title: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Narcotics

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

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – Three defendants from Lafayette, Louisiana who were involved in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation have been sentenced, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following defendants: Brandon Anderson , 30, was sentenced to 188 months (15 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on December 21, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Cord Anderson , 34, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2023, and admitted to possessing at least 350 but not more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Tory Phillips , 32, was sentenced to 88 months (7 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on December 21, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation resulted in a federal indictment against several defendants for conspiring together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Morgan City area. Law enforcement agents began an investigation in September 2019 into the drug trafficking activities of Anderson, Phillips, and their co-defendants. During the conspiracy, Brandon Anderson supplied heroin to his co-defendants who in turn sold the heroin for profit. Agents intercepted phone calls during the court-authorized intercepts on the phone of his co-defendant, Jhailen Zeno, and observed Anderson travel to narcotics transactions with Zeno. Anderson also set up narcotics transactions and traveled to conduct the transactions. Vehicles used in these narcotics transactions were a 2014 Audi and a 2014 Range Rover. In October 2020, law enforcement agents learned that Anderson was in Houston, Texas and during that time he was receiving phone calls from individuals in Lafayette requesting a supply of narcotics. Agents obtained a warrant to search a residence in Lafayette that Anderson had been utilizing in his drug trafficking activities. On October 21, 2020, agents executed the search warrant and located the Audi A7, and Ranger Rover seen previously, as well as a 2015 Mercedes C300. Inside the trunk of the Mercedes agents found approximately 600 grams of cocaine and 500 grams of heroin. Anderson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram but less than 3 kilograms of heroin. Through their investigation, agents learned that Phillips communicated with his co-conspirators about traveling to Houston with co-defendant Kendrick James. On June 29, 2020, agents conducted surveillance of Phillips’ vehicle and observed him arrive at a residence in Houston, stay for a few minutes, and leave. Law enforcement officers with the Sulphur Police Department stopped the vehicle belonging to Phillips and conducted a traffic stop after the driver committed a traffic infraction. Officers performed a probable cause search of the vehicle and a pat down search of Phillips and James and found a bag hidden in Phillips’ groin area. The bag contained a brown substance weighing approximately 20 grams. A field test was conducted, and the substance was identified as heroin. Phillips admitted to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. On March 10, 2020, law enforcement agents received information of an individual found in a vehicle stuck in a ditch. Agents responded and found Cord Anderson to be asleep inside the vehicle. He woke and attempted to flee from law enforcement but was apprehended. Inside the vehicle, agents found approximately 414 grams of a substance which was tested to be methamphetamine. Five other defendants have already been sentenced in this case as follows: Jhailen Zeno , of 27, of Lafayette, received a sentence of 85 months (7 years, 1 month) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. Jerrick Williams was sentenced to 8 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. William Williams was sentenced to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Randy Dugas was sentenced to 8 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Ericka Guidry was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Kendrick James is the only remaining defendant to be sentenced. His sentencing has been scheduled for October 31, 2023. The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, ATF, Sulphur Police Department and Lafayette Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel. The investigation and conviction of these defendants is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. # # #


title: New Orleans Woman Federally Charged for Making a False Oath in a  Bankruptcy Matter

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JEANNINE DUKES (“DUKES”) , age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by a bill of information on August 30, 2023 for making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. If convicted, DUKES faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, DUKES faces a term of supervised release of no less than three (3) years after her release from prison. According to the bill of information , on November 19, 2021, DUKES did knowingly and fraudulently make a false oath or account in or in relation to any case under Title 11 in a bankruptcy ca se . Specifically, DUKES failed to disclose she had applied for a COVID-19 PPP Loan on May 18, 2021, and received approximately $20,527.00 in PPP funds on June 8, 2021. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the U.S. Trustee, Region 5, in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Malden man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to trafficking fentanyl disguised as oxycodone and Xanax, as well as methamphetamine disguised as Adderall in and around the Malden area. Igor Desouza, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and other controlled substances. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Dec. 1, 2023. Desouza was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021 along with co-defendant Matthew Ramos. Under the terms of Desouza’s plea agreement, he faces a sentence of 120 months in prison. According to the charging documents, a search of the defendant’s residence in May 2021 resulted in the recovery of over 10,000 pills, which included over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine pills pressed to resemble Adderall or Xanax (some containing MDMA) and over 40 grams of fentanyl pills (some mixed with xylazine) pressed to resemble oxycodone. The search also resulted in the recovery of a firearm, loaded and unloaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, LSD strips, oxycodone pills, MDMA pills, and oxycodone pills. A search warrant executed on Desouza’s phone yielded videos of him holding a firearm and pointing it at orange and blue pills, similar to the methamphetamine and fentanyl pills recovered during the search warrant at his home. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, at least four and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. The investigation was led by DEA’s New England Field Division’s Boston Tactical Diversion Squad. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Malden Police Department; and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Marine Arrested for Stealing More than $344,000 in Government Benefits and Submitting False Purple Heart Application to the United States Marine Corps Through His Local Congressman

body_text: BOSTON – A former United States Marine has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mass. for allegedly stealing benefit payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs and submitting a false Purple Heart application to the United States Marine Corps through his local Congressman. Paul John Herbert, 52, of Shelburne Falls, Mass., was indicted on one count of theft of government money and one count of making false statements. Herbert was arrested this morning and was released on conditions following an initial appearance today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. “Mr. Herbert’s alleged conduct is an affront to every veteran who has sacrificed to earn the honor of a Purple Heart and who is deserving of disability benefits. According to the indictment, he not only stole tens of thousands of dollars in disability benefits that are supposed to be used to help veterans in need, but he also falsely claimed to have suffered a traumatic brain injury during his deployment in an effort to receive a Purple Heart he didn’t deserve,” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Every day, thousands of brave members of the military selflessly risk their lives to protect our country. Stealing from our country’s veterans or claiming valor where there is none is an insult to the honorable service members who sacrifice for our safety.” “The VA Office of Inspector General remains committed to ensuring that VA benefits are administered to deserving recipients based on legitimate accounts of their military service,” said Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks our partners at the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this joint investigation.” “Individuals who steal veterans disability benefits and falsely represent themselves as decorated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces degrade the service of the men and women who selflessly serve our country,” said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office, the law enforcement component of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. “Today's charges demonstrate our commitment to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of stolen military benefits.” According to the indictment, from Jan. 1, 2010 to March 11, 2023, Herbert stole more than $344,000 in veterans disability benefits. In addition, on Oct. 24, 2018, Herbert allegedly submitted an application for a Purple Heart award to the United States Marine Corps through his local Congressman, in which Herbert falsely stated that he had suffered injuries, including traumatic brain injury, from a roadside explosion while deployed to Northern Iraq. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making a false statement provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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 U.S. Attorney Levy, VA-OIG SAC Algieri and DCIS SAC Hegarty made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Raleigh County Housing Director Sentenced for Federal Fraud Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Laquenta Lowe, 46, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $8,954.76 in restitution for conversion of public money exceeding $1,000. Lowe admitted to stealing at least $7,978.91 in federal funds while employed by the Raleigh County Housing Authority (RCHA). According to court documents and statements made in court, Lowe was chief financial officer and accountant for the RCHA from July 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019. Lowe was executive director of the RCHA from June 1, 2019, through April 30, 2021. During this time, RCHA administered programs that used federal funds including the Section 8 income-based rent subsidy program. RCHA kept the federal funds it received from the United States Department and Urban Development (HUD) in RCHA’s primary operating account at a West Virginia bank. Lowe used her positions at RCHA to steal at least $7,978.91 in federal funds that HUD had disbursed to RCHA and knowingly converted the funds to her personal use and without authorization. Lowe admitted to receiving at least $6,728.82 of that amount in overtime compensation that she should not have received. Lowe further admitted to receiving at least $660.68 in travel-related expenses reimbursements that she should not have received for RCHA-related travel. Lowe also admitted to using a RCHA credit card issued to her to purchase a $199.99 smart watch for her personal use and without authorization. “Laquenta Lowe abused a position of trust and stole from a program that provides critical services to some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Our office is committed to prosecuting fraud of this nature to the fullest extent possible.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU). "HUD OIG is committed to protecting the integrity of federal housing programs and bringing justice to those who abuse HUD programs for personal gain," said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable bad actors and protect the programs that HUD beneficiaries rely on." United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell and Kristin Scott prosecuted the case. 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. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-7. ###


title: Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI Beckley

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Iglesias McEntyre, 35, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 14, 2022, McEntyre failed to clear a metal detector after numerous attempts. An FCI Beckley staff member conducted a visual search of McEntyre and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in McEntyre’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal approximately 5 3/4 inches long, sharpened to a point, with a toothbrush for a handle and thread wrapped around the handle to secure it. McEntyre admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case. 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. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-50. ###


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Role in International Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday to his involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization. Mariano Santana, 57, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Nov. 30, 2023. In May 2023, Santana was among 12 individuals from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and California charged in a superseding indictment for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Jin Hua Zhang. According to the charging documents, Zhang allegedly laundered bulk cash for drug dealers and laundered profits from other illegal businesses for a fee. It is alleged that, during the investigation, Zhang directed his co-defendant couriers, and others, to deliver to undercover agents hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and millions of dollars in wire transfers and bank deposits. In total, Zhang and his organization allegedly laundered at least $25 million worth of drug proceeds and funds from other illegal businesses traced to Hong Kong and elsewhere in China, India, Cambodia, and Brazil, among other locations. Santana was a courier who dropped off drug money to be laundered by the Zhang organization. On two separate occasions in June 2022, Santana delivered bulk cash deliveries of illicit proceeds to a cooperating witness in a Quincy parking lot. Specifically, on June 2, 2022, Santana provided the individual with a bag containing $30,000 in cash. On June 7, 2022, Santana delivered $29,800 in cash, The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. 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 Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. 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: Georgia Tech professor pleads guilty to tax fraud

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - John Crittenden, a professor of environmental engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the former director of the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, has pleaded guilty to tax fraud for lying on his tax returns by overstating his charitable deductions. “Charitable giving is a virtue. But Crittenden avoided paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes by lying about his charitable deductions to perpetrate a tax fraud scheme involving Chinese nationals,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Because of his actions Crittenden will no longer be employed by the university and will also be required to pay all taxes owed.” “Crittenden’s guilty plea is the result of the determination and hard work of federal investigators and prosecutors who aggressively pursue allegations of tax fraud,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is determined to root out and prosecute anyone who would try to undermine the tax return system.” “No matter the scheme or amount, do not falsify your tax returns,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman. “We have an incredible team of talented, intelligent agents trained to investigate these tax fraud schemes. Crittenden not only has to make amends by paying his owed taxes, but he also faces jail time, fines, and penalties for his decisions. This guilty plea is evidence that fraud does not pay.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: John Crittenden’s academic research focused on scalable water treatment systems and technologies. Crittenden had deep ties to China, in part due to his position at Georgia Tech and his research. While employed at Georgia Tech and living in the United States, Crittenden partnered with a Chinese national, Duo Li, to operate several companies in China, including Beijing Keruiduo Environmental, Beijing Crittenden Environmental Technology Company, and Kunshan Techfirst. These companies, as well as individuals associated with Duo Li, wired hundreds of thousands of dollars either directly to the charitable donation arm of Georgia Tech, the Georgia Institute of Technology Foundation (GTF), or to Crittenden’s Bank of America account, after which he “donated” the funds to GTF. When the funds arrived at GTF, they were earmarked for Crittenden’s use at Georgia Tech. Regardless of how the funds reached GTF, Crittenden improperly and falsely claimed the transfers to GTF as charitable deductions on his tax returns without recognizing any of the transfers as income. Crittenden also received transfers to his Bank of America account from Chinese nationals who were participating in post-doctoral research at Georgia Tech or their family members. Crittenden then “donated” these funds to GTF and improperly and falsely took a charitable deduction on his tax returns, while not recognizing any of the funds as income. Neither Georgia Tech nor GTF were aware that Crittenden was conducting this tax fraud scheme. As part of the plea agreement, prior to sentencing, Crittenden must resign from all positions of employment at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Georgia Tech Research Institute, pay all taxes owed for tax years 2011 through 2021, and fully cooperate with the Examination Division of the Internal Revenue Service in making a complete and accurate determination of all taxes, penalties, and interest that Crittenden owes. Sentencing for Crittenden, 73, of Atlanta, Georgia, is scheduled for January 16, 2024, at 10:00 am before U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May. Crittenden pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with making a false statement on a tax return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal is 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: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Drugs While on Bond for State Dealing Charges

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Jimmie Ray Harris, 42, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to court documents, on September 8, 2021, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Jimmie Ray Harris after he led IMPD officers on a vehicle pursuit. During the chase, Harris threw 907.18 grams of cocaine, 28 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of heroin from his vehicle. Harris also had $22,147.50 in cash on his person and in his vehicle at time of arrest. He was charged in Marion County, Indiana with three felonies for dealing in cocaine, methamphetamine, and a narcotic drug, and was placed in custody at the Marion County Jail. The next day, Harris made an outgoing phone call from jail to another person asking about the drugs and money remaining in his home and discussing efforts to “clean up” the house. Harris asked about customers coming to the house to pay drug debts, and directed the other person to keep track of who owes him money for drugs. Harris told the other person not to worry about the police searching the residence because he gave them the wrong address. On September 10, 2021, Harris posted an $80,000-surety bond and was released from jail. On September 13, 2021, officers obtained a search warrant for the home Harris referenced on the jail call. During a search of the residence, officers located a total of nearly 5 pounds of methamphetamine hidden throughout the house, including on top of the dryer in the laundry room, in a desk drawer, in a DeWalt floor vacuum and a DeWalt bag, in a bedroom closet, and inside of a purse. The search also uncovered a glass meth pipe with burn marks, a loaded 9mm magazine, and $13,909 in cash. A young child was living with Harris in the home at the time of the search. Harris admitted he possessed the methamphetamine in his home with the intent to distribute it to others. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement. “This defendant was determined to keep making money pushing poison into our neighborhoods even while he was in jail for dealing drugs,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that there are serious consequences for fueling the devastation that deadly drugs cause in our communities.” The FBI, IMPD, DEA, and Indiana Crime Guns Task Force investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Harris be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Peter A. Blackett, who prosecuted this case. This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms. ###


title: Former Postal Employee Admits to Collecting Federal Worker’s Compensation Benefits While Also Working on Electric Scooters in Downtown St. Louis

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – In a U.S. District courtroom Thursday, a former U.S. Postal Service carrier technician admitted to federal charges of making false statements to continue receiving worker’s compensation benefits while he was also working to service electric scooters in downtown St. Louis. Torre C. Dilworth, 52, of Belleville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements to obtain federal employees’ compensation. For the charges, the maximum penalties are up to five years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine per count. “The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act helps families keep up with their financial obligations when an employee is injured beyond their ability to stay on the job at full capacity,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Individuals who choose to make false statements in order to continue to receive benefits will be held in full account of the law.” “The U.S. Postal Service paid $1.31 billion in workers’ compensation costs in fiscal year 2022. The majority of postal employees who collect compensation benefits have legitimate claims due to on-the-job injuries and are truly unable to perform any postal jobs. However, a small percent abuse the system and cost the Postal Service millions of dollars in fraudulent claims and enforcement costs,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Scott Pierce, Central Area Field Office, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “This guilty plea sends a clear message that workers’ compensation fraud is a federal crime, which carries serious consequences. The USPS OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the workers’ compensation program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.” According to court documents, Dilworth was injured on the job while working as a carrier technician for the U.S. Postal Service in November 2014. As a result of his injury, he received worker’s compensation benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, which is administered by the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. To manage the FECA program, OWCP requires recipients to submit forms to disclose other employment or business ventures. OWCP uses the forms to periodically determine whether the recipient’s benefits should be reduced based upon increased wage-earning capacity. From at least July 2019 until at least February 2023, Dilworth performed work for Bird Rides, a company that provides electric scooters for rent in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. During this same time period, Dilworth created a business enterprise known as “Electric Eagle” through which he serviced Bird Ride’s scooters. Through the work he performed for Bird Rides, Dilworth earned more than $220,000. On the forms that he submitted to the OWCP, Dilworth falsely stated that he had not performed any work, nor was he involved in any business enterprises, within the past 15 months. Dilworth’s sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2023. The U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General is conducting the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.


title: Importer of Methamphetamine Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. –Emma Encinas-Obregon, 34, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to 45 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Encinas-Obregon pleaded guilty to Importation of Methamphetamine. On October 19, 2022, Encinas-Obregon entered the United States from Mexico through the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, in a 2011 Audi A4. Concealed inside the vehicle were 50 packages containing 23 kilograms of methamphetamine s . Encinas-Obregon admitted to smuggling drugs into the United States on eight separate occasions since August 2022. Each time, after entering the United States, Encinas-Obregon would leave her car while shopping and members of a criminal organization would remove drugs from her vehicle. Encinas-Obregon was paid approximately $2,000 each time she smuggled drugs from Mexico into the United States. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Evan N. Wesley, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-02507-TUC-RCC RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-130_Encinas-Obregon # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: New Orleans Woman Federally Charged for Making a False Oath in a Bankruptcy Matter

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern


title: St. Louis Man Admits Fatally Shooting Another Over a Drug Debt

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis, Missouri on Friday admitted fatally shooting someone who was trying to collect a drug debt. Terrell Donta McDaniel, 41, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of discharge of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. In the plea agreement and in court, McDaniel admitted agreeing to sell 10 grams of fentanyl to Andre Nash on Nov. 2, 2022 for $500. But McDaniel did not give Nash the full amount of fentanyl that he paid for, and Nash began looking for McDaniel to collect the debt. When Nash learned McDaniel was staying at a vacant house in the 4100 block of Clara Place, he went there and entered the house. McDaniel shot Nash twice in the chest and once in the face, killing him. McDaniel and several others wrapped Nash’s body in tarps and plastic and placed him in the trunk of a stolen car, dumping the body in the 5900 block of St. Louis Avenue after dark that day. The body was discovered the next morning. McDaniel is scheduled to be sentenced November 29. The fentanyl conspiracy charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both. The discharge of a firearm charge is punishable by a sentence of up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI.


title: Marshall County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – A Marshall County man has been sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Keith Allen Barsness, 64, of Grygla, possessed multiple images and videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Acting on a tip, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Barsness’s residence and found the pornographic images of minors on cell phones, tablets, and computers. Barsness voluntarily admitted to investigators that he had been searching the internet for and viewing child pornography “for years.” On January 5, 2023, Barness pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Eric C. Tostrud. This case was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Esther Soria Mignanelli prosecuted the case.


title: North Anson Man Faces Mandatory Minimum 5+ Years for Fentanyl Trafficking in Somerset County

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A North Anson man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. According to court records, in January 2023, Cody Mosher , 29, led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Norridgewock and Madison. When Mosher was apprehended, officers located approximately 758.91 grams of fentanyl, 21 grams of cocaine, a substantial amount of cash, and more than 300 pills in the vehicle. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 mg of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose; the amount seized represented more than 379,000 lethal doses. Mosher faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine up to $5 million, followed by a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. ###


title: Three St. Louis Area Residents Accused of Pandemic Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – The final defendant of three indicted in July and accused of defrauding pandemic assistance programs appeared in court Thursday to plead not guilty to charges. Shanay Bolden, 32, of Florissant, Shonta Woods, 38, of St. Louis County, and Ashley Luckett, 32, of St. Louis, were each indicted July 12 on one count of wire fraud conspiracy and two counts of wire fraud. Bolden faces an additional wire fraud count. Woods appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Thursday, where she pleaded not guilty. Bolden pleaded not guilty July 27 and Luckett pleaded not guilty July 14. The indictment alleges two fraudulent schemes. In the first, Bolden submitted at least eight applications to Missouri’s State Assistance for Housing Relief Program, which was intended to aid renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic, the indictment says. Bolden falsely claimed to be a landlord and paid Woods to electronically submit the applications, then paid kickbacks to Woods and her purported tenants, the indictment says. In addition to the kickbacks, Bolden spent part of the $126,500 she received in the scheme on personal items, including purchases that she made at Saks Fifth Avenue, the indictment says. Woods submitted more than 12 fraudulent rental assistance applications on behalf of Bolden, Luckett and herself, the indictment says, receiving tens of thousands of dollars in return. At least two were submitted on behalf of Luckett, who received $20,400, the indictment says. The second scheme alleged in the indictment involved the Paycheck Protection Program, which was aimed at helping small businesses and their employees. Bolden falsely claimed to own a lawn services company and Luckett falsely claimed to own a catering company, receiving PPP loans of $18,750 and $20,107 respectively, the indictment says. Each charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.


title: Memphis Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Armed Carjacking

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – On Friday, September 1, 2023, a federal judge sentenced the second of two men involved in an armed carjacking that occurred at a Memphis apartment complex in January 2022. Wesley Richardson , 21, of Memphis was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for his role, said Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla also ordered Richardson to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. On April 11, 2023, Richardson’s co-defendant, Memphis resident Derek Coach , 22, was also sentenced to 121 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to the carjacking. Judge McCalla also ordered that Coach serve three years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Memphis Police Department. According to United States Attorney Ritz and the information presented in court, on January 18, 2022, at approximately 7:00pm, the victim parked her 2015 Hyundai Elantra in the parking lot of her apartment complex when two men approached her with a gun. One of the men pointed a gun at her stomach and said, “Give me the keys and everything you have.” The men took the victim’s keys, cell phone, money, and bank cards before speeding away in her car. Approximately two hours later, Memphis police officers spotted the victim’s car near S. Mendenhall and Cottonwood streets. When officers pursued the vehicle, the driver sped off, eventually crashing into a drainage ditch. Five occupants jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers took three of the suspects into custody and recovered a black backpack with three loaded firearms from the scene. Both Richardson and Coach admitted to participating in the carjacking. Richardson admitted that he pulled a loaded gun on the victim and stole her car. Coach admitted that he acted as the lookout. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated 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: Career Offender Sentenced to 9 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking in Waterville Area

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Waterville man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Patrick Hanson , 32, to 110 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release. Hanson pleaded guilty on November 3, 2022. According to court records, in October 2021, officers with the Waterville Police Department arrested Hanson after receiving information that he had threatened another individual. After his arrest, Hanson was found to have a total of seven packages of suspected narcotics on his person or in his immediate possession, including one package that he had kicked under a door while at the police station. In total, police seized approximately 43 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl. Just 2 mg of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose. Hanson was convicted in 2013 for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Judge Woodcock found him to be a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines, which subjected him to a higher advisory guideline sentence. The Waterville Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Kennebec County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the case. ###


title: West Virginia man admits to federal drug charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA –Steven Michael Hawley, age 36, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Hawley worked with others to sell methamphetamine in Moorefield and from a house on Fitzwater Drive in Hardy County. Hawley, was the last of five co-conspirators to plead guilty. Hawley is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. ###


title: St. Louis County Mother, Son Accused of Disability Fraud

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis County, Missouri mother and her son were indicted this week in U.S. District Court in St. Louis and accused of defrauding the Supplemental Security Income Program with false claims of a mental disability. Gino Rives, 35, of Edmundson, appeared in court Friday and pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud and five counts of theft of government funds. His mother, Zella Rives, 57, also of Edmundson, appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the same charges, with the addition of one count of making a false statement. The indictment alleges that from May 11, 2010 to August 30, 2023, the Rives defrauded the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income Program out of more than $88,000 by falsely claiming that Gino Rives had mental disabilities and had little or no income or resources. They claimed he had never worked, owned nothing, couldn’t drive and was unable to pay bills or use a bank account, the indictment says. They concealed Gino Rives’ construction and tree trimming work, his mixed martial arts career, a 2009 conviction for financial exploitation of the elderly, his ownership of vehicles and homes and receipt of $721,000 worth of checks from an elderly individual, “A.B.,” before her death in April of 2023. Gino Rives was charged in a separate indictment in April with one count each of access device fraud and fraudulently effecting transactions after being accused of fraudulently using A.B.’s credit card to purchase $4,788 in Southwest Airline tickets. He pleaded not guilty to those charges. The conspiracy and wire fraud charges each carry a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charge of making a false statement is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, and the theft of government funds charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.


title: Boise Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Travis Borup, 29, of Boise, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, between March 3 and March 12, 2022, the Boise Police Department (BPD) became aware that Borup was making files of child pornography available for sharing via a peer-to-peer network. BPD obtained a federal search warrant for Borup’s residence and, along with members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, executed the search warrant and interviewed Borup. Borup admitted to using his cellphone to view child pornography for the past several years. “This case demonstrates that those who possess child pornography in Idaho will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “I am grateful for the strong partnership my office has with the Boise Police Department and the ICAC Task Force at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, who every day conduct thorough investigations to find offenders and to protect Idaho’s children.” “I am grateful for our partnerships with the Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said BPD Captain Matt Jones. “This investigation is an outstanding example of the collaborative efforts law enforcement agencies make in order to protect our most vulnerable victims.” U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also sentenced Borup to 7 years of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence, and entered an order forfeiting the cellphone that was used to commit the offense. Borup will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Boise Police Department and the ICAC Task Force, which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted this 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. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: U.S. Files Lawsuit Seeking Damages from Southern California Edison and Tree Service for 2020 Bobcat Fire in Angeles National Forest

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The United States today filed a complaint alleging that the Bobcat Fire – one of the largest wildfires ever in Los Angeles County – was caused by the failure of Southern California Edison and its tree maintenance contractor to properly maintain trees that came into contact with power lines and caused the 2020 blaze. The lawsuit filed in United States District Court alleges that the SCE and Utility Tree Service (UTS) were negligent and therefore are liable for damages sustained by the United States during the fire that burned more than 114,000 acres, nearly 100,000 of which were in the Angeles National Forest. The United States Forest Service sustained fire suppression costs in excess of $56 million, and it incurred property and natural resource damages of over $65 million, according to the complaint. “Forest Service investigators determined that the Bobcat Fire ignited due to a tree in contact with power lines (conductors) owned and operated by SCE and maintained by SCE and UTS,” the lawsuit states. “The contact resulted in ignition of vegetation on a branch, which fell to the ground and spread.” The wildfire started on September 6, 2020, and ultimately destroyed 171 structures and 178 vehicles, damaged 47 structures, and resulted in the widespread evacuation of residences. Nearly three years later, more than 100 miles of trails and numerous campgrounds remain closed to the public. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Quist and Joseph W. Tursi of the Civil Division’s Complex and Defensive Litigation Section are handling this matter.


title: Dow Chemical Co. to Pay $456,000 for Former Subsidiary’s Alleged Violations of the Federal False Claims Act and Minnesota False Claims Act for Falsifying Test Results for Road Construction Materials

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced that DOW CHEMICAL CO. has agreed to pay $456,665.42 for alleged violations by its former subsidiary, POLY CARB, INC., of the federal False Claims Act and the Minnesota False Claims Act, by falsifying testing results in connection with several road construction projects administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, many of which were federally funded. According to the allegations, between 2012 and 2015, POLY CARB, INC. provided enamel paint products for several road construction projects, many of which were federally funded, throughout the State of Minnesota. All such projects are required, by law and contract, to be performed in accordance with detailed terms and specifications using only approved materials subject to a rigorous testing and certification process. The government contends POLY CARB, INC. failed to follow contract specifications and applicable rules by fabricating test results and forging signatures and documentation for its enamel products, thus making materially false claims and statements in connection with its purported testing. The proceeds of the settlement will be divided by the federal and state governments according to the original funding of the projects. “Submitting forged and fabricated documents to the government is never acceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “In coordination with our State partners, we will continue using the False Claims Act to address fraudulent conduct by government contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.” “Resolving this civil case advances our efforts to keep federally funded transportation projects free from fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Andrea M. Kropf, Special Agent-in-Charge, Midwestern Region, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “When improper activities like this come to our attention we will work with our federal, state, and prosecutorial partners to investigate and hold those involved accountable.” This case was jointly investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and handled by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, as well as the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.


title: East Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Manufacturing and Selling Guns

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GIOVANNI DONOFRIO, 22, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for manufacturing and selling firearms without a license. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2021, New Haven Police stopped a vehicle that was known to have been involved in a shots-fired incident. Inside the vehicle officers found three firearms, two of which were privately-made Polymer80 semi-automatic pistols (“ghost guns”) with Glock slides. A trace of the serial numbers on the Glock slides revealed that Donofrio had purchased them in November 2021. A subsequent court-authorized search of Donofrio’s residence revealed gun-making equipment, including a power drill and bits, multiple Polymer80 jigs, empty packaging for 50 round 9mm drums, multiple slides, an AR15 Carbine Buffer Kit, and other items. In addition, a search of Donofrio’s phone revealed numerous text messages indicating that Donofrio was manufacturing and selling firearms. The investigation also revealed that between November 25 and December 5, 2021, the two ghost guns manufactured by Donofrio that were recovered during the car stop had been used in six shooting incidents where at least four houses were struck by gunfire. Witnesses to some of the shooting incidents reported a vehicle chase with occupants shooting at each other. Donofrio was arrested on October 31, 2022. On June 12, 2023, he pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and admitted that he built and sold at least five firearms. Donofrio, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on October 3. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven and East Haven Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan J. Keefe and Lauren C. Clark through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Ringleader and Key Co-Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Leading Beckley-to-Philadelphia Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Bisheem Jones, also known as “Bosh,” 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for leading a scheme to traffic over 140 firearms from southern West Virginia to Philadelphia. Shyheem Woodard-Smith, also known as “Peanut” and “Nut,” 23, of Philadelphia, was also sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his key role in the gun trafficking conspiracy. A federal jury found Jones guilty after evidence at trial proved he oversaw a conspiracy that recruited straw purchasers in the Beckley area to buy firearms that Jones and his co-conspirators took back to Philadelphia to sell for profit. Jones was convicted of interstate travel with the intent to deal in firearms without a license, conspiracy to travel interstate with the intent to deal in firearms without a license and conspiracy to commit money laundering on December 16, 2022, after five days of trial. From in and around June 2020 to in and around July 2021, Jones and his co-conspirators trafficked over 140 firearms. Over 50 of the firearms were recovered at crime scenes primarily in Philadelphia and were connected to two homicides, crimes of domestic violence, and other violent offenses. “Bisheem Jones brought deadly and tragic results to the streets of Philadelphia and elsewhere,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Today’s sentence reflects the harm Jones caused and offers a warning to others who seek to traffic in firearms illegally and bring violence to our communities.” Jones selected the firearms the straw purchasers bought and provided the money to purchase them. Jones also paid the straw purchasers with money or drugs to buy the firearms. The straw purchasers falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that they were the buyers of the firearms when they knew they were purchasing them for Jones and his interstate gun trafficking conspiracy. “ATF’s mission is to protect the public by keeping firearms out of the hands of violent criminals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division, which includes West Virginia. “One of the ways we accomplish our mission is by identifying the sources of crime guns and taking swift action before those firearms can be used to cause harm. This case demonstrates how criminals illegally acquire firearms, and how ATF and our law enforcement partners work together to disrupt these networks. I commend the investigative team and the United States Attorney’s Office for their diligent work and for their commitment to keeping our communities safe.” The federal money laundering statutes Jones violated served to significantly increase his federal prison sentence. This investigation is unique in that agents were able to identify financial transactions that promoted Jones’ firearms trafficking enterprise and violated federal money laundering statutes. In particular, from approximately June 2020 to approximately July 2021, Jones used peer-to-peer payment apps to transfer money to various individuals in Philadelphia and Beckley. Those funds were ultimately used to purchase firearms in the Southern District of West Virginia. The firearms were then transported from Beckley to Philadelphia, where they were sold for a profit. That money was used to purchase more firearms in the Beckley area. Jones used his bank account to pay the straw purchasers and deposit proceeds from selling the firearms in Philadelphia. “The investigative prowess of IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners disrupted the financial flow of funds supporting illegal firearms trafficking,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Washington, D.C. Field Office. “IRS-CI is committed to the dismantling of criminal networks that pose a threat to public safety.” Woodard-Smith played an instrumental role in the firearm trafficking conspiracy, traveling from Philadelphia to Beckley with Jones to oversee the purchase of firearms at Beckley-area stores. Woodard-Smith also encouraged his fellow traffickers to obliterate the serial numbers of the firearms before putting them on the street. Woodard-Smith pleaded guilty to interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license. Woodard-Smith is among 18 defendants who pleaded guilty in connection with the firearms trafficking. Jones and Woodard-Smith are the final defendants to be sentenced. Other convicted defendants include: Denise Johnson, 26, of Beckley, sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to travel interstate with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license; Donte Webster, 23, of Beckley, sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for making false statements in acquisition of firearms; Derrick Woodard, also known as “D,” 27, of Philadelphia, sentenced to two years in prison for interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license; Terri Lawhorn, 29, Fayetteville, sentenced to two years in prison for making false statements in acquisition of firearms; Hassan Abdullah, also known as “San,” 28, of Philadelphia, sentenced to one year and six months in prison for interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license; Maurice Johnson, 37, of Mount Hope, sentenced to one year in prison for interstate travel with the intent to engage in dealing firearms without a license; making false statements in acquisition of firearms; and Brandon Lawson, 33, Oak Hill, sentenced to nine months in prison for transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentences. Thompson commended the excellent investigative work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Philadelphia Police Department. Thompson also commend Assistant United States Attorneys Negar M. Kordestani and Steve Loew and the office’s trial team. 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. 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. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-46. ###


title: Kuwaiti Man Charged with Abusive Sexual Contact on Airplane

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Kuwaiti man appeared in federal court today for alleged abusive sexual contact with a female passenger on a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced. Hasan Naser Hussain Alenezi, 18, of Kuwait, is charged by complaint with one count of abusive sexual contact on an airplane. He had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond, with home detention and GPS monitoring. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: While on a Nov. 27, 2022, flight from Los Angeles, California, to Newark, Alenezi sat next to a female passenger, who was seated next to the window, instead of sitting in his assigned seat. Alenezi was unknown to the victim. While seated next to the victim, Alenezi repeatedly touched her groin and leg without her permission. The abusive sexual contact charge is punishable by a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Chung of the Office’s OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. alenezi.complaint.pdf


title: Maple Grove Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Violent Carjacking at Blaine Grocery Store Parking Lot

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Maple Grove man has been sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for an armed carjacking at a Blaine grocery store, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on September 24, 2022, Justin Michael Kittleson, 21, targeted two victims as they left the Cub Foods grocery store in Blaine and loaded groceries into their car. Kittleson approached one of the victims at the trunk of the car and pointed a gun at them. The second victim attempted to intervene, and a struggle ensued. The gun discharged, and the shot is believed to have grazed the second victim’s ear. Kittleson took control of the car and drove away. A 9MM shell casing was recovered at the scene by officers with the Blaine Police Department. After reviewing surveillance video footage and with the assistance from other members of the public, officers were able to identify and locate Kittleson. On September 29, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence associated with Kittleson and recovered two 9MM firearms (the same caliber as the casing found at the scene of the carjacking) and a hooded sweatshirt that matched the sweatshirt Kittleson was seen wearing in the surveillance footage. On April 26, 2023, Kittleson pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced on August 30, 2023, by Senior Judge Ann D. Montgomery. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Blaine Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Postal Service Employee Charged with Assaulting a Supervisor at Postal Facility in Carmel Mountain Ranch

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 1, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Edwin Cuadrado, Jr., a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee, was arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint with stabbing a supervisor on August 25 at a mail facility in Carmel Mountain Ranch. At a hearing today in federal court, U.S. Magistrate Judge William V. Gallo ordered Cuadrado held without bond after the government argued he is a flight risk and danger to the community. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 12 at 9:30 before Judge Gallo. The criminal complaint alleges that Cuadrado used a knife to stab a supervisor in the back of the head. According to the criminal complaint, Cuadrado first engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with one of his USPS supervisors at a nearby gas station late in the afternoon on August 25. Shortly thereafter, Cuadrado drove his USPS vehicle into the main employee parking lot of the USPS mail processing and distribution facility located at 11251 Rancho Carmel Drive. While in the parking lot of that facility, three different supervisory USPS employees attempted to speak with Cuadrado regarding the recent altercation. Cuadrado responded by brandishing a knife and stabbing one of the supervisors before leaving the scene. Responding paramedics treated the wound to the back of the supervisor’s head before that supervisor was taken to a hospital for further treatment. Cuadrado remained at large until he was arrested by investigators on the morning of August 30. DEFENDANT Case Number 23-MJ-3140 Edwin Cuadrado Jr. Age: 37 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES 8 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1) – Assault on a Federal Employee or Officer Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; $250,000 fine. 8 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1) and (b) – Assault on a Federal Employee or Officer Inflicting Bodily Injury Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison; $250,000 fine. AGENCY United States Postal Inspection Service San Diego Police Department *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 29, 2023. Nathan David Hankins, 30, was sentenced to two 10-year terms in federal prison, to run concurrently. Hankins’ federal custody time will run consecutively with a previously imposed state custody sentence. Hankins was also sentenced to lifetime supervised release and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Hankins was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in December of 2019. He was convicted at a court trial on March 23, 2023. Hankins was federally indicted following a Cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in relation to a download of child pornography from Hankins’ Google account. The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce executed a search warrant on Hankins’ residence and located several devices. A forensic examination of those devices found hundreds of images of child pornography. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case. Hankins was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Four Defendants Sentenced for Role in ATM Larceny

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Crockett, Texas, man convicted of Bank Larceny. The sentencing took place on August 30, 2023. Keivon Jones, 26, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay approximately $100,000 in restitution and $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Jones, along with his co-defendants, were indicted for Bank Larceny and Transportation of Stolen Money by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. Jones pleaded guilty on May 8, 2023. Three co-defendants were previously sentenced in this case: Kytorrion Young, age 32, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison; Kendrick Kennedy, age 24, was sentenced to six months in federal prison; and Alton Himes, age 25, was sentenced to 19 months in federal prison. According to court documents, on December 2, 2021, in the early morning hours, Jones, and his three co-defendants, approached an automated teller machine (ATM) belonging to Dakotaland Federal Credit Union located in Madison, South Dakota. One of the vehicles that Jones and his co-defendants were driving at that time was a stolen Ford F-350 pickup truck. The truck was stolen from a parking lot located on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Jones and his co-defendants used the stolen truck and towing equipment, including straps and J-hooks, to physically break into the ATM and remove three cash boxes. After forcefully removing the boxes, Jones and his co-defendants stole the boxes and fled the area in the stolen pickup truck. They then traveled across state lines with the stolen cash. The ATM was destroyed in the process of the larceny and was deemed a total loss, costing over $30,000 to replace. The total amount of cash stolen was $32,300, and it belonged to Dakotaland Federal Credit Union. Jones’s co-defendants – Kytorrion Young, Alton Himes, and Kendrick Kennedy – knowingly participated with Jones in carrying out bank larceny. This case was investigated by FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case. Jones was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sturgis Woman Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Custody for Drug Trafficking

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Sturgis, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine). The sentencing took place on August 28, 2023 Devan McKenzie, 27, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. McKenzie was indicted for three counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl) by a federal grand jury in December of 2021. She pleaded guilty on April 14, 2023. Beginning around February of 2020, McKenzie began selling controlled substances with Brook and Dustin Staeffler. The group made arrangements to obtain the drugs in Colorado and then transport them to South Dakota. McKenzie transported the substances on several occasions and recruited her own sub-distributors to further sell the drugs in the Rapid City area. Overall, the conspiracy was responsible for at least 1.29 kilograms of methamphetamine, 857.5 grams of fentanyl, and 860.5 grams of heroin. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at McKenzie’s residence, and located drugs and items indicating she was actively engaged in selling illegal substances. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which is local a drug task force comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. McKenzie was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Bridgeport Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN JONES II, also known as “Ox” and “Scott,” 31, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heading a Bridgeport narcotics trafficking organization. According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Jones headed a Bridgeport-based drug trafficking network that distributed heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and other opioids. The investigation resulted in federal charges against Jones, and 18 other defendants, and the seizure of narcotics, eight firearms, and more than $360,000 in cash. Jones has been detained since his arrest on November 6, 2018. He pleaded guilty on June 17, 2021. This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Readout of the Justice Department’s Engagement with Two Ukrainian Delegations to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts and Serve Victims and Witnesses of Crime

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: From Aug. 28 to Aug. 31, the leadership of Ukraine’s three anti-corruption bodies met with Justice Department officials in Washington, D.C. Their visit was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Separately, Department officials met with a delegation from the Victim and Witness Coordination Centre of the Ukrainian’s Prosecutor General’s Office, in a visit that was also funded by INL. On Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland welcomed to the Justice Department the anti-corruption delegation, which was led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) Director Semen Kryvonos, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) Chief Prosecutor Oleksandr Klymenko, and High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) Chief Justice Vira Mykhailenko. They were accompanied by the Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) Resident Legal Advisor at U.S. Embassy Kyiv Jared Kimball, who is providing guidance, case-based mentoring, and capacity building to SAPO and NABU. AG Garland with (l to r) DAAG and Counselor to AG for International Affairs Bruce Swartz; SAPO Chief Prosecutor Oleksandr Klymenko, NABU Director Semen Kryvonos, HACC Chief Justice Vira Mykhailenko and Resident Legal Advisor Jared Kimball. The anti-corruption delegation met with Criminal Division leadership including Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Counselor for International Affairs Bruce C. Swartz, OPDAT leadership, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), and Task Force KleptoCapture leadership. They also met with FBI Director Christopher Wray and the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. The meetings provided an opportunity to demonstrate the United States’ unwavering support and confidence in their critical work in targeting high-level corruption, strengthening cooperation on financial investigations, and understanding what challenges they are facing and how the Department can help. The partnership includes facilitating communication with Ukrainian agencies on U.S. and Ukrainian cases involving corrupt actors and seized assets and working with OIA to improve the Mutual Legal Assistance process for both parties. The Department reaffirmed its full commitment to support the independence of these anti-corruption institutions through technical support and capacity building provided by the Resident Legal Advisor in Kyiv and other Department expertise. On Tuesday, Criminal Division Deputy Assistant Attorney General Anjali Chaturvedi and representatives of the Department’s War Crimes Accountability Team, based in the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and representatives of the Justice Department’s Office of Victims of Crime, Office on Violence Against Women, National Security Division’s Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia met at the Department with a delegation from the Victim and Witness Coordination Centre that was recently created in the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. Attorney General Garland welcomed the delegation and focused on the importance of supporting Ukrainian victims. The head of the Centre, Dr. Veronika Plotnikova, led discussions for the delegation. Following the meeting, the delegation visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia to learn more about how the Department supports crime victims and witnesses. The delegation also met with representatives of the FBI’s Victim Services Division. AG Garland with Dr. Veronika Plotnikova and other members of DOJ, INL the Ukraine Prosecutor General’s Office, and Ukrainian Embassy. Earlier this year, Attorney General Garland met Prosecutor General (PG) Andriy Kostin and discussed the matter of supporting victims and witnesses of crime. In February, PG Kostin met with some of the Justice Department’s top victim witness support experts. The Centre was subsequently created by PG Kostin on April 11. Department officials offered expertise and support to enhance the implementation of mechanisms in Ukraine to assist victims and witnesses during the criminal justice process as Ukraine investigates and prosecutes Russian war crimes and other atrocities. The Department of Justice is proud to stand by our Ukrainian law enforcement partners in their courageous and crucial work and looks forward to continuing to assist in any way we can.


title: Ardmore Predator Gets 30 Years for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA Okla. – An Ardmore man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years for coercion and enticement of a 15-year-old girl, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett sentenced Dustin James Gullett, 43, to 30 years in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor. Judge Starrett further ordered lifetime post release supervision. “Dustin Gullett is a sexual predator that convinced the victim he loved her, then persuaded her to produce child porn and meet him. He then drugged her and raped her, said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.” Our office is committed to prosecuting the predators that target Oklahoma’s children. According to court documents, Gullett enticed the 15-year-old victim to produce images of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct and persuaded her to send those images to him. Gullet told the victim “He didn’t care if she wasn’t legal, because everything else he does is illegal.” Later, Gullet met the victim in person, drugged her, tied her arms behind her back and raped her approximately four times over several hours. Gullett has been and will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bartlesville Police Department and the Joint Homeland Security Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd and Christopher Nassar prosecuted the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Kansas Owner of Construction Firms Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Kansas woman pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the IRS. According to court documents and statements made in court, Sheryl Clanton of Bucyrus, Kansas, owned and operated McCorkendale Construction Inc., a business specializing in the construction and maintenance of underground infrastructure. Clanton was President of McCorkendale from 2006 through 2011 and was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying federal income and Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from employees’ wages to the IRS. For the first quarter of 2010 through the last quarter of 2011, however, Clanton did not pay approximately $980,536 in employment taxes owed to the IRS. In 2011, Clanton abandoned McCorkendale due to its outstanding tax obligations and a bank mortgage foreclosure, and started McClan Construction LLC. From the second quarter of 2012 through the fourth quarter of 2017, Clanton did not pay approximately $1.1 million in employment taxes or file quarterly payroll tax returns as required by law. Clanton also operated a third underground construction business, NJ Trenching LLC, organized in late 2011. Between 2012 and 2015, Clanton did not report or pay nearly $100,000 of employment taxes owed to the IRS on behalf of NJ Trenching. In total, Clanton caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.2 million. Clanton is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. 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 made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Robert Kemins and Dominick Giovanniello of the Justice Department's Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Owner of Oregon Payroll Services Company Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Scheme

body_text: An Oregon man pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay more than $24 million in payroll taxes owed to the IRS. According to court documents and statements made in court, Robert Kohnle of Lake Oswego, was the president, secretary, and chief executive officer of Real Benefits Group Inc., dba Aliat. As a professional employer organization, Aliat provided payroll and payroll-related services for its clients. Aliat was responsible, pursuant to service agreements with its clients, for receiving the payroll taxes withheld from the wages of clients’ employees, including federal income and Social Security and Medicare taxes, and paying those payroll taxes to the IRS. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016 through the fourth quarter of 2022, Kohnle received payroll withholdings from Aliat’s clients but did not pay it over to the IRS as required by the client service agreements. Kohnle instead used the money to pay Aliat’s other expenses and creditors, including himself. In total, Kohnle caused a tax loss to the IRS of $24,816,602. Kohnle is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. 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 Natalie K. Wight for the District of Oregon made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Patrick Burns and Regina Jeon of the Justice Department's Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Owner of Kansas Metal Company Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Scheme

body_text: A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay federal employment taxes. According to court documents and statements made in court, Douglas Furnell of Leawood, was the owner and operator of Western Metal Company, a Louisburg-based manufacturer of custom metal products. As such, he was responsible for paying over to the IRS the federal income and Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from his employees’ wages. From the first quarter of 2015 through the second quarter of 2020, however, Furnell did not timely pay the withholdings to the IRS nor file the requisite quarterly employment tax returns. In total, Furnell caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $333,983. Furnell is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. 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 Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Erika V. Suhr of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Christopher Oakley of the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.


title: Maryland Woman Charged for Role in Million Dollar Fraud at New Orleans Marine Forces Reserve Facility

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KAMILA HORAKOVA DUDLEY (“ DUDLEY ”), age 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was indicted on August 17, 2023. As charged in the indictment, DUDLEY defrauded the United States Navy by the submission of fraudulent invoices for services allegedly provided at Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) in New Orleans, Louisiana. DUDLEY was charged with one (1) count of Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. If convicted, DUDLEY faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code , Section 3571, up to three (3) years of supervised release , restitution to the victim, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and members of the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andre Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: Defendant Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTIAN BICKHAM , age 59, of Slidell, pleaded guilty on August 31, 2023 before the Honorable Sarah S. Vance to charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the court records, through the investigation, BICKHAM was captured discussing the purchase of two kilograms of cocaine. Federal agents observed BICKHAM arrive at a house in New Orleans to pick up the drugs. A few days later, agents stopped BICKHAM with $60,000 in cash, which he was going to use to pay for the two kilograms he had gotten earlier. Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2023. BICKHAM faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years up to forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: New Orleans Men Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – On August 31, 2023, United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced SEAN MARTIN , age 56, and GENE JACKSON , age 53, both of New Orleans, for violations of the Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, MARTIN admitted to jointly possessing with the intent to distribute over a kilogram of heroin, over 400 grams of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). JACKSON admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately two ounces of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Judge Lemelle sentenced MARTIN to 140 months imprisonment to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Judge Lemelle sentenced JACKSON to time served with three years of supervised release. Judge Lemelle also ordered MARTIN and JACKSON to pay a mandatory special assessment of $100. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Control Act Offense

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on August 29, 2023, that CARLSEL ALEXANDER , age 28, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment, charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). ALEXANDER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. According to court records, on February 21, 2023, New Orleans Police Department arrested ALEXANDER for being in possession of a stolen FN Model 509, nine-millimeter firearm on a Mardi Gras parade route. ALEXANDER is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The Honorable Susie Morgan, United States District Court Judge, will sentence ALEXANDER on November 30, 2023. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the General Crime Unit.


title: Terrebonne Parish Man Sentenced on Violations of the Controlled Substances Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TATUM DARDAR , 26, from Terrebonne Parish, was sentenced on August 31, 2023 to 33 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after pleading guilty to a two count superseding bill of information which charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C) and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, DARDAR took part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout Terrebonne Parish and surrounding areas for over a year. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration recovered telephone calls between DARDAR and a known conspirator where they discussed their narcotics trafficking. Agents also arrested DARDAR after a traffic stop wherein a distributable amount of methamphetamine was located within the interior of his vehicle. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Houma Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.