; Rachel Christine McCarthy. Drug Conspiracy; Distribution of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine; Distribution of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine Resulting in Death; Possession of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine with Intent to Distribute; Distribution of Material; Possession of Materials with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises; Money Laundering Conspiracy; Engaging in Monetary Transactions of Proceeds Derived from a Specified Unlawful Activity. Brandon David McCarthy, 37 and Rachel Christine McCarthy, 34, of Tulsa are charged with several counts related to a drug conspiracy involving poppy seeds coated in opium latex and resulted in the death of a Utah woman. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan V. Reininger is prosecuting the case. 23-CR-359


title: Tulsa Couple Indicted for Drug Conspiracy Involving Poppy Seeds Coated in Opium Latex

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: A Tulsa couple were indicted for an opium poppy seed drug conspiracy resulting in the death of Utah woman. Brandon David McCarthy , 37, and spouse, Rachel Christine McCarthy , 34, of Tulsa, are charged with Drug Conspiracy; Distribution of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine; Distribution of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine Resulting in Death; Possession of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine with Intent to Distribute; Distribution of Material; Possession of Materials with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises; Money Laundering Conspiracy; Engaging in Monetary Transactions of Proceeds Derived from a Specified Unlawful Activity. According to the multi count criminal indictment, Brandon David McCarthy and Rachel Christine McCarthy (“McCarthys”) are owners of Lone Goose Bakery, an online retailer of unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex. Opium latex is a byproduct of the opium poppy plant that contains opiate alkaloids, including morphine, codeine, and thebaine, scheduled II controlled substances. From June 2017 through November of 2020, the McCarthys illegally sold unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex to opiate users. Lone Goose Bakery purchased bulk quantities of unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex and repackaged the seeds for resale across the United States. It is alleged that the McCarthys produced books and videos about poppy seed tea made with unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex. These materials were marketed on the internet and social media. The tea was promoted to help reduce pain, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, the tea was advertised as an anti-diarrheal with beneficial vitamins and minerals. The indictment alleges that a single dose of poppy seed tea made with Lone Goose Bakery unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex could expose a consumer up to approximately 1,200 milligrams of morphine. The majority of buyers of Lone Goose Bakery’s unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex were individuals purchasing the product for personal consumption. It is alleged that Lone Goose Bakery’s poppy seeds were not processed to an edible food grade standard. In Dec. of 2018, a Utah woman consumed tea made from Lone Goose Bakery’s unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex, overdosed, and died. From November 2017 through November 2020, the McCarthys received over $12 million in payments from the sale of unprocessed poppy seeds coated in opium latex. Court records show that the proceeds were later spent on real estate, property improvements, art, vehicles, and precious metals, including gold and silver coins. If convicted, Brandon and Rachel McCarthy face up to life in prison. The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan V. Reininger is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Apple Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Firearms

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – An Apple Valley man has pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on July 23, 2023, law enforcement attempted to arrest Timothy Allen Torell Wetzstein, 31, on outstanding warrants. Wetzstein fled from police officers but was arrested after a short foot chase. During the chase, Wetzstein threw away a Springfield Armory .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Police searched Wetzstein’s backpack and vehicle and recovered quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, more than $11,000 in cash, and three additional firearms. As part of his guilty plea, Wetzstein also admitted to possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms on multiple other occasions between October 2020 and July 2023. Wetzstein pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz to one count of possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Ramsey Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Drug Task Force, and Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.


title: Fulton County Man Indicted For Distribution Of Child Pornography

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Heidel, age 41, of Fulton County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on January 19, 20, and 27, 2023 and April 13, 2023, Heidel distributed child pornography in Fulton County. The indictment also alleges that Heidel possessed child pornography from August 2022 to May 2023. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Huntingdon Borough Police Department, and the Huntingdon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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 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. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Chicago Man Convicted of Threatening Violence at Women’s Reproductive Clinic

