title: Two Philadelphia Men Arrested for Distributing Fentanyl; Over 17,000 Bags of Fentanyl and Almost 200 Grams of Cocaine Base Seized

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Talbert Hill, who is also known as “T,” and Samuel Bennett, who is also known as “Mellow,” both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were arrested on Friday, November 3, 2023 in or near Burlington, Vermont. Both men have been charged by criminal complaint and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle this afternoon. According to court records, Hill and Bennett are alleged to have distributed fentanyl in and around Burlington over the past few months. The investigation revealed that Hill and Bennett coordinated their activities by using the same cellular phone number to arrange drug sales. Law enforcement surveillance revealed a likely stash house used by Hill and Bennett on Walnut Street in Burlington. Investigators also determined that Bennett was staying at a hotel room in South Burlington. On November 3, 2023, law enforcement arrested Bennett from a car he was operating at the Charlotte, Vermont ferry landing. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of over $10,000 cash from a suitcase in the trunk of Bennett’s car. Later on November 3, 2023, law enforcement attempted to arrest Hill in Burlington. Hill tried to flee, and discarded suspected fentanyl and cocaine base during his flight. Nevertheless, Hill had fentanyl on him when he was apprehended. At the same time as the arrests, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Walnut Street and at an area hotel. In total, agents seized over 17,000 bags of fentanyl (the equivalent of approximately 340 grams) and almost 200 grams of cocaine base. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that criminal complaints contain only allegations and both Hill and Bennett remain presumed innocent until and unless they are convicted of a crime. Both men face a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment on the charges they currently face. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and thanked the Vermont State Police for their assistance in apprehending Bennett. The prosecutors are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Owyang and Jonathan Ophardt. Hill is represented by Karen R. Shingler, Esq. Bennett is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.


title: Cleveland Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Crimes

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – Albert Cummings pled guilty to trafficking fentanyl and heroin, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Cummings, age 43, of Cleveland, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Cummings pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin between June 2020 and June 2021. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing to occur on March 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin C. Dobkin and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. 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 led the investigation resulting in the conviction in this case. 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 York Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $200k in Products From Home Depot and Lowe’s

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for transporting stolen goods from Home Depot and Lowe’s across state lines, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Jalil McIntyre, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. McIntyre was also ordered to pay $204,969.02 in restitution, of which $179,606.25 is payable to Lowe’s and $25,362.77 is payable to Home Depot. On July 31, 2023, McIntyre pleaded guilty to Transportation of Stolen Goods. McIntyre’s co-defendant, Dushun Jackson, pled guilty on September 15, 2023, and is currently in federal custody. Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 28, 2023. “Organized theft rings cause significant financial losses to the retail industry, which ultimately impacts consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that federal law enforcement will enforce laws protecting the retail industry from organized theft, with federal felony convictions and imprisonment as a consequence.” “Jalil McIntyre didn’t think twice about stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-end merchandise from home improvement retailers all over New England to pad his pockets, and today, he learned there are serious consequences for such brazen criminal conduct,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Organized retail theft costs businesses, retailers, and consumers—and puts the public at risk—which is why the FBI and our law enforcement partners are doing everything we can to combat it.” McIntyre and Jackson traveled to Lowe’s and Home Depots across the northeastern United States, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. They stole high-value commercial items, such as circuit breakers. They were seen on surveillance footage grabbing products off shelves, placing them into large plastic bags, and walking out of the stores. In total, they stole $204,969.02 worth of products across 24 separate thefts. They also attempted to steal another $46,619.07 worth of products during 11 additional unsuccessful thefts. The stolen products were brought back to New York, where both McIntyre and Jackson lived. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in New York, the Seabrook Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Windham Police Department, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Justice Department to Monitor Polls for Compliance wth Federal Voting Rights Laws in Several Jurisdictions

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – The Justice Department announced today that it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several jurisdictions for the Nov. 7 general election. The department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in Union County, New Jersey, to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Earlier this year, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places. For this election, the Civil Rights Division will also monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day in the following jurisdictions: Pawtucket and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Madison County and Panola County, Mississippi; and Prince William County, Virginia. The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with the federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Civil Rights Division personnel is also available to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website at civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931. Visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws. More information about the federal civil rights laws is available at the Civil Rights Division’s website at justice.gov/crt . spanish_version.pdf


title: Nevada Man Sentenced In Prize Notice Scheme

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced today in Las Vegas for perpetrating a prize-notification scheme that defrauded thousands of elderly and vulnerable victims. Edgar Del Rio, 56, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 51 months in prison. Del Rio previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to court documents, Del Rio and other co-conspirators printed and mailed millions of fraudulent prize notices that led their victims to believe that they could claim a large cash prize if they paid a fee of $20 to $25. This was false; victims who paid the fees did not receive anything of value. Once victims fell prey to the scheme, Del Rio and his co-conspirators bombarded them with more fraudulent mail. Del Rio and his partners received millions of dollars from victims. “Today’s sentence holds Edgar Del Rio accountable for using lies to steal from the elderly and vulnerable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to protecting consumers from predatory mass-mailing schemes.” The scheme operated from 2010 to February 2018, when postal inspectors executed multiple search warrants and the Justice Department obtained a court order shutting down the fraudulent mail operation. Del Rio operated one of several printing and mailing businesses that sent the fraudulent mail and shared the profits from the fraudulent prize notices. “The defendant is being held fully accountable for his role in perpetuating a multi-year fraud scheme and stealing millions of dollars from thousands of elderly victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Working together with the Consumer Protection Branch and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we will pursue and shutdown perpetrators who prey on vulnerable citizens for financial gain and bring them to justice.” “Thousands of vulnerable older Americans were scammed by Edgar Del Rio and his cohorts,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “Postal inspectors work hard investigate and apprehend scammers, but also to prevent these scams. The best defense is to not respond to prize-winning correspondence in the first place, and if you have to pay money to claim a prize, you can be sure it’s a scam.” Three other people previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with this prize notice scheme: Patti Kern, 66, of Henderson, Nevada; Andrea Burrow, 53, of Las Vegas; and Sean O’Connor, 54, of Las Vegas. Three other members of the scheme were found guilty by a jury and sentenced earlier this year. Mario Castro, 55, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Miguel Castro, 58, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison. Jose Luis Mendez, 49, of Henderson, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. USPIS investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Timothy Finley and Daniel Zytnick of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage at www.justice.gov/elderjustice . For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov . ###


title: Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A Maine man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. According to court documents, Xavier Pelkey, 20, of Waterville, pleaded guilty on April 7. Beginning in November 2021, Pelkey conspired with two minors, one located in Chicago and one in Canada, to conduct a mass shooting at a Shia mosque in the Chicago area. Pelkey and his co-conspirators were subscribers to a radical form of Sunni Islam and supporters of the foreign terrorist organization the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. Pelkey planned to contribute firearms, ammunition and explosives to be used in the attack. In February 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Pelkey’s Waterville residence and discovered three handmade explosive devices. Investigators observed a hand-painted version of the flag used by ISIS on the wall of Pelkey’s bedroom and recovered written statements intended to be released just prior to the planned attack claiming the attack in the name of ISIS. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine and Executive Assistant Director Larissa Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig M. Wolff for the District of Maine and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 14 Years in Federal Prison, Wrapping Up Multi-Year Drug Trafficking Investigation

