title: Justice Department Commemorates National Public Defense Day

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: To commemorate National Public Defense Day, the Justice Department’s Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) announced the launch of the Public Defense Resource Hub (PD Hub), a one-stop shop with comprehensive resources and materials to support individuals and organizations involved in public defense. The PD Hub will collect existing resources for professionals providing public defense services, public defense commissions, and related organizations from across the federal government and develop additional tools to help defenders access necessary resources, research, and guidance to support the constitutional right to counsel. “Every day, in courts across America, the promise of the Sixth Amendment is made real through the dedication and commitment of public defenders,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is proud to stand with the public defenders and criminal defense attorneys who work to carry out the foundational principle, reaffirmed 61 years ago today in Gideon v. Wainwright , that the law protects all of us – the poor as well as the rich, the powerless as well as the powerful.” “Last year, I was proud to join the Office for Access to Justice in Florida to announce the Justice Department’s National Public Defense Day Tour,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This year, by launching the new Public Defense Resource Hub, we take another important step to support the critical work of public defenders nationwide.” “The Justice Department is committed to supporting modern public defense systems that address the urgent criminal and civil legal needs in communities across the country,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “On National Public Defense Day, we renew this commitment by establishing a Public Defense Resource Hub that will simplify access to federal government resources to strengthen public defense.” The Public Defense Resource Hub offers numerous benefits and introduces a novel approach to supporting public defense from the Department: Centralized Access: By consolidating all funding information, toolkits, research, advocacy resources, and other relevant materials, the PD Hub provides a one-stop destination for resources to support individuals and organizations involved in public defense. Efficiency: Users can explore a wide range of resources without needing to navigate multiple websites or sources, saving time and effort in finding pertinent information. Increased Resources: The PD Hub will encourage increased resources to support public defense and will empower public defenders with tools to strengthen advocacy efforts, thereby improving the quality of multidisciplinary public defense Transparency: Hosting funding information on the PD Hub promotes transparency in resource allocation for public defense, ensuring that criminal justice stakeholders are aware of available funding opportunities and committed to support equitable distribution. Collaboration and Innovation: The PD Hub will foster collaboration and innovation among public defenders, policymakers, researchers, and impacted communities. “Providing public defenders with the tools, resources, and support they need to fulfill their critical mission makes our justice system fairer, more equal, and more just,” said ATJ Director Rachel Rossi. “The Public Defense Resource Hub is an innovative first-of-its kind resource to assist public defenders, state, local, and Tribal policymakers, and related professionals to provide the highest quality multidisciplinary legal representation to historically underserved and marginalized communities.” The Public Defense Resource Hub was developed in response to feedback and engagement during the National Public Defense Day Tour and National Law School Tour in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright last year, and direct engagements with public defenders, defender commissions, Tribal defenders, and law schools across the country. These included visits with public defense leaders, law students, impacted communities and other justice system stakeholders in Miami, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Las Vegas; Nashville, Tennessee; Des Moines, Iowa; Concord, New Hampshire; Portland, Maine; Missoula, Montana; Seattle, Washington; and Dallas. On March 21, the office will conclude its National Law School Tour with a final stop at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, where Director Rossi will announce the launch of the Public Defense Resource Hub and speak to law students about the nation’s critical need for public defenders and the future of public defense.


title: East Feliciana Man Sentenced  for Wire Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – CLARENCE “BILLY” BURKETTE , age 55, a resident of Slaughter, La., was sentenced on March 13, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, to 6 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release, a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, and the payment of $598,196.25 in restitution to the victim of this offense, the Town of Pearl River, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, BURKETTE had previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and admitted to defrauding the Town of Pearl River in connection with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program (PAC). The PAC provides grants for state, territorial, tribal, and local governments, and certain non-profit organizations. The PAC is administered in Louisiana by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). BURKETTE , who contracted to provide the Town of Pearl River disaster assistance services, misrepresented, among other things, the amount of public assistance grant funds for which the Town of Pearl River was eligible. BURKETTE also misrepresented to the Town of Pearl River that his own fees would be reimbursed by FEMA. U.S. Attorney Evans commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the District Attorney’s Office, 22 nd Judicial District, for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit and J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Former O.C. Tax Preparer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Leading Scheme to Swindle IRS and States Out of Millions of Dollars

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A former Orange County tax preparer was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for leading multi-year tax fraud conspiracies across three countries, which claimed more than $10 million from the IRS and dozens of state tax authorities in fraudulent tax refunds and led these authorities to lose more than $1.2 million. Stephen Jake McGonigle, 67, of Victorville, was sentenced by United States District Judge James V. Selna, who also ordered him to pay $1,230,175 in restitution. Judge Selna also ordered that the $300,000 McGonigle previously paid to be free on bond in this case be applied to the restitution order. At the conclusion of an eight-day trial, a jury in November 2023 found McGonigle guilty of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. McGonigle recruited others to help convince the IRS and dozens of state governments to issue millions of dollars in fraudulent tax refunds. To perpetrate the massive fraud that began in 2013 and lasted until McGonigle’s arrest in 2019, McGonigle sent one co-conspirator to Thailand to obtain fake identification documents that used stolen victim identities, and then he directed other co-conspirators to use those fake identifications to obtain prepaid debit cards, as well as numerous commercial mailboxes across Orange County and elsewhere. After having the prepaid debit cards sent to these untraceable mailboxes, McGonigle and his co-conspirators filed fraudulent tax returns using the identity theft victims’ Social Security numbers. Those fraudulent tax returns sought millions of dollars in tax refunds to be deposited into these prepaid debit cards or other bank accounts that they controlled. With more than a decade of tax preparation experience in Southern California, McGonigle used his knowledge to lead the fraud scheme. The IP addresses used to file the fraudulent returns were traced back to various cities in Southern California, including McGonigle’s home in Fallbrook and various office spaces leased by McGonigle in Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, and Carlsbad. Some IP addresses were traced back to Costa Rica, where law enforcement surveillance and travel records confirmed that McGonigle and his co-conspirators opened an office and hired employees to help file additional fraudulent returns. McGonigle’s scheme fraudulently sought more than $10 million from federal and state tax authorities and caused an actual loss of $1,230,175. Prosecutors have secured guilty pleas from two co-defendants, who are also scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months. IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this matter. The Missouri Department of Revenue and the U.S. Secret Service provided substantial assistance during the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Sue Bai of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Colin Scott of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Child Pornography Clayton Tanner , 20, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Mar. 14. The federal sentence will be served concurrent to a prior state sentence imposed on Tanner for similar crimes. According to court documents, Cybertips and a local police investigation led officers to Tanner, who is a registered sex offender. Investigators found numerous images of child sexual abuse material on Tanner’s phone. He was then indicted and pleaded guilty to the sole count of the indictment on Oct. 16, 2023. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Cheyenne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens. Zayne Ryan Beeson , 23, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Mar. 18. According to court documents, the investigation began in March 2023 when Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office in Hopkins County, Texas, received a call of possible online solicitation of a minor. The investigation uncovered sexually explicit images, video and text messages between the underage minor and Beeson. In an interview with agents from the Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Beeson admitted to the conduct with the minor victim, including asking for and receiving the child pornography. Beeson’s tattoo matched images exchanged via Instagram with the minor victim. He was indicted and pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2023. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens. Wildlife Violation Jonathan Lee Cox , 31, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay $6,100 in restitution for attempted unlawful transportation and sale of illegally possessed wildlife. Cox pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 15, 2023. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Mar. 11. According to court documents, in Apr. 2023, federal and state law enforcement officers in Teton County began an investigation of illegal shed antler collecting on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge. On May 7, investigators found Cox on the National Elk Refuge with shed elk antlers. Cox admitted to illegal shed antler collecting. This crime was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. *Correction** Domestic Violence In the previous press release, it stated Vincent Acosta was sentenced to 60 months. He was in fact sentenced to 78 months. Vincent Acosta, age 46, of Moran, Wyoming, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for sexual abuse. Senior U.S. District Court Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Mar. 4. According to court documents, Acosta and the victim were seasonal employees working for a business operating in Grand Teton National Park. Park Rangers were called to the employee housing for the business for a report of a sexual assault. Acosta pled guilty to sexually assaulting the victim on Nov. 16, 2023. The crime was investigated by the National Park Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore.


