title: Binghamton Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Dupray Jordan, age 33, of Binghamton, New York pled guilty yesterday to possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Sergeant Daniel VanWie of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force (BCSIUTF). In pleading guilty yesterday, Jordan admitted that he possessed for distribution methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as a loaded .38 caliber revolver in a Binghamton apartment on November 12, 2021. Jordan threw the gun to the ground as police entered to execute a search warrant at the Binghamton apartment on that date. The defendant was at that time a convicted felon, having previously been convicted in New York state court of Assault in the Second Degree. Sentencing is scheduled for May 8, 2024, in Syracuse, New York, at which time Jordan faces up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as a fine of up to one million dollars. He faces a consecutive sentence of at least 5 years and up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, and up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He will also be sentenced to a post-incarceration term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case is being investigated by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, (consisting of members of the City of Binghamton Police Department, the Broome County Sheriff’s Department, and the Johnson City Police Department), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Broome County Metro SWAT Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick is prosecuting this case as 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: Albany Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Loaded Firearm

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alexander Wilson, age 30, of Albany, pled guilty today to illegally possessing a pistol as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; United States Marshal David L. McNulty; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento. Wilson, who has two prior felony convictions, admitted that on March 16, 2023, he threw a loaded pistol from a vehicle while being pursued by a New York State Trooper on Interstate 90 in Albany. Wilson faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on April 30, 2024. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The United States Marshals Service, ATF and NYSP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case as 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: Ulster County Felon Sentenced to 70 Months for Unlawful Firearm Possession

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bram Fox, age 44, of Kerhonkson, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a rifle as a previously convicted felon. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. In previously pleading guilty, Fox admitted that on January 31, 2023, he possessed about 30 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition in his house, including an Aero Precision M5 rifle. Fox has felony convictions in New York and Connecticut, including a 2009 conviction for an armed bank robbery in Connecticut, that prevented him from lawfully possessing the rifle. Fox also admitted that from about October 2020 until January 2023, he purchased firearms parts from several dozen online retailers; had these items shipped to his residence in Kerhonkson; and then used these firearms parts to manufacture non-serialized handguns and rifles, which are sometimes called “ghost guns” due to the fact that this type of firearm does not contain a serial number imprinted by a manufacturer. Of the firearms that Fox possessed on January 31, 2023, most were non-serialized. ATF agents, who searched Fox’s house on January 31, 2023, also found him to be in possession of various tools that could be used to manufacture and modify firearms, as well as firearms parts and accessories such as frames, grips, scopes, sights, and slides. The ATF and New York State Police investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this case.


title: Former NASA employee and husband charged in mortgage fraud scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A Missouri City couple has been indicted for orchestrating a fraudulent financing and refinancing mortgage loan scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Noreen Khan aka Noreen Khan-Mayberry, 50, and her husband Christopher Mayberry, 51, surrendered to federal authorities this morning. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m. According to the indictment, returned Dec. 12, both are charged with one count of conspiracy to make false statements to mortgage loan businesses. Beginning in 2016, Mayberry and Khan, while still employed at NASA, allegedly took out significant personal loans to fund the purchase of their luxury home before quickly defaulting on those loans. According to the charges, the couple allegedly attempted to eliminate and dispute the debts, claiming to be victims of identity theft. Khan allegedly filed a false police report, submitted a false report to the Federal Trade Commission and sent letters to the credit bureaus in order to have the loans removed from her credit. As part of the scheme, the couple allegedly signed three separate loan agreements with mortgage lenders related to the financing of their home from 2017 to 2021. As part of the loan application process, the couple provided false employment information and fake documents which included pay stubs, tax forms and account statements to lenders, according to the charges. If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine in addition to the possible forfeiture of their luxury home. NASA’s Office of Inspector General-Office of Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Violations, Making False Statements to a Federal Firearms Licensee

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GERNELL HANKTON , age 34, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on December 20, 2023 to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and one count of making a false and fictitious statement during the purchase of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(6), 924(a)(2), and 2. According to court documents, HANKTON is a convicted felon, and is prohibited from possessing and purchasing firearms. In 2009, HANKTON was convicted of possession of cocaine. In 2010, HANKTON was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 20, 2019, HANKTON was involved in a hit-and-run at the McDonald’s on Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, LA. During the hit-and-run, HANKTON ’s vehicle struck another vehicle as both vehicles were in the drive-thru. When the passenger of the vehicle struck by HANKTON’s vehicle exited her vehicle, HANKTON attempted to drive off, striking the female passenger and a security guard who was attempting to respond to the accident. The driver of the vehicle that was struck by HANKTON’s vehicle followed behind HANKTON’s vehicle. HANKTON eventually exited his vehicle, brandished a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, and fired multiple rounds of ammunition into the driver’s vehicle. The driver was not injured. HANKTON fled the scene. Days later, officers with the New Orleans Police Department located HANKTON and located the firearm used in the shooting inside of HANKTON’s vehicle. Within days of being released on bond, HANKTON went to a local firearm store and attempted to take possession of a firearm that he claimed was purchased by his girlfriend. HANKTON’s girlfriend completed an ATF 4473 firearm, attesting that she purchased the firearm for herself. HANKTON ’s girlfriend later recanted her statement, admitting that the firearm was purchased for HANKTON . HANKTON made a false statement on the ATF 4473 form for the purpose of deceiving the firearms dealer into selling him a firearm. On December 9, 2020, New Orleans Police Department officers conducted surveillance near the intersection of S. Liberty and St. Andrew Streets when they observed HANKTON standing by his truck. HANKTON opened the driver’s side door of his vehicle. Officers observed HANKTON lift up a Radical Firearms, LLC Model AR-15, .223 caliber rifle from behind the driver’s seat of his truck. The officers conducted a stop of HANKTON and located the rifle on the rear driver’s seat. HANKTON faces a sentence up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each count. The Honorable Sarah S. Vance, United States District Court Judge, will sentence HANKTON on March 20, 2024. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Indicted  on Federal Firearms Charge