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, JOSE ANDREAS FONSECA-ECHAVARRIA , 30, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 168 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, and to launder the proceeds from that distribution, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. Today’s announcement wraps up a multi-year investigation into the Fonseca Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), in which nine defendants were sentenced to serve over 70 years collectively in federal prison. On October 5, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a 66-count Indictment against Fonseca-Echavarria and eight other defendants for their roles in the DTO’s operation. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, the Fonseca DTO was managed by Jose Fonseca-Echavarria (Jose) and co-defendant Cesar Fonseca-Echavarria (Cesar), 32, with the assistance of many others. The complaint alleges that Cesar was primarily responsible for the activities of the DTO, including coordinating the importation of bulk quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl into the Oklahoma City area, and the collection of proceeds from the distribution of the drugs. Cesar also regularly communicated with individuals in Mexico, who controlled the source of the supply of the drugs. According to court documents, Jose assisted Cesar in the day-to-day operation of the DTO and located customers for local distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. In February 2023, Jose and Cesar both entered guilty pleas to Counts 1 and 48 of the Indictment. Count 1 charged the defendants with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and Count 48 charged the defendants with a money laundering conspiracy. At the sentencing hearing on November 2, 2023, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Jose to serve 168 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the significant amount of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl that Jose helped to distribute through the organization and the impact of those drugs on the community. He also noted Jose’s critical role in helping to send drug proceeds back to Mexico. On September 20, 2023, Cesar was sentenced to serve 244 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The other defendants in this case have been sentenced as follows: Dean Alexander Mack , age 45 – 100 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction. Juan Antonio Cervantes , age 29 – 90 months in federal prison, followed by four years supervised release, for drug conspiracy and money laundering; Calista Charmaine Clark , age 39 – 85 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy; Jerome Thor Campbell , age 63 – 70 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy; Osvaldo Calvillo-Oropeza , age 22 – 40 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy; Christian Saldivar , age 22 – 32 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy; and Javion Jarrel Wisby , age 22 – 20 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Thomas B. Snyder and Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: DOJ funds programs for juveniles in six Western Washington tribal communities

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – More than $2 million in grants from the Department of Justice have been awarded to Western Washington tribal communities to enhance services for juveniles, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The grants fund needs ranging from substance abuse and mental health treatment to academic support and getting students engaged in school. “Each of these tribes submitted detailed proposals for how they could best use this federal money,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “It is exciting to see how they will impact the lives of the youngest tribal members as they work to build safe and healthy communities into the future.” The six tribal grants and their purpose are: Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians - $499,700 to hire an online school support specialist to assist with tribal youth as risk of truancy and to develop programs to engage all youth in leadership and cultural activities. Quinault Indian Nation - $500,000 to enhance the work of the Tribal Juvenile to Healing Wellness Court to centralize access to assistance for youth facing challenges such as substance addiction, mental health issues, absenteeism, and trauma. Nooksack Tribe -$99,439 to assess current programming for youth and identify gaps and strategies for improvement. Lummi Nation - $100,000 to coordinate services to tribal youth. Nisqually Indian Tribe - $400,000 to develop a Juvenile Tribal Healing to Wellness Court - part of a comprehensive effort on behalf of the Tribe to address the increasingly serious problem of alcohol and opioid/drug use, and related crime, within the reservation population and among Tribal youth and young adults. Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe - $500,000 for drug and alcohol prevention services through the Empowering Youth through the Ways of Our Ancestors (EYWOA) program. The program is based on evidence- and community-based participatory research that was conducted and implemented in partnership with the University of Washington’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, the Suquamish, and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes. These grants are part of the Consolidated Tribal Assistant Grants for 2023 awarded by the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance.


title: Second Owner of Fresno Sleep Clinic Pleads Guilty to Submitting over $1.5 Million in Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal for Sleep Studies

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Jeremy Gober, 42, of Hanford, pleaded guilty today to health care fraud and aggravated identity theft charges for submitting more than $1.5 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal for sleep studies, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Gober co-owned and co-operated Got Sleep Inc., which operated sleep clinics in Fresno and Orange Counties in California. Sleep clinics perform diagnostic sleep studies to identify disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. According to court documents, between August 2016 and July 2020, Gober caused Got Sleep to submit thousands of claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal for sleep studies that were not actually performed on patients. The claims also stated falsely that the patients had been referred for the sleep studies by physicians with whom Gober had previously worked. This was done because Medicare and Medi-Cal will not pay for a sleep study unless the patient was referred by a physician. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Department of Health Care Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba is scheduled to sentence Gober on March 4, 2024. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for the health care fraud conviction and an additional, mandatory two years in prison for the identity theft conviction. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. In September 2023, Jeremy Gober’s brother, Travis Gober , pleaded guilty to similar health care fraud and aggravated identity theft charges related to other sleep clinics in the Central Valley.


title: Former Assistant Branch Manager at Tulare Credit Union Pleads Guilty for Stealing over $60,000 from Members’ Accounts to Spend on TikTok

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Esther Andrade Olson, 49, of Kings County, pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $60,000 from multiple members’ accounts at a Tulare-based credit union where she was previously employed, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Olson, while serving as an assistant branch manager, made several unauthorized withdrawals from four members’ accounts from July through August 2022. Olson made unauthorized cash withdrawals by bringing up the victims’ accounts while assisting other credit union members who were at the teller window to make it appear as though she had legitimate reasons to access the credit union’s cash stores. When confronted by credit union officials, Olson claimed that one of the victims was “doing some remodeling,” but told another employee that she was “done” and abruptly resigned from her position. Olson spent most of the money that she stole on TikTok, gifting much of the funds to an out of state individual with hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chan Hee Chu and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case. Olson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on March 4, 2024. Olson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to Over 21 Years in Prison for Advertising and Distributing Images of Child Sexual Abuse