title: Co-Owner of diesel truck maintenance and sales companies pleads guilty to tampering with pollution controls in violation of Clean Air Act

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – The co-owner of two businesses involved in diesel truck sales and service pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to violating the Clean Air Act, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Sean Coiteux, 50, admits he directed employees to tamper with federally-required pollution control hardware on hundreds of diesel trucks and with the trucks’ pollution monitoring systems. Coiteux and his wife, Tracy Coiteux, 46, own Racing Performance Maintenance Northwest of Ridgefield, Washington, and a related Woodland, Washington, company, RPM Motors and Sales NW. Racing Performance Northwest also pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act. RPM Motors and Sales pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act. Coiteux and both companies are scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on June 24, 2024. In the plea agreement, Coiteux admits that between January 2018 and January 2021, he directed employees to delete pollution control software and devices on diesel trucks it sold or serviced. Coiteux’ companies charged between $1,000 and $2,000 for this work. Over three years Coiteux’ companies did this work on approximately 375 diesel trucks, for $538,477 in fees. “By removing required pollution control devices, the defendants caused their customers’ diesel trucks to spew pollutants into the air at a rate of up to 1,200 times the pollution caused by compliant trucks,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This conduct increased toxins in our environment that are linked to cancer, as well as pulmonary, neurological, cardiovascular, and immune system damage. The pollution causes particular harm to disadvantaged communities who live near freeways and other high traffic areas.” According to records in the case, Coiteux directed his employees to modify legally required software that works to ensure the vehicle’s pollution remains within legal limits. RPM Motors and Sales sometimes offered, as part of the sale of a truck, to remove the emissions control system after the customer purchased a truck. Email and other electronic records document the conspirators’ purchase of equipment and software kits to remove the pollution control and reprogram the monitoring systems. These modifications, which are known as “tunes” and “deletes,” are marketed to truck owners as improving vehicle power and performance. Tracy Coiteux, 46, remains charged in the case and is scheduled for trial on May 20, 2024. In September 2022 service manager, Nick Akerill, 44, pleaded guilty in Clark County Superior Court to a Motor Vehicle Emission Control Systems Violation and was sentenced to serve on a work crew for 30 days. Each violation of the federal Clean Air Act is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than six months in prison for Coiteux. Judge Settle is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law. The case is being investigated by Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Cindy Chang and Environmental Protection Agency Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Gebel Perrin.


title: Felon Sentenced To Prison For Unlawful Possession Of Stolen Firearms

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident who has prior felony convictions was sentenced Friday by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of two stolen firearms. According to court documents, on August 2, 2023, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer approached Domineaq Marchell Wilson and three others in a parking area behind an apartment building. The officer saw that the ignition of two motorcycles had been torn out, and at least one of the motorcycles was running without a key. The officer saw the grip of a pistol protruding from the waistband of Wilson’s pants. When the officer directed Wilson not to reach for the firearm, Wilson grabbed the grip and ran from the officer. The firearm, a Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol, fell to the ground. Wilson threw down a backpack containing a loaded Glock G42 semiautomatic pistol as he ran. The officer caught Wilson as he tried to climb over a wall. Wilson admitted that the Browning Black Label .380 semiautomatic pistol had been stolen from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Overton, Nev. and the Glock G42 semiautomatic pistol had been stolen from a private citizen in Henderson, Nev. At the time, Wilson was on state supervision in two separate felony convictions in Nevada. Wilson, 24, also known as “Tension,” pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. This case was investigated by the ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/ . ###


title: Yorba Linda Man and Colorado Man Plead Guilty to Fatally Shooting Wild Burros in Mojave Desert and Unlawfully Possessing Firearms

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – An Orange County man and a Colorado man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for shooting three wild burros (donkeys) to death in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County in late 2021. Christopher James Arnet, 32, of Loveland, Colorado, and Cameron John Feikema, 36, of Yorba Linda, California, each pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of an unregistered firearm, namely a short-barreled rifle, and one misdemeanor count of maliciously causing the death of a burro on public lands. According to their plea agreements, on November 5, 2021, the defendants drove in Arnet’s truck to public land north of the town of Yermo, in San Bernardino County. Arnet and Feikema eventually got out of Arnet’s truck and were dressed in tactical gear, including ballistic helmets equipped with night vision goggles. Arnet and Feikema each possessed an AR-style firearm. At approximately 1 a.m. on November 6, 2021, Arnet and Feikema collectively fired at least 13 rounds from their firearms, striking and killing three wild burros. Arnet fired at least five rounds from his firearm while Feikema fired at least four rounds from his weapon. One burro was shot near its spine towards its hind legs, which paralyzed the burro’s hind legs and caused the animal severe pain before it died. A bullet removed from that burro was fired from Arnet’s firearm. Law enforcement later seized the firearms involved in the burro shootings at Arnet and Feikema’s residences. When the firearms were seized, each was a short-barreled rifle and therefore required to be registered under federal law. Neither of the firearms was registered. United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal scheduled July 8 sentencing hearings for the defendants, who will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for the firearm count and up to one year in federal prison for the burro death count. As part of the plea agreements, defendants agreed to forfeit or abandon the illegally possessed rifles, over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, night vision goggles, and other tactical gear. The Bureau of Land Management investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Cory L. Burleson, of the Riverside Branch Office, and Alexander Su, of the Asset Forfeiture & Recovery Section, are prosecuting these cases.


