title: Livestock show secretary admits to nearly $200,000 embezzlement scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 67-year-old Sandia resident has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud as part of a scheme to defraud the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show (NCJLS), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Sara Rene Chapman worked for NCJLS as a secretary from 2010 until 2023. As part of her plea, she admitted that from approximately 2018 to 2023, she used NCJLS bank accounts to pay her own personal credit card bills through the use of wire transfers. The scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $172,069.17. As part of her job, Chapman had access to the NCJLS bank accounts and was responsible for paying authorized NCJLS expenses. In 2018, Chapman began using the bank accounts to pay her monthly credit card bill and continued for over four years. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has set sentencing for July 23. At that time, Chapman faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine as well as full restitution to the NCJLS. Chapman was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin is prosecuting the case.


title: Anesthesiologist Pleads Guilty to Taking Fentanyl from Hospital

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An anesthesiologist at a Lee’s Summit, Mo., hospital pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally taking fentanyl from the hospital. Roman Peplinski, 37, of Kansas City, Mo., waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to a federal information that charges him with one count of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. Peplinski was employed as an anesthesiologist at Union Hill Group in Kansas City, Mo. Peplinski worked at Lakewood Medical Center in Lee’s Summit and Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., which are both part of University Health. Peplinski admitted that he illegally obtained fentanyl from Lakewood Medical Center on Nov. 5, 2022. Peplinski misrepresented the fentanyl was for a patient, when in reality, that patient had been discharged from Lakewood Medical Center earlier that day. Fentanyl was not listed under the “medication orders” on the patient’s chart for the hospital visit. Peplinski also admitted to withdrawing fentanyl from three vials from Sept. 1, 2022, through Nov. 30, 2022. On Feb. 16, 2023, personnel from Lakewood Medical Center reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration that three vials of fentanyl in an automated dispensing cabinet showed signs of tampering. In March 2023 seven vials of fentanyl that were suspected of being tampered with were sent to the FDA’s Forensic Chemistry Center where tests were performed on the vials and their contents. Of the seven vials, three showed evidence of being tampered with. One of those vials contained no fentanyl and the other two vials contained a small amount of fentanyl. The government has no evidence that any patients were harmed as a result of Peplinski tampering with vials of fentanyl. Under federal statutes, Peplinski is subject to a sentence of up to four years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Cooper. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations.


title: Investment Professional Indicted on Multi-Million-Dollar Investment Fraud Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ATLANTA – Craig Allen, executive officer of C.M. Allen Capital Management, Inc., has been indicted on charges arising from a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that defrauded investors across the United States. “Allen abused his clients’ trust by allegedly stealing millions of dollars to support his lavish lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The defendant deceived and falsified documents to conceal his thefts to provide his investors with a false sense of financial security. We will continue to prosecute individuals who cheat investors out of their hard-earned money.” “While it is easy to dismiss financial fraud cases as being almost benign because of their lack of violence, there is, however, a very real victimization felt and lives are changed forever,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is hopeful that Allen’s indictment will send a strong message to anyone who would try to take advantage of unsuspecting investors for their own personal greed.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Allen, the sole shareholder and executive officer of C.M. Allen Capital Management, Inc., allegedly defrauded dozens of investors across the country through his management of the Cheetah Fund. Around February 2019, prospective investors received documents that reported Cheetah achieved annual investment returns as high as seventy-three percent. Once invested in Cheetah, clients received fraudulent monthly account statements showing false investment gains, and tax documents reporting the false gains. Allen allegedly misled investors to believe the tax forms were prepared by Cheetah’s purported auditor at an accounting firm. But the Fund did not employ an auditor and Allen reported gains when the Fund continuously lost money. In addition to these misrepresentations, Allen used money from new investors to repay prior investors, and to fund his lifestyle. Cheetah investors lost more than $7 million because of Allen’s investment fraud scheme. Craig Murfee Allen, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 23, 2024. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also provided valuable assistance. The SEC has filed a separate civil case, SEC v. Craig Allen , Case Number 1:24-cv-01771-SDG. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Cooper and Christopher J. Huber are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Manhattan Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced To 270 Months In Prison

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MOUNIR MRABET was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff to 270 months in prison for trafficking wholesale quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around midtown Manhattan. On November 9, 2023, a jury convicted MRABET of narcotics conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, and a firearms offense. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The defendant flooded the streets of New York with methamphetamine and fentanyl and kept a gun as part of his drug operations. He sold these dangerous drugs to other dealers in wholesale quantities and even stored and sold these drugs in hotel rooms with abject disregard for those he endangered. This sentence is a just punishment for an individual who chose to profit from destroying others and actively contributed to a drug crisis that continues to claim lives across our city and our nation.” According to public filings and the evidence presented at trial: From at least late 2021 to January 2023, MRABET coordinated with suppliers in Mexico and California to receive boxes of crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl in the mail. He then worked with co-conspirators to distribute wholesale quantities of these drugs to other drug dealers in New York City, and he kept a gun and used threats to promote his drug operations. For example, in October 2022, he texted a fellow dealer, “I will fucking shoot u one day,” and “Now bring me a pound.” MRABET’s voice was also captured on a video depicting stacks of cash, bundles of apparent drugs, and a revolver. Additional videos, photographs, and text messages confirmed that MRABET stored and sold drugs out of hotel rooms. After MRABET was recorded selling drugs to an undercover detective, including fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, law enforcement agents conducted a search of his Manhattan apartment and seized 24 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and, from the scaffolding outside his window, approximately half a pound of fentanyl powder. The evidence at trial included the defendant’s own texts arranging sales to co-conspirators and texts from customers who described being sickened by his drugs. The evidence also included numerous videos and photographs of drugs and drug proceeds, including some that depicted MRABET pouring and weighing containers of crystal methamphetamine and wrapping and spritzing a scented spray on stacks of cash. * * * In addition to the prison term, MRABET, 40, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Y. Chong and Edward C. Robinson Jr. are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Woman Pleads Guilty to Transporting Stolen Human Body Parts Out of the State of Arkansas