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Austen Peppers, 36, of Lawton, Oklahoma, was sentenced today to 21 years and 10 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. He was also ordered to pay restitution to 19 victims totaling $57,000. According to court documents, between March 2018 and August 2019, Peppers sold and offered to sell images of minors being sexually abused. He conducted transactions on the dark web with cryptocurrency, using platforms and applications that he believed were secure and protected him from law enforcement scrutiny. Peppers also engaged in sexually explicit communications with persons he believed to be minors and encouraged those apparent minors to create sexually explicit images of themselves. Peppers amassed thousands of images and videos of children being sexually abused. This case was the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations offices in Fresno, Chicago, and Oklahoma as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Tactical Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa prosecuted the case with Trial Attorney James Burke IV of the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Peppers has been in custody since his initial appearance in this case on Nov. 14, 2019. 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Roanoke Man Indicted for Gun Crimes, Hobbs Act Robbery

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – Federal agents arrested a Roanoke County man late last week who was indicted by a federal grand jury for his involvement in a violent Hobbs Act robbery and a variety of firearms offense. On Friday, Damon Tyler Mills, a.k.a. Tyler Mills, 27, was arrested on a federal indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The indictment, returned under seal last week, was unsealed following Mills’ arrest. He made his initial court appearance today. According to the indictment, in December 2018, Mills and another individual robbed two individuals of a firearm, marijuana, and money, and brandished a firearm in doing so. Approximately two months later, on February 24, 2019, Mills is alleged to have been involved in another incident, whereby he discharged a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mills is charged with possessing marijuana on that same date with the intent to distribute the marijuana. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roanoke County Police Department investigated the case. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Washington Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlene R. Day and Jason M. Scheff are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: French National Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme Targeting California State Controller’s Office

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gabriel Adrien Lobe Diop, 35, a French national previously residing in Agoura Hills, California, pleaded guilty today to nine counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Diop orchestrated a scheme to illegally obtain millions of dollars of Unclaimed Property Division funds from the California State Controller’s Office. Diop did so by assuming the identities of victims for whom the Controller’s Office was holding significant amounts of unclaimed property, and then submitting fraudulent applications for that property. Diop concealed his involvement in the fraud using a combination of post office boxes, mail forwarding requests, counterfeit notary stamps, and falsified driver licenses issued by numerous states. Starting in January 2019, Diop attempted to steal at least $9 million from the Unclaimed Property Division. Law enforcement agents executed search and arrest warrants at Diop’s residence in Agoura Hills in June 2021. Inside his residence, agents seized counterfeit stamps that Diop used to “notarize” his fraudulent applications for unclaimed property, twelve falsified driver licenses, bank cards and check books in his victims’ names, and at least six change-of-address packets issued by the United States Postal Service. This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the California State Controller’s Office, the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case. Diop remains in federal custody and is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge William B. Shubb on January 29, 2024. Diop faces a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the nine counts of mail fraud to which he pleaded guilty. Diop also faces a mandatory and consecutive statutory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count to which he pleaded guilty. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Denver Man Indicted for Tax Evasion and Failure to File Tax Returns

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Solomon Paul Garcia, age 45, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of tax evasion and four counts of failure to file a tax return. According to the indictment, from approximately 2016-2020, Garcia allegedly inflated the number of exemptions on his Internal Revenue Service Form W-4s with his various employers, causing his employers to withhold very little federal employee income tax from his wages. Garcia then allegedly failed to file federal income tax returns reporting his earned income and federal income taxes due and owing for the years under investigation. Based on information contained in the indictment, Garcia is alleged to have a tax liability to the U.S. government of more than $225,000 over the five-year period. If convicted, the charge of tax evasion carries a sentence of no more than five years imprisonment and a fine of no more than $250,000. The charge of failure to file a tax return carries a sentence of no more than one year imprisonment and a fine of no more than $100,000 for each count. This case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Giles. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Case Number: 23-cr-00443-NYW


title: Captain of Santa Barbara-Based Dive Boat that Burned and Sank, Resulting in 34 Deaths, Found Guilty of Felony Federal Offense

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The captain of the P/V Conception – a Santa Barbara-based dive boat that caught fire and sank near Santa Cruz Island on Labor Day in 2019, resulting in the deaths of 33 passengers and one crew member – was found guilty by a jury late this afternoon of a federal felony offense. Jerry Nehl Boylan, 69, of Santa Barbara, was found guilty of one count of misconduct or neglect of ship officer – an offense commonly called “seaman’s manslaughter” – a crime punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. The Conception was a 75-foot, wood-and-fiberglass passenger vessel that docked in Santa Barbara Harbor. During a Labor Day weekend dive trip in 2019, the boat carried 33 passengers and six crew members, including Boylan. During the early morning hours of September 2, 2019, a fire broke out while the boat was anchored in Platt’s Harbor near Santa Cruz Island. The fire, which engulfed the boat and led to its sinking, resulted in the deaths of 34 people who had been sleeping below deck. Five crewmembers, including Boylan, were able to escape and survived. “This ship captain’s unpardonable cowardice led to the deaths of 34 lives on Labor Day 2019,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “As the jury found, this tragedy could have been avoided had Mr. Boylan simply performed the duties he was entrusted to carry out. We hope that today’s verdict brings some solace and closure to the victims’ loved ones.” “Mr. Boylan’s failure to carry out his duties as Captain of the Conception led to the catastrophic loss of 34 victims who suffered a horrifying death and perished needlessly in the end,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Ultimately, the hard work by the investigators from multiple agencies led to today’s outcome and now the victims’ families can continue their healing process. Let this tragedy be a lesson to anyone who commands a boat with vulnerable passengers that proper training, diligence and life saving measures – when called for – are necessary to safeguard those left in one’s charge.” According to evidence presented at a 10-day trial, Boylan, as captain of the Conception , committed a series of failures – including abandoning his ship instead of rescuing passengers – that resulted in the disaster. Such conduct constituted misconduct, gross negligence, and inattention to his duties and led to the deaths of 34 victims, the jury found. As the ship’s captain, Boylan was responsible for the safety and security of the vessel, its passengers, and its crew. The jury found he failed in his responsibilities in several ways, including by: failing to have a night watch or roving patrol; failing to conduct sufficient fire drills and crew training; failing to provide firefighting instructions or directions to crewmembers after the fire started; failing to use firefighting equipment, including a fire ax and fire extinguisher that were next to him in the wheelhouse, to fight the fire or attempt to rescue trapped passengers; failing to perform any lifesaving or firefighting activities whatsoever at the time of the fire, even though he was uninjured; failing to use the boat’s public address system to warn passengers and crewmembers about the fire; and becoming the first crewmember to abandon ship even though 33 passengers and one crewmember were still alive and trapped below deck in the vessel’s bunkroom and in need of assistance to escape. “In the court of justice, a guilty verdict echoes the collective grief and loss of 34 souls that perished in this tragedy. It serves as a solemn reminder of the great duty a master owes his passengers and crew. This verdict stands as a testament to our commitment to seek justice, hold accountable those responsible, and honor the memory of those lost,” said Coast Guard Investigative Service Director, Jeremy Gauthier. “This is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Special Agents, working side-by-side with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, to uncover evidence critical to bringing the defendant to justice.” “No verdict can bring back the lives lost in this tragedy,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere. “Our condolences go out to all the families still struggling to deal with the catastrophic event that occurred in the early morning hours on the Conception dive boat. Hopefully today’s guilty decision provides some much-needed closure for the families. For more than 50 years, ATF has developed scientifically proven investigative capabilities, expertise, and resources that have positioned ATF as the nation’s primary source for fire investigative knowledge and assistance. ATF’s National Response Team stands ready to provide resources and assist local agencies find answers.” United States District Judge George H. Wu scheduled a February 8, 2024, sentencing hearing in this case. Boylan is free on a $75,000 bond. The FBI, Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Williams, Matthew W. O’Brien and Juan M. Rodríguez of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, along with Assistant United States Attorney Brian R. Faerstein of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, are prosecuting this case.