title: Three District Men Indicted on Murder and Related Charges

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

body_text: WASHINGTON – On Friday, March 15, 2024, Steven Metts, 18, Keondre Carroll, 21, and Jovontae Wallace, 19, all of Washington, D.C., were indicted by a Superior Court grand jury for first-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of Raymond Ballard on January 23, 2024 and the armed kidnapping and robbery on a Metrobus related to a January 24, 2024 offense in Southeast Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), and Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division. The sixteen-count indictment charges Metts, Carroll, and Wallace with one count of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of kidnapping while armed, one count of armed robbery, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Both Metts and Carroll are each additionally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and other related firearms charges. The defendants were presented before the Honorable Heidi Hermann who ordered that all three defendants be held without bond pending trial. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on January 23, 2024, the defendants drove their vehicle into the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and fired approximately 29 shots, striking Raymond Ballard, an innocent bystander at the E-Z Mart. On January 24, 2024, the defendants drove that same vehicle into the 4600 block of Livingston Road SE and attempted to rob an individual of a Moose Knuckle jacket. When that individual fled onto a Metrobus, the defendants followed the Metrobus, boxing in the Metrobus at the intersection thereby restraining its movement. Two of the three defendants then exited the vehicle with firearms, boarded the bus, and took the victim’s Moose Knuckle coat. The defendants then exited the bus, got back into the vehicle, and began driving away while shooting at the bus. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, Metro Transit Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 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: Oregon registered sex offender sentenced to 25 years in prison for child sexual abuse crimes

body_text: Seattle – A 49-year-old Portland, Oregon man was sentenced last week to 25 years in prison for attempted enticement of a minor and possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Dirk Tichgelaar has been in custody since his arrest on January 25, 2020. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik ordered lifetime supervised release to follow the prison term. “This defendant acted on his predatory impulse to harm a child – he traveled hundreds of miles thinking he would rape a 5-year-old. The child was fictitious, but his dark intentions were not,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This is a long sentence, but a necessary one, to protect the community.” According to records filed in the case, Homeland Security Investigations used an internet chat room known to be associated with the trade of images of child sexual abuse, to investigate child predators. Beginning in October 2019, Tichgelaar communicated with an undercover officer about his desire to rape young girls. The undercover officer pretended he had a 5-year-old daughter and Tichgelaar made detailed messages about his desire to rape the child. Tichgelaar made arrangements to drive from Portland for the sexual abuse, bringing an “Elsa” costume with him as a present for the child. He was arrested when he arrived at the meeting location. A court authorized search of his home resulted in the seizure of electronic devices including a thumb drive with multiple images of child sexual abuse. Tichgelaar is a registered sex offender due to a 2005 Oregon conviction for first degree sexual abuse. "In safeguarding our communities' youth, including those as young as 5 years old, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) remains resolute in our mission to combat child exploitation. The recent sentencing of Tichgelaar exemplifies our unwavering commitment to utilizing every available resource to protect innocent children from predators,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “This case underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to ensure a safer environment for our most vulnerable members and highlights the necessity of continued vigilance in combating child exploitation." This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton with assistance from Oregon Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Sussman.


title: Johnson City Man Sentenced To Two Years For Aggravated Identity Theft Related To Defrauding COVID-19 Economic Relief Program

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On March 18, 2024, Ketan Ghutadaria, 53, of Johnson City, Tennessee was sentenced to 24 months in prison by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville. Following his release from imprisonment, Ghutadaria will be on supervised release for one year, and he will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $100,300. As part of a plea agreement filed with the court, Ghutadaria agreed to plead guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1), in connection with a scheme to defraud the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program, a federal program authorized to provide loans to small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. As set forth in the filed plea agreement, on March 31, 2020, Ghutadaria submitted an electronic application to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) requesting an EIDL on behalf of a local trucking company. Ghutadaria used the business owner’s personal identification information to apply for the EIDL without the business owner’s knowledge or authority. The SBA approved the EIDL application based on the fraudulent information provided by Ghutadaria. On June 16, 2020, the SBA transferred $100,300 in EIDL funds into a bank account that Ghutadaria had access to. Between June 16, 2020, and September 2020, Ghutadaria spent approximately all the EIDL funds to pay off student loans, to pay off a motor vehicle loan, and on other personal items. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and United States Secret Service (“USSS”) Resident Agent in Charge, Jason Brown, made the announcement. The case was investigated by Special Agent Thomas Whitehead of the USSS. Assistant United States Attorneys Mac Heavener and Ryan Blackwell represented the United States. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across the government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . ###


title: Former San Francisco PUC Chief Sentenced To Four Years In Prison

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO - Harlan Kelly Jr. was sentenced today to four years in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine after being tried and convicted of participating in a long-running honest services fraud bribery conspiracy and a separate bank fraud scheme and conspiracy, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K Tripp, and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley of the Oakland Field Office. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Richard Seeborg, Chief U.S. District Judge, following a 12-day jury trial. “By abusing his position and violating his duty of trust, Harlan Kelly betrayed the people of the City of San Francisco in service to his personal greed,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robbins. “Today’s four-year prison sentence sends a clear message that public officials who violate their oath of office and betray their duty as public stewards will be held accountable.” “The citizens of San Francisco deserve honesty and integrity from their public officials,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “Kelly, however, put his own personal gain above the people he served, for which he will now spend years in prison. The FBI and our partners will continue to root out and hold accountable government officials who violate the public's trust.” “Harlan Kelly’s long-running bribery and bank fraud schemes were rooted in greed and are blatant abuses of power,” said CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley. “Today’s sentencing serves notice to those afflicted with such greed and disregard for public trust: you are not above the law and CI special agents along with their federal law enforcement partners work daily to protect and maintain public trust while developing cases that hold criminals responsible.” Kelly, 61, of San Francisco, was convicted of the crimes on July 14, 2023. The evidence at trial showed that during the relevant time, Kelly was the general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and one of the highest-ranking appointed officials in San Francisco City government. The evidence demonstrated that for over six years, while Kelly was leading the SFPUC, he received a stream of bribes from a contractor seeking to be awarded millions of dollars in SFPUC contracts. The jury concluded Kelly accepted the bribes which included payments for a lavish vacation to Hong Kong and China, construction work on this house, and other benefits. Further, the evidence demonstrated that in return for bribes, Kelly used his official position to provide aid to a contractor by providing the contractor with internal, confidential PUC documents related to the contract being sought. In addition, Kelly was convicted of participating in a separate bank fraud conspiracy. The jury concluded that both Kelly and his co-conspirator Victor Makras, 65, of San Francisco, took steps to defraud Quicken Loans as part of a $1.3 million mortgage loan application. Both Kelly and Makras were convicted of bank fraud and false statements for their respective roles in the scheme. On May 31, 2022, a federal grand jury handed down a superseding indictment charging Kelly with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, honest services fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and §1346, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344, conspiracy to make false statements to a bank, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and making false statements to a bank, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1014. Kelly was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, one count of honest services wire fraud, and all four counts related to the bank fraud scheme. The jury found Kelly was not guilty of two honest services wire fraud counts. In addition to the prison term and the fine, Judge Seeborg also ordered Kelly to serve a three-year period of supervised release to begin after his prison term. Judge Seeborg ordered Kelly to begin serving his sentence on June 19, 2024. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Ward and Kristina Green are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the CI. Kelly’s sentencing is the latest in the U.S. Attorney’s six-year investigation into public corruption in San Francisco. To date, more than a dozen individuals and two corporations have pleaded guilty or admitted their involvement in the sprawling corruption schemes.