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK— Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced today that a former employee of a mortuary services provider has pleaded guilty to transporting stolen body parts across state lines and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Candace Chapman Scott, 37, of Little Rock, entered this guilty plea today before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. Judge Miller will sentence Scott at a later date. Transporting stolen property across state lines is punishable by not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000. The maximum penalty faced by Scott for mail fraud is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000. The investigation revealed that Scott, while an employee at a mortuary services provider between October 2021 through approximately July 15, 2022, stole human body parts and fetal remains. Scott would then sell the stolen human body parts and fetal remains, arranging for them to be transported across a state line to the purchaser. Scott was indicted on April 5, 2023, and charged with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. In exchange for her guilty plea, the remaining charges were dismissed. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If you have information relating to this case or think you may have been impacted by this case, you may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at USAARE-SubmitInfo@usdoj.gov . # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to  Railroad Retirement Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TONYA BUTLER , of Slidell, La., age 55, pleaded guilty on April 22, 2024 before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to making false statements to the Railroad Retirement Board, in violation Title 45, United States Code, Section 359(a). According to the bill of information and court records, from January 2022 to April 2022, BUTLER made false statements to the Railroad Retirement Board for the purpose of obtaining sickness benefits. In truth, BUTLER was working full-time for an interstate trucking company. Her false statements caused a loss of approximately $7,345.52. Sentencing will be held on July 22, 2024. At that time, BUTLER faces up to one year in prison for the false statements count. She also faces up to $100,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release after conviction. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Amtrak – Office of Inspector General and the Railroad Retirement Board - Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Salvadoran Man Previously Deported on Eight Separate Occasions Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Salvadoran man has pleaded guilty today to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Melvin Alexander Orellana-Martinez, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien before U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the Court. On eight separate occasions between July 2007 and January 2020, Orellana-Martinez was removed from the United States. Between February 2008 and March 2019, Orellana-Martinez was convicted in California and Texas federal courts on five separate occasions of either illegal reentry or improper entry. Orellana-Martinez was last deported from the United States on Jan. 14, 2020. Sometime after his January 2020 removal, Orellana-Martinez unlawfully reentered the United States. On Jan. 6, 2023, federal immigration authorities were notified that Orellana-Martinez had unlawfully reentered the United States after he was arrested on unrelated state charges. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of the imposed sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Boston’s Field Office Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson Encourages West Virginians to Participate in DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. United States Attorney Will Thompson encourages West Virginians to take advantage of this latest opportunity to dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications. Take Back Day offers a free, safe and anonymous way to get rid of prescription drugs that are susceptible to diversion and abuse. Dozens of collection sites throughout West Virginia have already been announced. Information including a collection site locator is available at www.DEATakeBack.com . “This may seem like a small, simple step to take, but safely disposing of prescription drugs can go a long way in preventing tragic outcomes,” Thompson said. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. For more than a decade, the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,950 tons of medication from circulation since its inception A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Texas woman heads to prison for trying to smuggle over 3,500 rounds of ammunition into Mexico

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 52-year-old resident of Channelview has been sentenced for attempting to smuggle thousands of rounds of ammunition in spare tire, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Maria Tapia-Aguilar pleaded guilty Feb. 28, 2022. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Tapia-Aguilar to serve 51 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. “3,500 rounds and seven different calibers – not child’s play,” said Hamdani. “We have laws in place for a reason, and we can never know in whose hands these items may be at any given time if people try to circumvent those rules. Exporting ammunition can be just as dangerous as the weapons themselves as it not only endangers U.S. citizens, but also puts the lives of those on both sides of our border at risk, especially if in the arms of criminals.” On Nov. 6, 2019, law enforcement observed Tapia-Aguilar purchasing large amounts of ammunition at a local Edinburg store. Afterwards, she engaged in strange driving behavior and committed a traffic violation. Authorities then conducted a traffic stop which resulted the discovery of ammunition hidden in the vehicle’s spare tire. Tapia-Aguilar admitted to possessing 3,580 rounds of ammunition, including seven different calibers, for transport to Mexico. She also informed law enforcement that this was not the first time she exported ammunition to Mexico. Tapia-Aguilar as permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods ( PSN ) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.


title: Princeton Couple Facing Federal Charges for $1 Million Mail and Identity Theft Scheme and Firearms Offenses

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

body_text: EVANSVILLE- Michael Jerome Wright, 44, and Cortney Lashea Young, 35, both of Princeton, Indiana, have both been charged with mail theft. Wright is also charged with unlawful possession of a mail key, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, and possession of a machinegun. Young was also charged with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. According to court documents, in October of 2023, law enforcement officials began receiving numerous complaints about mail theft and check forgery. The reported value of missing, forged, or counterfeited checks totaled more than one million dollars. In March of 2024, Evansville Police Department Officer began surveilling local United States Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. On five different occasions, investigators saw Wright open collection boxes with an arrow key around 4:30 in the morning, sort through the mail, then drive off with stolen mail. On at least two of those occasions, investigators saw Young behind the wheel of the getaway car. The United States Postal Service uses a unique type of lock known as an “arrow lock” to secure USPS collection boxes, lockers, and apartment mailbox panels. These locks can only be opened with an arrow key. It is a crime for anyone not authorized by the Postal Service to knowingly have or use arrow keys. On April 3, 2023, investigators saw Young drive Wright to a USPS collection box in Evansville. Wright exited the vehicle and took mail from the box. The couple drove away and were stopped by law enforcement officers. Officers searched the vehicle and uncovered an arrow key and stolen mail on the passenger floorboard. Included in the mail located in the vehicle were approximately 100 wedding invitations that had been placed in a USPS collection box the night before. Investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Wright and Young’s apartment in Princeton and located numerous checks and their corresponding envelopes, many of which had been reported as stolen from the mail. The face value of the stolen checks was in excess of $1 million. Investigators also found two handguns under the mattress in Young and Wright’s bedroom. One pistol was a partially 3D printed privately made firearm with no serial number. This type of weapon is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” because it has no records related to its’ manufacture or sale. The second firearm was a Ruger LCP .380 caliber pistol. Investigators also recovered two 30-round extended magazines. The ghost gun had a machinegun conversion device, also called a “Glock switch,” installed, allowing it to fire as a fully-automatic weapon. Glock switches are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, whether or not they are installed in a firearm. Wright has sustained multiple felony convictions including operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and dealing in a synthetic drug, as well as a murder conviction in Cook County, Illinois. Young has sustained a felony conviction for fraud. These prior felony convictions prohibit Wright and Young from ever legally possessing a firearm or ammunition. The U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. Should Wright or Young be convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew B. Miller and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who are prosecuting this case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Weymouth Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Money Laundering

body_text: BOSTON – A Weymouth man was sentenced yesterday in connection with an elaborate money laundering conspiracy. Chengzou Liu, 38 was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In December 2023, Liu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering as well as possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In July 2022, Liu was charged along with seven others in connection with elaborate money laundering and money transmitting conspiracies allegedly led by two of Liu’s co-conspirators Qiu Mei Zeng and Shi Rong Zhang. According to the charging documents, Zeng and Zhang co-owned China Gourmet, a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. Zhang was also a registered owner of Wonderful Electronics, an electronics and restaurant supply business based in Hanover. It is alleged that the defendants used these businesses to run a large-scale money laundering and money transmitting operation that involved the laundering of drug proceeds and proceeds from stolen and/or fraudulent gift cards. Liu was a large-scale marijuana trafficker who laundered his drug proceeds allegedly through China Gourmet. On at least three occasions, Liu was observed delivering bags of cash that contained tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to the restaurant, which was then allegedly wired to accounts in the U.S. and China. It is alleged that in a span of just three weeks in October 2021, Liu delivered about $170,000 in drug proceeds to his conspirators to launder to his bank accounts in China. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Braintree Police Chief Timothy Cohoon; and Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: United States Attorney’s Office Hosts National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO – Yesterday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina- with the Victim Services Interagency Counsel of North Carolina, Triad Ladder of Hope, and the Greensboro Police Department – hosted an event honoring victims of crime in Guilford County. The event, attended by community members, law enforcement partners, and victims’ rights groups, is part of the Department of Justice’s annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) that pays tribute each year to the victims of crime all around the nation. Speakers at the event included US Attorney Sandra J. Hairston, Assistant District Attorney for Guilford County Kelly Thompson, Dr. Irish Spencer of Families Against Senseless Killings, and Deputy Chief Renae Sigmon and Detective Caroline Holliday of the Greensboro Police Department. In 2022, there were nearly 20 million crime victimizations in the United States. More than 6.6 million were the result of violent crimes, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. Of that 6.6 million, only about 42% were reported to police. In 2023, Guilford County reported hundreds of cases of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, gun violence, homicide, and human trafficking. “As prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and victim/witness professionals, we are committed to upholding the rights of crime victims and providing them with vital assistance,” said United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston. “We are honored to do this work, and are inspired by the remarkable strength and resilience of the victims we meet. The people gathered here today, whether they be survivors, advocates, or members of law enforcement, share a powerful bond. You may come from different neighborhoods and different walks of life, but you are bound by courage and a commitment to make our community safer and stronger.” Each year in April, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which honors crime victims and those who serve them. This year, NCVRW is April 21-27, and the theme is How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors . This year, the USAO is focusing on creating safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them and offer support, options for life-saving services, and most importantly, hope. Learn how you can help by visiting https://OVC.OJP.Gov/NCVRW2024 . ###


title: Chinese National Arrested in United States for Alleged Scheme to Illegally Export Semiconductor Manufacturing Machine

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today charging two Chinese nationals, Han Li, also known as Anson Li, 44, and Lin Chen, 64, with crimes related to a conspiracy to illegally export U.S. technology, including a machine manufactured by a California-based company that is used to process silicon wafer microchips, to prohibited end users in China, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Chen was arrested in Chicago yesterday. “As alleged, the defendants sought to evade export controls to obtain U.S. semiconductor manufacturing technology for a prohibited Chinese company,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing export controls and holding accountable those who seek to illicitly procure U.S.-developed technologies that put our national security at risk.” “The export restrictions at issue in this case were put in place to prevent the illicit procurement of commodities and technologies for unauthorized military end use in the People’s Republic of China,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “This office will continue to vigorously enforce the nation’s export laws, including those pertaining to advanced technologies, to protect our national security.” “This indictment puts an end to Ms. Chen’s alleged involvement in a scheme to illegally export U.S. technology to China,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The U.S. does not tolerate illegally exporting our advanced technology, and any attempt to circumvent U.S. laws and regulations will have consequences. The FBI and its partners will continue to seek justice in this matter.” Federal regulations restrict the export of certain items to companies, research institutions, and other entities identified on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List. In August 2014, the Commerce Department added Changdu GaStone Technology Company (CGTC), a company based in China, to the Entity List. As alleged in the indictment, between at least May 2015 and August 2018, Li and Chen conspired to evade the export restrictions imposed by the Department of Commerce on CGTC through the use of intermediaries to conceal CGTC’s involvement with the transactions. Specifically, the defendants sought to illegally obtain a DTX-150 Automatic Diamond Scriber Breaker machine from Dynatex International, a Santa Rosa, California, company. The machine is used to cut thin semiconductors used in electronics, also known as silicon wafers, and under Department of Commerce regulations, requires a license and authorization to export to CGTC. The defendants sought to acquire the machine for CGTC through an intermediary company called Jiangsu Hantang International (JHI), a proxy they fraudulently represented as the purchaser and end user. To avoid detection, Li and Chen instructed Dynatex International to ensure that the export information associated with the sale did not list CGTC as the ultimate consignee of the shipment. Li is believed to be in the People’s Republic of China. Li and Chen each are charged with the following offenses, and if convicted, face maximum penalties as indicated: Conspiracy to violate IEEPA, up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine; false electronic export information activities, up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; smuggling, up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and IEEPA violations, up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Recognizes Crime Victim Services Professionals and Survivors at 2024 National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony

component: Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

body_text: Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of the Office of Justice Programs and Director Kristina Rose of the Office for Victims of Crime today recognized eight individuals and organizations for their advocacy, innovation and research on behalf of victims of crime. “We recognize the individuals and organizations represented here that go above and beyond to assist others in their time of crisis,” said Assistant Attorney General Solomon. “They are the ones who ensure that crime victims and survivors aren’t forgotten. They provide them with the support they need today and the encouragement and hope they will need tomorrow.” The event’s theme, “How would you help? Options, services, and hopes for crime survivors,” is a call-to-action for society to create safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them. By doing so, we’re able to offer support, options for life-saving services and, most importantly, hope. “Since 1981, the nation has formally honored victim service providers and allied professionals, many of whom were driven to this work because of trauma they experienced personally,” said Director Rose. “It is an honor to recognize these individuals and organizations for dedicating themselves not only to making a difference to victims and survivors of crime, but to entire communities and society as a whole.” The following is a list of the 2024 NCVRW award recipients: The Allied Professional Award recognizes individuals from a specific discipline that work alongside the victim assistance field. Recipients: Director Joan Meunier-Sham, MS, RN, of the Massachusetts Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, Boston Jocelyn Mejia, social worker, Imperial County Department of Social Services, Children and Families Division, El Centro, California The Building Knowledge Through Research Award recognizes individual researchers or research teams that made a significant contribution to the nation’s understanding of crime victim issues. Recipients: Michelle S Ballan, Ph.D., MSW, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, School of Social Welfare and Director, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York Hope Research Center, The University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Oklahoma The National Crime Victim Service Award honors extraordinary efforts to provide direct services to crime victims. Recipients: Angela McCown, LMFT, Director, Victim Services Division, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Austin, Texas Herman Millholland, Independent Consultant, Millholland & Associates, Los Angeles The Survivor Voices Award honors crime victims and survivors whose perseverance and determination in the aftermath of victimization was the catalyst for implementing. Recipient: Aswad Thomas, MSW, Vice President, Alliance for Safety and Justice & National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, Atlanta Tomorrow’s Leader Award honors a youth who has dedicated their efforts to supporting survivors. Recipient: Elijah Lee, Youth Activist, Hear Our Voices, Virginia During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups as well as state, local and Tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. To learn more about NCVRW and past award recipients, visit www.ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw.