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY THOMAS , age 49, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on December 21, 2023, in a one-count indictment. According to the court documents, on or about December 12, 2023, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the defendant, ANTHONY THOMAS , knowing he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SW40V, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, THOMAS faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, not more than (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Protective Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.


title: Laplace Resident Charged with Preparing and Submitting Fraudulent Applications for Cares Act Financial Assistance

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MUNIRA SCHOFIELD , age 28, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged last week for her role in preparing and filing false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SCHOFIELD was charged in a one-count bill of information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343. SCHOFIELD’s co-conspirators, Lynn Schofield and Bashir Schofield, were charged previously. According to the charging document, MUNIRA SCHOFIELD , Lynn Schofield, and Bashir Schofield worked together to submit applications to obtain money from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans fraudulently. The applications they submitted contained numerous materially false statements, including that the applicant had a sole proprietorship and generated substantial income from the business by overinflating gross receipts. They also represented that the loan proceeds would be used for business released purposes, and the defendants intended to use the money for personal reasons. In fact, the entities either did not exist or earned far less money than MUNIRA SCHOFIELD , Lynn Schofield, and Bashir Schofield represented. LYNN SCHOFIELD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced  for Federal Gun Offense

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on December 20, 2023, KEILEN HAWKINS , age 26, was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 71 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a one count indictment, HAWKINS was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). He pled guilty on September 12, 2023. In addition to the term of imprisonment, HAWKINS was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. According to court documents, on February 12, 2023, members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force were investigating complaints made in the NOPD 5 th District about ongoing illegal narcotics distribution in the area. As officers conducted surveillance, they observed what they believed in their training and experience to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction. While officers continued their investigation, HAWKINS arrived on the scene and officers detained him for safety reasons as they conducted their investigation. HAWKINS advised them that he was in possession of a firearm. Officers recovered a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, from HAWKINS’s waistband. Officers learned that HAWKINS had prior felony convictions punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year, which made his firearm possession illegal under federal law. Namely, HAWKINS had been convicted most recently in 2022, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program, 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 violenct 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Bogalusa and New Orleans Men Plead Guilty to Drug and Firearm Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 19, 2023, JEROME SHAQUILLE WILSON (“WILSON”) , age 27, of Bogalusa, plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 while GERROY TOCA (“TOCA”) age 20 of New Orleans, plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of a superseding indictment. Count 1 charged WILSON and TOCA with conspiring to distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. Count 2 charged WILSON and TOCA with conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o). Count 3 charged WILSON and TOCA with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 4 charged WILSON with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). For Count 1, WILSON and TOCA face up to (20) twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count 2, WILSON and TOCA face up to (20) twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count 3, WILSON and TOCA face a up to (5) five years in prison, to be run consecutive to all other counts, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count 4, WILSON faces up to (15) fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. On December 6, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) special agents (agents) conducted surveillance of the 1900 block of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. Their surveillance was for an unrelated investigation during which they observed JEROME SHAQUILLE WILSON . WILSON drove a white Dodge Challenger with one passenger, who was later identified as GERROY TOCA . Agents observed TOCA , WILSON , and a third co-defendant Harry Banks engage in apparent illegal narcotics transactions, while in possession of firearms. Agents observed Banks enter the white Dodge Challenger and exit with a pistol in his left hand. Banks then appeared to conceal the firearm in his waistband. TOCA was found with several suspected Tramadol pills and a Polymer Model P80, 9-millimeter pistol. The firearm also had a Glock Model 19 slide. ATF Agents notified the New Orleans Police Department who detained TOCA and Banks. During the search, officers recovered a Sarsilmaz Model Sar 9, 9-millimeter pistol, from inside the center console of the vehicle. 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 track 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, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit.


title: Blandburg, PA Resident Sentenced to 25 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Narcotics Laws

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Blandburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 25 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on her conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Danielle Gillam, age 44. According to information presented to the court, Gillam was a narcotics distributor who obtained between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Derek Hillebrand, the leader of the drug trafficking organization, which Gillam then redistributed. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gillam. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Reynoldsville, PA Resident Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Narcotics and Firearms Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on her convictions for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Kristy Lepionka, age 40. According to information presented to the court, Lepionka received parcels that were shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania containing a total of between 5 kilograms and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigators searched Lepionka’s residence on August 31, 2021, pursuant to a federal search warrant and seized over a small amount of methamphetamine and a firearm, which Lepionka is prohibited from possessing due to a prior felony conviction. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lepionka. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Wasilla man sentenced for 2021 carjacking during armed police altercation

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was sentenced today to over nine years in prison for his involvement in recklessly evading the police and using a firearm during a carjacking in 2021. According to court documents, on Dec. 17, 2021, an Anchorage Police officer attempted a traffic stop on Bryson McEneaney, 36, but he evaded the officer and fled north on the Glenn Highway towards Palmer. Palmer Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle. McEneaney avoided the strips by driving into oncoming traffic and stopping the vehicle. Officers tased McEneaney as he exited the vehicle, but he was able to continue on foot towards a stopped vehicle. McEneaney used a rifle to gain control of that vehicle. According to a press release from the Anchorage Police Department about the defendant’s actions on Dec. 17, law enforcement located McEneaney in the stolen vehicle on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The defendant wrecked the vehicle while attempting to elude Wasilla Police officers and fled on foot. He was located by law enforcement behind a transit building and taken into custody. At the time of this conduct, the defendant was previously convicted of multiple violent felonies from 2016, including vehicle theft, assault and burglary. “Mr. McEneaney’s selfish and careless actions in 2021 were the pinnacle of his habitual violent offenses over the years. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who did tremendous collaborative work to ensure Mr. McEneaney was off the streets and no longer a threat to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “My office will continue to work with law enforcement to prioritize prosecuting violent offenders who continually show disregard for the health and safety of Alaskans.” The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Palmer Police Department and Wasilla Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw prosecuted the case. ###