title: Tama Woman to Federal Prison for Stealing from Disabled Relative

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who spent her disabled relative’s entire trust fund was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to more than two years in federal prison. Nancy Lee Johnson, age 69, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 1, 2023 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. Information from Johnson’s plea agreement and sentencing showed that in November 2017, Johnson petitioned the Meskwaki Tribal Court to become the guardian and conservator of her disabled relative, L.J. In doing so, she swore that she would faithfully discharge the duties of a guardian and conservator, which included protecting, preserving, and prudently investing the estate of L.J. At the time, L.J. had a trust fund valued at more than $360,000. L.J. also received per capita pay from the Meskwaki tribe and Social Security benefits. The court recognized Johnson as L.J.’s guardian and conservator in February 2018. As early as December 2017, she began to transfer money from L.J.’s trust fund to other accounts and by November 2018, the balance of L.J.’s trust fund was $0. In March 2018, Johnson activated a debit card for an account she opened in L.J.’s name. She had the only copy of the card. Johnson used that card to make unauthorized purchases, which included the purchases of two purebred dogs and multiple pieces of jewelry. During the time that she was his guardian and conservator, L.J.’s assets totaled at least $416,043.73. In August 2019, when the Meskwaki Tribal Court terminated Johnson’s guardianship and conservatorship, L.J.’s funds had been reduced to $1,871.38. Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Johnson was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $387,213.40 in restitution to her relative. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Johnson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on November 27, 2023. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-CR-0086. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Traffic Stop in Tipton, Iowa, Leads to Federal Guilty Plea

body_text: A woman who possessed over 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Rebecca Ann Rose, age 36, from La Porte City, Iowa, was convicted of possessing at least 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Evidence at a prior hearing demonstrated that on December 27, 2022, Rose was driving a vehicle in Tipton, Iowa, when law enforcement officers stopped her. Officers determined that she was intoxicated and arrested her. Officers searched her car and found thousands of dollars, over 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, and marijuana. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rose remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Rose faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $10,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Tipton Police Department, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Muscatine County Drug Task Force. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-45. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Campbell Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking Crimes

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jeremy A. Kinney, 49, of Campbell was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Kinney to 156 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 216 months. There is no parole in the federal system. Additionally, Kinney was ordered to forfeit $5,000 cash that was seized in the investigation. After Kinney’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Investigators obtained a court-authorized tracking device on Kinney’s 2014 Nissan Maxima. Based on information from the tracker, visual surveillance, and analysis of phone records and jail calls, investigators obtained a search warrant for Kinney’s car. On May 26, Kinney’s Maxima was tracked while traveling from Colorado and heading northeast on Interstate 76. A Nebraska State Patrol trooper noticed the car heading eastbound in Furnas County, Nebraska, and attempted a traffic stop. Kinney, who was driving at the time, sped up which prompted a pursuit by law enforcement. During the pursuit, Kinney drove eastbound in westbound traffic lanes, at times passing westbound traffic on the shoulder. Investigators used spike strips to stop Kinney’s car. Kinney continued to pass vehicles while driving on the shoulder of oncoming traffic lanes. A tactical vehicle intervention team was able to direct the Maxima into a ditch. During the pursuit, Kinney threw objects from the Maxima. Investigators returned to the areas where Kinney was seen tossing items and located a baggie containing approximately 0.6 pounds of suspected meth. Investigators found $5,000 cash bundled on the front passenger seat and a 9 mm handgun on the ground near where the Maxima had stopped. Investigators returned to the roadway where the first bag of drugs was found and located an additional bag containing 1.2 pounds and third bag containing 1.3 pounds of meth. The drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crim Laboratory where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of meth. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Hastings Woman Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rosa Valtierra, 31, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for distribution of methamphetamine. Senior U.S. District Judge Gerrard sentenced Valtierra to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Valtierra’s release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. In February 2021, agents purchased meth from Valtierra through a confidential informant. The informant purchased the meth outside an apartment complex in Lexington, Nebraska. At the apartment complex, Valtierra got out of a vehicle, approached the informant’s vehicle, and provided the meth. The buy was audio recorded by law enforcement. The meth was lab tested and confirmed to be approximately 25 grams of a meth mix. In March 2021, agents again purchased meth from Valtierra through the informant. This occurred in Lexington, Nebraska. Valtierra got into the informant’s vehicle and provided the drugs. The drugs were lab tested and there was at least 23 grams of actual meth. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Justice Department to Monitor Polls for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Several Jurisdictions

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several jurisdictions for the Nov. 7 general election. The department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in Union County, New Jersey, to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Earlier this year, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places. For this election, the Civil Rights Division will also monitor for compliance with the federal voting rights laws on Election Day in the following jurisdictions: Pawtucket and Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Madison County and Panola County, Mississippi; and Prince William County, Virginia. The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with the federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Civil Rights Division personnel is also available to receive complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws by a complaint form on the department’s website at civilrights.justice.gov/ or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931. Visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws. More information about the federal civil rights laws is available at the Civil Rights Division’s website at justice.gov/crt .