title: Saratoga County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK –Anthony Luizzi, age 24, of Halfmoon, New York, pled guilty today to drug and gun crimes in connection with his trafficking in large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as his possession of nearly 40 firearms. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. Luizzi pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. He admitted that he conspired to distribute, and possessed with intent and distribute, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, from his residence in Halfmoon, and from an apartment on Western Avenue in Albany. On May 23, 2023, law enforcement searched his Halfmoon apartment where they found more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl pills, along with five firearms, including a defaced shotgun. Law enforcement also seized $2,616 in cash as drug proceeds. On that same day, law enforcement also searched the Western Avenue apartment and found 34 more firearms, as well as more than 400 grams of fentanyl pills, more than 7,000 grams of pills containing methamphetamine, and more than 700 grams of cocaine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 16, 2024, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Luizzi faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, and a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life, to begin after he finishes his prison term. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The following defendants, who were also arrested on May 23, 2023, still face charges in connection with this case: Brandon Bartley was charged by criminal complaint on May 23, 2023, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He has been ordered detained pending trial. Jabree Jones was charged with a violation of the terms of his supervised release on May 23, 2023, and has been detained pending the resolution of the supervised release violation petition. The charges against Bartley and Jones are merely accusations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The DEA and the ATF are investigating the case, with assistance from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.


title: Troy Felon Indicted for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Richawn McClain, age 25, of Troy, New York, was ordered detained today following an indictment filed last week alleging that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. McClain allegedly possessed a Glock .40 caliber handgun that had been modified into a machinegun, and a cocaine-fentanyl mixture and more than 900 oxycodone pills, which he intended to sell. The indictment also alleges that McClain unlawfully possessed the firearm as a previously convicted felon. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges filed against McClain carry a mandatory prison term of at least 5 years and up to life, a supervised release term of at least 3 years and up to life, and a maximum $1 million fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart ordered McClain detained pending a trial before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. The DEA is investigating the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.


title: Midvale Man Found Guilty of Wire Fraud While on Pretrial Release, Sentenced to 41 Months’ in Prison

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A U.S. District Court Judge sentenced Chad Leon Sayers, 59, of Midvale, Utah to 41 months’ imprisonment today followed by three years of supervised release for crimes committed while on pretrial release for a separate wire fraud case. The sentence comes after a federal jury found Sayers guilty of wire fraud and contempt of court in 2023. According to evidence presented at trial, Sayers, while awaiting trial on a 2021 indictment for an alleged securities, wire fraud and money laundering scheme, violated his pretrial release conditions set by a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The explicit conditions ordered Sayers to not be employed in any fiduciary capacity and not seek any investments or conduct any fundraisers. However, on May 18, 2022, while on pretrial release, Sayers sent an email to an individual in the Philippines who was known for helping connect business owners with investors. Sayers emailed the individual for help to raise $300,000 to $500,000 for SMART’R. Sayers was the self-proclaimed founder and CEO of SMART’R, a technology company he described as designing and developing the world’s most advanced mobile devices in the medical, communications, and entertainment industries. He solicited funds by advertising fabricated financial projections, a fabricated team of executives, and fabricated accolades for SMART’R. Sayers also claimed SMART’R had partnerships with well-known companies – like Google, Qualcomm, Redstone, Sony, and Toshiba. During this time, Sayers also concealed his 2021 federal criminal indictment for financial fraud and lawsuits by investors. In April 2023, a federal jury found Sayers guilty of two counts of wire fraud, and one count of contempt for his conduct while on pre-trial release. He is scheduled for a jury trial for his 2021 case on August 13, 2024, before a U.S. District Court Judge at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. “The jury found that Mr. Sayers committed wire fraud and contempt of court by engaging in his fraudulent scheme to obtain money,” said United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “My office, working with our law enforcement partners will vigorously prosecute these cases in order to deter others from engaging in similar criminal behavior.” "Investment fraud causes not only financial harm but also erodes public trust in our financial system. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of our Division of Securities and our partners, and commend the U.S. Attorney's office for their unwavering commitment to prosecute these crimes and protect unsuspecting investors," said Utah Department of Commerce Executive Director, Margaret Busse. The Utah Division of Securities investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Hackford-Peer, Jacob Strain, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachiko Jepson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: “Rock Doc” Sentenced for Opioid Distribution Conspiracy

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: A Tennessee nurse practitioner known locally as the “Rock Doc” was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for illegally prescribing opioids — including oxycodone and fentanyl — from his medical practice in Jackson, Tennessee. “The self-proclaimed ‘Rock Doc’ abused the power of the prescription pad to supply his small community with hundreds of thousands of doses of highly addictive prescription opioids to obtain money, notoriety, and sexual favors,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant’s conduct endangered his patients and the community as a whole. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this criminal conduct and the department’s commitment to protecting communities from the scourge of illegally prescribed drugs.” “The epidemic of opioid abuse is fueled by doctors like the defendant who are willing to over-prescribe highly addictive drugs and exploit patient pain for their own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “This sentence sends a strong message that healthcare professionals who prey on those who suffer from addiction are no better than street corner drug dealers — and that our office and law enforcement partners will hold them just as accountable for their crimes.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jeffrey W. Young Jr., 49 , of Jackson, used his medical practice, Preventagenix, to illegally prescribe medically unnecessary controlled substance pills to hundreds of patients, including a pregnant woman and women with whom he was having inappropriate physical relationships. Young maintained a party-type atmosphere at his clinic, and prescribed these drugs at least in part to boost his popularity on social media and promote a self-produced reality TV show pilot based on his self-identified persona, the “Rock Doc.” Young prescribed more than 100,000 doses of hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl into the community. “Mr. Young operated a medical practice with a wanton disregard for the health and well-being of his patients who entrusted him with their medical care,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodowich of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Louisville Field Division. “Any healthcare provider who conducts business in such a manner that causes harm to his patients and community should expect to meet the full weight of the justice system.” “While we applaud the dedication of the overwhelming majority of medical providers, on occasion, a provider such as Mr. Young abuses his prescribing authority to serve self-interests and contribute to patient addiction and endangerment,” said Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). “Alongside our valuable law enforcement partners, the healthcare community, and private citizens, the TBI stands committed to identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those who seek to misuse their authority for personal gain or notoriety and put our community at risk.” The DEA and TBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Jackson Police Department. Assistant Chief Kate Payerle and Trial Attorney Drew Pennebaker of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Podiatrist Convicted of $4M Foot Bath Fraud Scheme