title: Man Indicted in Connection with Denver-Area Carjackings, Robberies

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Keenan Shane Clodfelter, age 20, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 11 counts, including 3 counts of Carjacking, 3 counts of Robbery, and 5 counts of Brandishing a Firearm in relation to the Carjacking and Robbery charges. The crimes took place throughout the Denver metro area. According to the indictment, on or about October 4, 2023, Clodfelter carjacked a 2013 Toyota Highlander. On the same day, he attempted to carjack a Hyundai Genesis, resulting in a gunshot wound to the arm of a victim. On or about November 20, 2023, Clodfelter carjacked a 2010 Toyota Scion TC. The Indictment also charges Clodfelter in connection with the robberies of a 7-Eleven located on East Quincy Avenue in Aurora and Pour Boy Liquor on 20th Avenue in Lakewood on November 20th, as well as the robbery of a Circle K on Kalamath Street in Denver on November 21st. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lakewood Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Perczak and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Dunn. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Case Number: 23-cr-00503-RMR


title: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2023. Raymond Leon Blue Arm, age 51, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Blue Arm was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023. In 1996, Blue Arm was convicted in North Dakota state court of Gross Sexual Imposition. In 2015, Blue Arm was convicted of Rape in Standing Rock Tribal Court. Both convictions require him to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In 2020, Blue Arm was convicted in U.S. District Court in North Dakota of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. In March of 2023, Blue Arm properly registered as a sex offender on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. By July of 2023, Blue Arm began residing in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, but he did not update his sex offender registration and remained out of compliance until August 7, 2023. This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 . Blue Arm was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: California Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Long Beach, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023. Jamaul Carter, a/k/a Mud, a/k/a Mudd Roll, age 35, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by seven years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Carter was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 21, 2023. The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in September of 2021 and continuing until November of 2022, when Carter was involved with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around the central South Dakota area, including on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Carter was the source of supply of methamphetamine in California for several individuals in South Dakota. Carter would ship multiple pound quantities or personally deliver multiple pound quantities of methamphetamine to these various individuals on the reservation where the drugs were then distributed on the reservation. During the course of the conspiracy Carter conspired to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the FBI’s Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case. Carter was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2023. Anthony Edward Farmer, age 39, was sentenced to two years and two months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Farmer was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023. Farmer was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child in 2010. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. In March of 2023, Farmer was released from prison and began a period of supervised release. At that time, he appropriately updated his sex offender registration to reflect he was residing at a residence in Rosebud. Farmer subsequently moved out of his registered address, but he did not update his sex offender registration. Farmer was arrested by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers following a traffic stop in Rosebud on June 9, 2023. This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 . Farmer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Mission Man Sentenced for Assault

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding. The sentencing took place on December 20, 2023. Sewell Fool Bull, age 38, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Fool Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on January 31, 2023, wherein Fool Bull assaulted his intimate partner at a residence in St. Francis, South Dakota, by striking her in the face. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Fool Bull was ordered to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service by January 2, 2024.


title: Sioux Falls Woman is the Second to be Sentenced in Multi-Pound Meth Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023. Katrina Green, 39, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Green, along with four co-conspirators, was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. Green pleaded guilty on September 22, 2023, and her co-defendants, Janet Mallet and Tara Clayton, both of Sioux Falls, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2023, and November 15, 2022, respectively. Mallet was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment on November 27, 2023, and Clayton is set to be sentenced on February 12, 2024. The remaining co-defendants Frank Baker and Amber Justus have not pleaded guilty to the charge and are currently set for trial in February. They are presumed innocent. Green and her co-conspirators obtained methamphetamine from out of state and would re-distribute it in the Sioux Falls area. Green herself was held accountable for the distribution of at least 17 pounds of meth. In February of 2023, Green provided two ounces of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator who then sold the methamphetamine to a confidential informant who was working with law enforcement to conduct a controlled buy. This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Green was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023. Michael Lovejoy, age 41, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Lovejoy was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2022. He pleaded guilty on September 25, 2023. Lovejoy is required to register as a sex offender under federal law. Lovejoy registered an address in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, with tribal authorities in early September of 2022 following his release from prison. In mid-September, Lovejoy moved to McLaughlin, South Dakota, where he disregarded several warnings from his probation officer and tribal authorities to update his registration. Lovejoy then absconded to Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Lovejoy did not update his registration until his arrest for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in May of 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. This case was investigated by the U.S Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. Lovejoy was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Box Elder Man Found Guilty of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Vincent Alberto Barrios, age 42, of Box Elder, South Dakota, of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on December 21, 2023. The Sexual Exploitation charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years up to 30 years in custody; the Enticement charges carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in prison; and the Receipt of Child Pornography charges carry a mandatory minimum of five years up to 20 years in custody. Each conviction carries the possible maximum of a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Barrios was indicted by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. Evidence at trial established that Barrios was arrested as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting internet predators. Following multiple chats and sexually explicit text messages with a person Barrios believed to be a 13-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, Barrios proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts. When Barrios went to the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was instead met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest. During this time Barrios was also chatting with two other undercover agents Barrios believed to be 14-year-old girls. After a review of Barrios’ phone, law enforcement located a text message conversation with a local 14-year-old female and 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 South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, HSI, and the the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Final Defendant in Large Scale Family Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Over 22 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. Anahi Plascencia Cardona, 34, was sentenced on December 21, 2023, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, to 22 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Anahi’s husband, Salvador Magana Madrigal, age 41, was sentenced on August 7, 2023, to 33 years and four months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Oscar Madrigal, age 30, was sentenced on July 27, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Oscar Madrigal is Salvador Magana Madrigal’s brother. Rosa Elena Magana Madrigal, age 65, was sentenced on August 15, 2022, to five years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Rosa is the mother of Salvador Magana Madrigal and Oscar Madrigal. Maria D. Magana-Zavala, age 53, was sentenced on December 27, 2022, to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Magana-Zavala is the sister of Rosa Madrigal. William Burt Hartwick, age 54, was sentenced on November 21, 2022, to five years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Hartwick is the husband of Magana-Zavala. All six defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in the summer of 2021. Oscar Madrigal pleaded guilty on April 4, 2022; Rosa Madrigal pleaded guilty on May 25, 2022; William Hartwick pleaded guilty on August 30, 2022; and Maria Magana-Zavala pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022. Salvador Magana Madrigal and Anahi Plascencia Cardona were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering following a four-day federal jury trial in Sioux Falls on May 2, 2023. The conviction stemmed from activities that started when Salvador Madrigal and Anahi Cardona, who are husband and wife, recruited other members of Madrigal’s family to assist them in obtaining large amounts of methamphetamine from California and distributing it in Sioux Falls. Salvador Madrigal and Cardona recruited Madrigal’s aunt and uncle, Maria Magana Zavala and William Hartwick, to transport methamphetamine by vehicle from California. Eventually, Salvador’s brother Oscar became involved in the conspiracy by assisting his brother in transporting and counting shipments of methamphetamine. In total, they obtained and distributed over 150 pounds of methamphetamine and 100 pounds of marijuana throughout the duration of the conspiracy. Salvador Madrigal, Jr. and Cardona, along with Salvador’s mother, Rosa Madrigal, also intentionally conspired to knowingly conduct wire/money transfers which involved the proceeds of unlawful activities. The group conducted numerous financial transactions intended to transfer the proceeds from methamphetamine sales while concealing the nature and ownership of the money. Agents believe the group laundered over $1,000,000 of drug proceeds. At the time of their arrest, Cardona and Madrigal had approximately $215,000 stored in the garage of their home. “This multi-defendant conspiracy case is yet another example of the impactful work the U.S. Attorney’s Office is doing alongside its law enforcement partners to dismantle drug organizations in South Dakota,” said Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “We are especially grateful to our partners in the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the IRS-Criminal Investigations for their collaboration to bring down this family drug operation that brought more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine into our communities.” “A 265-month sentence sends a strong message that trafficking drugs into our communities will not be tolerated," said IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden, St. Louis Field Office. “When criminals launder their ill-gotten funds to hide the source of their crimes, the special agents of CI take pride in uncovering the money trail that leads to the source and helps put a stop to the drug trafficking operation.” This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. All defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their respective sentencings.


body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on December 18, 2023. Rydell Iron Rope, age 50, was sentenced to two years and six months prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Iron Rope was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 15, 2023. On September 30, 1996, Iron Rope was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Iron Rope was subsequently convicted of Commission of a Sexual Offense While Registered as a Sexual Offender on June 16, 2008. As a result of these convictions, Iron Rope must maintain his registration for the rest of his life, including updating his registration within three business days of a change of residence address, employment, or student status. Iron Rope returned to Eagle Butte on April 10, 2023, after being convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in North Dakota. Iron Rope registered an address on the south side of Eagle Butte with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act Compliance Office. It was later discovered that Iron Rope had relocated to a different address in Eagle Butte without properly updating his registration. 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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. Iron Rope was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Iowa Man Sentenced for Theft of Government Funds

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Dodge, Iowa, man charged with Theft of Government Funds pleaded guilty to and was sentenced on December 18, 2023, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court. Clarence Soper, age 64, was sentenced to three years of probation, and ordered to pay $13,372 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. After a cancer diagnosis in 2010, Soper was awarded Title II Disability Insurance Benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). When Soper was advised of the receipt of benefits, he was also advised of significant life events that would need to be reported, such as any change in employment or medical status, as these changes may impact his benefits. SSA completed a review of Soper’s file in 2020 after Soper received a “cancer free” diagnosis. Based on the review, Soper was notified his benefits would cease in November. Soper requested a reconsideration and his benefits resumed in December. Soper remained cancer free and began working while his file was under reconsideration. Soper did not report his medical status nor his employment status to SSA while he continued to receive Disability Insurance Benefits. The investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler.


title: Rosebud Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2023. Jeffery Yellow Hawk, age 34, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Yellow Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023. On the evening June 16, 2023, Yellow Hawk was operating a motor vehicle in the Rosebud area when he approached a sobriety checkpoint. Yellow Hawk performed an illegal U-turn to avoid the sobriety checkpoint and drove away. Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers pursued Yellow Hawk to his residence. Upon arrival to his residence, Yellow Hawk ignored commands from the pursuing officers and carried two firearms into his residence. Yellow Hawk subsequently brandished a loaded firearm at the officers. A short time later, Yellow Hawk exited the residence and was placed under arrest. A loaded shotgun and a loaded rifle were seized from the residence. Yellow Hawk will forfeit ownership of the firearms and ammunition. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Yellow Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Barren County Man Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Being Felon in Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A Barren County, Kentucky, man was sentenced last week to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after previously been convicted of a felony. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement. According to court documents, Dwayne T. Smith, 37, of Glasgow, Kentucky, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Glock GMBH, model 19, nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol on June 7, 2022. Smith was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses: On June 25, 2019, in Barren Circuit Court, Smith was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, receiving stolen property, and possession of synthetic drugs–second or subsequent . On October 7, 2019, in Barren Circuit Court, Smith was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Kentucky State Police and the Glasgow Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Yurchisin II and R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Hopkinsville Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

body_text: Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced last week to 11 years and 6 months in federal prison for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Shaveon Richardson, 26, was sentenced to 11 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 24, 2022, and June 1, 2022, Richardson distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine in Christian County, Kentucky. On June 9, 2022, Richardson aided and abetted another person in the distribution of 96 fentanyl pills. On June 14, 2022, Richardson provided another person with approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to distribute. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the Hopkinsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case. ###