title: Hot Spring County Sheriff Arrested on Criminal Complaint for Obstruction

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: HOT SPRINGS, AR – Derek Scott Finkbeiner , age 46, was arrested on November 2, 2023, by the FBI. He is charged in a Criminal Complaint with a single count of Obstruction of Justice. Finkbeiner is currently serving as the elected County Sheriff in Hot Spring County, Arkansas. A Grand Jury will later hear evidence related to this investigation and determine whether additional criminal charges will be filed against Finkbeiner. If convicted of the charge of Obstruction of Justice, Finkbeiner faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Bryan Achorn, Trent Daniels and Criminal Chief Kim Harris are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov


title: Appellate Division notches court wins for Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: This year, the Appellate Division of the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office continued to successfully defend the United States’ efforts to curb violent crime, to prosecute those who exploit children, and to protect American taxpayers, U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg announced. “The Southern District’s attorneys and staff consistently demonstrate exceptional skill and preparation in the cases they handle in court,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Prevailing on appeal is a resounding affirmation of the hard work of our Appellate Division in shepherding these cases through the complex appeals process.” The Southern District of Georgia represents the interests of the United States in criminal cases in 43 Georgia counties and litigates civil cases in federal court. Highlights of those cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit include: United States v. Graham : Traditionally, grand juries indict defendants by meeting in one location, where they hear witnesses in person and review other evidence. During COVID-19, social-distancing requirements made that practice nearly impossible. The Southern District of Georgia adopted a unique, temporary approach: 10 or fewer grand jurors convened in each of three federal courthouses, with the three groups linked to each other remotely by secure video-teleconference. The district kept the wheels of justice rolling, continuing to fully investigate and indict cases during that time. James L. Graham was one of them. Graham was indicted and later convicted for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On appeal, Graham argued that his conviction was invalid because his indictment under the remote procedure violated several laws, including his constitutional right to an indictment by a grand jury. The 11th Circuit affirmed Graham’s conviction, holding that the Southern District of Georgia’s innovative remote process did not change the grand jury’s basic nature, infect the jurors’ decision to indict Graham, result in any security breach, or cause any flaw in the presentation of evidence. During COVID-19, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue billions of dollars in Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses. Two of the Southern District’s prevailing decisions involved those cases: United States v. Oudomsine : The defendant lied about owning a small business to fraudulently obtain an $85,000 loan. This case received national attention because the defendant used some of that money to purchase a $57,000 Pokemon trading card. On appeal, the 11th Circuit ruled that the defendant’s 36-month prison sentence was reasonable. United States v. Mack : The defendant lied about owning businesses to fraudulently obtain a $150,000 loan. She used some of the funds to vacation in Miami and gave some to her boyfriend. On appeal, the 11th Circuit ruled that her 48-month prison sentence was reasonable. The Southern District of Georgia also continues to aggressively pursue cases that involve the exploitation of children by sexual predators and abusers. United States v. Gunn : Michael Peyton Gunn took pornographic pictures of a child in his custody and distributed those images on the internet. He also repeatedly sexually abused and prostituted the child. At trial, he was convicted of conspiring to sex traffic a child, coercing and enticing a child to engage in sexual activity, producing child pornography, possessing child pornography, and obstructing a child sex-trafficking investigation. On appeal, Gunn alleged that the government had withheld exculpatory evidence, but the 11th Circuit confirmed that the government committed no discovery violation. The Court affirmed Gunn’s conviction and sentence. The Appellate Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia is led by Division Chief Justin Davids, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Stuchell and Channell Singh, and assisted by Paralegals Taylor Workman and Leiandra Moran.


title: Snellville doctor pays $225,000 to resolve allegations for improper billing

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Saima Syed, M.D. (“Dr. Syed”), Atlanta Medical and Aesthetic Center, Inc. d/b/a AIM Medical Center (“Syed Practice Group”), and Rehan Syed have agreed to pay $225,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by, among other things, billing the government for office visits that were not medically necessary, were not provided as claimed, and were not supported by patient medical records. “Physicians who attempt to unlawfully obtain funds from government healthcare programs by padding their bills siphon scarce resources from vital programs,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This settlement represents our office’s commitment to ensure accountability for physicians who place their greed over following the rules established by Medicare and Medicaid.” “Physicians who put their own profits above their professional responsibilities to their patients and to honestly billing federal health programs put both patient well-being and taxpayer funding at risk,” said Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate health care fraud schemes to protect these safety net programs and the enrollees relying on them.” “Our office works diligently to protect the integrity of Georgia’s Medicaid program,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “Through enforcement actions like this settlement, we’re able to retrieve taxpayer dollars that have been unlawfully diverted and return them to the public good they’re intended to serve.” This settlement resolves allegations that from January 2, 2018, to February 12, 2021, Saima Syed knowingly submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for office visits that were not as complex or lengthy as Saima Syed purported. This is a practice commonly known as “upcoding.” The government also alleged that Saima Syed submitted claims of certain office visits to federal healthcare programs as though she had personally provided the service, even though she was travelling out of the country at the time these services were allegedly performed. The settlement also resolves allegations in a lawsuit filed by Herretta Pickens and Tahirah McCloud, both of whom are former Syed Practice Group employees, under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act authorizes private parties to sue for false claims on behalf of the United States and share in the recovery. The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Georgia and is captioned United States ex rel. Pickens and McCloud v. Atlanta Medical and Aesthetic Center, Inc. d/b/a AIM Medical Center et al., No. 1:20-CV-4556-JPB. The investigation of this matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin M. Hall, Assistant Attorney General Sara Vann, and Assistant Attorney General Mary Bryan. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The Georgia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $4,871,744 for Federal FY 2024. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $1,623,912 for FY 2024, is funded by the State of Georgia. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmail@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Four States Join Justice Department’s Suit Against Agri Stats for Organizing and Managing Unlawful Information Exchanges Among Chicken, Pork, and Turkey Processors

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today, the Attorneys General of Minnesota, California, North Carolina and Tennessee joined a civil antitrust lawsuit filed by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division against Agri Stats Inc. for organizing and managing anticompetitive information exchanges among broiler chicken, pork and turkey processors. The Antitrust Division and the state Attorneys General filed an amended complaint in the District of Minnesota. “We are pleased that our state law enforcement partners in Minnesota, California, North Carolina and Tennessee are joining our efforts to address these serious allegations,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We look forward to working closely with state Attorneys General to litigate this important case, which affects food prices for consumers across the country.” Anyone with information about collusion in agricultural industries, competitors sharing competitively sensitive information (including price or compensation information) or any other violations of antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov . Information about anticompetitive practices in livestock and poultry markets can also be submitted to the USDA and Justice Department’s Agricultural Markets Enforcement Partnership at www.farmerfairness.gov . View the filing here.


title: California Man Sentenced To 5 Years In Federal Prison For Stalking Multiple Black Victims