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal jury convicted a Tennessee podiatrist today for a scheme to defraud Medicare and TennCare by prescribing and dispensing medically unnecessary foot bath medications and obtaining millions of dollars in reimbursements. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Nathan Lucas, D.P.M., 59 , of Memphis, owned and operated a podiatry clinic, Advanced Foot & Ankle Care of Memphis LLC, as well as two in-house pharmacies. Lucas regularly prescribed antibiotic and antifungal drugs to be mixed into a tub of water for patients to soak their feet. These drug cocktails included capsules, creams, and powders that were not indicated to be dissolved in water and some of which were not even water soluble. Lucas chose these medications to prescribe and dispense based on their anticipated reimbursement amount, rather than medical necessity. From October 2018 through September 2021, Lucas caused his pharmacies to submit nearly $4 million in claims to Medicare and TennCare for dispensing expensive foot bath medications that were not medically necessary and not eligible for reimbursement, for which Lucas’s pharmacies were reimbursed over $3 million. The jury convicted Lucas of five counts of health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) made the announcement. HHS-OIG and TBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter and Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Not Paying Employment Taxes

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: A Florida man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for failing to pay over taxes that he withheld from his employees’ paychecks. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Timothy Meade, of Fort Myers, Florida, operated a prison phone call service under several business names. From 2011 through 2021, he withheld taxes from his employees’ paychecks but did not pay over to the IRS the full amount of the taxes he withheld. He also did not pay the business’ portion of his employees’ Social Security and Medicare taxes. The IRS attempted to collect the taxes, but Meade changed the call service’s names and bank accounts to thwart the IRS’ collection efforts. In total, Meade caused a tax loss of $971,130 to the IRS. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Sheri Polster Chappell for the Middle District of Florida ordered Meade to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $971,130 in restitution to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Lani Rosado-Espinal of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Brian Flanagan and Curtis Weidler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yolande Viacava for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.


title: Clay County Man Sentenced To 5 Years In Federal Prison For Aggravated Identity Theft And Fraud Involving The Paycheck Protection Program And Tax Charges

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Christopher Leo Daragjati, (Middleburg) to five years in federal prison on two counts of wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of theft of government property over $1,000. The court also ordered him to pay $363,099 in restitution. Daragjati pleaded guilty on July 20, 2023, and has been detained since his appearance in federal court on March 28, 2023. According to court documents, Daragjati obtained the personal identifiable information (PII), including the Social Security numbers, of multiple victims. In July 2022, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into an unknown individual, later identified as Daragjati, using stolen identities to commit fraud. Daragjati opened up commercial lines of credit with Sunbelt Rentals using the PII of victims. After renting thousands of dollars of equipment from a rental company, he pawned or stole the equipment. Daragjati’s actions caused a felony arrest warrant to be issued for an innocent victim. The Florida Highway Patrol – Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence, with assistance from other members of law enforcement, determined that Daragjati fraudulently obtained numerous genuine Florida driver licenses and identification cards. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also determined that Daragjati used two fraudulently obtained Florida identification cards to apply for three Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in the identity of two victims. Unsuspecting lenders approved the three loan applications and Daragjati received approximately $150,000 in PPP loan proceeds. An investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revealed that Daragjati submitted eight fraudulent federal tax returns using the stolen identities of six victims. The IRS approved one such tax refund causing Daragjati to receive a refund of more than $3,000 in the identity of the victim. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to identity thieves who prey on taxpayers,” said Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent In Charge, Lani I Rosado-Espinal. “IRS-CI will thoroughly investigate and bring to justice corrupt actors in order to preserve the integrity of the United States tax system.” “The Clay County Sheriff’s Office takes any attempts to defraud or scheme our citizens’ out of their hard earned money very seriously,” said Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook. “We appreciate the cooperation that we have with our law enforcement partners to hold these suspects accountable. We will continue to diligently work to identify and arrest any individuals who are engaged in fraud.” “Using other people’s identities to scam the tax code and take money you are not entitled to makes you a thief. Period,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI, alongside all of our law enforcement partners, will diligently seek out those hiding behind stolen identities and stop them from robbing unsuspecting victims of their personal information and financial security.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, with valuable assistance provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol – Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.


title: Dade City Man Pleads Guilty To Unlawfully Possessing Machine Guns

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Stewart Walter Bachmann (55, Dade City) has pleaded guilty to possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number. Each charge carries up to 10 years in federal prison. Sentencing is set for June 4, 2024. According to court records, on August 5, 2023, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office received a telephone call from Bachman who told the dispatcher that he was being held hostage and was going to be “put under” by people who were able to walk through the “5 th dimension.” As the call progressed, Bachmann also stated there was “going to be something like 9/11,” and there was currently an invisible person in the backseat of his vehicle. Pasco Sheriff’s deputies made contact with Bachmann near the Tampa Premium Outlet Mall. When deputies began speaking with Bachmann, he told them that the CIA was planning a politically motivated mass shooting at the mall. When deputies asked Bachmann if he was going to be the one committing the shooting, he indicated he didn’t know or hadn’t been told that yet. The Pasco Sherriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a search warrant of Bachmann’s home. During the search, several firearms that are required to be registered in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record were located. However, another firearm (RAK15), AR-15 type rifle was also found. This rifle had been modified to house an automatic sear, converting the weapon to fully automatic. ATF found no records for this weapon in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, indicating Bachmann was unlawfully in possession of the device. The weapon also had not been marked with a new serial number after it had been converted to fire fully automatically. During the same search of Bachmann’s home, law enforcement also found a machine gun conversion device, which is a device designed to convert a semiautomatic firearm to a fully automatic firearm. This conversion device also was not registered in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record and did not have a serial number. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench. 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: Arizona And Nevada Men Indicted For Conspiring To Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jesus Andres Villapudua, a/k/a “Chik” (35, San Luis, Arizona), and Noel Alfredo Garcia, (34, Las Vegas, Nevada) with conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. According to the indictment, beginning on an unknown date and continuing through February 22, 2024, Villapudua and Garcia knowingly and willfully conspired with each other and other persons to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.