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement from North Carolina-Based Towing Company to Resolve Violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that is has secured a settlement against Billy Joe Goines, owner and operator of Goines Towing & Recovery, based near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, to resolve allegations that he violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by towing and then selling vehicles without disclosing to the court that they were owned by servicemembers. The SCRA provides a wide variety of financial and housing protections to members of the military. It requires a towing company to file an accurate affidavit stating whether the vehicle’s owner is in military service (i.e. a military affidavit) before it can get a court judgment authorizing it to sell a stored vehicle. If it appears that a vehicle’s owner is in military service, the court may not authorize the sale of the vehicle until it appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the servicemember. If that attorney then requests a postponement of the matter, the court must grant that request and postpone the case for at least 90 days. In a complaint filed on March 3, the United States alleged that Goines auctioned off, sold or otherwise disposed of motor vehicles owned by eight servicemembers in violation of the SCRA, which provides a wide variety of financial and housing protections to members of the military. The SCRA requires a towing company to file an accurate affidavit stating whether the vehicle’s owner is in military service (i.e. a military affidavit) before it can get a court judgment authorizing it to sell a stored vehicle. If it appears that a vehicle’s owner is in military service, the court may not authorize the sale of the vehicle until it appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the servicemember. If that attorney then requests a postponement of the matter, the court must grant that request and postpone the case for at least 90 days. The complaint here alleges that Goines either failed to file or filed inaccurate military affidavits with the court. Goines also allegedly filed military affidavits stating that he was unable to tell whether a vehicle owner was in the military even in instances where the vehicle at issue was towed from a military installation or had military decals, and instances when the vehicle owner or owner’s spouse had informed Goines of the owner’s active military service. “Under federal law towing companies are required to file accurate military affidavits after making a good faith effort to determine whether vehicle owners are in military service,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By failing to follow federal law, Goines deprived servicemembers of the opportunity to reclaim their vehicles. This consent order demonstrates the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of servicemembers and their families.” “Goines took a Marine Corporal’s SUV from a parking lot near Camp Lejeune while he was deployed in Okinawa. Then Goines asked a court to let him sell it and keep the proceeds, without ever flagging the Corporal’s service for the court,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “Servicemembers sacrifice a lot — and, in many cases, everything. Debt collectors and towing companies shouldn’t be allowed to take and sell their property behind their backs. The Justice Department will vigorously enforce servicemembers’ rights under the SCRA. Try to illegally take property from a Marine and find out.” This is the first lawsuit brought by the United States against a towing company under the provision of the SCRA requiring the filing of military affidavits. Under the settlement, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Goines has agreed to pay $66,805.06 in relief for impacted servicemembers, must forgive storage fees assessed to certain servicemembers, attend SCRA training and institute new policies and procedures that comply with the SCRA. The case resulted from a referral to the Justice Department from U.S. Marine Corps legal assistance. Since 2011, the Justice Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 146,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Justice Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov . Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forced Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil . goines_proposed_consent_order.pdf


title: Ohio Man Sentenced for Interstate Prostitution

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – An Ohio man, Leon Sims, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 37 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for a violation of the Mann Act, which is the engagement of interstate prostitution. According to his plea agreement, on December 14, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to an advertisement for prostitution services posted on a sex-advertisement website. Law enforcement observed Sims transport a victim to a hotel room and proceed to wait for her in the car. Subsequent investigation revealed that, from at least October 2020 through January 2021, Sims arranged prostitution activities for the victim using online advertisements, managed those activities, communicated with prostitution customers and kept the profits from the prostitution appointments. During the course of managing the victim’s prostitution activities, Sims transported the victim from Kentucky to both Ohio and California for the purpose of prostitution. At sentencing, it was determined that Sims used fraud or coercion to get the victim to participate in prostitution including verbal threats, withholding basic necessities, and false promises. Under federal law, Sims must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General; and Sheriff Michael A. Helmig, Boone County Sherriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by FBI, Kentucky Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigation, and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Winslow and Erin Roth are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 — END —


title: Court Sentences Mobile Man to 148 Months Imprisonment in Interstate Methamphetamine Trafficking and Gun Crime

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – On December 18, 2023, United States Chief District Court Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Shunn Lashun Sylvester, aka, “ATL” to 148 months imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his methamphetamine trafficking. Documents filed with the Court in connection with his guilty plea established that on in January 2022 law enforcement arrested Sylvester after an undercover operation in which Sylvester was caught attempting to deliver 115 grams of methamphetamine in a vehicle. Sylvester also had a loaded Rossi .357 magnum handgun in the vehicle with him. Court documents established that since January 2019 Sylvester had conspired with at least eight other named individuals to distribute methamphetamine. All of these co-conspirators were previously prosecuted on federal drug charges. Sylvester primarily served as a seller and a broker to various persons in Mobile County where Sylvester would sell directly to the buyers or broker transactions between the buyer and three different methamphetamine dealers located in the Moss Point, Mississippi area. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Mobile County Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.


title: Attorney General Merrick Garland Statement on the Agreement in Principle with Cummins to Settle Alleged Installation of Illegal Defeat Devices in Engines

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. today disclosed that it has reached an agreement in principle with the United States and State of California to pay a $1.675 billion penalty to settle claims that it violated the Clean Air Act by installing emissions defeat devices on hundreds of thousands of engines. The Clean Air Act requires vehicle and engine manufacturers to ensure that their products comply with applicable emission limits. Defeat devices are parts or software that bypass, defeat, or render inoperative emissions controls such as emission sensors and onboard computers. The company allegedly installed defeat devices on 630,000 model year 2013 to 2019 RAM 2500 and 3500 pickup truck engines. The company also allegedly installed undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices on 330,000 model year 2019 to 2023 RAM 2500 and 3500 pickup truck engines. The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland: “The Justice Department is committed to vigorously enforcing the environmental laws that protect the American people from harmful pollutants. “Today, the Justice Department reached an initial agreement with Cummins Inc. to settle claims that, over the past decade, the company unlawfully altered hundreds of thousands of engines to bypass emissions tests in violation of the Clean Air Act. As part of the agreement, the Justice Department will require Cummins to pay $1.675 billion, the largest civil penalty we have ever secured under the Clean Air Act, and the second largest environmental penalty ever secured. “The types of devices we allege that Cummins installed in its engines to cheat federal environmental laws have a significant and harmful impact on people’s health and safety. For example, in this case, our preliminary estimates suggest that defeat devices on some Cummins engines have caused them to produce thousands of tons of excess emissions of nitrogen oxides. The cascading effect of those pollutants can, over long-term exposure, lead to breathing issues like asthma and respiratory infections. “The Justice Department will work diligently to incorporate today’s agreement into a consent decree that will be filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. “I am grateful to the dedicated women and men of the Environment and Natural Resources Division, as well as to our partners from the EPA, and the State of California, for their assistance in investigating and prosecuting this case and in reaching this important agreement. “Violations of our environmental laws have a tangible impact – they inflict real harm on people in communities across the country. This historic agreement should make clear that the Justice Department will be aggressive in its efforts to hold accountable those who seek to profit at the expense of people’s health and safety.”


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 24 Months’ Imprisonment For Committing $350,000 In Covid-19 Pandemic Fraud

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Daniel Wasielewski, age 59, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 21, 2023, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 24 months of imprisonment, for committing pandemic fraud. Wasielewski also was sentenced to serve a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Wasielewski pleaded guilty to filing and assisting others in filing fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds, including under the Payment Protection Program (PPP), for Economic Injury and Disaster Loans (EIDLs), and for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. The PPP and EIDL applications submitted by Wasielewski and his coconspirators were filed on behalf of corporate entities that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, and that bore false revenues and other business information. The applications also included forged IRS tax documents and stolen personal information. Wasielewski received approximately $350,000 in PPP, EIDL, PUA, and other fraudulently-obtained funds, for himself and others. Instead of using the funds on business expenses, Wasielewski and others used them to purchase cryptocurrency and on other personal expenses. Banking and law enforcement officials successfully froze and recovered approximately $150,000 of the stolen funds, and Wasielewski was ordered to pay restitution to the remaining victims. The PPP and EIDL programs, both funded by the March 2020 CARES Act, were designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP funds were offered in forgivable loans, provided that certain criteria are met, including use of the funds for employee payroll, mortgage interest, lease, and utilities expenses. EIDL funds are offered in low-interest rate loans, designated for specific business expenses, such as fixed debts, payroll, and business obligation. The PUA program was created by the CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PUA program was designed to provide unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Odessan Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling Cocaine Inside Wheels of Cheese

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: ALPINE, Texas – An Odessa man was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos to 37 months in prison for importing cocaine through the Presidio Port of Entry. According to court documents, Aaron Balderrama, 23, advised U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers that he possessed “a couple bags of cheese” in his vehicle when he attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico on July 20. The officers noticed four wheels of cheese inside the vehicle and proceeded with a secondary inspection. Upon inspection it was revealed that the wheels of cheese contained seven bundles of a substance that tested positive for properties of cocaine. “Drug traffickers regularly try to disguise their product and sneak illicit substances past our proven safeguards and trained agents,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Thanks to the keen eye and awareness of our port of entry partners, we continue to prevent drugs like this from infiltrating our communities and prosecute those who challenge us.” “HSI remains committed to combatting the drug threat, keeping our communities safe from dangerous drugs, and bringing to justice traffickers who attempt to bring them into the country,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola for the HSI El Paso Division. “Our robust, ongoing partnership with our law enforcement partners is crucial when investigating, prosecuting and punishing drug dealers.” HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Greenbaum and Kevin Cayton prosecuted the case. ###


title: Former paralegal sentenced in Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation theft scheme

body_text: PLANO, Texas– A Melissa woman has been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Nnenna Mary Jones, 40, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on Dec. 20, 2023. Jones was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $16,950. According to information presented in court, the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity in Plano, Texas, serves Muslim women and their families who are survivors of domestic and family violence. The Foundation offers its clients in-house legal assistance with the immigration process, among other services. The Foundation advertises that it offers its services—including immigration legal assistance—free of charge. Jones worked for the Foundation as a paralegal and was a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, which allowed her to represent clients in court in immigration matters with the Department of Homeland Security. She was also a licensed attorney in Nigeria before moving to the United States. The Foundation’s legal team routinely requests waivers of certain fees its clients incur during the immigration process, and most of its clients qualify for these waivers. If the Foundation’s clients do not qualify for a waiver of the immigration fees, then at times the Foundation pays the fee. However, Jones represented to clients of the Foundation that they were required to pay certain fees to the government in relation to their immigration proceedings. In reality, the clients’ fees had either been waived by the government or paid by the Foundation. Clients wrote checks and obtained money orders in the amounts of the fees Jones told them they owed to the government. However, Jones instructed the clients to leave the “pay to” line on the checks and money orders blank. Jones photocopied the clients’ checks and money orders, wrote “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” on the “pay to” line of the photocopied checks and money orders, and placed the photocopies in the clients’ files. Jones then wrote her own name in the “pay to” line of the clients’ original checks and money orders and cashed them or deposited them into her own accounts. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean J. Taylor. # # #


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 70 Months’ Imprisonment For Crystal Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Yerigardy Tejeda-Zoquier, age 23, of West Hazleton, Luzerne County, was sentenced on December 21, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 70 months’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crystal methamphetamine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Tejeda-Zoquier previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of highly pure crystal methamphetamine for further distribution in the Luzerne County and Carbon County areas in 2021. Investigators purchased crystal methamphetamine from Tejeda-Zoquier on multiple occasions between January and March 2021, in both Luzerne and Carbon Counties, and then seized additional crystal methamphetamine from two vehicles utilized by Tejeda-Zoquier. The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Three Men Charged in International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A five-count indictment was unsealed on Wednesday charging a Georgia businessman, a former Honduran government official, and a former Florida resident for their alleged participation in an international scheme to pay and conceal bribes to Honduran government officials to secure contracts to provide uniforms and other goods to the Honduran National Police. According to court documents, Carl Alan Zaglin, 68, is the owner of a Georgia-based manufacturer of law enforcement uniforms and accessories, and made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday; Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, 65, was the former Executive Director of the Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), a Honduran governmental entity that procured goods for the Honduran National Police; and Aldo Nestor Marchena, 50, was a resident of Boca Raton, Florida. Between about March 2015 and continuing until about November 2019, Zaglin, Marchena, and others allegedly agreed to bribe Honduran government officials, including Cosenza, to secure contracts with TASA worth over $10 million. In exchange for the bribes, Cosenza and other Honduran government officials allegedly assisted Zaglin, Marchena, and others in obtaining contracts for the sale of uniforms and other goods for the Honduran National Police and securing payment on the contracts. Zaglin, Marchena, and their co-conspirators allegedly used the proceeds from the corrupt Honduran government contracts to make bribe payments to Honduran government officials. To promote the scheme and conceal the bribe payments, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza, and others allegedly laundered proceeds of the corrupt scheme through bank accounts and front companies in the United States and Belize. As alleged in the indictment, the conspirators sent over $166,000 to bank accounts controlled by Cosenza and another Honduran foreign official in furtherance of the scheme. The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Cosenza and Marchena are also each charged with one count of money laundering and one count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property. Zaglin and Marchena are also both charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Zaglin is also charged with one count of violating the FCPA. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering offenses, 10 years in prison on the count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property, and five years in prison on each of the FCPA-related offenses. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Miami Office made the announcement. HSI’s Miami Office is investigating the case, with assistance from HSI’s Atlanta Office. Trial Attorneys Peter L. Cooch and Anthony Scarpelli of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. In June 2021, the Justice Department announced an Anticorruption Task Force to focus on investigations, prosecutions, and asset recoveries related to corruption in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through the department’s FCPA enforcement program, counternarcotics prosecutions, and Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Anyone with information about corrupt actors in these countries who are violating U.S. laws or moving proceeds of their crimes in or through the United States may report the conduct in Spanish or English at combatiendocorrupcion@fbi.gov . Tips regarding possible corruption or movements of ill-gotten funds that are received through the email address will be reviewed by the Anticorruption Task Force. Tipsters who want to report suspicious or criminal activity can also contact the HSI Tip Line by calling (866) 347-2423. The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tres hombres acusados formalmente de un ardid internacional de cohecho y lavado de activos