title: Anchorage man pleads guilty to a child exploitation offense

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man pleaded guilty today to attempting to coerce and entice a minor in 2023. According to court documents, in July 2023, Benjamin Roundy, aka “Aleks” or “Alekzander Marko,” 42, began communicating with an individual he believed was a 13-year-old girl on an online platform, but who was in fact an FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity. Between July 7 and Aug. 4, the defendant discussed multiple topics with the individual, including directions to send sexually explicit content, requests to meet in person and what sexual actions would happen if they met in person. The defendant arranged to meet in person on Aug. 4 and was subsequently arrested by law enforcement when he attempted to do so. Following his arrest, law enforcement discovered over 5,500 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on Roundy’s devices. The investigation also revealed that in July 2017, Roundy uploaded videos depicting child sexual abuse to an online platform. He is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date and faces a sentencing range of 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case. If anyone has any information concerning Roundy’s actions or may have encountered someone using the name “Aleks” or “Alekzander Marko” in person, via text message on an online messaging app, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov . Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander of the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Illinois Man Pleads Guilty in Odometer Tampering Conspiracy

component: Civil Division

body_text: An Illinois man pleaded guilty today in connection with a years-long fraud conspiracy to roll back the odometer readings on hundreds of used cars. According to court documents, Laith Ghzo, 37, of Oak Lawn, admitted that he purchased high-mileage vehicles at auto auctions and caused the odometers of those vehicles to be rolled back to false, lower mileage readings. Ghzo also admitted that he then altered the rolled back vehicles’ title paperwork to match the false and lower mileage readings, and subsequently submitted those altered titles to the Illinois Secretary of State to obtain “clean” titles reflecting the false, lower mileage. With the false and lower mileage titles, Ghzo then sold the vehicles to other unsuspecting car dealers, who then sold them to unsuspecting consumers. “According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, odometer fraud causes more than $1 billion per year in losses to consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Odometer fraud is a crime that predominately affects the economically vulnerable, who are simply looking for transportation to work or to school but who cannot afford to purchase a new car. We thank our partners for bringing this matter to our attention.” Ghzo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 1 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Rothman and Thomas S. Rosso of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kartik Raman for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case.


title: Felon convicted after pointing weapon at law enforcement responding to assault

body_text: HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Houston resident has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Tomas Rodriguez pointed a loaded .22 caliber pistol at a local police department officer who was in the course of their normal duty. On Sept. 5, 2021, the officer had responded to a report of an assault in a parking lot near Houston bar. Witnesses directed him to Rodriguez who had fled towards an injured female lying face down on the ground. Rodriguez fell as he ran, and the officer commanded him to remain on the ground. However, Rodriguez got up and pointed the firearm at the officer who responded by discharging his duty weapon in self-defense. Not struck, Rodriguez proceeded to flee and discarded the weapon. Authorities apprehended Rodriguez following a foot pursuit and subsequently recovered his loaded firearm. Rodriguez has multiple prior felony convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition per federal law. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 8. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Rodriguez has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. The Houston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black prosecuted the case.


title: Two Burlington Women Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington woman was sentenced on April 22, 2024, to thirty years in federal prison for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, attempted sex trafficking of a child, and sex trafficking three adult victims. According to public court documents, Miesha Lasha Stanley, 32, in 2022, used force, fraud, and coercion to compel victims to engage in sex acts with customers in exchange for money. Stanley took some or all of the money that the victims earned. Stanley used the victims’ vulnerabilities, which included lack of stable housing, drug addiction, abusive relationships, and lack of familial support, to compel them to engage in paid sex acts. Stanley allowed the victims, most of whom were females in their late teens and early 20s, to live at her residence in Burlington. Stanley posted sex advertisements for the victims online, communicated with customers, and arranged for customers to engage in sex acts with the victims at her residence and other locations. Stanley also conspired with co-defendant Rosella Marie Taylor to sex traffic one of the victims. After completing her term of imprisonment, Stanley will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On April 1, 2024, Taylor, 36, was sentenced to 122 months of imprisonment for conspiring to sex traffic, attempting to sex traffic, and sex trafficking two victims. Taylor used force, fraud, and coercion, and conspired with Stanley to use force, fraud, and coercion, to compel an adult victim to engage in paid sex acts. Taylor invited the victim, who struggled with stable housing, and was unemployed, to live at Taylor’s residence in Burlington. Taylor posted sex advertisements for the victim online and drove the victim to meet customers for paid sex work. Taylor took some or all of the money the victim earned. Additionally, Taylor attempted to sex traffic a minor victim. Taylor posted sex advertisements for the victim online, arranged for a customer to engage in sex acts with the victim, and drove the victim to the customer’s residence. However, the customer did not answer the door, and the victim left with Taylor. After completing her term of imprisonment, Stanley will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “On behalf of the Burlington Police Department, I would like to recognize the efforts of the personnel and agencies involved in this case,” said Burlington Police Chief Adam Schaefer. “Special recognition should be given to the investigators, who began with some small pieces of information and actively pursued all leads which ultimately led to this resolution. And of, course, I commend the victims who came forward and cooperated with law enforcement even under the most difficult circumstances. It was not an easy thing to do and their bravery and courage must be commended. This case also serves as a reminder that human trafficking is everywhere, not just large metropolitan areas. It is important for everyone to be vigilant about their surroundings both for themselves and their community.” United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa and the Burlington Police Department made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, assisted by the Des Moines County Attorney’s Office, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking does not require the transportation of individuals across state lines, or that someone is physically restrained. Signs that a person is being trafficked can include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others, or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Victims particularly susceptible to being trafficked include those with criminal histories, a history of physical or sexual abuse, uncertain legal status, and dependency on controlled substances. Individuals who purchase sex from minors or from those who are otherwise exploited for commercial sex are also subject to prosecution for sex trafficking under federal law, if they knew or were in reckless disregard of the fact that they were under the age of 18, or that force, fraud, or coercion was used. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.


