title: U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger Announces His Resignation

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – The United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Philip Sellinger, announced his resignation today, effective at 11:59 p.m., Jan. 8, 2025. Mr. Sellinger made the following statement regarding his departure and tenure in office: Serving as the United States Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime. My sincere thanks to President Biden for appointing me the temporary steward of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I leave knowing the storied traditions of this Office will continue through our dedicated career Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff. Here is just a fraction of their accomplishments over the past three years. Violent Crime Targeting New Jersey’s violent street gangs has been a top priority of my administration. Building on the Office’s strong tradition in this area, our Violent Crime Initiatives (“VCIs”) in Newark, Jersey City, Camden, and Paterson bring together our federal and local law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute the perpetrators driving shootings and the lethal drug trade in our communities. Rather than broadly imposing mandatory minimum sentences, we have reserved the most severe sentences for these drivers of violence. This targeted approach has proven extremely effective. Shootings and murders in New Jersey have fallen steadily year over year. The total number of shooting victims statewide fell from 1,166 in 2021, to 733 in 2023, and murder victims fell from 250 in 2021, to 190 total in 2023. In 2024, shootings and murders continue to decline. And because our responsibility to protect vulnerable members of the community extends well beyond gang violence, after nearly a decade of skillful appellate advocacy, we obtained significant sentences for a husband and wife who inflicted years of devastating abuse on their three young foster children while living at the Picatinny Arsenal and elsewhere. Civil Rights I created the first standalone Civil Rights Division at any U.S. Attorney’s Office, bringing civil and criminal AUSAs together to combat hate and protect civil rights, including the alarming rise in hate incidents against our Black, Jewish and Muslim communities. We advanced the civil rights of the people of New Jersey in several areas. We obtained the hate crime conviction of a man who committed a string of violent assaults—including carjackings—on visibly identifiable members of the Orthodox Jewish community around Lakewood , New Jersey. We obtained the conviction of a man who admitted to publishing a manifesto containing threats to attack a synagogue and Jewish people . And we secured a hate crime conviction against a man who admitted to breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, where he destroyed religious artifacts. We also charged an individual with throwing a Molotov cocktail at a Jewish temple , which charges remain pending. We brought civil lawsuits to end systemic racism of communities of color by major banks in and around Newark and New Brunswick, obtaining remedies likely to result in $250 million in loans for the residents of Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods. We issued findings that New Jersey Veterans Homes provided grossly inadequate conditions resulting in some of the highest death rates in the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic and secured a consent decree to protect the constitutional rights of the veterans. And after issuing a Findings Report regarding systemic violations of Fourth Amendment rights by the Trenton Police Department, we have taken significant steps to end unconstitutional policing in Trenton. We also brought lawsuits securing the right of religious organizations to build temples and mosques in the face of discriminatory zoning policies. And we protected voting rights for Spanish speakers in Union County , and access to the polls for individuals with disabilities in Hudson and Morris Counties . Economic Crimes and Government Fraud My Office led the investigation into TD Bank’s pervasive failures to prevent money laundering networks from using the bank to move massive sums of illicit funds. Our investigation established that the bank did not monitor 92% of its funds, totaling $18 trillion, for a period of years. This allowed criminal money laundering networks to move over $670 million through the bank. The investigation recently culminated in TD Bank’s landmark guilty plea to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and conspiring to commit money laundering, resulting in over $1.8 billion in criminal penalties. We prosecuted and obtained convictions of a shadow CEO of a real estate firm for perpetrating a Ponzi scheme that scammed thousands of victims out of $658 million and an Army reservist who defrauded and stole from Gold Star families . We prosecuted several other securities fraud , insider trading and market manipulation cases . And we charged the chief executive officer and a foreperson of a construction company hired by the city of Newark to replace lead pipes, whom we allege intentionally left lead pipes in the ground, endangering public health. Cyber Crime During my administration, our Cybercrime Unit achieved international prominence, leading the investigation of LockBit , then the most prolific and destructive ransomware group in the world. LockBit victims included hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, critical infrastructure facilities, and government and law-enforcement agencies across nearly 120 countries, including Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department. Before being disrupted through the efforts of our Office and our international partners, LockBit had extracted over $500 million in ransom payments worldwide and caused billions of dollars in broader losses. We charged seven LockBit members, including its leader, and have obtained two convictions to date . National Security Our National Security Unit, working in partnership with the FBI and our state and local partners, has protected New Jersey from domestic and international threats. We swiftly charged a former Marine for his threats to commit mass shootings targeting white people in New Jersey. We successfully prosecuted two individuals for concealing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations Hamas and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) . And we also charged three Chinese intelligence officers, along with a Chinese national , with conspiracy to act in the United States as agents of China. Among other things, the conspirators allegedly attempted to recruit an individual who was a former federal law enforcement officer and state homeland security official, and was then serving as a professor at an American university. Health Care Fraud and Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Our Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted individuals and companies responsible for defrauding government and private health care plans; government contract and customs fraud; unlawful kickback schemes; and fraudulently obtaining millions in federal COVID-19 relief loans. Our Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit aggressively prosecuted the crooked doctors, pharmacies, and sales representatives who put opioids on the street. Civil Litigation and Asset Recovery Our Civil Division successfully represented various branches of the United States government in a wide variety of civil and administrative litigation. Quite apart from the $1.8 Billion criminal penalty recovered from TD Bank, for fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the District of New Jersey collected a total of over $599 million in criminal and civil debts, including restitution for victims, criminal fines, civil penalties, and in cases the office handled jointly with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice. Office Transformation Because of the office’s demonstrated track record, we secured a rare opportunity to hire more AUSAs and support staff. With over 165 AUSAs, the Office is now the largest, and the most impactful, it has ever been. At the same time, building on the office’s longstanding strengths in eLitigation, and U. S. Attorney Sellinger’s role as Chair of the DOJ-wide Elitigation Advisory Council, the office has substantially upgraded its capacity for electronic review of evidence. **** The attorneys and staff members of this Office are some of the finest public servants in the country. They work extraordinarily hard, uphold the highest standards of excellence, and ceaselessly pursue the cause of justice. It is their dedication and commitment that has enabled this Office to achieve so much over the past three years. Acting U.S. Attorney Upon United States Attorney Sellinger’s departure, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna will become Acting U.S. Attorney. Pending Charges With respect to all individuals and entities noted above against whom charges remain pending, the charges and allegations contained in the charging instruments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Gibson County Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Brantley Miller , 39, of Humboldt, TN, to six years in federal prison for his role in an organized drug trafficking scheme in West Tennessee. Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today. According to evidence presented in court, in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, began an investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics in the Western District of Tennessee. By using controlled purchases of narcotics, search warrants to review the contents of suspicious packages, and other investigative tactics, the agents determined that Kendall Young, Cortez Jackson, and others were shipping methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana from California to Tennessee for redistribution. Throughout the investigation’s course, law enforcement agents seized over 32 pounds of methamphetamine and over 101 grams of fentanyl in the Western District of Tennessee. Further, agents seized three firearms from the individuals involved in this conspiracy. On September 24, 2024, Miller pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On December 20, 2024, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Miller to 72 months in federal prison and ordered Miller to serve 3 years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Miller was the final co-defendant to be sentenced in this drug trafficking conspiracy. Additionally, each of the following co-conspirators pled guilty and were sentenced by Judge Anderson as follows: Kendall Young , 32, Humboldt, TN: 188 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cortez Jackson , 29, Humboldt, TN: 134 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Vanessa Umanzor , 28, Huntingdon, TN: 43 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Tristen Teague , 28, Paris, TN: 100 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Orlando Sangster , 35, Humboldt, TN: 24 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan Sandoval , 31, Chula Vista, CA: 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Dejahn Jarrett , 31, Spring Valley, CA: 72 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ronnie Young , 69, Humboldt, TN: 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jaycent Montrell Pankey, a/k/a Jaycent Montrell Cox , 28, Jackson, TN: 42 months in prison and one year of supervised release for use of a telephone device to aid the distribution of methamphetamine. Devon Avery Landers , 53, Jackson, TN: 36 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Joel Lynn Arnold 45, Lexington, TN: 84 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. This investigation was conducted as 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. This case was investigated by the FBI Jackson RA; the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Christie R. Hopper and Hillary Parham, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: California Man Pleads Guilty To Distribution Of Child Pornography And Making A Hoax Bomb Threat In Connection With Retaliation Against A Cumberland County Minor

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nathaniel Sean Deleon, age 20, of Tulare, California, pleaded guilty on December 18, 2024, to a two-count criminal information charging him with distribution of child pornography and making a bomb threat hoax, in connection with a campaign of retaliation against a Cumberland County minor in 2023. According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, court documents and statements made in court show that Deleon met the then-16-year-old minor victim on the Roblox gaming platform and began an online relationship. The relationship ended. Thereafter, between June 2023 and November 2023, Deleon caused law enforcement in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania to respond to 23 related “swatting” incidents at addresses in Cumberland County, the majority of which belonged to the minor victim. The calls generally related information that someone had a gun and had killed, or was about to kill, another person. On November 30, 2023, Deleon, identifying himself as the minor victim, informed a suicide prevention worker via an internet messaging application that the minor victim had placed pipe bombs in the classrooms and bathrooms of Big Spring High School, located in Cumberland County, and was in a car outside of the school with a shotgun. As a result, approximately 650 students and staff from Big Spring High School were evacuated. No bombs went off and it was determined that there were no explosive devices inside the school. Deleon also distributed sexually explicit video of the minor victim on two occasions in November 2023. Deleon agreed to pay restitution in accordance with a schedule to be determined by the Court. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case. The maximum combined penalty under federal law for these offenses is 25 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. # # #


title: Lunenburg Man Arrested and Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lunenburg, Mass man has been arrested and charged in connection with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Michael Myers, 37, has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse material. Myers was arrested on Dec. 17, 2024 and is in state custody on related offenses. Myers made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy this morning and consented to detention pending trial. According to the charging document, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Myer’s residence and found his cell phone to contain several videos and images of CSAM. In 2015, Myers was convicted of possession of child pornography and sentenced to serve two years of probation by state authorities. He is a Level One Sex Offender. The charge of possession of child sexual abuse material with a prior conviction provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to 20 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. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Lunenburg Police Interim Police Chief Jeffrey M. Thibodeau made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: IRS Obtains Court Order Authorizing “John Doe” Summonses For Records Relating To U.S. Taxpayers Who May Have Used Network Of Offshore Service Providers To Hide Assets And Evade Taxes

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; David A. Hubbert, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and Danny Werfel, Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), announced that U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan entered an order today authorizing the IRS to issue summonses requiring certain entities to produce information about U.S. taxpayers, including individuals and trusts, who may have used the services of a multinational group of affiliated companies that operate under the trade name “Trident Trust” (collectively, the “Trident Trust Group”) to evade federal income taxes. Specifically, the IRS summonses seek records from a Trident Trust Group affiliate, as well as from companies that may have facilitated electronic fund transfers and courier deliveries to Trident Trust Group entities, to identify U.S. taxpayers who may have used the Trident Trust Group’s services to create or control foreign assets and entities to potentially avoid compliance with their U.S. tax obligations. Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “Today’s action is part of this Office’s steadfast commitment to hold accountable those who use offshore service providers to avoid paying their U.S. taxes. In obtaining authority to issue these latest John Doe summonses, we continue our joint efforts with the IRS to investigate tax evaders who use foreign financial accounts and sham foreign entities to hide their assets and income.” Tax Division Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert said: “The Department of Justice and the IRS are committed to using the tools available to us, including John Doe summonses like the ones authorized today, to ensure that taxpayers fully meet their responsibilities, including reporting their worldwide income and use of foreign accounts.” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said: “U.S. taxpayers and their facilitators who hide offshore income generating activities and assets from the U.S. government are on notice that the IRS continues to prioritize combatting offshore abusive activities. These records will assist the IRS and its partners in finding those taxpayers, ensuring their compliance with the U.S. tax laws and delivering on our mission of a fair tax system.” Federal tax law requires U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and trusts with gross annual income above the reporting threshold to pay taxes on all their income earned worldwide. They must also disclose their interests in certain foreign financial accounts, assets, and entities. Failure to report these offshore arrangements or pay associated taxes can result in serious civil and criminal consequences. According to the allegations set forth in the documents filed in support of the petition to authorize the John Doe summonses, and other information in the public record: The Trident Trust Group is a privately owned network of entities operating in nearly 30 jurisdictions worldwide, including known tax havens. The Trident Trust Group has provided corporate, trust, and fund administration services for over 40 years. It offers, among other things, services that enable customers to conceal their interests in offshore accounts and entities, including creating opaque corporate structures in jurisdictions with strict privacy laws, providing corporate directors and officers who act on their customers’ behalf, mail forwarding and retention services, and inactive companies known as “shelf companies” that are dormant and sitting “on a shelf” for purpose of later sale, that are incorporated with a standard memoranda or articles of association and have inactive shareholders, directors, and secretaries. The Trident Trust Group advertises these services as assisting its clients in keeping confidential their beneficial ownership of assets and avoiding public reporting, including for “tax and estate planning.” Some U.S. clients of the Trident Trust Group use or may use these services to conceal their interests in assets and avoid paying U.S. taxes on them. For example, Trident Trust Group employees have listed themselves as the founders, directors, and officers of thousands of Panamanian companies to help their U.S. taxpayer clients potentially conceal their interests in and income from these foreign entities. Indeed, at least nine U.S. taxpayers who used the Trident Trust Group’s services to conceal their interests in foreign assets have reported their tax non-compliance to the IRS through the agency’s Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program—which allowed U.S. taxpayers to voluntarily disclose their foreign accounts or entities used to evade tax liability in exchange for fixed penalties. In this action, the Court granted the IRS permission to serve what is known as a “John Doe” summons on Nevis Services Limited, a Trident Trust Group affiliate based in Manhattan, that seeks information about U.S. taxpayers who may have used its services or those of other entities within the Trident Trust Group to establish, maintain, operate, or control: any foreign financial account or other foreign asset; any foreign corporation, company, trust, foundation, or other legal entity; or any foreign or domestic financial account or other asset in the name of such foreign entity, from 2014 through 2023. By obtaining these records, the IRS expects to be able to identify Trident Trust Group clients who used the Group’s services to avoid or evade U.S. taxes. In addition, the Court also granted the IRS leave to serve summonses on twelve financial entities and courier services: the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Clearing House Payments Company LLC; HSBC Bank USA, N.A.; the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation; Citibank, N.A.; UBS AG; Bank of America, N.A.; Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas; FedEx Corporation; DHL Express (USA), Inc.; and United Parcel Service, Inc. There is no allegation in this action that these financial entities and courier services have engaged in any wrongdoing. Rather, the IRS uses John Doe summonses to obtain information about possible violations of internal revenue laws by individuals whose identities are unknown. The John Doe summonses direct these financial entities and courier services to produce records that will enable the IRS to identify U.S. taxpayers who have sent or received money or documents to or from the Trident Trust Group, along with other records relating to these transactions. In parallel, the U.S. has sought John Doe summonses in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Georgia and the District of South Dakota authorizing the IRS to issue summonses to four other U.S.-based entities in the Trident Trust Group seeking information about U.S. taxpayers who may have used the Group’s services. * * * This case is being handled by the Office’s Tax and Bankruptcy Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Sun is in charge of the case.


title: Oklahoma Debtors Denied Discharge for Failure to Keep Records or Explain Loss of Millions in Assets

component: U.S. Trustee Program

body_text: The Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) and Tax Division recently obtained denial of bankruptcy discharge for a married couple in Oklahoma who failed to keep sufficient records, failed to file tax returns for several years and could not satisfactorily explain their loss of $90 million in assets in the years leading up to the bankruptcy. On Nov. 22, after a three-day trial, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma entered judgment denying a discharge for chapter 7 debtors Tucker and Vickie Link. The Links listed about $79,000 in assets and debts of more than $30 million, mostly tax liabilities to the IRS. The Links maintained a web of foreign and domestic corporate structures that they used to support a lavish lifestyle, including a yacht, an operating ranch and three homes. Despite Tucker Link’s substantial experience in financial services and accounting, the couple had not filed individual tax returns or maintained business records beyond bank statements and promissory notes since 2016. At trial, the evidence revealed that the Links had lost about $90 million in assets since 2006. The United States — represented by the Tax Division — and the U.S. Trustee filed separate complaints seeking to bar the debtors’ discharge on numerous grounds. After trial, the court issued an opinion denying the discharge. The court based its decision on the debtors’ failure to keep books and records in a way that creditors and the court could gain a meaningful understanding of their financial condition and the debtors’ failure to satisfactorily explain their loss of assets. As the court noted, “[t]o say the Links have created a tangled mess of financial structures that defy understanding is an understatement of epic proportions.” One of the USTP’s core functions is to combat bankruptcy fraud and abuse through civil enforcement actions against debtors who engage in fraud or otherwise abuse the bankruptcy system. When circumstances warrant, the USTP takes action to deny those debtors a discharge. Under section 727(a)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code, debtors are not entitled to a discharge if they unjustifiably conceal, destroy, mutilate, falsify or fail to maintain or preserve records about their financial condition or business transactions. Under section 727(a)(5), the court can deny a discharge based on a debtor’s failure to satisfactorily explain any loss or deficiency of assets to meet the debtor’s liabilities. “Bankruptcy requires transparency by debtors seeking the fresh start of a bankruptcy discharge,” said Director Tara Twomey of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees. “In cases such as this, involving financially sophisticated debtors, there is no excuse for haphazard recordkeeping and opaque explanations for such significant losses.” The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust .


title: Multi-Kilo Armed Franklin County Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Eight Years

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Talvin Lamar Brandon, 29, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for armed drug trafficking after hitting an officer’s patrol car as he was fleeing from a traffic stop. On September 3, 2024, Brandon pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Brandon was identified as a kilogram level source of cocaine supply in the Franklin County area. In July 2024, law enforcement attempted a traffic stop of Brandon’s vehicle after a suspected drug transaction. However, as the officer exited the vehicle to conduct the stop, Brandon fled, hitting the officer’s patrol car as he sped away. Officers pursued Brandon, who eventually lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road. Brandon then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. While fleeing, Brandon dropped two kilograms of cocaine. From his vehicle, law enforcement seized a firearm and a loaded magazine. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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. Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-247.


title: Two Quad Cities Men Sentenced for Multiple Armed Robbery and Firearm Charges

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

body_text: ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Two Quad Cities men, Emmanuel Lance Howard, 24, of Davenport, Iowa, and Evander Allen Jordan, 39, of Rock Island, Illinois, were sentenced on December 18, 2024, for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and multiple robbery and firearms charges. Howard was sentenced to a total of fifty years of imprisonment and Jordan was sentenced to a total of one hundred and fifty years and one month of imprisonment. Howard and Jordan were found guilty following a two-week jury trial held in August 2024. The men have remained in federal custody since they were arrested in 2021. During the trial, the government presented evidence to establish that, in the summer and fall of 2020, Howard and Jordan committed ten separate armed robberies in the Quad Cities area, including five armed robberies of retail stores in Rock Island and Moline, one armed robbery and shooting of a man, and a carjacking of a woman in Rock Island, along with three armed robberies of retail stores in Davenport. During their violent crime spree, in which they stole firearms, money, jewelry, and other property, Howard and Jordan shot two men, pistol-whipped and assaulted others, and repeatedly threatened the lives of all of the more than 20 victims. One victim repeatedly begged for her life, and another was so terrified that she feared her young son at home, across the street from the robbery, would hear his mother being shot. Following an extensive investigation involving the Rock Island, Davenport, and Moline police departments; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Howard and Jordan were charged in 2021 in a fifteen-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, five counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of carjacking, six counts of brandishing or discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These charges were the result of Howard and Jordan committing the following armed robberies in Rock Island, Moline, and Davenport: • July 31, 2020: Little Caesar’s on 18th Avenue Rock Island, Illinois • August 14, 2020: Little Caesar’s on West Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa • September 5, 2020: MidWest Title Loans on 11th Street, Rock Island, Illinois • September 12, 2020: Pizza Hut on Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa • September 12, 2020: Papa John’s on 19th Avenue, Moline, Illinois • September 18, 2020, Carjacking, Rock Island, Illinois • October 4, 2020: Domino’s Pizza on 14th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois • October 9, 2020: Kwik Shop on Telegraph Road, Davenport, Iowa • October 16, 2020: Pawn King on 11th Street, Rock Island, Illinois At the sentencing hearing in front of Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow, the government noted the violent nature of Howard and Jordan’s crimes and the need to protect the public. Also at the hearing, Judge Darrow commented on the relentless nature of their conduct, the physical harm that they inflicted on the victims of their crimes, and the lasting impact of their crimes on the lives of others. In addition to the sentences of imprisonment imposed in this case, Jordan – who was on supervised release for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a robbery – also had that term of supervised release revoked. “These crimes were committed with a viciousness that had life-altering consequences for the victims. A sentence of this magnitude will ensure these offenders are unable to harm others in the future.” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “The exemplary cooperation among the law enforcement professionals in Rock Island, Moline, Davenport; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, resulted in these individuals being held accountable and sent the message that violent crimes will not be tolerated in our communities.” “The severity of this sentence holds accountable these two defendants who created fear throughout the community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “Working collectively with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office strengthens our ability to investigate and prosecute these important cases.” “I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and successful prosecution of Emmanuel Howard and Evander Jordan,” said Chief Timothy J. McCloud of the Rock Island Police Department. “Countless hours spent bringing dangerous individuals to justice are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and commitment to providing a safer Quad Cities. We can all breathe easier knowing these two criminals will no longer threaten the safety of our great community.” “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to those involved in this case and anyone considering terrorizing our communities with violence. It will not be tolerated.” said Darren J. Gault, Chief of Police for the Moline Police Department. “The Quad Cities is a great place to live, visit and do business. I am grateful to our federal partners for prosecuting this interstate crime spree and bringing the offenders to justice. The Quad Cities law enforcement community works very well together and contributes to strong public safety.” The statutory penalty for the conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery charges is up to 20 years in prison; the statutory penalty for the carjacking charge is up to 15 years in prison; the statutory penalty for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence charge is a minimum consecutive sentence for each count charged of seven years to life in prison; the statutory penalty for the discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence charge is a minimum consecutive sentence of 10 years to life in prison; and the statutory penalty for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charge is up to ten years in prison. As a result, Howard faced a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 45 years to life in prison for just the firearms offenses. Jordan had a prior federal firearms conviction for brandishing a firearm during a robbery and faced a minimum of 150 years to life in prison for the firearms offenses alone. The case investigation was conducted by the Rock Island, Davenport, and Moline Police Departments, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Mathew, Timothy Bass and Jeffrey Kienstra represented the government in the prosecution.


title: Operator and Owner of Oil Tanker Plead Guilty and Are Sentenced for Concealment of Pollution from Vessel and Obstruction of Justice

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Two Greek shipping companies pleaded guilty and were sentenced today for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), falsifying records and obstruction of justice. The charges arose out of two United States port calls in which crew members of the Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby presented false records to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to conceal illegal transfers and discharges of oily bilge water from the vessel. As part of the plea, Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises were ordered to pay a criminal fine of $3,375,000 and a $1,125,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Both companies were also sentenced to serve five-year terms of probation during which they will be subject to environmental compliance plans with a monitorship to ensure future compliance. The companies pleaded guilty and were sentenced for violating APPS in May and September 2022 during port calls by the Kriti Ruby to Jacksonville, Florida, and the Sewaren Terminal of the port of Newark, New Jersey, respectively. The companies also pleaded guilty and were sentenced for falsification of records and obstruction of justice in connection with the September 2022 port call. The Kriti Ruby’s former chief engineer, Konstantinos Atsalis, was sentenced today to time served and a $5,000 fine after previously pleading guilty to charges related to the discharge of oily waste into the sea — including concealing the pollution by falsifying records — from the Kriti Ruby near the petroleum terminal in Sewaren, New Jersey. Second engineer Sonny Bosito was sentenced to time served for concealing pollution by falsifying records. “Prioritizing profits over the environment by discharging oily waste into the sea and working to cover up that pollution is illegal,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to enforcing the law and fighting against maritime pollution.” “Maritime pollution is extremely harmful to the environment, and so difficult to detect, especially when the polluters take elaborate steps to falsify records to conceal their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “Law protecting our seas exist for a reason, and we will work together with our enforcement partners to ensure they are followed, and violators are punished.” “Today’s plea demonstrates our unwavering commitment, in partnership with the Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to ensuring compliance of critical domestic oil pollution laws and holding violators of these laws accountable,” said Rear Admiral Michael E. Platt, Commander of USCG’s First District. “Please assist the Coast Guard in these vital efforts by promptly reporting any suspicions of similar illegal activity onboard vessels directly to the Coast Guard Investigative Service.” According to court documents and statements made in court, the Kriti Ruby is an ocean-going oil tanker registered in Greece. It is owned by Avin International and operated by Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises. On multiple occasions between May and September 2022, crew members discharged oily waste into the sea via the ship’s sewage system, bypassing required pollution prevention equipment. They did not, as required, record these discharges in the vessel’s oil record book. To make it difficult for the USCG to discover, crew members concealed most of the pumps and hoses used to conduct the bypass operations in a sealed void space called a “cofferdam.” As part of his guilty plea, Atsalis admitted to falsifying the vessel’s oil record book and he acknowledged that the vessel’s crew had knowingly bypassed required pollution prevention equipment by discharging oily waste from the vessel’s engine room through its sewage system into the sea. Additionally, he admitted that he directed crew members to hide equipment used to conduct these transfers. Bosito admitted to causing a false oil record book to be presented to the USCG during its inspection of the Kriti Ruby . He also admitted to directing crew members to hide equipment used to conduct transfers from the bilge wells to the sewage tank before the USCG’s inspection. The USCG’s Investigative Service (CGIS) investigated the case. Individuals can report suspicious activity onboard vessels to CGIS TIPS at www.p3tips.com/878 . Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth E. Nelson and Trial Attorney Lauren D. Steele of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Stern and Kathleen P. O’Leary for the District of New Jersey and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Ward for the District of New Jersey prosecuted the case.


title: Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Employees Convicted of Charges Arising from Their Failure to Obtain Medical Care for an Inmate Who Later Died from His Injuries

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) lieutenant was found guilty this past weekend of violating the civil rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to the inmate’s serious medical needs. The lieutenant and a FBOP nurse were also found guilty of making false statements to a federal agent with the intent to obstruct the investigation into the inmate’s death. According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Lieutenant Shronda Covington, 49, of Chesterfield, Virginia, and Registered Nurse Tonya Farley, 53, of Chesterfield, were on duty and working in their official capacities at the Federal Correctional Institution at Petersburg, Virginia, on Jan. 9, 2021. Covington willfully failed to ensure that the inmate, a 47-year-old man identified as W.W., was provided with necessary medical care, even though she knew that W.W. had a serious medical need, and Covington and Farley each made false statements to federal agents during the investigation into the inmate’s death. Another FBOP official, Lieutenant Michael Anderson, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the inmate’s death and was sentenced to three years in custody. “These defendants showed an appalling indifference and disregard for the victim’s life, and their failure to act caused his death,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who work inside our prisons and jails, including our federal facilities, when they fail in their duty to provide basic care and humane treatment to the people held in their custody.” “Federal inmates are human beings in a uniquely vulnerable environment,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Their care is the responsibility of corrections staff entrusted to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. The defendants in this case failed to honor that trust, and the inmate died.” “Covington’s inexcusable apathy to the medical needs of W.W. over the course of two days caused his unnecessary death,” said Special Agent in Charge Tim Edmiston of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region. “Covington and Farley also decided to lie about their involvement in order to escape accountability. The Justice Department Office of the Inspector General will continue to investigate civil rights violations at the hands of Federal Bureau of Prisons employees.” Evidence presented at trial established that, in the early morning hours of Jan. 9, 2021, W.W.’s cellmate reported to facility staff that W.W. was exhibiting bizarre and unprecedented behavior, including that he was suddenly incontinent and unable to talk and walk normally. Over the course of two days, FBOP officials knew of but disregarded W.W.’s symptoms of a sudden neurological crisis, including his sudden incontinence, incomprehension, inability to talk and struggles to stand or walk without falling. Without medical attention to address his sudden and serious medical need, W.W. fell into walls and other objects numerous times, causing significant bruising and bleeding to his head and body. Although FBOP policy requires staff to provide necessary medical care to inmates, Covington and Anderson ignored the policy and their training and failed to respond to repeated calls for help from inmates and line staff. W.W. finally fell head-first into a wall and then to the floor in an observation cell, where — despite inmate-observers’ continued calls for help — he lay for an hour and 40 minutes before officers rendered aid. An autopsy concluded that W.W. died of blunt force trauma to his head and that the lack of medical assistance he received during his series of falls and after his last fall contributed to his death. Covington and Farley will be sentenced on a later date. Covington faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and Farley faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett for the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert and Trial Attorney Katherine McCallister of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case and were previously assisted by then-Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.


title: Baltimore Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing an Illegal Firearm

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Montreal Proctor, 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for federal charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD). According to his guilty plea, on June 30, 2022, Proctor walked through the 500 block of Chateau Avenue, in Baltimore, while armed with a loaded firearm. While walking, Proctor encountered police officers as they were patrolling the area. He then took a loaded firearm from out of his waistband, resulting in a brief standoff. Proctor eventually dropped the firearm and began to flee before he was later arrested. Law enforcement recovered the firearm and found that it was a Ruger .40 caliber pistol that was loaded with more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Proctor was previously convicted of several violent offenses, including attempted murder, first-degree assault, and attempted robbery. In addition to his federal sentence, Proctor is facing state charges for violating probation. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. U.S. Attorney Barron commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason D. Medinger and Adeyemi Adenrele, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Chief Science Officer of Publicly Traded Health Care Company Charged for Insider Trading Scheme Utilizing 10b5-1 Trading Plans

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Note : View a copy of the indictment here . An indictment was unsealed today charging a former U.S. citizen with engaging in an insider trading scheme involving the stock of Humanigen Inc., a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company. Dale Chappell, 54, who was formerly the chief scientific officer and member of the Board of Directors of Humanigen, was arrested on Dec. 20 in Switzerland based on the U.S. criminal charges. The United States will seek Chappell’s extradition to stand trial in the District of New Jersey. According to court documents, between June and August of 2021, Chappell avoided more than $38 million in losses by selling millions of shares of Humanigen stock while in possession of material nonpublic information about Humanigen’s application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of a drug to treat COVID-19 called Lenzilumab. Chappell — who sold the Humanigen shares through funds that he controlled — is alleged to have engaged in an insider trading scheme in which he fraudulently used Rule 10b5-1 trading plans to trade Humanigen stock. The indictment alleges that, in March 2021, Humanigen announced that it planned to seek emergency use authorization (EUA) for Lenzilumab. However, between April and May 2021, FDA staff allegedly informed Humanigen that Humanigen was unlikely to meet the criteria for issuance of an EUA. As alleged, knowing that this information was not disclosed publicly by Humanigen, Chappell sold the funds’ Humanigen stock, and later also implemented Rule 10b5-1 plans to trade more Humanigen stock holdings. After Humanigen publicly announced that the FDA had declined EUA approval for Lenzilumab, Humanigen’s stock price declined approximately 50%. Chappell is charged with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme and four counts of securities fraud for insider trading. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud scheme charge and 20 years in prison on each of the insider trading charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is part of a data-driven initiative led by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section to identify executive abuses of 10b5-1 trading plans. Chappell’s alleged trading was identified by the Fraud Section through its data-analytics tools. A Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which allows a corporate insider of a publicly traded company to set up a plan for selling company stock, can offer an executive a defense to insider-trading charges. However, the defense is unavailable if the executive is in possession of material nonpublic information at the time he or she enters into the 10b5-1 trading plan. Additionally, a plan does not protect an executive if the trading plan was not entered into in good faith or was entered into as part of an effort or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5‑1. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent Wible, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is handling the request for Chappell’s extradition. Trial Attorneys David Austin and Matthew Reilly of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Romano for the District of New Jersey 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.


title: Former Executive Of New Jersey Pharmaceutical Company  Charged With $38 Million Insider Trading Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An indictment was unsealed today charging a former executive of a publicly traded company with securities fraud and insider trading, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Dale Chappell, 54, a former United States citizen and current resident of Switzerland, was charged by indictment with five counts of securities fraud. Chappell was formerly the Chief Scientific Officer and member of the Board of Directors of Humanigen, Inc., a publicly traded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with offices in New Jersey and California. Chappell was arrested on December 20 in Switzerland based on the U.S. criminal charges. The United States will seek Chappell’s extradition to stand trial in the District of New Jersey. According to court documents, between June and August of 2021, Chappell avoided more than $38 million in losses by selling millions of shares of Humanigen stock while in possession of material, nonpublic information about Humanigen’s application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval a drug to treat COVID-19 called Lenzilumab. Chappell—who sold the Humanigen shares through funds that he controlled—is alleged to have engaged in an insider trading scheme in which he fraudulently used Rule 10b5-1 trading plans to trade Humanigen stock. The indictment alleges that in March 2021, Humanigen announced that it planned to seek emergency-use authorization (EUA) for Lenzilumab. However, between April and May of 2021, FDA staff allegedly informed Humanigen that it was unlikely to meet the criteria for issuance of an EUA. As alleged, knowing that Humanigen had not disclosed this information publicly, Chappell sold the funds’ Humanigen stock, and later also implemented Rule 10b5-1 plans to trade more Humanigen stock holdings. After Humanigen publicly announced that the FDA had declined EUA approval for Lenzilumab, Humanigen’s stock price declined approximately 50%. “Our office is committed to holding accountable those who profit based on insider information. Combatting securities fraud and protecting the integrity of the markets continues to be a priority for this office.” U.S. Attorney Sellinger Chappell is charged with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme and four counts of securities fraud for insider trading. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud charge and 20 years in prison on each of the insider-trading charges. The case is part of a data-driven initiative led by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section to identify executive abuses of 10b5-1 trading plans. Chappell’s alleged trading was identified by the Fraud Section through its data-analytics tools. A Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which allows a corporate insider of a publicly traded company to set up a plan for selling company stock, can offer an executive a defense to insider-trading charges. However, the defense is unavailable if the executive is in possession of material nonpublic information at the time he or she enters into the 10b5-1 trading plan. Additionally, a plan does not protect an executive if the trading plan was not entered into in good faith or was entered into as part of an effort or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5‑1. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys Matthew Reilly and David Austin of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. chappell.indictmentunsealed.pdf


title: Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty In Firearms Trafficking Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christopher John Murchison (52, Oklahoma) has pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in records required to be maintained by a licensed firearms dealer. Murchison faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, Murchison, along with Michael Sawyer and Randolph Swindle, aided and abetted each other to illegally acquire and traffic approximately 177 firearms, which were subsequently sold on the streets for profit. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating the firearm trafficking operation after several firearms were recovered in connection with international crimes in Puerto Rico and Colombia. The investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme involving Sawyer purchasing firearms online and shipping them to Swindle, a federal firearms licensee in Bunnell, Florida. Once the firearms arrived, Sawyer prefilled ATF Form 4473s using his own name, as well as the names of his mother and a friend. These falsified forms were then handed to Murchison, who used them to retrieve the firearms from Swindle. Murchison subsequently rebuilt the firearms into assault-rifle-style pistols, which were then handed back to Sawyer for resale on the street. Between July 2021 and February 2022, the group purchased, modified, and trafficked approximately 177 firearms. Many of these firearms have been recovered in connection with crimes both nationally and internationally. All individuals involved in the scheme have been arrested and have pleaded guilty in federal court. Swindle and Sawyer each pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in records required by a licensed firearms dealer. They face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike. 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: Operator And Owner Of Oil Tanker Plead Guilty To Concealment Of Pollution From Vessel And Obstruction Of Justice

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two Greek shipping companies pleaded guilty today to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), falsifying records and obstruction of justice. The charges arose out of two United States port calls in which crew members of the Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby presented false records to the U.S. Coast Guard to conceal illegal transfers and discharges of oily bilge water from the vessel. In accordance with the plea, United States District Judge Esther Salas sentenced Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises to pay a criminal fine of $3,375,000 and a $1,250,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. She also sentenced them to serve five-year terms of probation during which they will be subject to environmental compliance plans with a monitorship to ensure future compliance. The companies pleaded guilty for violating APPS in May and September 2022 during port calls by the Kriti Ruby to Jacksonville, Florida, and the Sewaren Terminal of the port of Newark, respectively. The companies also pleaded guilty to falsification of records and obstruction of justice in connection with the September 2022 port call. The Kriti Ruby’s former chief engineer, Konstantinos Atsalis, was sentenced today to time served and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine after previously pleading guilty to charges related to the discharge of oily waste into the sea — including concealing the pollution by falsifying records — from the Kriti Ruby near the petroleum terminal in Sewaren, New Jersey. Second engineer Sonny Bosito was sentenced to time served for concealing pollution by falsifying records. “Maritime pollution is extremely harmful to the environment, and so difficult to detect, especially when the polluters take elaborate steps to falsify records to conceal their crimes. Law protecting our seas exist for a reason, and we will work together with our enforcement partners to ensure they are followed, and violators are punished.” U.S. Attorney Sellinger “Prioritizing profits over the environment by discharging oily waste into the sea and working to cover up that pollution is illegal,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to enforcing the law and fighting against maritime pollution.” “Today’s plea demonstrates our unwavering commitment, in partnership with the Environmental Crimes Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to ensuring compliance of critical domestic oil pollution laws and holding violators of these laws accountable,” said Rear Admiral Michael E. Platt, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s First District. “Please assist the Coast Guard in these vital efforts by promptly reporting any suspicions of similar illegal activity onboard vessels directly to the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS).” According to court documents and statements made in court: The Kriti Ruby is an ocean-going oil tanker registered in Greece. It is owned by Avin International and operated by Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises. On multiple occasions between May and September 2022, crew members discharged oily waste into the sea via the ship’s sewage system, bypassing required pollution prevention equipment. They did not, as required, record these discharges in the vessel’s oil record book. To make it difficult for the USCG to discover, crew members concealed most of the pumps and hoses used to conduct the bypass operations in a sealed void space called a “cofferdam.” As part of his guilty plea, Atsalis admitted to falsifying the vessel’s oil record book and he acknowledged that the vessel’s crew had knowingly bypassed required pollution prevention equipment by discharging oily waste from the vessel’s engine room through its sewage system into the sea. Additionally, he admitted that he directed crew members to hide equipment used to conduct these transfers. Bosito admitted to causing a false oil record book to be presented to the USCG during its inspection of the Kriti Ruby . He also admitted to directing crew members to hide equipment used to conduct transfers from the bilge wells to the sewage tank before the USCG’s inspection. The USCG’s Investigative Service investigated the case. Individuals can report suspicious activity onboard vessels to CGIS TIPS at www.p3tips.com/878 . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Stern and Kathleen P. O’Leary and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Ward for the District of New Jersey and Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth E. Nelson and Trial Attorney Lauren D. Steele of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case. 03-_avin_dnj_information_signed.pdf


title: New Orleans Man and Texas Woman Indicted for Wire Fraud, Identity Theft, Money Laundering and Federal Drug Offenses

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”) , age 39, of New Orleans, and NINA THOMAS (“THOMAS”) , age 34, of Austin, Texas, were charged a superseding indicted on December 13, 2024, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(A)(a)(1), money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957. THOMPSON alone was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). According to the indictment, in 2020, THOMAS filed a petition for divorce from her husband (“Victim 1”) in 2020 in Texas. In 2021, THOMAS and THOMPSON entered into a romantic relationship. From on or about September 6, 2021, to on or about December 13, 2024, THOMAS and THOMPSON obtained money and property from Victim 1 by fraudulently transferring funds from Victim 1’s bank accounts to bank accounts created by THOMAS and THOMPSON . To obtain these funds, THOMAS and THOMPSON created an email account in Victim 1’s name then opened several bank accounts by using that email account and Victim 1 or THOMPSON’s address, or THOMPSON’s address and/or telephone number. THOMAS and THOMPSON then fraudulently wired funds from Victim 1’s actual financial accounts into the newly created accounts which they controlled. After obtaining the funds from Victim 1’s accounts, THOMAS and THOMPSON made several cash withdrawals, sometimes in amounts as much as $300,000.00, from the accounts that she and THOMPSON created. In addition to making cash withdrawals, THOMAS and THOMPSON used the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase items, including a Hermes Birkin handbag for $28,796.00 and a Porsche Panamera for $52,890.00. Also according to court records, on or about June 9, 2023, THOMPSON knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Additionally, on that same day, THOMPSON knowingly possessed a Springfield Armory HS Produkt Model Hellcat, nine-millimeter pistol, in furtherance of the possession with intent to distribute cocaine offense. If convicted of the wire fraud counts, THOMAS and THOMPSON each face a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the aggravated identity theft counts, THOMAS and THOMPSON each face a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the money laundering count, THOMAS and THOMPSON each face a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine count, THOMAS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the firearm count, THOMPSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Virginia Man Sentenced To 180 Months In Prison For Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Virginia man was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced today. Djavon Holland, 37, of Virginia, was convicted on April 15, 2024, by a federal jury of two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl following trial before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court. U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial: In August 2021, law enforcement officials received information that Holland was engaged in narcotics trafficking in or around the Virginia area and New Jersey. On Aug. 12, 2021, a confidential source working with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office contacted Holland to arrange a meeting with a confidential source working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On several occasions, Holland drove to New Jersey and sold fentanyl to ATF’s confidential source. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Holland to 4 years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan N. Linares and Jenny Chung of the Office’s Criminal Division in Newark. Defense counsel: Pro Se; Michael Alexander Thomas Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark, Standby Counsel


title: Essex County Man Charged With Firearms And  Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man has been indicted for firearms and narcotics offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Raishaun Lofton, 30, of Newark, New Jersey, was charged by indictment with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Almonte in Newark federal court and was detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On February 22, 2024, during an investigation, police officers recovered from Lofton a privately made firearm with no serial number, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, 81 glassine envelopes containing fentanyl, and plastic jugs commonly used to distribute illegal drugs. On April 22, 2024, video surveillance footage depicted Lofton firing a different firearm into the air during an argument. One of the bullets from the firearm that Lofton shot entered a nearby living room where a family with two children was watching a movie. During the subsequent investigation, law enforcement recovered the firearm that Lofton had fired. The two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon each carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to the sentence imposed on the other counts, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, and police officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, with the investigation that led to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Jacobs of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defense counsel: Tatiana Nnaji, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark lofton_indictment.pdf


title: JBER Airman charged with distributing, possessing child pornography

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A U.S. Air Force Airman stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) was arrested last Thursday after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging him with distributing and possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). According to court documents, in August 2024, Caleb French, 27, was reported to the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) by an individual who claimed French wanted to commit sexual assaults against minors. AFOSI executed a search warrant on French’s residence and recovered multiple digital devices allegedly containing over a thousand images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Law enforcement discovered that French also allegedly sent the reporting individual a link to a video depicting CSAM that same month. Court documents further allege that French surreptitiously took photos and videos of children in public throughout the community. It’s alleged that French intended to use the visuals to produce artificial intelligence generated CSAM. French is charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department are investigating this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with significant assistance from AFOSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting the case. If anyone has information concerning French’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov . 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: Four Indicted For Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business, Conspiracy To Make False Statements To A Bank

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO - A federal grand jury in Oakland indicted four individuals on charges of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and conspiracy to make false statements to a bank. According to the indictment filed Nov. 7, 2024, and unsealed Dec. 16, 2024, Gaston Kolker, 49, of Connecticut, Michael Goldfine, 66, of New York, Astrid Jasnis, 52, of Argentina, and Joanna O’Donnell, 56, of Sherman Oaks, California, allegedly made false statements to FDIC-insured banks in order to initiate and maintain a business transmitting money on behalf of others, many of whom were foreign nationals in Argentina. The defendants allegedly opened and maintained numerous accounts under false pretenses, claiming the accounts were held in the names of companies engaged in the importing and exporting of goods, when the defendants were operating the accounts for an unlicensed money transmitting business that transferred funds on behalf of others. The defendants are also charged with operating, and conspiring to operate, a money transmitting business without a license. Kolker was arrested in Connecticut on Dec. 13, 2024, made his initial appearance in Hartford that day, and was released on $250,000 bond. Goldfine self-surrendered on Dec. 13, 2024, made his initial appearance in New York City that day, and was released on $100,000 bond. Kolker and Goldfine are scheduled to appear in San Francisco on Jan. 21, 2025, for initial proceedings before Magistrate Judge Peter H. Kang. O’Donnell self-surrendered and made her initial appearance in San Francisco on Dec. 16, 2024. She is currently released on $100,000 bond following a hearing before Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim on Dec. 20, 2024. Jasnis remains at large. United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner, and San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, defendants each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 & 1014, conspiracy to make false statements to a bank, 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 & 1960, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and 18 U.S.C. § 1960, operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant United States Attorney Robert David Rees is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kay Konopaske and Veronica Hernandez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, FDIC-OIG, and USPIS.


title: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty To Sexual Assault Of Fellow Passenger Aboard International Flight To San Francisco

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Rajesh Kumar Kapoor, 57, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2024, to sexual assault of another passenger aboard an aircraft bound for San Francisco. Defendant was indicted on Mar. 13, 2024. The indictment alleged that, while on a flight from the Republic of Korea to San Francisco on Jan. 16, 2024, Kapoor touched the victim’s breasts and inner thigh without permission. In connection with pleading guilty, Kapoor admitted that he intentionally touched the victim’s inner thigh without the victim’s permission and with the intent to harass her. Kapoor pleaded guilty, with no plea agreement from the government, to abusive sexual contact in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(b). “Sexual assault has no place in our society, not on the ground and not in the skies. Airline passengers should not have to fear sexual assault while traveling. These assaults are federal crimes, and I urge the public to report them to law enforcement so they can be investigated and prosecuted,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. "Sexual misconduct on an aircraft is a serious violation of federal law and public trust,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. “Everyone has the right to feel safe while traveling. The FBI will continue working with our partners to ensure justice for victims of such outrageous criminal behavior.” Kapoor’s sentencing is scheduled for Mar. 27, 2025, before the Honorable Edward M. Chen, Senior U.S. District Judge. He faces a statutory maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Chou and Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas M. Parker are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Marina Ponomarchuk, Andy Ding, and Tina Rosenbaum. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the San Francisco Police Department Airport Bureau.


title: Redmond Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Identity Theft and Evading Tax Debt Payments

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Redmond, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for using a stolen identity to open more than 30 bank accounts and credit cards and evading payments on his $1.1 million tax debt. Michael David Anastasia, 69, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $777,899 in restitution to his victim. Restitution to the IRS will be determined at a later date. According to court documents, from 2002 until January 2020, Anastasia knowingly and intentionally used the social security number of a victim to open numerous bank accounts and credit cards. In addition, between 1991 and 2003, Anastasia received $1.4 million from another victim after convincing them of a fabricated agreement with the United States to secure access to allegedly seized funds. In 2007, Anastasia was convicted of tax evasion for failing to pay federal income taxes on the funds received from the victim. In November 2015, following his release from prison, Anastasia entered into an agreement with the IRS whereby he would make payments towards his tax debt if he received more than $4,526 per month. Rather than pay his taxes, Anastasia convinced the victim to send funds over this amount to his roommate. Anastasia instructed his roommate to withdraw the overage in cash, which Anastasia stored in a safe in his residence. Between March 2016 and September 2018, Anastasia evaded paying more than $180,000 to the IRS. On February 15, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Anastasia with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, tax evasion, and making false statements to financial institutions. On September 4, 2024, Anastasia pleaded guilty to tax evasion and identity theft. This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce and William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.


title: Josephine County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Manufacturing Marijuana and Falsifying Tax Returns

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.—A Josephine County, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for illegally manufacturing marijuana and filing false tax returns with the IRS. Steven Shirley, 52, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $290,291 in restitution to the IRS and $12,896 in restitution to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for damage the marijuana grows caused to the environment on BLM land. According to court documents, beginning in 2012, Shirley began purchasing properties in Cave Junction, Oregon as president and minister of Earth Peoples Park (EPP), an Oregon nonprofit religious organization. After purchasing a property, Shirley leased the land to third parties and used profits from the lease to purchase additional properties. By 2019, Shirley, through EPP, owned or co-owned 21 properties in Josephine County, Oregon, and received at least $400,000 per year through property leases. “We thank the dedicated law enforcement officers for their commitment to disrupt the defendant’s scheme that damaged public lands and circumvented his tax responsibilities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Mr. Shirley tried to profit from the abuse of nonprofit exemptions and illegal drug operations,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “Wednesday’s ruling acknowledges that he’s no spiritual leader.” In September 2019, investigators from the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET ) identified sixteen of the properties had large scale, unlicensed marijuana grows. On October 1, 2019, law enforcement executed search warrants and seized more than 15,000 marijuana plants and nine firearms and determined that a portion of BLM lands were used for these grows. Investigators learned Shirley not only employed and directed staff to illegally grow and harvest marijuana, but he also sold and delivered the marijuana. On June 14, 2021, BLM agents with the assistance of JMET executed search warrants on eleven EPP properties and discovered Shirley continued to illegally manufacture and sell marijuana on lands owned by EPP and the BLM. Agents also seized additional firearms. As part of the investigation, IRS agents reviewed EPP’s religious organization tax exempt status and Shirley’s personal tax records from 2015 to 2018. They determined EPP did not qualify as a religious organization and that Shirley used EPP as a for-profit land management company, which is a non-exempt purpose under IRS code. In addition, agents learned Shirley intentionally underreported lease income by more than $1 million, resulting in more than $290,000 in unpaid taxes. On August 2, 2023, Shirley was charged by criminal information with illegally manufacturing marijuana and filing a false tax return. He pleaded guilty on March 12, 2024. This case was investigated by the BLM, IRS Criminal Investigation, and JMET, with assistance from the IRS Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division, Oregon State Police, Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Drug Wholesaler Agrees to $1.5 Million Settlement of Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - Georgia, Middle

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A $1.5 million civil settlement resolving allegations under the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act has been reached with BTW Solutions, LLC, an Arkansas-based drug wholesaler specializing in providing drugs and related billing services to physicians treating workers’ compensation patients. The case resolved by this settlement agreement — U.S. ex rel. Young v. BTW Solutions, LLC, et al., 3:17-cv-94 — began as a qui tam suit filed on June 7, 2017. The Government filed a Complaint in Intervention on Sept. 21, 2023, and the parties have been litigating the matter since that time. The defendant agreed to pay $1.5 million to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting bills to the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) for the dispensing of certain pain creams in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The OWCP pays workers’ compensation claims submitted on behalf of injured federal workers. The settlement marks the end of a years-long investigation during which the defendant fully cooperated. “The Anti-Kickback Statute protects medical decision-making from being corrupted by improper financial considerations,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I am proud of our office’s efforts litigating this unique and difficult case involving an often-overlooked program designed to provide needed healthcare to injured federal workers. I want to thank the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General for their partnership in this case.” “This settlement allows the OWCP to recover medical bill payments under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act and return these funds to the Employees’ Compensation Fund,” said Office of Workers’ Compensation Director Christopher J. Godfrey. “It also shows the commitment of the Department of Labor to ensuring that program funds are used as the law requires, and the benefits of having the department’s Office of the Inspector General devote significant investigative resources to detecting cases of possible abuse within the FECA program.” The United States alleges that from 2013 to 2018, the defendant induced the sale of its pain creams to physicians by offering them at or near cost, billing the OWCP on behalf of the physicians at an exorbitant markup and then splitting the reimbursement with the physicians. The United States alleges that such conduct constitutes a violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and that the resulting claims submitted to OWCP for the pain creams therefore violate the FCA. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination or admission of liability. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits any person, including specialty medical and pharmaceutical suppliers, from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration — which includes money or anything of value — to induce the purchase of a drug that will be reimbursed by a federal healthcare program. The FCA is a federal law that imposes civil liability on any persons or entities who submit, or cause to be submitted, false claims for payment on the federal government or its contractors. The liability that can be imposed under the statute is treble damages (that is, three times the loss caused by the false claims) and a civil penalty between $13,946 to $27,894 per false claim. The FCA is the primary authority used by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Civil Division to redress fraud, waste and abuse within federal programs, including, but not limited to, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and OWCP. This case was investigated by Special Agent Joshua Barnes of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG) and Special Agent Derek Bigham of the U.S. Postal Service - Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd P. Swanson and W. Taylor McNeill of the Middle District of Georgia represented the United States in the civil action and settlement agreement.


title: Sequoyah County Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Robert Carl Ward, age 69, of Vian, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On June 3, 2024, Ward pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on January 2, 2024, agents discovered Ward in possession of possessed gallon-size baggies containing crystalline methamphetamine, two sets of digital gram-weight scales, and smaller plastic baggies filled with crystalline methamphetamine. In total, Ward possessed over 575 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, which he intended to distribute. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Ward will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Geizura and Edith Singer represented the United States.


title: Stilwell Resident Sentenced For Arson

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Aaron Welch Earley, age 42, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for one count of Arson in Indian Country. The Court also ordered Earley pay restitution in the amount of $130,268.91. The charge arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On March 28, 2024, Earley pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on March 14, 2023, Earley willfully and maliciously set fire to an insured Westville, Oklahoma, residence for financial benefit. The total reported loss exceeded $100,000. The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Earley will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: DeWitt Post Office Station Manager Indicted for Stealing Stamps

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Emilio Chirico, age 56, the Station Manager for the DeWitt, New York Post Office, has been charged by indictment with wire fraud, misappropriation of postal funds, and false entries and reports, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Modafferi of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). The indictment alleges that between January 2021 and March 2023, Chirico stole $81,553.94 in stamps from the DeWitt Post Office and falsified postal records to conceal the theft of the stamps. Chirico has been the station manager at the DeWitt Post Office since March 2012. The charges filed against Chirico carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tamara B. Thomson and Michael F. Perry.