body_text: El miércoles se dio a conocer una acusación formal de cinco cargos que imputa a un hombre de negocios de Georgia, a un antiguo funcionario del gobierno de Honduras y a un antiguo residente de Florida por su presunta participación en un ardid internacional para pagar y ocultar pagos de cohecho efectuados a funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras a fin de garantizar la obtención de contratos para suministrar uniformes y otros artículos a la Policía Nacional de Honduras. Según los documentos del tribunal, Carl Alan Zaglin, de 68 años, es el dueño de una empresa de fabricación de uniformes y accesorios para las fuerzas públicas con sede en el estado de Georgia, e hizo su comparecencia inicial ante el tribunal federal el miércoles; Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, de 65 años, es el antiguo director ejecutivo del Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), un organismo del gobierno de Honduras que adquiría suministros para la Policía Nacional de Honduras; y Aldo Néstor Marchena, de 50 años, era residente de Boca Ratón, Florida. Entre marzo de 2015, o alrededor de esa fecha, y continuando hasta noviembre de 2019, o alrededor de esa fecha, Zaglin, Marchena y otros presuntamente acordaron sobornar a funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras, entre ellos Cosenza, a fin de garantizar contratos con TASA por un valor de más de $10 millones de dólares estadounidenses. A cambio de los pagos de cohecho, Cosenza y otros funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras supuestamente ayudaron a Zaglin, Marchena y otros a obtener contratos para la venta de uniformes y otros artículos para la Policía Nacional de Honduras y asegurar el pago de los contratos. Zaglin, Marchena y sus cómplices presuntamente utilizaron las ganancias de los contratos corruptos del gobierno de Honduras para efectuar pagos de cohecho a funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras. Para promover el ardid y ocultar los pagos de cohecho, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza y otros presuntamente lavaron las ganancias del ardid corrupto por medio de cuentas bancarias y empresas testaferro en los Estados Unidos y Belice. Según se alega en la acusación formal, para promover el ardid, los conspiradores enviaron más de $166,000 dólares estadounidenses a cuentas bancarias controladas por Cosenza y otro funcionario extranjero hondureño. A todos los acusados se les imputa conspiración para cometer lavado de activos. Cosenza y Marchena también han sido acusados, cada uno, de un cargo de lavado de activos y un cargo de participación en transacciones con bienes derivados del delito. Zaglin y Marchena también han sido acusados, cada uno, de conspiración para violar la Ley de Prácticas Corruptas en el Extranjero (FCPA, por sus siglas en inglés). Además, a Zaglin se le imputa un cargo de violar la FCPA. De ser declarados culpables, los acusados enfrentan una pena máxima de 20 años de prisión por cada uno de los delitos de lavado de activos, 10 años de prisión por el cargo de participación en transacciones con bienes derivados del delito y cinco años de prisión por cada uno de los delitos relacionados con la ley FCPA. La fiscal general auxiliar en funciones Nicole M. Argentieri de la División Penal del Departamento de Justicia, el fiscal de los EE. UU. Markenzy Lapointe del Distrito Sur de Florida y el agente especial a cargo Anthony Salisbury de la oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) de Miami hicieron el anuncio. La oficina de HSI de Miami investiga el caso con la asistencia de la oficina de HSI de Atlanta. Los abogados litigantes Peter L. Cooch y Anthony Scarpelli de la Sección de Fraude de la División Penal y el fiscal auxiliar de los EE. UU. Eli S. Rubin del Distrito Sur de Florida procesan el caso. En junio de 2021, el Departamento de Justicia anunció la creación de una Fuerza de Tareas Anticorrupción para centrarse en investigaciones, procesamientos y recuperaciones de activos relacionados con corrupción en Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador por medio del programa de cumplimiento de la ley FCPA, procesamientos antinarcóticos y la Iniciativa de Recuperación de Activos de la Cleptocracia. Cualquier persona con información sobre autores corruptos en estos países que estén quebrantando las leyes de los EE. UU. o trasladando las ganancias de sus delitos en o a través de los Estados Unidos pueden informar sobre la conducta, en español o inglés, en combatiendocorrupcion@fbi.gov . Las pistas sobre posible corrupción o traslados de fondos procedentes del delito que se reciban en la dirección de correo electrónico serán revisadas por la Fuerza de Tareas Anticorrupción. Los informantes que deseen reportar actividades sospechosas o delictivas también pueden comunicarse con la línea de pistas de HSI llamando al (866) 347-2423. La Sección de Fraude es responsable de investigar y procesar asuntos relacionados con la ley FCPA. Se puede encontrar información adicional sobre los esfuerzos de aplicación de la ley FCPA por parte del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa . Una acusación formal es meramente una alegación. Se presume que todos los acusados son inocentes hasta tanto se pruebe su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.


title: Harrisburg Woman Sentenced To 5 Years’ Imprisonment For A Firearms Offense

body_text: HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Taisha Ruiz, age 39, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 20, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to serve five years’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised released based upon her previously entered guilty plea to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Harrisburg Police Officers executed a search warrant at Ruiz’s residence and observed her throw a bag from her bedroom window that contained approximately 600 bags of fentanyl, $900 in cash, and her Pennsylvania driver’s license. A search of her bedroom uncovered a .9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, ammunition, and digital scales. 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 Harrisburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Metro Nashville Agrees to Settle Allegations that it Violated the Americans with Disabilities Act

component: USAO - Tennessee, Middle

body_text: NASHVILLE – United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that the United States has reached an agreement with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee (“Metro Nashville”) to settle allegations that Metro Nashville violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) by failing to provide reasonable modifications to policies to allow disabled individuals who are unable to attend public meetings in person to attend remotely. As part of the settlement, Metro Nashville will revise its ADA policies and pay $500.00 to the complainant who brought this issue to the United States’ attention. “We are committed to enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities in Tennessee,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “Individuals with disabilities that prevent them from in-person attendance at public meetings should receive reasonable accommodations to allow them to fully participate and vote in such meetings. It is the right thing to do and federal law requires as much.” The United States alleged that Metro Nashville failed to provide the complainant with a reasonable accommodation, called a modification in the Title II context, that would permit the complainant to vote in public meetings virtually. The complainant’s disability prevented the complainant from attending in-person meetings of a public committee of Metro Nashville without severe discomfort. The complainant requested a modification to attend and vote in meetings of the committee by virtual or other electronic means, but Metro Nashville refused to grant a modification. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, where an individual’s disability prevents that person from attending meetings of a local government board, commission, or other body in person, Metro Nashville will permit such individuals to fully participate virtually. Metro Nashville has also agreed to update its policies and procedures to fully implement this Agreement. As a result of this settlement, the participation of a person with a disability in virtual meetings shall not be diminished in any way, and they shall be entitled to vote, count towards a quorum, make and second motions, and otherwise permitted to participate in the same manner in which they would have if they were attending public meetings in person. The civil claims settled by this Settlement Agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Tackeff investigated the complaint and negotiated the Settlement Agreement. The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA including a Technical Assistance Publication entitled: ADA Requirements: Effective Communication and a Business Brief on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). ADA complaints may be filed by email to ada.complaint@usdoj.gov . # # # # #


title: Jacksonville Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Prison For Illegal Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Pocols Lashawn Jackson (39, Jacksonville) to six years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Jackson had pleaded guilty on August 22, 2023. According to court documents, on November 21, 2022, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff conducted a traffic stop of Jackson’s vehicle due to Jackson not wearing a seatbelt. A vehicle search was conducted due to the smell of marijuana coming from the car. During the search, a loaded semi-automatic pistol was found under the driver’s seat. At the time, Jackson had nine prior felony convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. 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.