title: Jury Convicts Riverview Man For COVID Relief Fraud

body_text: Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Alexander Alli (39, Riverview) guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Alli faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2024. Alli was indicted on January 18, 2023. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Alli submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Alli falsely represented that he had a business suffering injury due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the EIDL funds would be used only for business-related purposes. Alli’s business, however, had ceased operations prior to the start of the pandemic and was no longer operational at the time his EIDL application was submitted. Alli’s false and fraudulent representations caused the SBA to approve and fund a total of $82,500 in EIDL funds, which he spent on non-business-related purposes. In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Former Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Bribery and Contraband Smuggling Scheme

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A former federal correctional officer in Oregon was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into a federal prison in exchange for money. Nickolas Carlos Herrera, 34, of McMinnville, Oregon, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. “Corruption by any public official or law enforcement officer is unacceptable. Mr. Herrera dishonored both himself and the law he swore to uphold, as well as the justice system he represents, by allowing a free flow of criminal activity in and out of the prison,” said Aubree M. Schwartz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “Today’s sentence should send a strong message to all who abuse their positions for personal gain: we will not accept corruption in any form, or at any level.” “By smuggling drugs, a cell phone, and other contraband into FCI Sheridan, Herrera exchanged the safety and security of the entire institution for his own selfish gain. Today’s sentencing shows that correctional officers who accept bribes and bring contraband into federal prisons will be held accountable for their crimes,” said Zachary Shroyer, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Western Region. According to court documents, from April 2015 until he was placed on administrative leave in December 2019, Herrera was employed as a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Oregon, a medium security federal prison. Herrera used his position to introduce contraband into the facility for the benefit of select inmates, including Donte Hunt, 40, of Portland, who at the time was in custody pending trial on federal drug, gun, and money laundering charges. In the spring of 2019, Herrera started bringing contraband items such as food, clothing, and cigarettes into the facility, which he gave to Hunt. Later, Herrera brought Hunt marijuana; Suboxone, a Schedule III narcotic; Yeezy brand designer sneakers; and a cell phone. Herrera obtained the items from Elizabeth McIntosh, 34, a non-incarcerated associate of Hunt’s. On at least one occasion, Herrera allowed Hunt to use a staff phone at the prison to call McIntosh to arrange the delivery of contraband to Herrera. Herrera met McIntosh on multiple occasions to obtain items for Hunt and accepted payment from her on Hunt’s behalf. On September 24, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Herrera, Hunt, and McIntosh with conspiracy and bribing a public official. Herrera and Hunt were also charged with providing contraband in prison. On May 19, 2022, Herrera pleaded guilty to conspiracy, providing contraband in prison, and accepting a bribe as a public official. On December 18, 2023, Hunt pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribing a public official. He was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison to be served concurrently with a 300-month sentence previously imposed from his underlying criminal case. On November 29, 2023, McIntosh pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information charging her with misprision of felony and, on February 13, 2023, she was sentenced to one year of probation. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Portland Police Bureau, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Ethan Knight and Katherine Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.


title: Man Sentenced to 40 months in prison for Stealing Chief Federal  Judge’s Identity and Forging Court Documents

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: Honolulu, Hawaii – Edmond Abordo of Honolulu was sentenced in federal court today to 40 months for forging the signature of a federal judge in order to trick an elderly woman into paying him thousands of dollars for bogus legal services. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California handled this case after the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii was recused. In November of 2023, Abordo was in the second day of his federal jury trial when he decided to plead guilty to forging the signature of the Chief Judge and using the seal of the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii to create a phony court order. Abordo then used the forged court order to convince the victim that he had used his legal expertise to prevent the foreclosure of her Ewa Beach, Hawaii home. When Abordo first met the victim, he described himself to her as a “non-licensed attorney” who could help save her home. Abordo—who is not a lawyer and has no legal training—claimed he had expertise on several legal subjects, including mortgages and adverse possession. He convinced the victim to file a federal lawsuit challenging foreclosure of her home. Nearly each time Abordo met with the victim, he demanded a cash payment of $1,000 to $3,000 dollars. According to the indictment, Abordo ultimately convinced the victim that the federal judge assigned to the lawsuit had awarded her possession of the home, but refused to hand over the court order unless she paid him additional money. In reality, the victim’s home had been lost to foreclosure and the federal lawsuit had been dismissed months earlier. The victim, believing Abordo had a real court order, paid him thousands of dollars in exchange for the forged court order. Abordo assured the victim that the forged court order was a genuine court document, that the federal judge’s signature on the forged order was genuine, and that the forged court order gave legal possession of the Ewa Beach property to the elderly victim. However, as Abordo then well knew, the forged court order was not genuine, was never issued or signed by the judge, and did not confer any property rights to the victim. During the hearing, Chief District Court Judge Derrick Watson told the sentencing judge that “nothing is as important to our society as the rule of law. Mr. Abordo’s crimes caused great damage to the integrity of the courts.” “This defendant had the audacity to not just swindle an elderly victim in the midst of foreclosure, but to forge the signature of a federal judge,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath of the Southern District of California, whose office is handling the recusal case. “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the integrity of our judicial system.” “The FBI finds it extremely disconcerting that the defendant preyed on an especially vulnerable kupuna going through personal financial distress involving the loss of their home,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “This sentence shows that we will vigorously and thoroughly investigate cases that target our elderly community. We encourage the public to bring these to our attention by reporting it to ic3.gov.” DEFENDANT Case Number 22cr00101-BLW-KJN Edmund Abordo 68 Honolulu, HI SUMMARY OF CHARGES Wire Fraud – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 1343 Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution Aggravated Identity Theft – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 1028A(a)(1) Maximum Penalty: A mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to underlying count AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation


title: Stilwell Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug And Firearm Crimes

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyre Lowery Ford, age 34, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to a total of 120 months in prison for federal drug and firearm charges. Ford was sentenced to 60 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and a consecutive 60 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The charges arose from investigations by the Stilwell Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On November 10, 2022, Ford pleaded guilty to the charges. According to court documents, on February 23, 2022, Stilwell police responded to the report of a stolen car. Ford attempted to get out of the car and, in the process, made movements behind his back. Police recovered a 9mm handgun from the driver’s seat and approximately 100 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine from Ford. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Ford was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Muskogee Resident Sentenced To 15 Years For Home Invasion Robbery, Fire Station Burglaries And Thefts