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Christopher Au-Young (36, California) to five years in federal prison for interstate stalking and cyberstalking. Au-Young pleaded guilty to six counts of stalking five different victims on July 28, 2023. According to court documents, since August 2022, Au-Young engaged in a campaign of online and telephonic harassment and threats against multiple victims living in the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere. Au-Young engaged in a course of conduct with the intent to harass or intimidate the victims, all of whom were black. Specifically, Au-Young cyberstalked, harassed, and threatened the victims by posting threatening and harassing videos on Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and Reddit, and often used racial slurs or other racially offensive language in doing so. Between October 2022 and his arrest in January 2023, Au-Young stalked Victim 1. Victim 1 met Au-Young on his podcast dedicated to interracial dating. After Victim 1 expressed disinterest in seeing Au-Young, he began a campaign of terrorizing her through racist threats. Au-Young made his intent clear, telling her, “I hope I ruin your life.” Au-Young posted multiple videos on YouTube in which he published Victim 1’s personal information, to include her home address and real name, which Victim 1 had never provided to Au-Young. He also drove three hours to her residence, in the middle of the night, and parked outside of her home. Victim 1 felt so unsafe because of Au-Young’s conduct that she had to move. Victim 1 also correctly believed that Au-Young nefariously targeted black women through his actions, podcast, and racist statements made online regarding Dylan Roof and mass shootings. Victim 2 met Au-Young online in a Facebook group about veterans. They began a consensual dating relationship. Victim 2 subsequently decided to end the relationship. In response, Au-Young began stalking, threatening, and harassing Victim 2 and her family members: her daughter (Victim 3), her son (Victim 4), and her brother (Victim 5). Au-Young published several videos on the internet that contained racist and defamatory remarks warning the community to stay away from Victim 2 and several of Victim 2’s family members. According to Victim 2, Au-Young warned her that he would never stop coming for her and told Victim 2 to lock her doors at night and sleep with one-eye open. Au-Young posted a bounty video offering a $4,000 reward for information on Victim 2’s whereabouts. Victim 3 is the adult daughter of Victim 2. Au-Young posted dozens of videos online threatening to come after Victim 3. One video Au-Young posted online is entitled, “[VICTIM 3]” with a photo of Victim 3 and a text layover that reads: “[Victim 3] PED-O-FILE”. In a second video, Au-Young accused Victim 3 of being homophobic and calling for her place of employment to fire her. On December 11, 2022, Au-Young drove from California to Illinois to stalk Victim 3, in person. He posted videos online during his cross-country trip announcing that he was going to vandalize Victim 3’s vehicle in retaliation for Victim 2’s decision to break up with him. Au-Young arrived in Illinois on December 12, 2022, and stalked Victim 3 for three days at Victim 3’s place of employment. A concerned YouTube watcher alerted law enforcement officers who located Au-Young in the backseat of his vehicle parked near the entrance of Victim 3’s place of employment. Victim 4 is the son of Victim 2. Like Victims 2 and 3, Au-Young posted racist, threatening, and defaming videos to the internet threatening to come after Victim 4. In addition to the videos, Au-Young mailed approximately four letters to Victim 4. Au-Young’s typed letters called Victim 4 and his family racial epithets [n-word] and contained threats to come after them. Victim 5 is the brother of Victim 2. Au-Young published videos on the internet making false allegations that Victim 5 was a pedophile. The videos show photos of Victim 5 and make specific allegations against Victim 5, claiming he is a dangerous person who has molested several children. The videos also implicated Victim 5’s wife. Au-Young also sent letters to Victim 5’s residence and the church where Victim 5 worked as a minister. Although all of the allegations were false, Au-Young told the community that Victim 5 was a pedophile who was aided by his wife. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department, the Anaheim Police Department (California), and the Carbondale Police Department (Illinois). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel and former Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Thelwell.


title: Kennesaw man sentenced for attempting to entice minor for sex

body_text: ATLANTA - Joshua Herrera, who attempted to arrange to meet a minor girl for sex online, has been sentenced to federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. “Online predators, like Herrera, mistakenly believe that they can anonymously exploit social media and apps to sexually abuse young children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “But the tireless efforts of federal, state, and local investigators make it possible to hold these perpetrators accountable. We strongly encourage parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s use of electronic devices and to immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement.” “The severity of this sentence clearly reflects the threat Herrera posed to the community and is the greatest message the FBI can send to anyone who would think about harming a child in this way,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This is case shows the lengths the FBI will go to thwart child predators and we are thankful for the hard work of our team that connected with Herrera before he could get to an innocent child.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On November 19, 2019, Joshua Herrera communicated online with an undercover special agent and expressed interest in performing sex acts on a minor girl, requested photographs of the child, and arranged to meet the girl. On January 16, 2020, Herrera drove from Athens, Georgia, to a pre-arranged location in metro-Atlanta where he believed he would meet the child. FBI special agents arrested him upon his arrival. Joshua Herrera, 29, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to 19 and a half years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He is also required to register as a sex offender. Herrera was convicted of the offense on March 30, 2023, after a four-day jury trial. The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Gabay-Smith and Jesika W. French prosecuted the case. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Three Individuals Charged in Drug Conspiracy Involving Juveniles

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on October 18, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 14-count superseding indictment against Rockylane Lewis (who is also known as “Rizzo,” “Rocko,” or “Rockout,”), 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Aisha Davy, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts; and Holly Howard, 49, of Brattleboro, Vermont. The indictment charges Lewis, Davy, and Howard with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. Lewis and Davy are also charged with conspiracy to employ and use persons under eighteen years of age to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, and conspiracy to use and possess firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Lewis is additionally charged with three counts of distributing controlled substances, five counts of employing and using persons under eighteen years of age to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of using and possessing firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes, and one count of possession of a firearm while knowing that he was a fugitive from justice. The indictment references three separate juveniles that Lewis is charged with involving in the distribution of controlled substances in Vermont. Howard is additionally charged with allowing her hotel room at the Rodeway Inn on Woodstock Avenue in Rutland, Vermont, to be used for the distribution of a controlled substance. According to court records, on June 21, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant in Rutland, Vermont, during which Lewis was encountered and arrested. During the search of the apartment in which Lewis was located, law enforcement seized a black 9mm Ruger SR9c handgun, over 55 grams of bulk fentanyl, and a gram of cocaine base. Lewis was previously arraigned on three counts of distribution of controlled substances on July 6, 2023 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle and was ordered detained pending trial. Lewis will be arraigned today on the additional charges in the October 18, 2023, indictment via video conference with United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Davy was arrested on October 24, 2023, in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was arraigned on November 1, 2023, before Magistrate Judge Doyle, and was released pursuant to conditions pending trial. Howard was arrested on November 2, 2023, in Brattleboro, Vermont. She was arraigned on November 3, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford. Howard was released pursuant to conditions pending trial. The indictment is an accusation only, and Lewis, Davy, and Howard are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Lewis and Davy face a maximum sentence of 40 years' imprisonment, while Howard faces a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentences in the case will be determined by the court with reference to the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Rutland City Police Department for their coordinated investigation. He also thanked the Vermont State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Ludlow Police Department, the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, the Rutland Office of Vermont Probation and Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their vital assistance. The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Jonathan Ophardt. Lewis is represented by Jordana Levine, Esq., Davy is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq., and Howard is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Federal Court Orders Puerto Rico Pharmaceutical Distributor to Pay $12 Million in Connection with Alleged Failure to Report Suspicious Orders of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Other Controlled Substance Violations

