title: Maryland Marketing Company Owner and Texas Tax Return Preparer Charged with Tax Fraud Scheme

body_text: A federal grand jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, returned a superseding indictment, unsealed last week, charging a Maryland man and a Texas man with conspiracy to defraud the United States, filing false income tax returns, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and theft of government funds. The Maryland man is also separately charged with tax evasion, willful failure to file income tax returns and bank fraud. According to the indictment, Orin Wayne Solomon, of Glenn Dale, Maryland, and Marquis Al Bey, also known as Al Bey or Alvin Hewett, of Forney, Texas, conspired with each other to prepare and file false tax returns on behalf of Solomon and another Maryland-based client of Bey’s tax preparation business, Creative Associates Inc. The indictment alleges that Solomon filed at least 15 false income tax returns between 2017 and 2022 on behalf of himself, his marketing business and two purported trusts he controlled. On these returns, Solomon allegedly sought nearly $65 million in refunds that he and his entities were not entitled to receive. After receiving one of the trust tax returns, the IRS allegedly issued a tax refund check for more than $10 million. Solomon allegedly used those funds to pay for cars, a house, silver coins, insurance policies and to pay off the mortgage on his personal residence. Solomon also allegedly transferred approximately $1 million of the fraudulent refund proceeds to Bey, who purchased a house in Texas. The indictment further alleges that Solomon attempted to evade his income tax liabilities for numerous years between 2009 and 2021 by, among other means, using funds from a business bank account to pay personal expenses for himself, his wife and his children, registering a vehicle in the name of a purported trust and transferring his personal residence to another purported trust. The personal expenses that Solomon allegedly paid for from his business account included tuition for his children, personal training sessions, medical and dental expenses and expenses relating to his personal residence and a property that his wife owned. From 2017 through 2021, Solomon also allegedly did not file personal tax returns or pay taxes on income generated by his business, Anjacor Marketing Inc. (Anjacor). The indictment further charges that in 2020, Solomon applied for a loan on behalf of Anjacor under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), an initiative authorized by Congress to provide financial assistance to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of that application, Solomon allegedly provided a bank with false information about his company’s payroll, fraudulently causing the bank to extend a $229,012 PPP loan. If convicted, Solomon and Bey each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, three years in prison for each false tax return count and 10 years in prison for theft of government funds. Solomon also faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for bank fraud, five years in prison for each count of tax evasion and one year in prison for each of the failure to file charges. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Jeffrey A. McLellan of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Relating To Firearms Trafficking And Distribution Of Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Pills Containing Fentanyl

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) New York Division, and Erin Keegan, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced that a grand jury returned a five-count Indictment charging JYSHUN TROWER with transporting and selling over 40 firearms in New York and TROWER and STIVEN ARTURO MARTINEZ NIN with conspiracy to distribute large quantities of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills containing fentanyl. TROWER and MARTINEZ NIN were arrested on Thursday, December 14, 2023, and presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang on Friday, December 15, 2023. The case is assigned to the Honorable Denise L. Cote. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jyshun Trower and Stiven Arturo Martinez Nin are charged with having allegedly peddled two of the deadliest threats to New Yorkers—illegal firearms and fentanyl. The firearms recovered by law enforcement included military-style assault weapons, and the drugs seized included more than a kilogram of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills containing deadly fentanyl and fentanyl analogue. I want to thank the law enforcement agents who investigated this case for their tireless work resulting in today’s charges and reiterate this Office’s commitment to ensuring that those who flood the streets with deadly guns and drugs will be brought to justice.” NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “This indictment shows that the dangerous work conducted by the NYPD and our law enforcement partners is effective, and that the proliferation of illegal guns and drugs on our streets continues. I thank all the members of the OCDETF and the office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their tireless dedication to our shared public safety mission.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino said: “This investigation resulted in 43 firearms and thousands of fake pills containing fentanyl being taken off the streets and exemplifies law enforcement’s oath to safeguard our communities. I commend the men and women from NYPD, DEA, HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their diligent work on this investigation.” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “The defendants are accused of crimes that threaten not only the lives of those purchasing these counterfeit drugs, but also potential victims of gun violence in New York City. HSI New York is proud to work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the members of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, every day in preventing deadly narcotics and weapons from reaching the streets and the community.” According to the allegations in the Indictment and Complaint: [1] From on or about May 3, 2023, through on or about December 14, 2023, JYSHUN TROWER illegally transported and sold firearms in Manhattan and the New York City area. In almost a dozen transactions, TROWER illegally sold approximately 43 firearms to an undercover law enforcement agent and others. The firearms included multiple semiautomatic pistols, semiautomatic rifles, assault style rifles and pistols, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, a ghost gun, and components used to convert a semiautomatic pistol into a fully automatic pistol, also known as a machine gun. Images of several of the firearms that TROWER sold are below. Firearms TROWER sold in Manhattan on July 31, 2023. Firearms TROWER sold in Manhattan on August 17, 2023. Firearms TROWER sold in Manhattan on August 25, 2023. Firearms TROWER sold in Manhattan on September 29, 2023. In addition, TROWER and MARTINEZ NIN conspired to sell 10,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover law enforcement agent. TROWER had also arranged with the undercover agent to include several firearms in the transaction. On or about December 14, 2023, TROWER and MARTINEZ NIN arrived at the sale location. Law enforcement apprehended TROWER. MARTINEZ NIN attempted to flee on foot and discard a bag containing over one kilogram of pills and their packaging. * * * JYSHUN TROWER, 27, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is charged with one count of illegally dealing firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of illegally transporting and distributing firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of conspiring to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, one count of using and carrying firearms while engaging in the narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of attempted transfer of a firearm for use in a drug trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. STIVEN ARTURO MARTINEZ NIN, 24, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is charged with one count of conspiring to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, DEA New York Division, and HSI New York Field Office. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Daniels is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment and Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and Complaint, and the description of the Indictment and Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Hardin man sentenced to seven years in prison for role in large meth trafficking ring centered on Crow Indian Reservation

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BILLINGS — A Hardin man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large-scale drug trafficking ring centered on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Darlon Richard Lefthand, 37, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. In court documents, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multi-state narcotics trafficking operation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one known as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Darlon Lefthand is one of the individuals affiliated with the investigation. The government alleged that Lefthand was considered in the mid-level of the distribution ring and was involved with major players above him. Lefthand could go to the Spear Siding property to obtain drugs for himself and others. Lefthand also used Facebook to obtain meth from Spear Siding and to set up drug deals. In September 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately one ounce of meth from Lefthand. Assistant U.S. Attorneys are prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation. 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. XXX


title: Sedalia Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal Firearm

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Two Sedalia, Mo., residents and two Marshall, Mo., residents were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chris Kyle Naylor, 44, and Jasmine Dominique Hagan, 26, both of Sedalia, and James Ray Schull, Jr., 38, and Betty Anne Hern, 32, both of Marshall, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes. Naylor was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Schull was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Hern was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole. Hagan was sentenced to two years of probation. Co-defendant Bobby Don Johnson, 44, of Sedalia, has pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing. Naylor, Schull, and Hern each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Benton and Pettis counties from Jan. 14 to Feb. 10, 2022. Naylor also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Hagan pleaded guilty to using a cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy. On Jan. 14, 2022, the Benton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and seized a total of 138.49 grams of methamphetamine. Johnson, Schull, and Hern were present at the residence. Officers also found a loaded Hi-Point 9mm pistol in a backpack sitting between Schull and Hern. Hern told investigators she purchased the pistol for Schull, her boyfriend, because he is a felon and can’t legally own a firearm. A deputy stopped Johnson, who ran from the bedroom into the restroom toward the toilet in an attempt to flush several bags of methamphetamine. Investigators learned that Naylor had sold the methamphetamine to Schull. On Feb. 10, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Pettis County. Naylor and Hagan were seated in the kitchen of the residence. Officers found a black box on the kitchen table that contained 152.6 grams of methamphetamine. Naylor had a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his coat pocket and $1,200 in cash. According to court documents, Naylor’s criminal history is extensive and includes three felony drug convictions and a federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Schull has numerous felony convictions for controlled substance offenses. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Benton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Pettis County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Sedalia, Mo., Police Department, the Mid-Missouri Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: District Man Found Guilty on 10 Counts Related to Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

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

body_text: WASHINGTON – Antonio Christian Payne, 30, of Northeast Washington D.C. was found guilty by a federal jury today on 10 felony charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses in the District of Columbia. The jury verdict, which followed a five-day trial in U.S. District Court, was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent-in-Charge Craig Kailimai of the Washington Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Payne remains held pending his sentencing before the Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan scheduled for Apr. 17, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, MPD launched an investigation into Payne’s activities on Apr. 18, 2022, following a daylight drive-by shooting near Payne’s stash house at 2430 Baldwin Cres, NE. The shooter apparently had targeted Payne’s cousin, who had escaped without injury. Officers responded to the scene within minutes and were let into the home where Payne and his cousin were staying, where they attempted to investigate the shooting and determine if Payne’s cousin needed medical aid. At the same time, officers and detectives canvassed the area for witnesses and ultimately reviewed surveillance footage which revealed that minutes prior to the drive-by, Payne had brandished a firearm at the suspect who later did the shooting after that suspect had attempted to access Payne’s car and garage, both of which were later found to have narcotics and ammunition in them. On discovering this information, officers seized the residence and applied for an emergency search warrant, which they obtained that evening. During their search, officers recovered six firearms (one ghost rifle, one .22 caliber rifle, and four semi-automatic 9mm pistols), sundry rounds of ammunition of various calibers, magazines, firearms-accessories (including a ballistic vest designed to withstand rifle-rounds), almost 750 grams of fentanyl, 240 grams of cocaine powder, 175 grams of cocaine base, 130 grams of methamphetamine, 12 kilograms of marijuana, and dozens upon dozens of oxycodone pills, along with nearly $30,000 in U.S. currency. The jury today found Payne guilty of unlawful possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; unlawful possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana; unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; unlawful possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone; unlawful opening and maintenance of a premises to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance; using, carrying, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; using carrying, and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and carrying a pistol without a license. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves, SAC Kailimai, and Chief Smith, applauded the work of MPD officers and detectives and commended the ATF Special Agents who subsequently investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Hart and Solomon Eppel of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section. Valuable assistance was provided by paralegal Peter Gaboton, Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Gold, and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Engallena who assisted in the investigation and charging of this case. Graves, Kailimai, and Smith also praised Leif Hickling and Charlie Bruce of LitTech, and VRTO supervisory paralegal Mary Downing for their assistance on this case.


title: Local man heads to prison for sex trafficking teenager

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 32-year-old man who resided in Houston has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking a 15-year-old girl for commercial sex using force, fraud or coercion, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal jury convicted Giovanny Xavier Limon aka Ace or Ace One July 31 following a four-day trial. U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Limon to serve 40 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard from the victim who recounted her ordeal, noting how she was young and desperate, how she showed her weakness and Limon took advantage of that and how she let him rob her of her happiness and a real smile. “Boy I’ve been waiting for this day,” she said. “To spit on you how you spit on me. My past does not and will not define me or my future, and after today I will not let you be in my shadow no longer. You took my life but I'm still breathing to live another day.” “Sex traffickers have a PhD in manipulation using their skills to exploit our children and steal their innocence,” said Hamdani. “Although Limon stole that from this victim, he could not take her courage. She faced her oppressor at trial, recounting how Limon used her body, selling it to men as a commodity and raping it for his sick pleasure. Thanks to her, the next generation of children will be free—free from a predator’s grasp.” “This case is a sad and angering example of innocence lost at the hands of sex traffickers like Limon who don’t care about anything other than exploiting our children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge David Martinez of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Fortunately, the young victim in this case was rescued by law enforcement but not before being put through a month of hell by her trafficker. May his sentence serve as a promise to other sex traffickers and their victims that justice will be done.” Limon trafficked a 15-year-old minor female for commercial sex during May and June 2022. After meeting her, he soon realized how he could isolate her from her companions and exploit her. She had no phone, little access to the internet and, most importantly, no money to support herself. At trial, the jury heard evidence detailing how Limon forced the minor victim to engage in commercial sex with strangers on numerous occasions. Limon provided her with lingerie, photographed her and forced her to turn over all proceeds to him. Limon caused the images to be posted, displaying his moniker “Ace One,” to commercial sex ads on the internet. The ads featured her posing in seductive lingerie on a bed. Limon and others created these ads portraying the minor as adult interested in engaging in commercial sex. He controlled the victim and had them staying in several questionable motels. At one of these locations, he tattooed her entire inner forearm with the name of one of her relatives who she lost during the pandemic. The tattoo was so poorly done that after the trial, and with parental permission, she had it revised to represent something other than a memory of the Limon caused her. Throughout the time she was with him, Limon provided her with illicit drugs, including meth, and fed her very little food. When he was not causing her to engage in commercial sex, Limon was having sex with her himself, knowing she was only 15 years of age. The victim testified at trial describing her month-long ordeal in detail. The jury also saw hotel records, internet sex ads and heard the testimony of the sexual assault treatment exam nurse. Limon has been and will remain in custody where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri L. Zack and Kimberly Ann Bulger Leo prosecuted the case. HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties. Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.


title: Sussex County Man Charged in $2 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey, man was arrested today on charges related to fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) totaling over $2 million, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Nikenson Jean Mathurin, aka “Nik Mathurin,” aka “Jean Mathurin,” 44, of Sparta, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. He is scheduled to have his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From April 2020 through November 2021, Mathurin participated in a scheme to fraudulently receive over $2 million in COVID-19 emergency relief loans meant for distressed small businesses under the PPP and EIDL programs. He submitted several fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of five purported business — Innovation Partners Plus, Inc., Opulence Motor Group LLC, OMG Collision Corp. (doing business as Corsa Volante), Tricon Systems LTC, and America Home Care LLC — to four lenders. In support of these applications, Mathurin allegedly provided false and fraudulent documents and information to the lenders, including fabricated tax documents, payroll documents, and number of employees. Mathurin also used the allegedly fraudulent proceeds to, among other things, send money between his various bank accounts, buy restaurant equipment unrelated to any of his purported businesses, pay for travel expenses, and transfer money to an account at an online vehicle auction company, which was used to buy luxury cars, motorcycles, and motorcycle parts. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Each charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the of the Northeast Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, and special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorney David D. Hamstra of the U.S Department of Justice’s Fraud Section. The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. mathurin.complaint.pdf


title: Man Charged for $2M COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging a New Jersey man for his alleged participation in a scheme to obtain, through multiple fraudulent loan applications, more than $2 million in COVID-19 relief money guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and to launder the money through a series of financial transactions. According to court documents, Nikenson Jean Mathurin, also known as Nik Mathurin and Jean Mathurin, 44, of Sparta, allegedly submitted false and fraudulent loan PPP and EIDL Program applications on behalf of five purported business — Innovation Partners Plus Inc., Opulence Motor Group LLC, OMG Collision Corp. (doing business as Corsa Volante), Tricon Systems LTC, and America Home Care LLC — to four lenders. In support of these applications, Mathurin allegedly provided false and fraudulent documents and information to the lenders, including fabricated tax documents, payroll documents, and number of employees. Mathurin also used the allegedly fraudulent proceeds to, among other things, send money between his various bank accounts, buy restaurant equipment unrelated to any of his purported businesses, pay for travel expenses, and transfer money to an account at an online vehicle auction company, which was used to buy luxury cars, motorcycles, and motorcycle parts. Mathurin is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count and 10 years in prison on the money laundering count. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey, Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) Northeast Region, and Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS:CI) Newark Office made the announcement. FHFA-OIG and IRS:CI are investigating the case. Trial Attorney David D. Hamstra of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime M. Cano for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud . In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Robbery Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang. Michael Nguyen, a/k/a “Asian,” 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2024. According to court documents, Cameron Street is a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that used violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect, and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear and enhance its reputation. Cameron Street members possess, carry and use firearms to murder and assault gang rivals as well as protect narcotics and drug proceeds. Cooperating witnesses identified Nguyen as a valued a member of Cameron Street who, among other duties, often infiltrated rival gang territory to conduct surveillance for other members. In July 2018, Nguyen and two alleged co-defendants broke into the home of two victims – entering through the back door while wearing masks and dark hoodies and carrying firearms. One victim ran out of the front door of the house and called 911. A second victim was brought into the living room, punched in the head, had a gun put to their head and a pillow put in front of their face as Nguyen and others ransacked the house, demanding, “where’s the stuff, where’s the money, where’s your boyfriend?” Nguyen and his two alleged co-conspirators later fled the house in a silver pickup trick after stealing $2,000 in cash and a safe. Nguyen and others were later observed driving away from the house. Officers pursued the truck until it abruptly stopped in Stoughton – colliding with the police cruiser. Nguyen and an alleged co-conspirator then exited the truck and fled the area. The alleged co-conspirator was quickly apprehended and a firearm was recovered from the scene. The charges of RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interference with commerce by threats or violence each provide for sentences of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Billings woman sentenced to prison for six years for trafficking meth as part of large distribution ring based on Crow Indian Reservation

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings woman who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a large drug distribution ring based on the Crow Indian Reservation and was found with meth and a semi-automatic handgun during a traffic stop was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Nancy Michelle Hartsock, 36, pleaded guilty in August to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that Hartsock is one of approximately two dozen defendants related to a large-scale conspiracy centered on the distribution of meth on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian reservations. On March 15, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in Billings of a vehicle driven by Hartsock. In a subsequent search of her vehicle, officers found 28 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia and a firearm under the driver’s seat. Because she was on probation law enforcement searched her home and found a semi-automatic rifle and a small amount of meth. Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department, Montana Probation and Parole and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation. 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. XXX


title: Federal Jury Convicts U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer of Depriving a U.S. Citizen of Rights

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Gilberto Carreon Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility in El Paso, Texas, announced today that a federal jury returned two guilty verdicts against Oscar Orrantia after five hours of deliberation. The jury convicted Orrantia on one count of deprivation of a right and one count of falsification of records. Judge Margaret I. Strickland presided. A federal grand jury issued a Second Superseding Indictment accusing Orrantia of two felony offenses on Nov. 15, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial and other publicly available court records, on June 18, 2019, Orrantia, who was then an officer with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), was checking travelers who were coming into the United States via the Columbus Port of Entry. A 63-year-old male United States Citizen, who is identified as John Doe in the indictment, entered the primary inspection area. John Doe lived in Deming, New Mexico and often traveled to Mexico to run errands. When John Doe pulled up to primary, he complained in Spanish that it was hot outside. Orrantia responded that John Doe should not cross the border. John Doe then declared that he was bringing pills and handed a package to Orrantia. At some point, John Doe tried to look at Orrantia’s name tag. Orrantia testified when this happened, he thought John Doe was going to make a complaint against him. Switching to English, Orrantia repeatedly and in swift succession demanded to know if John Doe was threatening him. At trial, experts testified that Orrantia’s conduct escalated the encounter. Two different experts testified that officers with CBP are trained in de-escalation techniques. Instead of deescalating, Orrantia ordered John Doe to get out of the vehicle but gave him no time to comply. Instead, Orrantia reached into the vehicle to forcibly unbuckle John Doe’s seatbelt. Once out of the vehicle, Orrantia turned John Doe to face away from him and told John Doe that he was going to knock him down. Two seconds later, Orrantia made good on his threat, resulting in John Doe hitting his head against a nearby brick barrier. Orrantia proceeded to take John Doe all the way to the ground, although Orrantia himself admitted that he could have handcuffed John Doe while he was still standing. While John Doe was handcuffed and face down on the ground, Orrantia told another officer that that John Doe was “fucking being a dick,” and was resisting when told to get out of the vehicle. An expert with CBP with the Less Lethal Training Branch opined that the take-down maneuver used by Orrantia was not a technique taught by CBP, and that there was not enough space to do a proper take-down in the first place. That same expert opined that Orrantia had acted contrary to his training during the encounter. John Doe sustained bruising to his body and head as a result. A paramedic testified that John Doe had a hematoma, and an emergency room doctor who saw John Doe two days later testified that John Doe had bruising and discoloration of the skin which was consistent with a blunt force trauma injury. After John Doe was checked by paramedics, he was free to go. There was no indication he had committed any crime when he attempted to enter the United States. Following the incident, Orrantia wrote a report that contained numerous false statements including allegations that John Doe had thrown the package he was declaring at Orrantia. At trial, video footage disproved this claim, depicting John Doe handing the package to Orrantia. Orrantia also claimed that John Doe twice stated he was not going to get out of the vehicle. The same footage captured audio from the entire interaction and proved that John Doe in fact asked Orrantia to let him take off his seatbelt first. Orrantia’s own use of force expert admitted that the report contained false statements. “Those that wear the badge are expected to treat members of the public they serve with the utmost dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “When an officer abuses their position, they erode the trust of the community we serve. We will scrupulously investigate, and vigorously prosecute, those who abuse the public trust and then try to cover up their misdeeds. The uniform will not protect you from justice.” “The success of this investigation demonstrates the critical importance of fostering collaboration between law enforcement professionals,” said Special Agent in Charge Carreon. “The efforts rendered by all led to Officer Orrantia’s conviction and the continued accountability of those entrusted to serve the public.” Orrantia will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Orrantia faces up to 10 years in prison for deprivation of rights and up to 20 years in prison for falsifying records. This case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR) with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, CBP Law Enforcement Safety & Compliance Less Lethal Training Branch, CBP Office of Assistant Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Ong and Eliot Neal are prosecuting this case. View the Second Superseding Indictment # # # 23-290


title: Colombian national sentenced to 25 years in federal prison  in drug trafficking conspiracy

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – A Colombian national has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Leonar Molina-Ferro, also known as Michel, 47, was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine knowing it would be imported and distributed in the United States. Molina-Ferro was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison on December 19, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant. According to information presented in court, Molina-Ferro was a cocaine trafficker who assisted a Colombian-based drug cartel responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine via land, sea, and air throughout South and Central America. The bulk of these shipments were destined for the United States. Molina-Ferro’s primary role was to coordinate maritime shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. In his role, he directed several persons to acquire, transport, and distribute ton quantities of cocaine. Molina-Ferro was arrested at the request of the United States for extradition at his apartment in Medellin, Colombia on August 14, 2018. During the arrest operation, Molina-Ferro opened fire on Colombian National Police Officers, wounding the first officer to make entry into the apartment. That officer was subsequently honored by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Texas for his bravery in the fight against narcotics trafficking. Molina-Ferro was subsequently extradited to the United States from Colombia on December 2, 2020. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Texas OCDETF Strike Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Molina-Ferro. ###


title: Two Jamestown residents plead guilty for their roles in drug conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Savannah Gross, 31, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, $10,000,000 fine. In addition, Kyle Lewis, 34, also of Jamestown, pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that Gross and her boyfriend, co-defendant Richard Philbrick, bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and their own use. The couple used and maintained residences on Newland Avenue in Jamestown, for the purposes of their drug trafficking activities. During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Gross. Defendant Lewis distributed amounts of heroin and fentanyl, sourced in part from Richard Philbrick. He utilized electronic media to facilitate his drug trafficking activities, including social media and cash applications. Investigators made five controlled purchases of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine from Lewis during the investigation. Richard Philbrick was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The pleas are the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. Sentencing for Gross and Lewis will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Woman Pleads Guilty to Vehicular Assault of Five-Year-Old

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Thaniyyah Veney, 33, pleaded guilty today to driving a car into a five-year-old girl who was standing on the sidewalk waiting for a bus with her father in July 2023, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves announced. Veney pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of aggravated assault while armed with a vehicle. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2024, before the Honorable Jason Park. Veney is being held pending sentencing. According to the government’s evidence, on the afternoon of Saturday, July 8, 2023, the five-year-old was with her father waiting for a bus in the 3200 block of Fourth Street, SE. At around 1 p.m., a car driven by Veney, drove into the child and her father as they stood on the sidewalk. Veney’s car drove over the child and continued traveling until it struck the front steps of a home. When the vehicle stopped, Veney got out and walked to a nearby alley. She left the child trapped beneath her car. Using a makeshift lever fashioned from a ladder, firefighters were able to raise the car enough to extract the child, who was then airlifted to the hospital where she was diagnosed with life-threatening injuries. Hours after the incident, the defendant’s breath was tested and found to contain an alcohol concentration above the per se threshold for intoxication. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Ohio man charged in Jamestown drug conspiracy

body_text: BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Justin Whitfield, 24, of Cincinnati, OH, was charged by criminal complaint with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, since April 2019, the DEA has investigated the drug trafficking activities, including heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine, of Rocco Beardsley in the Jamestown, NY area. During the investigation, Whitfield was identified as an associate and co-conspirator of Beardsley. The complaint states that Beardsley was utilizing a source of supply for methamphetamine in the Cincinnati area, and Whitfield was responsible for introducing Beardsley to the source. Whitfield utilized social media to conduct drug related conversations and facilitate his drug trafficking activities. Whitfield made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained. Co-defendant Rocco Beardsley is scheduled for trial on March 25, 2024. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Assault on dating partner sends Busby man to prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS — A Busby man who admitted hitting and injuring his dating partner on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, 31, pleaded guilty in August to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating or intimate partner. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court document that on Oct. 30, 2022, Littlewhiteman and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were drinking at a house in Busby, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. They argued, and Littlewhiteman left the home. Later that night. Jane Doe woke up and Littlewhiteman hit her in the face. Jane Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Service in Lame Deer. At the time of the assault, Jane Doe and Littlewhiteman were dating partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Oklahoman sentenced in East Texas for federal wildlife violation

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: TYLER, Texas – An Oklahoma man has been sentenced for federal wildlife violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Dusty Caudill, 37, of Ardmore, OK, pleaded guilty to the transportation of wildlife in violation of state law – a violation of the U.S. Lacey Act – and was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on Dec. 19, 2023. According to information presented in court, in February of 2021 Caudill conspired with co-defendants David Bartlett and Darryl Garcia to transport stolen African elephant ivory tusks from Ardmore, Oklahoma to Tyler, Texas for sale. The tusks had been stolen in the burglary of a residence in Ada, Oklahoma in late 2020. Bartlett negotiated the sale of the tusks with a person he believed to be a resident of Houston, Texas for $10,700.00. The investigation revealed that on February 17, 2021 Caudill and Garcia removed the ivory tusks from the trunk of Caudill’s car in Ardmore and placed them in Garcia’s car. Garcia then picked up Bartlett and the two of them drove the tusks to Tyler, Texas where they believed they would be meeting with the buyer from Houston. Instead, they were met by federal wildlife agents. African elephants are a protected wildlife species under the federal endangered species act. The term “wildlife” includes any part of the animal. The U.S. Lacey Act prohibits the transportation of endangered species, valued at more than $350.00 in interstate commerce in violation of federal or state law. This case was investigated by special agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble. ###


title: Jamestown man going to prison for selling heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brendan Farver, 29, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Farver bought and sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for profit and his own use, and brokered deals for other drug dealers in and around the Jamestown area. Farver utilized social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities. In May 2020, the Conewango Township Police Department conducted undercover purchases of heroin from Farver on two different occasions. On July 31, 2020, Farver brought heroin/fentanyl to an associate identified as K.T. at the individual’s residence in Jamestown. The two then injected the heroin/fentanyl. The following morning, at approximately 11:27 a.m., the Jamestown Police Department responded to K.T.’s residence for a reported overdose, where officers discovered K.T., deceased. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. # # # #


title: Jamestown man going to prison for cocaine possession

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eddie Ortiz-Ortiz, 29, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that on January 31, 2020, a Cattaraugus County Sherriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop of Ortiz’s vehicle. As the deputy spoke with Ortiz, he detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A Cattaraugus County K-9 unit was brought in and provided a positive alert to a wrapped white package located within the vehicle. The package contained approximately 1,000 grams of cocaine. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Cattaraugus County Sherriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division. # # # #


title: Chula Vista Woman Admits Coordinating Alien Smuggling Through Otay Mesa Port of Entry

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 19, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Ericka Aldana of Chula Vista pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that she managed all aspects of a human smuggling operation - from helping to place undocumented immigrants in trunks, to coaching drivers to successfully cross the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, to staging immigrants at a Chula Vista stash house, to helping transport them to their final destinations in the U.S. Aldana admitted that she recruited at least five drivers, procured vehicles for their use, obtained passports for them, and coached them how to dress and how to answer questions by Customs and Border Protection officers. Aldana said she crossed the border in tandem with the drivers to direct them to what she considered the less risky border lanes. Aldana acknowledged smuggling more than 25 aliens during a five-year span, some of whom paid as much as $10,000 to be smuggled into the United States. “Ms. Aldana avoided getting caught for years, but she could not evade accountability forever,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “Federal law enforcement brought a carefully choreographed network of cross-border human smuggling to justice today.” “Human smuggling is a serious and dangerous offense,” said Sidney K. Aki, Director of Field Operations for Customs and Border Protection’s San Diego Field Office. “This effort was an outstanding demonstration of law enforcement partnership and commitment to dismantling criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable migrants for profit.” “Human smuggling is driven by greed as the defendant demonstrated in this case,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “HSI and partnered law enforcement agencies will not stand for this deceitful and often violent act of human smuggling. We are committed to bringing down human smugglers one by one.” The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2024, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie A. Bauman and Michael A. Deshong. DEFENDANTS Case Number 23cr2174-CAB Ericka Aldana Age: 40 Chula Vista, California SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Bring in Aliens Without Presentation – Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(iii) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations United States Customs and Border Protection


title: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Nyquest Robinson, 20, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty today to 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), Chief of Syracuse Police Joseph Cecile, and Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick. As part of his guilty plea today, Nyquest Robinson admitted that he was arrested on May 17, 2023, in Syracuse when he attempted to flee on foot from New York State Parole Officers who were speaking with him near a store. Robinson was under parole supervision from a prior felony conviction for Assault in the Second Degree. Syracuse Police assisting Parole Officers prevented Robinson from escaping and located in his clothing a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun loaded with thirteen (13) rounds of ammunition. Sentencing is scheduled for April 18, 2023, in Syracuse, New York, at which the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000,00, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. 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. The case against Nyquest Robinson was adopted for federal prosecution after a joint review by the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, and ATF as part of gun violence reduction efforts in Onondaga County. This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Syracuse Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick 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: Recidivist Offender Sentenced Again for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Parker, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 11 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children and violating the prior conditions of his federal supervised release that he had been serving for a previous conviction for receiving child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Thomas Robert Hawk, 42. According to information presented to the court, from August 2021 to May 2022, Hawk possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual digital files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Probation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hawk. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former Uniontown Resident Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 300 months’ imprisonment (25 years) on his conviction for twelve counts of child sexual exploitation, including the production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on David Straitiff and ordered that following his release from incarceration, Straitiff be placed on supervised release for life. According to information presented to the court, Straitiff sexually assaulted four minors under his care, including the minor identified in the Indictment as Minor A, for a period of ten years. The assaults began when the minors were as young as three years old. Among other acts, Straitiff recorded his sexual abuse of the minors and forced them to watch videos of the assaults to convince them to submit to additional abuse. Law enforcement recovered a thumb drive following a search of Straitiff’s residence containing child sexual abuse material produced on various dates between 2010 and 2012. In sentencing the defendant, Judge Hardy described Straitiff’s crimes as “extremely disturbing,” and stated that the conduct indicates “true depravity” and “a disturbing betrayal of trust.” Judge Hardy also acknowledged the “profound trauma” Straitiff caused the victims of his crimes. Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Straitiff. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Sharon Resident Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Drug Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – Katlyn McGirr was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiring to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine as well as additional quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and powder cocaine, from June 2020 to June 2021, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. McGirr, age 31 of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon ordered McGirr to serve four years of supervised release following her prison sentence. According to information presented to the court, McGirr admitted responsibility for the distribution of 150 grams of powder cocaine, 30 grams of crack cocaine, 20 grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of heroin, and 10 grams of methamphetamine. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin C. Dobkin and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McGirr. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: New Castle Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm Crimes

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Maurice Collier, age 33, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised on September 17, 2020, Collier distributed cocaine base. In addition, on November 4, 2020, Collier possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base, and he possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing to occur on April 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this 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 of Justice 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: Oxford Man Convicted for Felon in Possession of Firearm

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Eric L. Eggers, 39, of Oxford, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 19, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for felon in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Eggers to 36 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Eggers’ release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On August 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Eggers’ residence in Furnas County, Nebraska. During the search, law enforcement located 16 firearms in total. Eggers admitted that he knew that the firearms were in his residence and that he knowingly possessed them. He also admitted that he knew he could not legally possess them. Eggers had previously been convicted of a felony in 2012. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Partners in drug trafficking hub sent to prison

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two Rio Grande Valley residents have been sentenced in for drug and money laundering conspiracies, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Luis Ortiz III, 43, Mission, pleaded guilty June 21, 2019, while Rodolfo Hernandez Ramos 44, Los Fresnos, entered his plea Aug. 9, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 or more kilograms of marijuana. They also admitted to a conspiracy to launder drug proceeds in the form of bulk U.S. currency between July 1, 2014, and March 19, 2019. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Ramos to serve a total of 135 months in federal prison while Ortiz was ordered to serve 100 months imprisonment. The investigation focused on a group of cocaine and marijuana distributors in the Rio Grande Valley and their sources of drugs who smuggled these drugs into the United States from Mexico. Drugs were smuggled into the country in passenger vehicles, large trucks and dropped from aircraft. Ramos and Ortiz worked within the drug trafficking organization by operating stash houses to prepare the drugs for shipment within the United States. The partnership also used trucks to deliver cocaine and marijuana to the customers in 22 other states. Both men were also responsible for having the proceeds of the drug sales transported back to South Texas for delivery to the suppliers. Ramos has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility to be determined in the near future. Luis Ortiz III was permitted to remain to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date. The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Cusick prosecuted the case.


title: Sioux City Man Found Guilty of Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Anthony Michael Tucker, 36, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted by a jury today of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. The verdict was returned this afternoon following one day of testimony and about three and half hours of jury deliberations. The evidence at trial showed that in January 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a Cybertip from Google that accounts belonging to Tucker contained over 90 images and three videos of child sexual abuse material. Evidence showed these depictions included images displaying sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. Jurors watched a video-recorded interview of Tucker speaking with an Iowa DCI agent where he admitted he was responsible for the content on the Google account and stated, “there’s more that I run across. . . those were just the ones I kept.” Evidence also showed Tucker has a prior conviction for Lascivious Acts with a Child from 2010 where Tucker, then 21, had sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female. United States Attorney Timothy Duax cited the excellent work done by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation in this case. “Starting with just a cybertip, law enforcement, through skill and hard work, was able to locate the defendant and interrupt his exploitive activities. As a result, a dangerous and repetitive child predator is off the streets for a significant period of time.” Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Tucker remains in the custody of the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Due to his prior sex offense, Tucker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of 5 years to life following any imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation, Cyber Crime Bureau, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Peggs Resident Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wanda Kay Friday, age 53, of Peggs, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information charging her with one count of voluntary manslaughter. The Information alleged that on November 25, 2022, upon sudden quarrel and heat of passion, Friday knowingly and unlawfully shot and killed the victim. The crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Assistant United States Attorney James Seaman represented the United States.


title: Monroe County man sentenced to 235 months in Federal prison

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Monroe County man was sentenced on December 1, 2023 to 235 months in prison for two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. According to court records, Charles Brian Stabler, 47, of Monroeville, was convicted in a jury trial in July of 2023 with possessing methamphetamine for distribution on two separate occasions, one in 2019 and the other in 2021. On January 29, 2019, Stabler was stopped by police driving in Monroeville and four individual packages of methamphetamine were discovered in the vehicle. Stabler was also convicted of possessing nearly 9 ounces of methamphetamine discovered during a search warrant executed in Frisco City on August 4, 2021. Evidence showed that Stabler was distributing methamphetamine in the days leading up to the search. At the time of the August 4, 2021 arrest, Stabler was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Stabler has an extensive criminal history, dating back to the 1990’s. U.S. Attorney Sean Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, assisted by members of the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tandice Blackwood and George May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Former Alabama Department of Corrections Lieutenant Sentenced for Civil Rights and Obstruction Offenses for Assaulting a Restrained Inmate and Lying to Cover It Up

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) lieutenant, Mohammad Shahid Jenkins, 52, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for using excessive force on an inmate and lying afterwards in an official report in an attempt to cover up his abuse. He previously pleaded guilty to these offenses on Sept.12. “Lieutenants and Shift Commanders set the tone for less experienced officers whom they supervise,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Jenkins abused his position of power to commit an egregious assault on a restrained inmate, in an isolated location of the prison, over the course of five minutes. He is being held accountable for his actions, and the Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who violate the civil rights of every American, including those who are incarcerated.” “Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nation’s prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “The physical abuse of prisoners in violation of the Constitution threatens the safety of the entire institution, officers and inmates alike. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute corrections officers who abuse inmates and violate positions of public trust.” “This sentence sends a strong message that the FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all people, including those in prison custody,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the FBI Birmingham Field Office. “This individual's conduct is not reflective of the honor and professionalism with which the men and women of law enforcement exemplify. The FBI Birmingham Division is proud to work alongside the Civil Rights Division and ADOC to bring justice to these victims and remain steadfast in addressing all Color of Law allegations.” According to court documents and evidence introduced at sentencing, Jenkins, former William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility Lieutenant and Shift Commander, who had more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, used excessive force on inmate V.R. Specifically, on Feb. 16, 2022, Jenkins willfully deprived inmate V.R. of his right to be free from excessive force by kicking him, hitting him, spraying him with chemical spray, striking him with a can of chemical spray and striking him with a shoe, while V.R. was restrained inside of a holding cell and not posing a threat. Over the course of approximately five minutes and outside the presence of other officers and inmates, Jenkins repeatedly re-entered the holding cell that V.R. was in and re-assaulted him numerous times. Jenkins used a dangerous weapon — chemical spray and the can of chemical spray — on V.R., and his attacks on V.R. caused V.R. to suffer bodily injury. Following his assault on V.R., Jenkins authored a false incident report and later Jenkins lied to investigators by denying using any force on V.R. As part of the plea agreement, Jenkins also admitted that he used unlawful force on another inmate on a separate occasion at Donaldson. Specifically, on Nov. 29, 2021, Jenkins willfully deprived inmate D.H. of his right to be free from excessive force by repeatedly spraying D.H. with chemical spray while D.H. was handcuffed behind his back and compliant, by hitting D.H. in the head with the can of chemical spray and by delivering an open-hand strike to D.H.’s head while he was suffering from the effects of chemical spray. The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: Bureau of Motor Vehicle Chief and PRC Citizen Sentenced to Federal Prison for CNMI Driver’s License Fraud Scheme

body_text: Saipan – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendants, Juana Cabrera Leon Guerrero, a U.S. citizen and resident of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Yongde Li, a citizen from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), were sentenced in the United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for their roles in a driver licensing fraud scheme at the CNMI Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Juana Cabrera Leon Guerrero (age 58) – convicted of Conspiracy to Produce an Identification Document, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(a)(1), was sentenced to 60 months incarceration, ordered to pay a $15,000 fine and $100 special assessment fee, and serve three years of supervised release following imprisonment. Yongde Li aka “Ivan” (age 50) – convicted of Conspiracy to Produce an Identification Document, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(a)(1), and Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 & 1344, was sentenced to 10 months incarceration, ordered to pay $200 in special assessment fees, complete 50 hours of community service in lieu of a fine, and serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment. In December 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at the headquarters of the CNMI Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the BMV while investigating a scheme to unlawfully produce driver licenses. The criminal conduct involved foreign nationals, who lacked lawful immigration status, paying a “street broker” up to $1,700 for a new license and $300 for a renewal. CNMI law requires proof of U.S. citizenship or valid immigration status before the issuance of a driver license. Street brokers used fraudulently manufactured immigration documents, submitted to the BMV, to enable foreign nationals without immigration status to acquire licenses. As Chief of the BMV, Leon Guerrero knowingly permitted Ivan to submit these applications, with fraudulent immigration documents, on at least 50 occasions between January 2020 and December 2022. No other documentation or testing was included. Leon Guerrero also directed at least five BMV employees to unlawfully assist Ivan in acquiring these licenses. In exchange for her cooperation with Ivan, Leon Guerrero accepted $500 cash payments from Ivan and others for these illegal transactions. Ivan also treated Leon Guerrero and other complicit BMV staff members to meals and free taxi services. “This scheme created a substantial risk to public safety,” stated United States Attorney Shawn N. Anderson. “Licensing requirements help reduce the risk of harm to other drivers and pedestrians on our roadways. We expect a higher standard of conduct from public officials. This case sends a strong message of accountability.” "The FBI will not condone government workers who use their position of trust for their own ill-gotten gains," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. "This sentence should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will investigate these types of cases to the fullest extent of the law." The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Albert S. Flores, Jr., Assistant United States Attorney in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.


title: U.S. Trustee Program’s Advocacy Preserves Consumers’ Rights in MV Realty Bankruptcies

component: U.S. Trustee Program

body_text: More than 40,000 consumers allegedly lured into predatory 40-year listing agreements will have more opportunity to raise their claims in the bankruptcies of a Florida-based real estate company and its affiliates, thanks to efforts by the United States Trustee Program (USTP). On November 30, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida granted a motion by the USTP’s Miami office to extend the deadline for creditors to file claims in the chapter 11 bankruptcies of MV Realty PBC LLC and its nearly three dozen affiliates. The court’s order extends the original Dec. 1 deadline to Feb. 1, 2024. The court also directed the MV Realty entities to serve – at their expense – copies of the order on all parties to the bankruptcies, including roughly 38,000 homeowners whom MV Realty listed as current contract holders but not as creditors. Additionally, the companies must provide claim forms to about 2,850 other consumers who may have been forced to pay damages after terminating their agreements; those consumers were neither listed as creditors nor notified of the bankruptcy cases. MV Realty opposed the USTP’s motion, citing the costs of additional service. Its objection was overruled. “This ruling protects the due process rights of thousands of people across the country who were affected by MV Realty’s business practices,” said Director Tara Twomey of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees. “The U.S. Trustee Program does not represent consumers directly, but it is committed to ensuring that they have a fair chance to access the bankruptcy courts, whether as creditors or debtors. I commend our Miami field office for their work to safeguard the interests of justice by preserving consumers’ rights to have their voices heard in these bankruptcy cases.” MV Realty, which operates in 33 states, has been the subject of lawsuits by several state attorneys general alleging deceptive trade practices. In 2018, MV Realty began marketing homeowner benefit agreements (HBAs), under which consumers receive one-time payments of 0.3% of a property’s value in exchange for a 40-year exclusive right for MV Realty to market the property if the consumer decided to sell. Breaching an HBA – for example, by retaining a different real estate agent – could render a consumer liable for damages of up to 3% of the property value. In other words, consumers who received upfront payments of a few hundred dollars could end up owing thousands under an HBA. Additionally, MV Realty files liens or memoranda in the official records to encumber title to the properties. Amid increasing state and federal scrutiny of the HBA program and MV Realty’s marketing practices, MV Realty and 35 affiliates filed for chapter 11 relief on Sept. 22. In addition to filing the motion to extend the claims deadline, the USTP’s Miami office has also appointed a committee specifically to represent the interests of all HBA holders. The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders – debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the Program at www.justice.gov/ust .


title: Manvel resident charged for creating fake businesses to obtain COVID-19 funds

body_text: HOUSTON – A 38-year-old man has been indicted for wire fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Authorities arrested Antonio Jackson Jr. this morning. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho at 2 p.m. The indictment, returned Dec. 12, alleges Jackson fraudulently obtained approximately $492,611 in funds through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payroll Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. According to the indictment, Jackson submitted false information and documents to the SBA to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 related loans. In his loan applications, Jackson allegedly claimed to be the owner and operator of multiple businesses with dozens of employees and millions in revenue and payroll expenses. The charges allege the businesses were fictional. Jackson is alleged to have submitted fabricated payroll records, profit and loss statements as well as tax records to induce the SBA to approve the loans. Jackson allegedly used the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase luxury retail goods, exotic trips and luxury vehicles. Jackson is charged with four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The SBA - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Swartz 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: District Court Enjoins New York and Delaware Companies from Manufacturing and Distributing Adulterated and Misbranded Dietary Supplements

component: Civil Division

body_text: A federal court on Dec. 13 enjoined two New York companies, a Delaware company and the companies’ owner from distributing and manufacturing adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). In a civil complaint filed on Dec. 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States alleged that Total Body Nutrition LLC, TBN Labs LLC and Loud Muscle Science LLC (collectively TBN companies) and the companies’ owner, Mohammed Islam, violated the FDCA at the companies’ facility in Hauppauge, New York, and their previous facility in Edgewood, New York, by manufacturing and distributing adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements. The complaint alleged that Islam and the TBN companies violated the FDCA by manufacturing dietary supplements without establishing product specifications for the finished batches and without testing or examining the finished batches to verify that they met product specifications, and by using dietary ingredients in their dietary supplements without first testing or examining the ingredients to verify their identity. The complaint also alleged that the FDA inspected the TBN companies’ current and previous facilities four times, in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023, and found violations of the FDCA at each inspection. According to the complaint, FDA also issued Islam and the TBN companies warning letters in 2016, 2017 and 2019. “Dietary supplement manufacturers and distributors have an important responsibility to ensure product quality and safety,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to work closely with the FDA and take action against manufacturers and distributors who fail to abide by laws designed to protect public health.” “Consumers trust that dietary supplements they purchase are unadulterated,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “My office is working diligently with our partners at the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and the FDA to ensure that these products are what they purport to be and safe. When they are not, we will take all appropriate action to protect consumers.” “It is imperative that dietary supplement manufacturers comply with the FDA’s regulatory requirements to help ensure product safety and protect consumers,” said Acting Associate Commissioner Michael C. Rogers, MS, of FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. “When evidence of non-compliance is identified, the agency holds dietary supplement manufacturers responsible. The FDA is dedicated to exercising its full authority under the law to take action against adulterated dietary supplements, as part of our ongoing commitment to protect the health of U.S. consumers.” Islam and the TBN companies agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The negotiated consent decree entered by the court permanently enjoins Islam and the TBN companies from violating the FDCA, and requires, among other things, that Islam and the TBN companies comply with the dietary supplement current good manufacturing practice regulations and the dietary supplement labeling provisions of the FDCA and its implementing regulations. Further, Islam and the TBN companies must destroy all of their adulterated dietary supplements. Trial Attorney Kimberly R. Stephens of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch is handling the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Blume for the Eastern District of New York and Associate Chief Counsel Roselle Oberstein of the FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . The claims resolved by the consent decree announced today are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Consent Decree