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that AARON ISAIAH JOHNSON, age 36, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced for a home invasion robbery and subsequent fire station burglaries. Johnson was sentenced to 184 months in prison for one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery; one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm; one count of Robbery; one count of Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm; and two counts of Burglary in the Second Degree. The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office. On November 12, 2021, Johnson was found guilty of the charges by a federal jury at trial. According to court documents, in December 2018, Johnson, masked and armed with a rifle, broke into and entered an occupied residence where he encountered the homeowner. After striking and assaulting the homeowner with the rifle, Johnson stole cash, a firearm, and the victim’s vehicle. On February 27, 2019, Johnson broke into and entered the Red Bird Fire Station and stole two fire trucks. On March 14, 2019, Johnson broke into and entered the Liberty Fire Station and stole a fire truck. At the time Johnson committed these crimes, he was wearing a court-ordered GPS ankle monitor which placed him at all three locations during the time the crimes were committed. The crimes occurred in Wagoner, Muskogee, and Okmulgee Counties, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Johnson was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.


title: Newbury Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Newbury man pleaded guilty today in federal court in connection with child exploitation offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Marc Jacques, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2024. According to court documents and statements made in court, Jacques uploaded 49 files of apparent CSAM to the social media platform Kik between November 24 and December 6, 2021. Jacques’ IP address had been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in connection with at least 40 CyberTips related to the online sexual exploitation of children between 2018 and 2022. In June 2022, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Jacques’ and his residence. Forensic examination of Jacques’ electronic devices revealed the presence of over 200 files of apparent CSAM as well as chats between him and others related to the sexual exploitation of children and sharing of CSAM. The charging statute provides a sentence of not less than 5 and not more than 20 years in prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the Nashua Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland 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. ###


title: Louisiana Man Previously Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach Indicted on Firearm and Ammunition Charges

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: A federal grand jury recently returned an indictment charging Edward L. Richmond, Jr., age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions. Richmond is currently in federal custody in Washington D.C. awaiting disposition of pending charges related to allegations of him participating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. At a time and date to be determined, Richmond will be transferred to Baton Rouge for his initial appearance and arraignment on the Middle District Indictment. According to the indictment, on January 22, 2024, Richmond is alleged to have possessed a Windham Weaponry, model WW-15, .223/5.56 mm caliber rifle and approximately 73 rounds of ammunition, knowing that he previously had been convicted of a felony (a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year) and knowing he had been discharged from the Armed Force, the United States Army, under dishonorable conditions. This matter is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III. NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 190 Months in Prison

body_text: FORT WAYNE –Yesterday, Ronday L. Tinker, 35 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Tinker was sentenced to 190 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, on April 26, 2023, Tinker possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine. Tinker was also in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration North Central Laboratory, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith. 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: Court Sentences District Man to Seven Years in Connection with 2023 Armed Carjacking in Northeast Washington, D.C.

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Marcus Thompson, 28, of Washington D.C., was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison in connection with an early morning armed carjacking in Northeast Washington D.C. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In November 2023, Thompson pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. During that plea hearing, Thompson admitted that at approximately 6:00 a.m. on July 17, 2023, and armed with a handgun, he approached the victim as the victim was taking property out of his car in the 2300 block of R Street Northeast. Thompson put the weapon in the victim’s back and demanded his car keys. The victim, who had a lawful concealed carry permit, and fearing for his life, turned, and shot Thompson once in self-defense. The victim immediately called 911 and, while waiting for law enforcement to arrive, administered first aid to Thompson’s non-fatal wound. The victim remained cooperative with law enforcement. Metropolitan Police officers recovered a firearm from Thompson on scene. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sabena Auyeung, who investigated and prosecuted this case.


title: District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft  For Theft from CVS in Northwest

body_text: WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Andre Seay, 38, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on February 21, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced. Seay is to be arraigned on March 18, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge. According to the government’s evidence, on February 21, 2024, Seay took a range of merchandise without paying from the CVS store at 1781 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. Seay was quickly located and arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department. Seay has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted. Since September 1, 2023, including the aforementioned case, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has indicted 33 cases involving a felony second-degree theft charge based on a defendant’s two or more prior theft convictions, not from the same occasion. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sidrah Miraaj-Raza. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.


body_text: WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Troy Thompson, 44, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on February 22, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced. Thompson is on bench warrant status and will be arraigned when he returns to court at a hearing before a Superior Court judge. According to the government’s evidence, on February 22, 2024, Thompson took a range of merchandise without paying from the CVS store at 2009 8 th Street NW, Washington, D.C. Thompson was quickly located and arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department. Thompson has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted. Since September 1, 2023, including the aforementioned case, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has indicted 33 cases involving a felony second-degree theft charge based on a defendant’s two or more prior theft convictions, not from the same occasion. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sidrah Miraaj-Raza. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.


title: Providence Man Admits Role in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy, Plot to Kidnap a U.S. Postal Worker

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to a charge of conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute, at the same time admitting to a federal judge that conspiracy members kidnapped a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker at gunpoint while in search of cocaine they claimed was missing from a delivered package, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. According to information presented to the court, on June 8, 2021, Irving Medina participated in surveillance efforts so that co-conspirators could retrieve three packages containing cocaine that were mailed from Puerto Rico and were delivered or scheduled for delivery at addresses associated with his co-conspirator. The contents of those three packages were analyzed by a forensic chemist who determined that they contained a total of over 3 kilograms of cocaine. In addition to admitting his role in the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, Irving Medina admitted that he willfully assisted his co-conspirators in conducting surveillance outside of a USPS post office on May 28, 2021. On that date, co-conspirators allegedly identified a USPS mailman that they wanted to abduct. Irving Medina admitted to subsequently assisting co-conspirators in conducting surveillance outside the USPS mailman’s home on May 29, 2021. As part of the investigation, on August 31, 2021, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant at Irving Medina’s residence, and seized numerous items associated with drug trafficking, including $800 in cash, fifty bags filled with powder that a forensic lab determined to be fentanyl, three bags filled with cocaine base, and a cutting agent called Manitol. Medina is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert. The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of Pawtucket Police, Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, Rhode Island State Police K-9 Unit, and the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. ###


title: Queens Man Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Laundering Bitcoin and Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Mustafa Goklu, also known as “Mustangy,” was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 16 months’ imprisonment for money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business as part of a scheme to launder Bitcoin that the defendant believed to be the proceeds of drug trafficking. Goklu was convicted of those charges after a jury trial in October 2022. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino, III, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), announced the sentence. “Drug trafficking would be less pervasive and lucrative if money launderers like the defendant did not enable washing the illegal proceeds of the deadly trade,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “In this case, Goklu used an online peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange to advertise his cryptocurrency for cash exchange services. Facilitating the ability of drug traffickers to distribute narcotics in the United States is fully deserving of a prison sentence.” “Technology may change the manner in which money laundering takes place; but not the motive,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Money launderers' true nature is to conceal criminality and this sentence shines a light on Mustafa Goklu’s conviction. DEA is focused on bringing drug traffickers and those who support the distribution of poison through money laundering to justice. I commend the DEA NY Cyber Investigative Unit and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their diligent work throughout this investigation.” In July 2018, DEA Special Agents identified an advertisement posted on the website “localbitcoins.com” where an individual with the username “Mustangy” offered to purchase up to $99,999 worth of Bitcoins (BTC), a type of digital currency also known as cryptocurrency, and convert them into U.S. currency for a fee. Law enforcement agents later identified Goklu as the individual using the username Mustangy. On July 11, 2018, a DEA Special Agent acting in an undercover capacity (the “UC”) began exchanging encrypted text messages with Goklu to arrange in-person exchanges of BTC to U.S. currency. The UC and the defendant subsequently met and engaged in seven transactions or attempted exchanges of BTC to cash over a nine-month period, culminating in Goklu’s arrest in April 2019. The UC indicated to the defendant on multiple occasions that the source of the BTC the defendant was exchanging was narcotics trafficking and that as part of the UC’s business he sold oxycodone, Adderall, and marijuana. The transactions occurred in the defendant’s parked Mercedes-Benz, at a coffee shop in Sunnyside, Queens, and at locations in Manhattan. The amounts exchanged at each transaction ranged from approximately $5,000 to $50,000 for a total of $133,000. During each transaction, the UC transferred BTC to Goklu’s cryptocurrency wallet, after which the defendant retained a seven or eight percent commission fee and provided the UC with the remaining amount in cash. The evidence introduced at trial also showed that the defendant was engaged in similar illicit Bitcoin exchanges with multiple other individuals. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Gillian Kassner and Francisco J. Navarro are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Bridget Donovan. The Defendant : MUSTAFA GOKLU (also known as “Mustangy”) Age: 50 Sunnyside, Queens E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-386 (PKC)


title: Cumberland County Man Sentenced to Three Years of Imprisonment for Threatening President Biden and Former President Trump

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mohamed Farah, age 34, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to three years’ imprisonment for threatening the President and a former President. The Court also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow imprisonment. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Farah previously admitted that in January 2022, he threatened to assassinate President Biden and threatened to assassinate former President Trump if he ran for reelection. Farah, a citizen of Somalia, may face deportation after serving his prison sentence. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lower Allen Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Federal Jury Convicts Man Using Hidden Cameras To Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida–United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Gregory Allen Williamson a/k/a “Vlad Vlad” (58, North Port) guilty of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, three counts of production of child sexual abuse material, three counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Williamson faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is not yet set. Williamson was indicted on November 3, 2021. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Williamson isolated and groomed a minor victim, a recent immigrant from Eastern Europe, to engage in sexual activity when she was 12 years old. Using the alias, “Vlad Vlad,” Williamson began to send the victim anonymous, sexually explicit emails, including ones that contained child sexual abuse material. Williamson later gifted the victim two cell phone chargers that contained hidden cameras and used them to produce sexually explicit images of the victim when she was naked in her bedroom. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Tampa Division−Sarasota Resident Agency and the North Port Police Department, with substantial assistance from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Claire Favorit and Lindsey Schmidt. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Dauphin County Man Sentenced to 10 Years' Imprisonment for Cocaine Trafficking

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry Patterson, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Patterson was stopped by law enforcement in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 2022. He was found to be in possession of 29 grams of crack cocaine in two clear plastic baggies, as well as a digital scale. The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Harrisburg City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and Michael Scalera prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: Family of Human Smugglers Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – Four family members were sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to federal prison for their roles in operating an extensive human smuggling organization (HSO). According to court documents, Eva Maria Galeas, 43, of San Antonio; Lisa Marie Ortega, 25, of San Antonio; and Sandra Galeas-Mejia, 48, of Mexico, and Norma Galeas-Mejia, 52, of Honduras, were identified as co-conspirators of Roberto Galeas-Mejia, 47, of Honduras. Roberto, who is the husband to Eva, stepfather to Lisa Ortega and brother of the other two defendants, led a San Antonio-based HSO, overseeing activities that included the transportation and harboring of undocumented noncitizens and the coordination of payments. Eva, Lisa, Sandra and Norma played roles accepting and withdrawing human smuggling proceeds. Funds were funneled through the conspirators’ bank accounts and used to pay load drivers and stash house operators, to rent stash houses and to further aid the HSO. Funds were also used for personal expenses such as vehicle purchases. Over the course of the investigation, Homeland Security Investigations thwarted multiple smuggling loads and arrested numerous co-conspirators and undocumented noncitizens. Eva Maria Galeas and Sandra Galeas-Mejia were arrested in San Antonio on June 11, 2019, along with Lisa Marie Ortega. Norma Galeas-Mejia was arrested June 17, 2019 in Houston. On July 27, 2022, a federal jury found Roberto Galeas-Mejia, Eva Maria Galeas and Lisa Marie Ortega guilty of all three counts of a superseding indictment: conspiracy to transport illegal migrants, conspiracy to harbor illegal migrants, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Sandra Galeas-Mejia and Norma Galeas-Mejia both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Eva Maria Galeas was sentenced to 180 months in prison and Lisa Marie Ortega was sentenced to 156 months in prison. Sandra Galeas-Mejia was sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Norma Galeas-Mejia was sentenced to 78 months. Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses also ordered the forfeiture of $603,593.00 in U.S. currency, which was discovered in a safe during the home search of Roberto Galeas-Mejia, Eva Maria Galeas, and Lisa Marie Ortega. Additionally, Eva Galeas and Lisa Ortega were assessed money judgements in the amounts of $97,668 and $21,388, respectively. Roberto Galeas-Mejia remains in federal custody while he awaits his sentence hearing. “These defendants, along with Roberto Galeas-Mejia, built a family enterprise through human smuggling operations,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Thanks to our federal partners at HSI and Border Patrol, along with our state and local law enforcement partners, the Galeas human smuggling business ultimately failed. All five members of the family will serve extensive federal prison sentences, joining many of their co-conspirators after several years of apprehensions and disruption to their efforts.” “This sentencing is a great example of how HSI uses its agency partnerships to bring criminals to justice in the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “The defendants in this case put our national security at risk by illegally bringing people to the U.S. without any inspection. HSI is committed to combatting this type of crime throughout the border.” HSI investigated the case with valuable assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Pass Police Department, Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Holly Pavlinski, Antonio Franco and Rex Beasley prosecuted the case. ###