component: Civil Division

body_text: A federal court in Puerto Rico entered a consent decree requiring Droguería Betances LLC (Betances), one of Puerto Rico’s largest distributors of pharmaceutical drugs, to pay $12 million and make extensive improvements to its compliance program, the Justice Department announced today. The consent decree resolves a complaint filed by the United States on Nov. 3, alleging that from 2016 through at least June 2019, Betances failed to report to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hundreds of “suspicious orders” for opioids and other controlled substances distributed to Betances’ pharmacy customers — i.e., orders that were unusual in their frequency, size or other patterns. According to the complaint, this included at least 655 suspicious orders for fentanyl and at least 113 suspicious orders for oxycodone, both of which are frequently misused products that have been contributing to the current opioid abuse epidemic. In addition, the complaint alleged that from May 2017 to July 2018, Betances failed to make required reports of its distribution transactions to DEA via an automated reporting system, including all of Betances’ distributions of Schedule II opioids during that period — more than 7.8 million dosage units. According to the complaint, Betances also committed hundreds of recordkeeping violations, such as filling orders for controlled substances with defective order forms and submitting inaccurate shipping or delivery information to DEA. According to the consent decree, the Justice Department conducted an analysis of Betances’ financial condition in relation to its potential exposure to civil fines and forfeiture. Based in part on ability to pay, the consent decree requires Betances to pay $12 million over five years in annual payments, with $10.2 million in the form of civil penalties and $1.8 million in civil forfeiture. The consent decree also requires Betances to make extensive improvements in its compliance program. Betances must implement improved controlled substance monitoring program procedures and systems to review all orders of controlled substances and to detect and report suspicious orders to DEA. Betances must also improve its procedures and systems for conducting due diligence reviews of its pharmacy customers. The consent decree further requires Betances to submit annual reports about its compliance program and customers to DEA and other Justice Department components. Betances must also improve its ARCOS reporting system to ensure proper and accurate reporting of all acquisitions and distributions of Schedule II controlled substances. “Companies that distribute controlled substances to pharmacies and other points of sale have an important responsibility to help stop the illegal distribution of controlled substances by reporting suspicious orders to DEA,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who fail to fulfill their reporting obligations.” “The duty to report suspicious orders and other reporting requirements imposed on wholesale pharmaceutical distributors by the Controlled Substance Act is critical to ensuring the safety of our citizens from potential harm, including those associated with drug diversion, drug tampering and drug overdoses resulting from illegal drug sales and consumption,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to do everything in our power to ensure compliance and will use all legal remedies available to hold corporate entities and individuals accountable.” “As we continue to face unprecedented loss of American lives during the ongoing opioid epidemic, DEA believes that everyone within the pharmaceutical supply chain is responsible for doing their due diligence to prevent the diversion of controlled substances,” said Assistant Administrator Thomas W. Prevoznik of the DEA's Diversion Control Division. “Compliance with the law is one of the best acts of prevention our registrants can do to ensure that these drugs are distributed for legitimate medical use. Reporting suspicious orders is required under the law and a key part in keeping our communities safe.” The DEA’s Diversion Control Division, Caribbean Division, San Juan Division Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David O. Martorani-Dale and Gabriella S. Paglieri for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Tom Rosso of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch represented the United States. The claims resolved by the consent decree announced today are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Consent Decree


title: Federal Jury Convicts Masked Man For Armed Robbery Of Multiple Pharmacies

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Jesse Rance Moore (46, Bell) guilty of four counts pertaining to Hobbs Act robberies and three counts of brandishing a firearm during the robberies. Moore faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each of the robbery offenses and up to life in federal prison for each of the firearm offenses. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2024. Moore had been charged in a superseding indictment on January 26, 2023. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the FBI first learned of a masked man robbing a string of pharmacy stores in the Columbia County area after the North Florida Pharmacy in Fort White was robbed at gun point on January 13, 2022. This masked individual was captured on surveillance exiting a blue/grey sedan, walking into the pharmacy with a black handgun, and demanding controlled substances, specifically, oxycodone, oxycontin, and Percocet. After holding up multiple store employees and taking the controlled substances, the masked man exited the pharmacy and drove southbound on US Highway 27. Unbeknownst to the robber, a good Samaritan in the pharmacy’s drive-thru followed the getaway vehicle and captured the license plate number, which led back to Moore. Further, the FBI later discovered that the vehicles used in the previous three robberies: the North Florida Pharmacy (Fort White) on August 2, 2021; North Florida Pharmacy (Chiefland) on November 20, 2021; and the Baya West Pharmacy (Lake City) on December 29, 2021 either matched the description of a pickup truck registered to Moore or matched the vehicles Moore’s wife had rented just days prior to the robberies. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement seized articles of clothing, multiple masks, the firearm, handwritten notes, and brown boots associated with the robberies. In addition, and despite Moore’s many disguises, witnesses testified to the robber’s physical appearance, clothing, interactions, and demeanor during the robberies. During trial, evidence seized from Moore’s cellphone was presented to demonstrate that he had googled medications stolen from the pharmacies, the store hours of pharmacies, and a variety of keyword searches, including the question “do drug stores get robbed in florida,” which he had Googled just a couple weeks prior to the first robbery. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Chiefland Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.


title: Doctor Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Drug Distribution, False Statement To Medicare, And Paycheck Protection Program Fraud

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tommy Louisville (71, Pembroke Pines) has pleaded guilty to unlawful drug distribution, making a false statement related to health care matters, and wire fraud. Louisville faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the drug distribution offense, up to 5 years’ imprisonment for the false statement offense, and up to 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, Louisville was a Florida-licensed physician and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registrant. On May 30, 2019, the Florida Board of Medicine suspended Louisville from the practice of medicine for two years, thereby making him ineligible to lawfully prescribe controlled substances. Louisville continued to issue controlled-substance prescriptions after his medical license was suspended. Furthermore, he concealed from Medicare the fact that he was not authorized to issue prescriptions in connection with the submission to Medicare of the prescriptions for payment. Louisville eventually shuttered his medical business in approximately November 2019. Between April and May 2020, Louisville used his closed business to fraudulently obtain a federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in the amount of $33,034. Louisville submitted an application that contained multiple fraudulent representations, including stating average monthly payroll suggesting he actively operated a medical business; that he employed six employees; and certifying that loan proceeds would be used for business-related purposes. Louisville agreed to forfeit $33,034, the proceeds of his criminal conduct. In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration -Tampa District Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Honduran Native Pleads Guilty  to Being an Illegal Alien  in Possession of Ammunition