title: Minnesota Businessman Sentenced for Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Minnesota businessman was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for evading the payment of federal individual income taxes he owed for the years 2007 through 2019. According to court documents and statements made in court, Robert Wayne Schlosser owned and operated Custom Christmas Lighting, a business that installs Christmas lighting, special event lighting and decoration displays for its customers. In 2018, Schlosser filed for bankruptcy and listed the IRS as a creditor. At that time, Schlosser had unpaid debts due to the IRS going back to 2007. As part of his bankruptcy, Schlosser was required to sign and file, under penalty of perjury, a bankruptcy petition and schedules providing information regarding his assets, income and other financial affairs. But the schedules he filed contained materially false statements and omissions regarding his assets and income. Schlosser also testified during bankruptcy proceedings and made materially false statements, specifically about his ownership of two speedboats. Schlosser evaded payment of his federal income taxes by filing false bankruptcy schedules and making false statements during bankruptcy proceedings that concealed assets from the IRS. Schlosser’s conduct resulted in a total tax loss to the IRS of $429,848. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Katherine M. Menendez for the District of Minnesota ordered Schlosser to serve three years of supervised release and pay a fine of $25,000 and $279,897.09 in restitution to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger for the District of Minnesota made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. United States Trustee Trial Attorney Colin Kreuziger assisted with the investigation. Trial Attorney Thomas Flynn of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.


title: Man Who Fled Scene after Contributing to  Overdose Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who distributed heroin and fentanyl to a victim who subsequently overdosed was sentenced today to more than 19 years in federal prison. Jacob Lee Blauer, age 32, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 29, 2023 guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury. Evidence in the case established that on November 7, 2022, in Cedar Rapids, Blauer prepared a shot of heroin and fentanyl and gave it to another person. The victim used the drugs and immediately overdosed. Blauer left the scene. Emergency personnel arrived and revived the victim with Narcan. After this incident, Blauer continued to sell heroin and fentanyl. Blauer was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Blauer was sentenced to 236 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Blauer is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administrative and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-61. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Iowa Nurse Practitioner Agrees to Pay Over $50,000 to Resolve Suit Alleging Fraudulent Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Prescriptions, Kickbacks

body_text: Ashley Brown, DNP, ARNP, from Des Moines, Iowa, has agreed to pay $52,560 to the United States to resolve allegations that she violated the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, by signing hundreds of medically unnecessary prescriptions for expensive orthotic braces in exchange for kickback payments of $20 per patient. The full claims against Brown are contained in a Civil Complaint filed earlier this month in the United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. “Our office will aggressively pursue any medical providers that seek to profit by outsourcing their medical decision-making,” said Timothy T. Duax, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. “We will continue to work with our federal and state partners to identify and hold these providers accountable to the public.” The complaint alleged that from approximately April 17, 2020, to May 19, 2021, Brown, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, knowingly caused the submission of over $1 million in false claims to Medicare. Specifically, the complaint alleged that Brown wrote hundreds of prescriptions for orthotic braces that were unreasonable, not medically necessary, and in contravention of both state and federal law. The complaint refers to several patients who stated that they did not know Brown and did not need or request the orthotic braces Brown prescribed to them, including an Elkhart resident to whom Brown prescribed a left knee brace even though the patient’s left leg had been amputated years prior. The complaint alleged that Brown spent as little as nine seconds reviewing patient records before approving the braces. Brown is alleged to have falsely represented she established valid prescriber/patient relationships when, in fact, she had no contact with her ‘patients’ at all. The complaint also alleged Brown received $20 per patient reviewed, sometimes resulting in Brown receiving hundreds of dollars for mere minutes of review. The claims asserted against Brown are allegations only; there was no determination of liability. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon J. Gray and was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 1:24-cv-00036. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Las Cruces Man Guilty of Possessing Unregistered Short-Barreled Rifle and Illegally Receiving Ammunition While Under Indictment

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was convicted by a federal jury of federal firearms and ammunition offenses including possession of a short-barreled AR-15. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on September 2, 2022, in connection with a homicide investigation, search warrants were executed by the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office on a residence Delbert Tyler Trevino , 32, was house sitting and a truck he had driven during that time. During the search, law enforcement officers recovered a short-barreled American Tactical, model Omni Hybrid, multicaliber rifle in the closet of the spare bedroom where Trevino was staying at the time. It was later determined that the barrel of said rifle was approximately ten inches in length and that the rifle was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Prior to possessing the unregistered short-barreled rifle, Trevino was under indictment for three felony crimes in El Paso County, Texas. While under indictment, Trevino illegally purchased, and therefore received, 5.56mm and 9mm ammunition from Sportsman’s Warehouse in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on two separate occasions in July and August of 2022. During the execution of the search warrants on September 2, 2022, 5.56mm and 9mm ammunition matching the description of the ammunition Trevino purchased from Sportsman’s Warehouse were recovered from Trevino’s bedroom. Spent 9mm casings were also recovered from the property and the truck Trevino was driving. The Court ordered that Trevino remain in detention pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Trevino faces up to ten years in prison for the short-barreled rifle charge and up to five years in prison for each of the illegal receipt of ammunition charges. Trevino is subject to up to three years of supervised released following his term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Glen Henderson, Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division of the Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case. The homicide investigation remains pending. If you have any information relating to this matter or other crimes committed by Trevino , please contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 1-888-ATF-TIPS or ATFTips@atf.gov. # # #


title: Sheldon, Iowa Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth and Fentanyl Conspiracy

body_text: Kelli Biller, 38, from Sheldon, Iowa, pled guilty April 24, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City. Biller was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. At the plea hearing, Biller admitted that from about January 2022 through November 2023, she was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1200 grams of methamphetamine and at least 200 grams of fentanyl. Biller admitted to facilitating the receipt of 2,000 fentanyl pills from a source in Sioux City to later distribute in the Sheldon and Primghar area. Biller further admitted to obtaining several ounces of methamphetamine from her source for redistribution in and around Northwest Iowa. During a traffic stop in Sioux City on November 10, 2023, agents seized 19 M30-type fentanyl pills from Biller. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Biller remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Biller faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-4010. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Youngsville Man and Former Educator Sentenced to Federal Prison on Child Pornography Charge

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – Angel Rafael Cardona , 35, of Youngsville, Louisiana, was sentenced today on child pornography charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Cardona to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Cardona was charged in an indictment with one count of using a facility to cause a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and he pleaded guilty to the charge in January of this year. Evidence in this case revealed that in June 2023, Cardona began communicating through Whisper, an online chat application, with a user who identified as a 13-year-old female. Unbeknownst to Cardona, the user was an undercover law enforcement agent. Cardona sent a direct message to the user inquiring about a post she had made about summer school. Two days later, Cardona asked the user if they had an account on another online chat site and the agent responded that they did have a Kik account, and he then contacted the undercover minor female through that application. These communications between the two continued from June 8, 2023, to July 10, 2023, until the user told Cardona that the Kik application kept crashing and to contact her through text message and provided a phone number. The text messages between Cardona and the undercover agent continued through July 24, 2023. Conversations about sex, sexual experiences, and the undercover agent’s body were brought up by Cardona throughout this time period. On numerous occasions, the undercover agent made reference to her age of 13. The conversations regarding her sexual inexperience increased over time becoming more graphic and detailed. Eventually, Cardona began asking the undercover agent for pictures of herself and asked for images containing sexual material. On July 11 and 13, 2023, Cardona specifically and explicitly asked for the undercover agent to produce and send him child pornography. The undercover agent gave excuses of her mother’s presence in the home for not complying and Cardona instructed her to be sneaky about it in order to create the images. He brought up the idea of meeting in person on numerous occasions and eventually they agreed to meet at Veterans Park in Lafayette on July 24, 2023. The defendant admitted that he intended to meet the person he believed to be a minor female for the purpose of engaging in some form of sexual activity that would be a crime under the laws of the state of Louisiana. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Luke Walker and Craig R. Bordelon. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . # # #


title: Saratoga Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Barry, age 42, of Saratoga Springs, New York, pled guilty today to receiving child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. Barry admitted that between June 2021 and January 2022, he received child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors, and possessed two phones on February 9, 2023, containing child pornography. Barry will be sentenced on August 27, 2024, by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Barry faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. The court may also impose a fine, restitution, and forfeiture of the phones Barry used to commit his offenses. 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. Barry must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. HSI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Four Admit Bank Fraud Linked to Stolen Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Four people from Warren County, Missouri have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the theft of mail, checks and other personal information. Elijah Briggs, 42, pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to three counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Jessica Kirkpatrick, 44, pleaded guilty in a separate hearing Wednesday to two counts of bank fraud. Reuben Kim, 36, pleaded guilty April 2 to two counts of bank fraud. Holly Naylor, 41, pleaded guilty in August to two counts of bank fraud. Briggs admitted stealing U.S. mail from mailboxes and blank checks from homes while working as a contractor. In 2019, he accessed a couple’s online bank account and transferred money to a PayPal account and accounts in the names of other victims of identity theft. He also stole a check from the couple’s neighbor’s mailbox and deposited the altered check, causing a loss of $1,264. Briggs was later caught with stolen mail belonging to dozens of people, more than 30 stolen debit or credit cards and over 100 checks in the names of other people. The total dollar amount on the stolen or fraudulent checks was $116,279. Briggs also had a notebook containing the names and personally identifiable information of several other people. In 2021, Briggs stole and used a credit card from the home of his employer’s client, and then tried to cash his payroll check multiple times. He also created fraudulent checks that were deposited by Kirkpatrick, Naylor and Kim. His laptop contained images of fraudulent checks totaling $35,098. In October of 2021, St. Charles Police Department officers stopped Briggs and found drugs, blank check paper and stolen or fraudulent checks totaling $40,423. In their guilty pleas, Kirkpatrick, Naylor and Kim admitted cashing fraudulent checks created by Briggs. Bank fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both prison and a fine. Each aggravated identity theft charge is punishable by two years in prison, consecutive to any other charge. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Charles Police Department, the St. Peters Police Department, and the Wentzville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke prosecuted the case.


title: Media Advisory: U.S. Attorney Announces Winners of the Virtual Youth and Young Adult Poster Contest Commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C –U.S. Attorney Michael Easley announced the winners of a virtual poster contest held in conjunction with the Interagency Council and the Ship Outreach and Community Center. Students from the Poe Center for Health Education and Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School were invited to participate in the contest by developing a poster featuring butterflies in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Butterflies have long been used as a symbol of freedom and hope for victims. Twenty-four students participated in the virtual contest and winners were selected by staff at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Crime takes a tremendous toll on innocent victims, often changing lives forever. Our mission cannot just be to prosecute offenders – we also must do all we can to help victims in their journey to find peace,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The students who participated in this year’s poster contest are using art to cast a light of hope, lighting the path from being a victim to becoming a survivor.” The poster winners include Tonaye Minggia, Malik Thompson, and Mia Mahoney. For additional information about this year’s NCVRW and how to assist victims in your own community, please visit the United States Attorney’s Office website . For more ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov .


title: Career Criminal Convicted of Federal Firearms Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Washington, D.C. man with three prior felony convictions has been convicted of illegally possessing a firearm. United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Mario Adonte Crawley, age 51, was convicted by a jury of the unlawful possession of a firearm. The evidence at trial established that Crawley’s vehicle was stopped in Kearneysville, West Virginia, by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office in September of 2023. During the traffic stop, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in a laundry basket in the back of Crawley’s automobile. Crawley is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions for Armed Robbery in the District of Columbia, Attempted Robbery in Petersburg, Virginia, and Receiving Stolen Property in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Salem and Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Crawley faces up to fifteen years in prison when he is sentenced. U.S. District Court Judge Gina M. Groh presided. ###


title: New Hampshire Man Sentenced in Harvard University Bomb Extortion Case

body_text: BOSTON – A Manchester, N.H., man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for making a series of extortionate bomb threats against Harvard University. The extortionate threats caused the evacuation of Harvard’s Science Center Plaza and surrounding academic buildings, and the controlled detonation of what was later determined to be a hoax device on April 13, 2023. William A. Giordani, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to three years of probation. In January 2024, Giordani pleaded guilty to one count of concealing a federal felony. In the early afternoon of April 13, 2023, Giordani placed a large tool bag, which concealed a locked safe containing fireworks and electrical wires, in the center of Harvard’s Science Center Plaza, where students and others had gathered. Shortly thereafter, a caller, using a voice changing app to conceal his identity, called the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) and said that he had placed three bombs on the Harvard campus. The caller demanded an unspecified amount in Bitcoin to prevent the remote detonation of the bombs. In several ensuing calls, the caller told HUPD that he was serious about his demands and that they could find the first bomb in the Science Center Plaza. HUPD discovered the device planted by Giordani, next to a bench in the center of Science Center Plaza and issued an emergency evacuation order of the area and nearby buildings. A responding bomb squad from the Cambridge Police Department assessed and disabled the device. No additional devices were found on campus that day. A subsequent investigation revealed that Giordani had been recruited to join the extortion scheme via a craigslist.org advertisement. Once Giordani knew he had been recruited to assist in an extortionate bomb scheme, he had an obligation under federal law to report that scheme to authorities. Instead, he deleted incriminating text messages, told his girlfriend not to speak to anyone about it and went on the run from police. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division; Harvard University Police Chief Victor Clay; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Nashua (N.H.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. McNeil of the National Security Unit prosecuted the case.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Michael Querry, 52 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Querry was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in the spring and summer of 2023, Querry supplied methamphetamine to multiple individuals in the South Bend area, and within a three month period, supplied law enforcement with nearly a pound and a half of methamphetamine. During the same period, traffic stops on Querry resulted in the recovery of a total of five and one-half ounces of methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the Mishawaka Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, the Porter County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the DEA Regional Drug Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Former Executive Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $400,000 from San Diego Non-Profit

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 25, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Katherine Lu Acquista, former Director of Operations and Accounting for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that she stole more than $400,000 from the non-profit for her personal benefit. The Economic Development Corporation, known as EDC, works to maximize San Diego’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness. As Director of Operations and Accounting, Acquista had access to the EDC’s bank accounts, credit cards, checkbook and payroll system. According to her plea agreement, Acquista put personal expenditures on EDC’s credit card and directed the accounting department to issue checks from EDC to herself. To conceal her scheme, Acquista caused false entries to be made in the non-profit’s accounting system to account for the missing funds. For example, Acquista put personal charges on the EDC credit card, and then caused the expenditures in the EDC’s accounting system to be entered as charges for maintenance and repairs or for office supplies. Similarly, Acquista directed that checks be written to herself from the EDC bank account but then caused the checks to be entered into EDC’s accounting system as charges for recurring IT expenses. Acquista admitted in her plea agreement that as a result of her scheme the EDC lost $433,275.89. “This defendant took funds that were supposed to make San Diego a stronger business community and spent them on herself,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Our office takes embezzlement from local businesses very seriously and will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases.” “Ms. Acquista worked for an organization whose goal is to help the San Diego community; however, she chose to abuse her position of trust within the organization,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge John Kim. “The FBI remains committed to ensuring that individuals who deliberately compromise the integrity of their position and organization for personal gain will be brought to justice.” Acquista is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Battaglia for sentencing on July 15, 2024, at 9 a.m. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24CR0765-AJB Katherine Lu Acquista Age: 47 Escondido, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Wire Fraud - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison; $250,000 fine or the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater INVESTIGATING AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Ryan Steele, 26 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to Attempted Transportation of a Minor, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Steele was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in March 2023, Steele traveled from his home in Indiana to Texas to meet up with a minor female with whom he had been talking online for five years. Steele was located traveling to Texas and once there, law enforcement discovered he was attempting to locate the minor. After his arrest, Steele admitted to traveling to Texas to bring the minor back to Indiana to live with him and engage in sexual activity. Steele also admitted to talking online with the minor since she was approximately 11 years old and to knowing she was a minor. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, the Kendallville Police Department, the Lagrange Police Department, and the LaPorte, Texas Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Tax Attorneys and Insurance Agent Convicted in Tax Shelter Scheme

body_text: A federal jury in Charlotte, North Carolina, convicted two tax attorneys and an insurance agent of conspiring to defraud the United States and helping clients file false tax returns based on their promotion and operation of a fraudulent tax shelter. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from 2011 to November 2022, Michael Elliott Kohn and Catherine Elizabeth Chollet, both attorneys and residents of St. Louis, and David Shane Simmons, a licensed insurance agent and broker based out of Jefferson, North Carolina, promoted, marketed and sold to clients a fraudulent tax scheme known as the Gain Elimination Plan. The defendants designed the plan to conceal their clients’ income from the IRS by inflating business expenses through fictitious royalties and management fees. These fictitious fees were paid, on paper, to a limited partnership largely owned by a charity. In reality, Kohn and Chollet fabricated the fees. Kohn and Chollet advised clients that the plan’s limited partnership was required to obtain insurance on the life of the clients to cover the income that was allocated to the charitable organization. The death benefit was directly tied to the anticipated profitability of the clients’ businesses and how much of the clients’ taxable income was intended to be sheltered. Simmons earned more than $2.3 million in commissions from selling the insurance policies, splitting the commissions with Kohn and Chollet. Kohn and Chollet received more than $1 million from Simmons. Simmons also filed false personal tax returns that underreported his business income and inflated his business expenses, resulting in a tax loss of more than $480,000. In total, the defendants caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $4 million. A sentencing date has not been set. They face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Simmons also faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing false personal tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Todd Ellinwood of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.


title: St. Louis County Man Caught with Gun and Methamphetamine Sentenced to 160 Months in Prison

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Wednesday sentenced a convicted felon caught with a rifle and methamphetamine to 160 months in prison. Antwon Fulton was a passenger in a car with no front license plate and an expired temporary license tag on the rear when he was pulled over by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers on May 6, 2021. Officers found a Chinese SKS semi-automatic rifle in the rear of the car, which belonged to Fulton, and a bag containing 27.05 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle’s center console. Fulton is a convicted felon and is barred from possessing firearms. Fulton, 33, of St. John, Missouri, pleaded guilty in December to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Goeke 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: Scandia Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Stealing Bottles of Oxycodone

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Scandia pharmacist has pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking bottles of oxycodone from her pharmacy for her own personal use, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Kristie Marie Dezell, 46, was the pharmacist in charge at a pharmacy located in Maplewood, Minnesota. From March 2020, until June 2023, Dezell knowingly and intentionally obtained bottles of oxycodone for her own personal use from the pharmacy’s inventory. Dezell falsified the pharmacy’s records to conceal her actions. Dezell pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of obtaining possession of controlled substance by misrepresentation. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maplewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Forbes is prosecuting the case.


title: Lexington Physician Pays $200,000 to Settle Civil Penalty Claims Stemming From his Alleged Failure to Retain Records Relating to Purchasing Schedule II Controlled Substances

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – James K. Robberson, M.D. (“Dr. Robberson), paid $200,000 to settle civil penalty claims stemming from allegations he violated the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (“Act”) and its regulations, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. During the relevant time, Dr. Robberson practiced medicine in Lexington, Oklahoma. As a registrant under the Act, Dr. Robberson was required to maintain controlled substance records as set forth in the Act and its implementing regulations. Recordkeeping is a vital part of managing controlled substances. Complete and accurate records help avoid diversions and losses of controlled drugs. The record keeping requirements relating to Schedule II controlled substances are particularly vital because Schedule II controlled substances are those having a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. The regulations implementing the Act require a registrant seeking to purchase Schedule II controlled substances to fill out the purchaser portion of a DEA Form-222, specify the descriptions and amounts of Schedule II substances being ordered, make a copy for the purchaser’s files, and provide the annotated form to the seller. When the order is filled, the purchaser is required to annotate his or her copy of the Form-222 with the date of receipt and the quantity or number of bulk containers received. The purchaser must retain a copy of each executed DEA Form-222. Failure to comply disrupts the closed system created by the Act, increases the potential for diversion, and subjects the registrant to civil monetary penalties. The United States alleges that from May 5, 2021, to February 6, 2023, Dr. Robberson failed to maintain DEA Forms 222 for certain purchases of Schedule II controlled substances. To resolve these allegations, Dr. Robberson agreed to pay $200,000 to the United States. In reaching this settlement, Dr. Robberson did not admit liability, and the government did not make any concessions about the legitimacy of the claims. The agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda R. Johnson and Ronald R. Gallegos prosecuted the case.


title: Norman Doctor Pays $60,000 to Settle Civil Penalty Claims Stemming from Allegations of Recordkeeping Violations

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Ronnie Keith, DO (“Dr. Keith”), paid $60,000 to settle civil penalty claims stemming from allegations that he violated the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 and its regulations, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. Dr. Keith owns and operates Keith Medical Clinics with locations in Norman and Ardmore, Oklahoma. The United States alleges that from August 10, 2021, through August 10, 2023, Dr. Keith failed to maintain invoices for certain purchases of controlled substances and failed to document the date of receipt on certain receiving invoices. Dr. Keith also failed to maintain an initial inventory of all stocks of controlled substances on hand and failed to take a new inventory biennially. To resolve these allegations, Dr. Keith agreed to pay $60,000 to the United States. In reaching this settlement, Dr. Keith did not admit liability, and the government did not make any concessions about the legitimacy of the claims. The agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case. Recordkeeping is a vital part of managing controlled substances. Complete and accurate records help avoid diversions and losses of controlled drugs. A registrant who purchases controlled substances must comply with the inventory and purchase record requirements contained in the regulations implementing the Act. Failure to do so subjects the registrant to civil monetary penalties. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald R. Gallegos and Amanda R. Johnson prosecuted the case.


title: St. Louis Carjacker Sentenced to 105 Months in Prison

body_text: ST. LOUIS – On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced a man to 105 months in prison for a 2022 carjacking. On July 7, 2022, outside a Family Dollar store at 6440 West Florissant Avenue in Jennings, La’Vontray Hayes-Williams pulled out a handgun and told the driver of a 2018 Nissan Sentra to “give me the car.” He then drove away with his girlfriend. The victim called police, who quickly spotted Hayes-Williams. Hayes-Williams fled, sparking a chase that lasted nearly ten miles and reached speeds of over 100 mph. Fulton pleaded guilty in January to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj 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: Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fraudulently Obtained Gold Coins

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Connecticut man pleaded guilty yesterday to fraudulently obtaining more than 100 gold coins and then transporting them outside of Massachusetts. William Dawson, 52, pleaded guilty to on one count of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2024. Dawson was arrested and charged in October 2023. Dawson held himself out as a property buyer and reseller. Person-1 operated a home cleanout business in Massachusetts that sold property contained in decedent estates. In or around December 2022, Person-1 was retained by a decedent estate to clean out a residence in Shrewsbury. In that home, Person-1 found 170 Queen Elizabeth II Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins, collectively worth approximately $290,000. With approval from the estate, Person-1 agreed to sell 120 of the gold coins to Dawson. In January 2023, Dawson met with Person-1 in Millbury and purchased the 120 gold coins with two checks totaling $198,800. However, Dawson had significantly less than $198,800 in the relevant bank account when he wrote the checks to Person-1. Later that same day, Dawson called Person-1, falsely claiming that his car had been broken into and that the gold coins had been stolen. The next day, Dawson traveled to a pawn shop in Pawtucket, R.I. where he sold 43 of the gold coins in exchange for $80,442. On several occasions in February 2023, Dawson traveled to a pawn shop in Cranston, R.I., where he sold 19 more of the gold coins in exchange for a total of approximately $35,094. The charge of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud, provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Milford Police Department and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.


title: Registered Sex Offender Is Sentenced To 31+ Years In Prison For Traveling To South Carolina To Engage In Sexual Activity With A Minor

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, Michael John Worley, 51, of Canton, N.C., was sentenced to 382 months in prison for traveling to Fort Mill, South Carolina, to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor while being a registered sex offender, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger also ordered Worley to remain under court supervision for the rest of his life and to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence. Kyle Burns, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Sheriff Kevin Tolson of the York County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and court proceedings, in 2017, Worley was sentenced to 60 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography in federal court in the Western District of North Carolina. As part of Worley’s judgement, he was ordered to a lifetime term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Court documents show that in March 2021, the York County Sheriff’s Office began an undercover operation to identify online child predators using social media and other messaging applications to contact minors. On March 12, 2021, Worley began communicating online with undercover sheriff deputies posing as a 15-year-old minor female. During their communications, Worley expressed his interest in engaging in illicit sexual acts with the underage female, knowing that the female he thought he was communicating with was a minor. Worley also referenced his prior federal conviction and said that he was not supposed to be talking to a minor, that he had been in trouble in the past, and that he did not want to get in trouble again. On March 27, 2021, Worley traveled from Haywood County in North Carolina to Fort Mill, for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the minor. When Worley arrived at the residence in Fort Mill where he thought he was meeting the minor, he was arrested by the York County Sheriff’s Office. “We are committed to actively investigating and prosecuting repeat predators like Worley to combat child exploitation and ensure the safety of our vulnerable young people,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Ensuring the safety of our children is paramount, and I commend Homeland Security Investigations and the York County Sheriff’s Office for their swift action in this case. Thanks to their work, children are protected from this dangerous individual.” “We all can breathe a little easier knowing that a predator like Worley, who delights in the abuse and exploitation of children, is not roaming around our communities looking to victimize our children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Burns Kyle Burns. “I am thankful for the great work done on this case and the amazing support of our law enforcement partners.” “Let this send a strong message to any child predator, if you hunt our children, you will become the hunted,” said Sheriff Tolson. On March 3, 2023, Worley pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Worley is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. U.S. Attorney King credited HSI and the York County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation that led to today’s sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.