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been convicted in federal court of threatening to commit violence at a women’s reproductive health clinic. A jury in U.S. District in Chicago on Wednesday convicted FARHAN SHEIKH, 23, of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. The conviction is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland did not immediately set a sentencing date. The conviction was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron R. Bond and Melody Wells. Evidence at trial revealed that Sheikh posted the threatening communications on Aug. 13, 2019, on the social media platform iFunny. In one of his posts, Sheikh stated, “I am done with my state and thier (sic) [expletive] abortion laws and allowing innocrnt (sic) kids to be slaughtered for the so called ‘womans right’ [expletive].” Sheikh later wrote that he would visit a clinic in Chicago and “proceed to slaughter and murder any doctor, patient, or visitor I see in the area and I will not back down.” In posts that immediately followed the threats, Sheikh described his anger at law enforcement and his frustration over the arrest of another individual for making threats online. Sheikh referred to the other arrest as “surpressing [sic] our freedoms,” and he vowed to “do the same” to “whores.”


title: Former High-Ranking DEA Special Agent And Current DEA Agent Convicted For Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced yesterday that JOHN COSTANZO JR., a Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Agent currently on leave, and MANUEL RECIO, a former DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, were convicted of conspiracy to bribe a public official, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and honest services wire fraud, for a scheme in which RECIO funneled tens of thousands of dollars to COSTANZO in exchange for COSTANZO providing sensitive law enforcement information to assist RECIO in recruiting clients for defense lawyers. In addition, COSTANZO was convicted of accepting bribes from RECIO, and RECIO was convicted of giving bribes to COSTANZO. The verdict followed a 12-day trial before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “John Costanzo, a DEA Special Agent on leave, and Manuel Recio, a former DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, trafficked sensitive, nonpublic, confidential law enforcement information in exchange for cash and other valuable financial benefits. In doing so, they endangered public safety by disclosing the timing of sealed indictments and arrests of DEA targets. Recio and Costanzo were convicted by a unanimous jury for their brazen violation of the public’s trust and for providing information that could have put their former colleagues and others in harm’s way. This case underscores that corruption in the ranks of any law enforcement agency will be met with zero tolerance, and we stand with the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers who carry out their service with integrity and honor.” According to the evidence presented in court during the trial: JOHN COSTANZO JR. is a DEA special agent most recently assigned to DEA Headquarters. He was a Group Supervisor in the DEA’s Miami Field Office until June 2019. MANUEL RECIO is a former DEA special agent who retired as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Miami Field Office in November 2018. Upon his retirement, RECIO began operating his own business, which provided private investigative services to criminal defense attorneys and also helped defense attorneys to recruit clients. From around the time of RECIO’s retirement through around November 2019, RECIO agreed with COSTANZO to provide benefits to COSTANZO in exchange for COSTANZO providing RECIO with nonpublic information about DEA investigations. COSTANZO provided RECIO with information about nonpublic investigations, such as the identities of individuals charged and the anticipated timing of indictments and arrests, and intelligence which COSTANZO obtained from the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Information System (“NADDIS”), a DEA database that contains information about individuals who are or have been under investigation by the DEA. RECIO paid COSTANZO for this information, which RECIO used to help recruit new clients for criminal defense attorneys. Among the benefits paid to COSTANZO were a $2,500 payment made in November 2018, shortly after RECIO’s retirement from the DEA, which was funneled to COSTANZO through a company owned by a close family member of COSTANZO. At the same time that this payment was made, RECIO began asking COSTANZO to run searches in NADDIS to provide RECIO with nonpublic DEA information about DEA targets and investigations. Following that initial payment, RECIO and others continued to provide benefits to COSTANZO, including tens of thousands of dollars that were funneled from RECIO through a company created by a DEA task force officer and $50,000 that was paid to COSTANZO through a close family member for COSTANZO’s purchase of a condominium in January and February 2019. In return, COSTANZO continued to provide nonpublic DEA information to RECIO, including information about the timing of forthcoming indictments and information about DEA arrest plans of particular targets. COSTANZO also searched NADDIS for names of particular individuals requested by RECIO on dozens of occasions during the scheme and provided RECIO with information and assistance with particular charged defendants represented by attorneys for whom REICO was working. During the scheme, COSTANZO and RECIO took steps to conceal the existence of the scheme, including by structuring the payments from RECIO to COSTANZO through third parties and through COSTANZO’s use of a cellphone provided by RECIO for communications related to the scheme. * * * COSTANZO JR., 48, of Arlington, Virginia, and RECIO, 54, of Miami, Florida, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison, and one count of receiving or paying a bribe, respectively, which carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison. COSTANZO and RECIO were also convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of honest services wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and thanked the DEA’s Office of Professional Responsibility for its support in this matter. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews, Emily Deininger, Sheb Swett, Nathan Rehn, and Sarah Mortazavi are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Dean Iannuzzelli and Nerlande Pierre.


title: Providence VA Service Representative Indicted on Federal Extortion, Bribery, Witness Tampering Charges

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – An indictment unsealed in federal court in Providence today charges Michael Darrah, a benefits service representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Providence, with three counts of bribery and one count each of extortion, gratuity received by a public official, and witness tampering, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. It is alleged in the indictment that Darrah, 45, of Taunton, MA., solicited and accepted bribes from veterans and the family member of a veteran to approve requested dependent care benefits and/or disability benefits. It is further alleged that Darrah claimed that some of the money he sought from his victims would be used to purchase gift cards for other purported VA employees who Darrah claimed either could or did assist him in expediting and approving benefits claims. The indictment alleges that Darrah requested payments and accepted approximately $3,385 from a veteran, supposedly to “grease the wheels” to push paperwork through and expedite a claim for disability benefits; that he corruptly sought and accepted $16,566 from a second veteran to expedite and approve a claim for disability benefits; and that he sought and accepted $2,700 from a relative of a third veteran to expedite and approve the veteran’s benefits claim. Additionally, it is alleged that Darrah sought and accepted a “gratuity” of approximately $5,000 from the third veteran for having successfully used his position at the VA to get other VA employees to expedite and approve the claims. The indictment alleges that Darrah requested this “gratuity” despite being advised that the veteran was facing homelessness as his house was being foreclosed. Finally, it is alleged that Darrah, after becoming aware of the government’s investigation into his conduct, attempted to corruptly persuade a witness not to cooperate with the investigation and to lie about the nature of payments made to Darrah. A charge of bribery carries a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison; extortion is punishable by a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment; witness tampering is punishable by a sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment; and the charge of receipt of a gratuity by a public official carries a sentence of up to 2 years in prison. If convicted, the defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Veterans Administration Police. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Resolution with Local Counseling Center that  Failed to Provide a Patient who is Deaf with Free Sign Language Interpreter

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has reached a resolution with Stepping Stones Counseling Center PLLC, a local therapy practice, regarding a disability discrimination complaint. The Complainant, who is deaf and whose primary language is American Sign Language (ASL), alleged the practice initially dismissed her as a patient and later failed to provide her with equal access to its services because of her need for ASL interpretation services, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Denying an individual the opportunity to participate in or benefit from services offered by a place of public accommodation, such as a counseling office, is one form of discrimination prohibited by the ADA. The ADA requires places of public accommodation to ensure effective communication with all individuals, regardless of any disabilities they may have, who seek to participate in or benefit from their services. With very limited exceptions, the ADA requires places of public accommodation to take necessary measures to ensure that communication with its customers is effective—this can include providing auxiliary aids and services such as certified ASL interpreters, at no cost to the customer. “It is imperative that individuals with disabilities do not encounter unnecessary barriers to health care resources, especially mental health services,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “Effective communication is necessary to provide a supportive and constructive counseling environment for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and my office is committed to ensuring that such communication is provided as required by the law.” Stepping Stones Counseling Center agreed to update its policies and training materials to ensure compliance with the ADA and to make a compensatory payment to the Complainant. In addition, the counseling center must train its staff on the ADA and develop and implement an anti-discrimination policy. The investigation was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael El-Zein and Shannon Ackenhausen, of the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The full and fair enforcement of the ADA is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Civil Rights Unit was established in 2010, with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, including a copy of the agreement, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights . Information about the Justice Department’s Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative to ensure that people who have disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have equal access to medical services is available at www.ada.gov/usao-agreements.htm. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or experienced a civil rights violation can submit a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at usamie.civilrights@usdoj.gov or by phone at (313) 226-9151. Complaints can also be submitted to the Civil Rights Division through its complaint portal .


title: Serial Armed Robber Convicted at Federal Trial Following String of Midlands Armed Robberies

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Deveon Antonio Belk, 36, of Irmo, was convicted following a multi-day bench trial on 15 counts: seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, seven counts of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, and one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. Evidence presented by the Government at trial established that Belk robbed at least seven Columbia and Lexington-area businesses at gunpoint between Nov. 9 and Nov. 16, 2020: Robbery 1 – Nov. 9 at Wendy’s at 95 Woodcross Dr., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 2 – Nov. 10 at Dollar General at 6246 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 3 – Nov. 11 at Family Dollar at 4524 Monticello Road, Columbia, S.C. Robbery 4 – Nov. 13 at CVS at 4627 North Main St., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 5 – Nov. 15 at Dollar General at 536 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 6 – Nov. 15 at SKS Mart at 1615 Decker Blvd., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 7 – Nov. 16 at Dollar General at 7145 Broad River Rd., Irmo, S.C. Belk used a distinctive black Saturn sedan in many of the robberies. He would park nearby, approach the businesses on foot, act as if he was purchasing a low value item in cash, and when the cashier opened or approached the cash drawer, he brandished a black and silver Ruger 9mm pistol and demanded the register or safe be emptied. During some robberies, he did not wait for that transaction, he would point the firearm at the clerk and demand money upon entry. Belk forced many victims to the back of the store or into a closet. He then left on foot at a casual pace, often passing legitimate customers on the way. He disposed his clothing at or near the crime scenes, and he then left in the Saturn. At trial, 13 victims testified. One was 16 years old at the time of the robbery. One was forced into a closet that Belk kicked in; she was seen in surveillance crying on the ground calling the police for help. Another victim testified about Belk pressing the gun into her body. One encouraged Belk to not commit the robbery because he as on camera and would be caught. Many victims testified that they were afraid for their lives during the robberies. Every robbery, as well as Belk’s approach to and flight from many of the crime scenes, was recorded on surveillance video. Numerous people who knew Belk testified at trial that it was Belk on video committing the robberies. His DNA was found on clothing left near four of the seven robberies, and on the firearm that he used in every robbery. A search warrant was executed at a Lexington apartment where Belk was staying on Nov. 17, 2020, one day after the final robbery. Belk was arrested that day and at that apartment police found the firearm Belk used in every robbery, the shoes he wore in multiple robberies, and the Saturn. Belk was convicted for conduct related to the seven robberies above, but by way of a notice filed on the public docket (ECF No. 73), the Government has indicated that Belk was likely responsible for at least six more: Robbery 8 – Oct. 20 at Speedway at 637 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 9 – Oct. 21, 2020 at Shell at 441 Piney Grove Rd., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 10 – Oct. 25, 2020 at Shell at 6930 North Main St., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 11 – Oct. 26, 2020 at S&S Mart at 8303 Winnsboro Rd., Blythewood, S.C. Robbery 12 – Oct. 31, 2020 at Speedway at 637 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, S.C. Robbery 13 – Nov. 16, 2020 at BP at 8404 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, S.C. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the trial and will sentence Belk after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report that will be prepared by the United States Probation Office. Belk faces a mandatory minimum of 49 years in federal prison following the firearm brandish in connection with a crime of violence convictions, plus any additional term of imprisonment he receives for the robberies or the firearm possession count. “This conviction highlights the good work of local law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Adair F. Boroughs said. “A violent offender was terrorizing multiple communities and this partnership and coordination will keep him behind bars.” “Belk was a serial robber committing crimes over many jurisdictions,” Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said. “Being prosecuted in Federal Court allowed for all the crimes to be tried together so he can receive an appropriate sentence. This is a great example of local and federal agencies working together to protect the citizens of South Carolina.” “This is a great example of how strong relationships between agencies make our community a safer place,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Because of the commitment of state and local law enforcement agencies, we were able to address an issue affecting members of our community.” “Deveon Belk’s four weeks of robberies brought fear to our business community and victimized over a dozen hard-working citizens,” Columbia Police Chief W. H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook said. “This case represents the best of law enforcement partnerships and collaboration in the pursuit of justice.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Columbia Police Department, with critical assistance from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels, Lamar J. Fyall, Ariyana N. Gore prosecuted the case. ### Media note: attached are two exhibits from trial for your use. One is a map showing the incident locations and the other is an image from video surveillance during a robbery. gx_102_-_robbery_5_brandish_0.pdf gx_169_-_summary_chart_0.pdf


title: Former Resident of Cheswick, PA Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Conviction of Violating Federal Narcotics and Firearms Laws

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Cheswick, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months of incarceration followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Bill Rana, age 43. In conjunction with the sentencing hearing, the Court was informed that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties. Investigators identified Rana, as a “fully patched” member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club and Sergeant of Arms for the Pittsburgh Chapter. Over the course of the conspiracy, Rana obtained and redistributed over one kilogram of cocaine and over 140 grams of methamphetamine from multiple sources of supply that Rana redistributed. Additionally, Rana’s residence was searched on December 8, 2020, and investigators seized a variety of ammunition, which Rana was precluded from possessing due to a prior felony conviction. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rana. 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: McKees Rocks, PA Resident Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Narcotics Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months of incarceration followed by two years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Robert Botti, age 43. According to information presented to the court, Botti supplied between 400 grams and 500 grams to another individual, Douglas Smith during the course of a conspiracy. On June 15, 2021, investigators seized approximately three ounces of cocaine from Botti’s residence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Perryopolis Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Botti. 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: Monessen, PA Resident Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Narcotics Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Monessen, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 63 months of incarceration followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Douglas Smith, age 41. According to information presented to the court, Smith obtained over three kilograms of cocaine from a Chicago-based supplier, which Smith then redistributed. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Perryopolis Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith. 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: Chattanooga Man Sentenced To 60 Months For Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm In Connection With June 5, 2022, McCallie Avenue Shootings

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

body_text: CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. On November 9, 2023, Rodney Harris, 32 of Chattanooga, TN, was sentenced to 60 months in prison by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Harris pled guilty on June 7, 2023, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1). Following his imprisonment, Harris will be on supervised release for three years. According to court records, Harris, who had previously been convicted in federal court of a drug conspiracy felony, was caught on camera wearing a mask and brandishing an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 AR-pistol with an arm brace in front of Mary’s Bar and Grill on McCallie Avenue just prior to the shooting commencing. Harris himself was shot 17 times and run over by a vehicle during the incident. United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico, of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), made the announcement. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Chattanooga Police Department, ATF, and FBI. Several other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including the United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community face. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher D. Poole represented the United States. ###


title: Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Stolen Firearm

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen firearm. According to court documents, Makee McLemore, 20, of Gulfport, was arrested following a Gulfport Police Department investigation into a string of vehicle burglaries resulting in multiple stolen guns. Officers determined that McLemore was a suspect in the vehicle burglaries. He was arrested and a search warrant was executed at his residence. McLemore subsequently admitted to participating in some of the vehicle burglaries and to stealing a Sig Sauer firearm. McLemore gave officers the location of the stolen firearm at his residence. On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging McLemore with possession of a stolen firearm. McLemore is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2024. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. This case was investigated by the ATF along with assistance from the Gulfport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith. 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.


title: Iowa Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Timothy Steinbeck, age 47 from Terril, Iowa, plead guilty on April 19, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Steinbeck admitted that from August 2021 through June 2022, he and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute nearly six pounds of methamphetamine in Northwest Iowa. Evidence further showed that Steinbeck distributed methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement on three separate occasions. On June 15, 2022, law enforcement searched Steinbeck’s residence in Royal, Iowa, and seized additional methamphetamine. That same day, firearms were seized from a relative’s home which Steinbeck had moved in an attempt to conceal from law enforcement. Steinbeck was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Steinbeck was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. Steinbeck must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Steinbeck is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Police Department, O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Clay County Attorney’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa State Patrol Tactical Teams. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-4050. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl While on Supervised Release

body_text: A man who was selling fentanyl while he was on federal supervised release was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison. Anthony Laveal Allen, age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 6, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on January 12, 2023, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation and purchased pills from Allen that contained fentanyl. Allen has a prior federal conviction for possession of a firearm as a felon from 2017, and he was serving a term of supervised release when he committed the instant offense. Allen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Allen was sentenced to a total sentence of 39 months’ imprisonment comprised of 15 months for the new crime and a consecutive sentence of 24 months’ imprisonment for the supervised release violation. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Allen is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Johnson County Drug Task Force and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The Johnson County Drug Task Force consists of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa City Police Department , the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file numbers are 23-CR-17 and 17-CR-23. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Sex Trafficking a Minor

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Adrian Edwards 40, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 11 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor. Edwards pleaded guilty to this charge on June 15, 2023. Edwards encountered the 16-year-old victim in Utah in January 2021, when the two were at a mutual friend’s house. The victim confided to the defendant that she had a difficult home life and he offered to help her with a place to stay if she needed it. A few days later, the victim called Edwards to take him up on his offer. He bought her a train ticket to Iowa, where he picked her up and brought her to Wisconsin. He immediately took pictures of her and posted ads on websites offering various sexual services in exchange for money. Edwards set the prices, arranged the meetings, arranged for hotels, and kept the bulk of the money gained from the trafficking activity. On February 2, 2021, Middleton Police Department received a complaint from a local hotel indicating that someone was overstaying their reservation and the hotel suspected sex trafficking. Police responded and found the victim alone in a hotel room, along with Edwards’ belongings and identification. Edwards was indicted in July 2021, and a federal arrest warrant was issued. He was ultimately arrested in January 2022 in Arizona. At sentencing, Judge Peterson observed that this was a horrifying case where the defendant took a child away from her family, isolated her, and immediately trafficked her for his own gain. The Court stated that although consent was irrelevant here, the victim did not know she was coming to Wisconsin to engage in prostitution. Judge Peterson further noted that Edwards’ crime was calculated and sustained, and it was fortunate that law enforcement intervened and put a stop to it. The charge against Edwards was the result of an investigation conducted by the Middleton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service in finding and arresting Edwards in Arizona. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Przybylinski Finn and Kathryn E. Ginsberg prosecuted this case.


title: MS-13 Member Charged for Alleged Role in 2010 Murder

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A member of the transnational criminal organization known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, has been arrested on RICO charges in connection with the murder of an Allston man under a Chelsea bridge in December 2010. Adam Rodriguez, a/k/a “Pelon,” 33, was charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy. Rodriguez was arrested yesterday and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday afternoon, was detained pending a hearing set for 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2023. According to the charging document, MS-13 is a transnational criminal organization with tens of thousands of members located in the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and elsewhere. MS-13 branches, or “cliques,” operate throughout the United States, including in Massachusetts. In furtherance of its mission, MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, specifically against rival gang members; kill informants; and support and defend fellow MS-13 members in attacks. MS-13 rewards members who commit acts of violence with promotions within the gang and punishes members who break gang rules. The superseding indictment alleges that, on Dec. 18, 2010, Rodriquez and other members of MS-13 murdered an Allston man under a bridge in Chelsea. It is alleged that law enforcement recently matched Rodriguez’s voice to a Jan. 26, 2011 recording of an MS-13 meeting in which he acknowledged his participation in the murder. Also on the recording, Rodriguez was allegedly beaten for 13 seconds by other members of MS-13 for leaving Massachusetts after the murder without the gang’s permission. The superseding indictment further alleges that Rodriguez committed other attempted murders with members of MS-13 following the December 2010 murder. The superseding indictment also charges William Pineda Portillo, a/k/a “Humilde,” 30, with RICO conspiracy. Pineda Portillo was originally indicted in 2017. After an arrest warrant was issued for Pineda Portillo, law enforcement determined that he had been deported to El Salvador under a different name. Pineda Portillo was arrested in May 2022 on the outstanding warrant and returned to Boston after he was allegedly encountered crossing the border into Texas. A subsequent investigation determined that a car owned by Pineda Portillo’s father was allegedly used to transport Rodriguez, other MS-13 members and the victim to the scene of the December 2010 murder in Chelsea. Pineda Portillo also allegedly worked to sell a firearm to someone he believed was a fellow MS-13 member, but who was instead a cooperating witness working with law enforcement. It is further alleged that Pineda Portillo conspired to murder an MS-13 member he believed was an informant. Pineda Portillo remains in custody awaiting trial. The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, in New England; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty, and Meghan C. Cleary of the Office’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the superseding indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.