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – FRANKLYN ORELLANO-VELASQUEZ, a/k/a “Rony Aguilera,” a/k/a “Rochy Gutierrez,” age 19, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on November 2, 2023, to an indictment charging him with being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A). According to court records, ORELLANO-VELASQUEZ , an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of approximately 40 live .223 caliber rounds. ORELLANO-VELASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is currently scheduled for February 21, 2023, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


body_text: WASHINGTON – A federal court in Puerto Rico entered a consent decree requiring Droguería Betances, LLC (Betances), one of Puerto Rico’s largest distributors of pharmaceutical drugs, to pay $12 million and make extensive improvements to its compliance program, the Justice Department announced today. The consent decree resolves a complaint filed by the United States on Nov. 3, alleging that from 2016 through at least June 2019, Betances failed to report to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hundreds of “suspicious orders” for opioids and other controlled substances distributed to Betances’ pharmacy customers — i.e., orders that were unusual in their frequency, size or other patterns. According to the complaint, this included at least 655 suspicious orders for fentanyl and at least 113 suspicious orders for oxycodone, both of which are frequently misused products that have been contributing to the current opioid abuse epidemic. In addition, the complaint alleged that from May 2017 to July 2018, Betances failed to make required reports of its distribution transactions to DEA via an automated reporting system, including all of Betances’ distributions of Schedule II opioids during that period — more than 7.8 million dosage units. According to the complaint, Betances also committed hundreds of recordkeeping violations, such as filling orders for controlled substances with defective order forms and submitting inaccurate shipping or delivery information to DEA. According to the consent decree, the Justice Department conducted an analysis of Betances’ financial condition in relation to its potential exposure to civil fines and forfeiture. Based in part on ability to pay, the consent decree requires Betances to pay $12 million over five years in annual payments, with $10.2 million in the form of civil penalties and $1.8 million in civil forfeiture. The consent decree also requires Betances to make extensive improvements in its compliance program. Betances must implement improved controlled substance monitoring program procedures and systems to review all orders of controlled substances and to detect and report suspicious orders to DEA. Betances must also improve its procedures and systems for conducting due diligence reviews of its pharmacy customers. The consent decree further requires Betances to submit annual reports about its compliance program and customers to DEA and other Justice Department components. Betances must also improve its ARCOS reporting system to ensure proper and accurate reporting of all acquisitions and distributions of Schedule II controlled substances. “Companies that distribute controlled substances to pharmacies and other points of sale have an important responsibility to help stop the illegal distribution of controlled substances by reporting suspicious orders to DEA,” said Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who fail to fulfill their reporting obligations.” “The duty to report suspicious orders and other reporting requirements imposed on wholesale pharmaceutical distributors by the Controlled Substance Act is critical to ensuring the safety of our citizens from potential harm, including those associated with drug diversion, drug tampering and drug overdoses resulting from illegal drug sales and consumption,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to do everything in our power to ensure compliance and will use all legal remedies available to hold corporate entities and individuals accountable.” “As we continue to face unprecedented loss of American lives during the ongoing opioid epidemic, DEA believes that everyone within the pharmaceutical supply chain is responsible for doing their due diligence to prevent the diversion of controlled substances,” said Assistant Administrator Thomas W. Prevoznik of the DEA’s Diversion Control Division. “Compliance with the law is one of the best acts of prevention our registrants can do to ensure that these drugs are distributed for legitimate medical use. Reporting suspicious orders is required under the law and a key part in keeping our communities safe.” The DEA’s Diversion Control Division, Caribbean Division, San Juan Division Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David O. Martorani-Dale and Gabriella S. Paglieri for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Tom Rosso of the Civil Divison’s Consumer Protection Branch represented the United States. The claims resolved by the consent decree announced today are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ### betances_consent_decree.pdf


title: Former USPS Employee Indicted for Stealing Contents of U.S. Mail

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – On November 2, 2023, SONIA MILLER, age 53, a resident of New Orleans, was charged in a three-count indictment for theft of mail by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709 and delay or destruction of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. For each count, she faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the indictment, on or about March 14, 2023, and April 11, 2023, MILLER opened and removed the contents of several parcels of mail entrusted to her as a postal carrier. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, Pleads Guilty to Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, 63, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and a conspiracy to launder money. Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.), also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve that offers tours and private encounters with exotic wildlife. Antle is also the Director of the Rare Species Fund, a nonprofit organization registered in South Carolina. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act. Antle conspired to violate the Lacey Act between September 2018 and May 2020 by directing the sale or purchase of two cheetah cubs, two lion cubs, two tigers and one juvenile chimpanzee – all of which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Antle used bulk cash payments to hide the transactions and falsified paperwork to show non-commercial transfers entirely within one state. Antle also requested that payments for endangered species be made to his nonprofit so they could appear as “donations.” The investigation also uncovered evidence of money laundering between February and April 2022, when Antle and a coconspirator conducted financial transactions with cash they believed was obtained from transporting and harboring illegal aliens. To conceal and disguise the nature of the illegal cash, Antle and his coconspirator would take the cash they received and deposit it into bank accounts they controlled. They would then write a check to the individual that had provided the cash after taking a 15% fee per transaction. “The defendant held himself out as a conservationist, yet repeatedly violated laws protecting endangered animals and then tried to cover up those violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to combatting illegal trafficking, which threatens the survival of endangered animals.” “The defendant’s guilty plea is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in combating illegal financial activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to upholding the integrity of our financial systems and ensuring justice is served.” “Wildlife crime is often connected with other criminal activity, including money-laundering," said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “This investigation revealed a pattern of illicit wildlife transactions orchestrated by the defendant under the guise of donations and false paperwork. The Service and our partners will continue to hold accountable those involved in wildlife trafficking and other related crimes to ensure the future of all federally protected species. The Service will continue to bring to justice individuals who profit from the illegal trafficking of big cats and endangered species.” “This plea is the product of exemplary collaboration between our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “I commend our team for their work on this case who worked countless hours to unravel Antle’s sophisticated web of financial crimes and interstate wildlife trafficking. Our office remains committed to protecting endangered animals from those who would exploit them for profit.” For each count, Antle faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Joseph Dawson III for the District of South Carolina accepted Antle’s guilty plea. He will sentence Antle after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. The FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the case. Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower for the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department to Monitor the Polls for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Several Jurisdictions

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern