title: Darknet Vendor Sentenced for Distribution of Fentanyl-Laced Pills and Crystal Meth

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Glendale, Arizona, man was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for distributing fentanyl-laced pills and crystal meth on the darknet. According to court documents, Justin Udvardi, 30, operated several darknet vendor pages using the moniker “TrapGod.” For a period of at least two years, he used the darknet to make hundreds of narcotics sales to people around the country, including crystal methamphetamine, MDMA, and counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. He also trafficked in stolen credit card information, and materials that assist fraudsters in creating fraudulent identification documents. Between September 2021 and September 2022, undercover law enforcement agents located in the Eastern District of Virginia conducted several controlled purchases of either crystal meth or fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills from Udvardi. Together, these orders contained more than 120 grams of pure methamphetamine and more than 250 pills containing fentanyl. Udvardi used USPS Priority Mail envelopes to ship the narcotics from Arizona to locations in the Eastern District of Virginia. The darknet, also called the darkweb, is a portion of the Internet that hosts darknet markets or hidden commercial websites. A darknet market operates as a black market, selling or brokering transactions involving legal products as well as drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency, stolen credit card details, forged documents, unlicensed pharmaceuticals, steroids, and other illicit goods. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-225.


title: Vermont Resident Pleads Guilty to Traveling to Lake George for Sexual Contact with Minor

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Westervelt, age 46, pled guilty today to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a 12-year-old. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Westervelt admitted that between January and June 2022, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with someone posing as a man who was sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy. Over the course of those exchanges, Westervelt expressed his desire to engage in illicit sexual conduct with the 12-year-old, and ultimately Westervelt arranged to meet the man and the boy in Lake George, New York, for that purpose. On June 14, 2022, Westervelt left his residence in Bennington, Vermont, and drove to a prearranged meet-up location in Lake George, where he was arrested. Westervelt will be sentenced on December 15, 2023 by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Under the terms of Westervelt’s plea agreement, the parties have jointly recommended to Chief Judge Sannes that he receive a prison term of at least 70 months and no more than 87 months, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Westervelt would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark and former Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Williams prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Tehama County Man Returned to the United States to Face Federal Charges

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eduardo Castillo, 38, of Corning, was returned to the United States to face federal charges of online enticement of a minor for sexual purposes after he had fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution. Castillo is currently in custody at the Sacramento County Jail and is awaiting his initial appearance before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert and Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office made the announcement today. On Aug. 15, 2023, Mexican law enforcement officials from the State of Colima’s Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalia General del Estado de Colima) apprehended Castillo in La Presa, Colima, Mexico. Subsequently, on Aug. 16, 2023, Castillo was deported by Mexican Immigration (Instituto Nacional de Migración) for having an irregular immigration status in Mexico. Castillo’s return to the United States to face prosecution is funded by the FBI Criminal Investigative Division, Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit. Castillo was indicted on Dec. 15, 2022, charged with four counts of online enticement of a minor for sexual purposes. According to court documents, between about Aug. 23 and Aug. 27, 2020, Castillo used a cellphone and the internet to entice at least four minor victims into sending him images and videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The FBI continues to collaborate with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with crimes who then flee the jurisdiction. Cases seeking information from the public, including fugitive matters, are posted on the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Most Wanted page , and the FBI Wanted app . Anyone with information that may aid the investigation of these cases may contact their local FBI office, United States embassy, or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov . This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Castillo faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Hotel in Peoria, Illinois, to Ensure Access for People with Disabilities

component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Department of Justice announced today it has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Hampton Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie, located in Peoria, Illinois, to resolve alleged violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Department reached the agreement with Mark B. Peterson and Petersen Hospitality LLC, who own and operate the hotel. The agreement requires the hotel to train its staff and provide equal service to customers with disabilities. The settlement resolves an ADA complaint alleging that after reserving an accessible room, when an individual with a disability attempted to check-in, the Hampton Inn provided a room that was not accessible as it lacked bathroom grab bars. According to the complaint, the hotel then said no physically accessible rooms were available, cancelled the reservation, and said it could not accept “liability” for the individual with a disability. This left the complainant, who was traveling from out of town, stranded with nowhere else to stay. The complaint prompted an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois. The ADA requires that hotels provide access to individuals with disabilities, including honoring reservations, providing fully accessible rooms, and making accommodations. “For many people with disabilities, the decision to travel is unfortunately fraught with uncertainty over many of life’s most basic necessities, such as whether they will have a place to sleep at night or be able to use the bathroom,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant for the Central District of Illinois. “The law protects people with disabilities who are traveling and requires that hotels provide equal access to their rooms and facilities. We appreciate the hotel’s prompt remedial action and encourage all hotels in the Central District of Illinois to train their staff regarding the ADA’s requirements.” Under the agreement, the hotel will provide training to its staff about the ADA’s requirements to ensure that customers enjoy equal access to its services. Without admitting violating the ADA, the hotel also agreed to a monetary payment to the parent of the individual identified in the complaint to fully resolve the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant represented the government during the investigation and settlement process. For more information about the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint.


title: Illinois Man Accused of Dealing Fatal Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from Belleville, Illinois was indicted Wednesday on charges accusing him of selling the fentanyl that killed someone in St. Louis County in December. The two-count indictment in U.S. District Court in St. Louis accuses Deontae’ Tre’Von Overall, 27, of selling the fentanyl that killed a man in St. Louis County on Dec. 4, 2022, and of selling drugs on July 23, 2023. Overall was initially charged by complaint on August 4. The complaint and affidavit say the victim contacted Overall on December 4 seeking the prescription pain pill Percocet, and bought four pills resembling Percocet from Overall at his home, which was then in St. Louis. The victim died later that day from fentanyl intoxication, charging documents say. During the subsequent investigation, Overall sold suspected fentanyl and suspected methamphetamine to an undercover officer. A court-approved search of his home on August 3 found suspected fentanyl powder, suspected crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and 20 to 30 pills resembling those sold to the victim and the undercover officer, the affidavit says. The distribution of fentanyl resulting in death charge is punishable by 20 years to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both prison and a fine. The charge of distribution of a controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Charges set forth in a criminal complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault on San Felipe Pueblo Infant

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Salina Nicole Sandoval, 30, of San Felipe, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the San Felipe Pueblo, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury of an 8-month-old infant, also a member of the San Felipe Pueblo. Sandoval is out of custody on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, on Jan. 21, 2022, Sandoval assaulted the infant, identified as Jane Doe at Sandoval’s home in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within the San Felipe Pueblo. It resulted in serious bodily injuries to the infant, including intracranial hemorrhages, shearing venous injuries, and retinal hemorrhages in the child’s left eye. The injuries were diagnosed as abusive head trauma. At sentencing, Sandoval faces up to 10 years in prison. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-185


title: Las Cruces Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Firearms Offense

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Mark Anthony Calzada was sentenced to 9 years in prison. Calzada, 29, of Las Cruces, pled guilty in federal court on August 18, 2022, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on March 1, 2022, an officer from the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) observed Calzada exiting a residence in Las Cruces carrying a shotgun. Calzada placed the shotgun into a vehicle, got into the driver’s seat with a woman and three small children, and drove to a gas station. When LCPD officers attempted to make contact with him, Calzada drove away at a high rate of speed with the shotgun and the three small children not properly restrained in the vehicle. While fleeing, Calzada drove at high speed the opposite way on a one-way residential street. Officers were able to track the vehicle and eventually caught up with Calzada who had abandoned the vehicle and was running on foot. LCPD officers pursued and detained Calzada. LCPD officers located the car Calzada had been driving and executed a search warrant. Inside the car they found the shotgun, which the officer had observed him carrying along with shotgun shells. A second search warrant was sought and obtained for the residence Calzada occupied where they discovered a Glock handgun with an obliterated serial number and a compatible 50-round high-capacity drum magazine loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition in a bedroom. Calzada was previously convicted in 2016 of possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon. As a previously convicted felon, Calzada cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. Upon his release from prison, Calzada will be subject to supervised release for 3 years. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindy Carpenter and Mark Saltman are prosecuting the case. # # # 23-186


title: Highs Gang Member Charged in Federal Complaint After Livestreaming a Violent Armed Carjacking

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A member of the Highs gang has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with armed carjacking and illegal possession of a firearm after livestreaming the incident on social media, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on August 15, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Minneapolis Police Department received a message from an unidentified individual who stated that a video had been posted to Facebook that showed a man, later identified as Leneal Frazier, Jr., 22, holding a gun to the driver of a vehicle as the driver bled from his head. The video showed the victim in the driver’s seat of the vehicle with a wound on his head and blood dripping down his forehead and the right side of his face. Frazier, a known member of the Minneapolis-based Highs gang, was behind the victim in the backseat of the vehicle and was wearing a sweatshirt and a scarf that covered most of his face except his forehead and eyes. According to court documents, during the six-minute video, Frazier ordered the victim to call out certain known gang members in an insulting manner. While pointing the gun at the victim’s head, Frazier ordered the victim to say, “[expletive] all my dead homies.” Officers were able to identify the victim as an associate of the Lows gang. Frazier slapped the victim, mocked, and berated him, and stated, “You a Clown... you ain't even worth killin.” Frazier questioned the victim about how much money he had and told the victim he would use the victim’s money to buy the victim a gun in a mocking manner. According to court documents, law enforcement later obtained a search warrant for Frazier’s residence. Inside the apartment, officers recovered a loaded Glock 19 pistol with an obliterated serial number and an extended magazine. Officers also recovered the scarf Frazier was wearing in the video as well as the victim’s identification and car keys. Frazier was inside the apartment and was placed under arrest. Because Frazier has a prior felony conviction, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The complaint charges Frazier with one count of carjacking, one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. Frazier will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS Criminal Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Minnesota Department of Corrections, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha H. Bates and Justin A. Wesley for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Brian W. Lynch of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. frazier_complaint_affidavit.pdf


title: Florida Man Under Indictment for Timeshare Fraud Ordered to Shutter All Telemarketing Businesses

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Florida man who was out on bail on wire fraud and other charges stemming from his operation of a telemarketing business was ordered to shut down his new telemarketing businesses for allegedly committing new fraud through them, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: William O’Hanlon, aka “Patrick Burns,” aka “William Burns,” 59, of Loxahatchee, Florida, was arrested on April 4, 2023, pursuant to an indictment charging wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy arising out of his operation of Williams Andrews Burns LLC (WAB). WAB was a telemarketing business which offered services to timeshare owners in return for upfront fees. O’Hanlon was released on bail subject to the following conditions, among others: (1) that he not have access to the personal identifying information (PII) of others; and (2) that he not commit another federal, state or local crime. At the time of his release, O’Hanlon operated Ryan James & Daniels Corp. (RJD) and related entities, which were also telemarketing businesses which offered services to timeshare owners in return for upfront fees. While on bail, O’Hanlon allegedly continued to defraud timeshare owners through his operation of RJD. O’Hanlon allegedly caused the mass mailing of letters to timeshare owners telling them that they had been identified as potential victims of timeshare fraud and offering to collect restitution monies for them. The letters cited to a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and allegedly claimed that the FTC had collected $500 million to be refunded to victims of timeshare fraud. In actuality, however, the lawsuit referenced in the letters was more than 20 years old, and the FTC had not collected any funds for timeshare victims.as a result of that suit. At the conclusion of a bail review hearing on Aug. 7, 2023, U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal found probable cause to believe that O’Hanlon had committed mail and wire fraud through RJD while he was on pretrial release on the previously filed indictment. Judge Pascal stated that based upon the allegedly false claims in the letters, “[t]here can be no other inference drawn, at this point, than [that] the letter[s were] intended to defraud people of money.” Judge Pascal ordered O’Hanlon to cause the following entities to cease operations as of Aug. 7, 2023: Ryan James & Daniels Corp.; RJD Collect Inc.; RJD Investments Inc.; RJD Recovery Group Inc.; RJD Corp. Fraud Collectors Timeshare Exit; Williams & Burns Inc.; Harold O’Hanlon Inc.; Resort BNB Inc.; and Next Step Sober House Inc. (collectively RJD). Judge Pascal also found that O’Hanlon had access to the personal identifying information (PII) of others, in violation of his bail conditions. If you believe you or a family member may be a victim of the alleged fraud by RJD, or have additional information about this matter, please contact your local FBI Office or 1-800-Call-FBI (1-800-225-5324). U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited agents of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diana Vondra Carrig and Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment and stated during the bail proceedings are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ohanlon.order_.pdf


title: Greenwood Man to Serve 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jeremy John Smith, 35, of Greenwood, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence presented to the court showed that on August 11, 2022, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers from the Greenwood Police Department and Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Smith’s home on Sumpter Street in Greenwood. Law enforcement seized fentanyl, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and cocaine as well as digital scales and a large amount of cash. Additionally, officers recovered a shotgun and two pistols in the same room where they found narcotics. Federal law prohibits Smith from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his prior convictions for assault and battery first degree, burglary second degree, and common law robbery. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted Smith’s guilty plea, which contained a stipulation by the parties that Smith should be sentenced to 15 years in prison on both the drug charge and gun charge, with the sentences to run concurrently. Smith will be sentenced in a separate hearing after the preparation of a presentence report by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Greenwood Police Department, and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Major, Max Cauthen, and Everett McMillian are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Columbia Man Sentenced to More Than a Decade in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Drug and Firearms Charges

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Darrell Akeem Sanders, 32, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Evidence presented to the court showed that, on September 12, 2019, a Deputy with Richland County Sheriff’s Department made a traffic stop on a car in which Sanders was the front seat passenger. In a search of the car, law enforcement found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun under the seat where Sanders had been sitting and a pill bottle containing approximately 4 grams of crack cocaine in the center console. Sanders admitted both the crack and the gun were his. Additional investigation revealed Sanders was a distributor in a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in and around Columbia. Over the course of two years, Sanders helped distribute more than 3 kilograms of crack cocaine as well as quantities of both cocaine and fentanyl. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Sanders to 157 months in prison followed by a 4-year term of court-ordered supervision]. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case. ###


title: Columbia Gang Member Sentenced to Over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Erick Stewart, 28, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with the intent to distribute fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and tramadol. Evidence presented to the court showed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) began investigating Stewart for drug- and gun-related activity in the beginning of 2021. During their investigation, they documented social media posts of Stewart posting guns and advertising drugs. After months of surveillance, on May 5, 2021, RCSD obtained and executed a search warrant at Stewart’s home. They seized counterfeit prescription pills, over 900 grams of marijuana, and a pistol. One group of counterfeit pills contained fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, meth, and tramadol, and another contained methamphetamine and cocaine. The counterfeit pills were similar to the pills posted by Stewart on social media. On June 20, 2021, a City of Columbia Police Department officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a car driven by Stewart. Stewart ran from the car and fled between nearby houses. While Stewart ran, he was holding his waistband. The officer pursued Stewart, who gave himself up once he ran past the houses. Officers retraced the path that Stewart ran and found that he had discarded a gun between the houses. Before these incidents, Stewart was a known gang member with convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as multiple convictions for burglary. All of those convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Stewart to 212 months in prison, to be followed by a six-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Anderson Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine Imported from Mexico

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Robert Solomon, 38, of Anderson, Indiana, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, on August 16, 202l, Madison County Drug Task Force served a federal search warrant at Solomon’s home in Anderson, Indiana, following a years’ long investigation into his drug trafficking activities. Investigators located and seized 97 grams of methamphetamine inside a purple Crown Royal bag on the kitchen counter, 85 grams of “crack” cocaine, two digital scales, two vacuum sealers and bags, and two .22 caliber handguns. Shortly thereafter, Solomon was stopped by an Anderson Police Department officer for a traffic violation. A K-9 was used to sniff the vehicle and alerted to the odor of controlled substances. Officers searched Solomon’s Lexus and seized approximately $41,369 in cash hidden inside a cereal box. During a recorded interview with investigators, Solomon admitted that he had been trafficking drugs for at least a year, including methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Solomon also stated that he worked with a man from Mexico, who supplied the drugs that Solomon then distributed in the Anderson area. United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, Michael Gannon, Chief Michael Lee of the Anderson Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff, John Beeman made the announcement. “We know that a majority of the meth plaguing our streets ultimately comes from international cartels operating across the southern border,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Cutting off suppliers who are responsible for selling and transporting drugs from transnational criminal organizations is a priority of federal law enforcement. We, alongside DEA and state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Anderson Police and Madison County Drug Task Force, are committed to weeding out these offenders and stopping their distribution of these poisons in our communities.” The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Anderson Police Department, and the Madison County Drug Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Jane Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Solomon be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Peter A. Blackett, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Mexican National Charged for Sexual Assault in Sequoia National Park

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Luis Eduardo Sanchez-Azpeitia, 46, of Mexico City, charging him with sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Sanchez-Azpeitia entered a woman’s cabin in Sequoia National Park and committed one act of sexual assault and acts of abusive sexual contact. The victim did not consent to any of the defendant’s sexual conduct, repeatedly told the defendant no, and tried to make him stop his sexual advances. This case is the product of an investigation by the National Park Service with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katrina Brownson and Karen Escobar are prosecuting the case. If convicted, Sanchez-Azpeitia faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: St. Cloud Man Sentenced To 15 Years For Distributing Methamphetamine And Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL - United States District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Robert J. Potocnack (49, St. Cloud) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Potocnack had pleaded guilty on May 10, 2023. According to court documents, between September and November 2022, on three separate dates, Potocnack distributed methamphetamine to an undercover detective from the St. Cloud Police Department. During that same time frame he also sold a firearm in conjunction with methamphetamine to the undercover detective. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Cloud Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Laurel Man Sentenced to 80 months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Hattiesburg, Miss. -- A Laurel man was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Edward Owens of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Moses Ray McDonald, 44, was sentenced on August 16, 2023, in U.S. District Court in Hattiesburg. According to court documents, on June 8, 2022, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Narcotics Division, made a controlled purchase of approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine from McDonald at his residence in Laurel, Mississippi. McDonald was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and pled guilty on December 1, 2022. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Border Enforcement Security Task Force (DHS Gulfport BEST), and the Jones County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office, Narcotics Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shundral Cole and Andrea Jones.


title: Gulfport Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. -- A Gulfport man was sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for producing visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Derrick Patrick Flanagan, 38, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Flanagan was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 and a $10,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018. According to court documents, Flanagan was identified in February of 2022 in an investigation brought to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office had received two CyberTip Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These CyberTips were ultimately found to be related to Hancock County Deputy Derrick Flanagan, who was assigned to work at the Diamondhead Police Department and resided in Gulfport. Forensic examinations of a laptop and cellular telephones recovered during the investigation found multiple visual depictions of child sexual abuse material. In addition, the investigation recovered over 40,000 lines of chats sent via a SnapChat App that corresponded to multiple visual depictions. Flanagan pled guilty on April 20, 2023, to production of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cyber Crime Division, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Columbia Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jeffrey Wilson Walker, 35, of Columbia was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence presented to the court showed that on July 16, 2021, an officer with the City of Columbia Police Department responded to a call involving Walker. When the initial officer arrived, he found Walker asleep in the driver’s seat of a stationary car that had crashed into a mailbox. The driver’s side window was down, and the officer saw a firearm in Walker’s lap. The officer removed the loaded gun from Walker’s lap, and when other officers arrived, they attempted to wake Walker up. Once Walker was awake, he appeared to be intoxicated and refused to get out of the car after multiple commands from officers. The officers used OC spray and physically removed Walker from the car. After Walker was removed from the vehicle, the officers called EMS to treat Walker for the OC spray. During an inventory search of Walker’s car, law enforcement found another handgun in a bag. Federal law prohibits Walker from possessing firearms and ammunition based on a prior conviction for Armed Robbery. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Walker to 37 months in prison, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Chiropractic Clinic Employees Sentenced for Disability Fraud

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Two employees of Jefferson County, Missouri chiropractors involved in a disability fraud conspiracy have been sentenced for their roles in the case. U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced Clarissa Pogue, 40, of DeSoto, to five years of probation to include six months of home confinement. She was also ordered to repay $286,000. On August 3, Judge Autrey sentenced Christina Barrera, 64, of St. Louis, to 14 months in prison and ordered her to repay $543,315. Pogue and Barrera were convicted by a jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in February of one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the Social Security Administration, along with chiropractor Vivian Carbone-Hobbs. Carbone-Hobbs, now 61, of Fenton, was also convicted of 10 counts of health care fraud and two counts of theft of money from the United States. Pogue was also convicted of one count of theft of money from the United States. The three conspired with Thomas G. Hobbs, Carbone-Hobbs’ husband, and others to fraudulently obtain disability payments for patients who were not disabled or injured. Carbone-Hobbs and Hobbs own Power-Med Inc., a chiropractic clinic in Arnold. Hobbs, now 66, pleaded guilty in January and admitted conspiring to commit the crimes of health care fraud, making false statements, theft of government funds and Social Security fraud. Hobbs admitted that beginning in 2011, he fraudulently assisted patients in receiving more than $3.5 million in disability benefit payments through the Social Security Administration’s Disability Trust Fund and through private disability benefit insurance providers. Hobbs charged patients thousands of dollars in exchange for the preparation of disability forms. He also coached patients in how to lie to the Social Security Administration and private insurers about their ability to perform basic activities like lifting things, sitting, standing and walking. Patients also had to pay hundreds of dollars for annual appointments to keep qualifying for disability payments. Hobbs also used a fictitious medical license number and submitted false and fraudulent medical reports to buttress patients’ disability claims. Hobbs submitted or caused to be submitted false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement to health care benefit programs for services that were not provided, medically unnecessary services or services provided by unqualified persons to make it appear that the disability patients had medical conditions. The chiropractors, employees and patients all faced charges in the case. Hobbs and Carbone-Hobbs will be sentenced later this year. The cases were investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Berry, Dorothy McMurtry, Diane Klocke and Gwendolyn Carroll are prosecuting the case. Anyone who suspects fraud involving the Disability Insurance Benefit Program is asked to contact the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General Hotline at: 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report/ .


title: Myrtle Beach Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute over 400 grams of Fentanyl

body_text: FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Kelly Brosky, 44, of Myrtle Beach, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. Evidence presented to the court showed that in 2021, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating a possible clandestine pill pressing operation out of Myrtle Beach after learning that multiple pill press machines were sent to Brosky and her co-defendant’s home. Law enforcement conducted surveillance operations, which led to them executing a search warrant at the home on March 9, 2022. Agents seized over 6,000 pills, approximately $293,000 in cash, and other valuables. Financial records showed that Brosky and her co-conspirators transferred thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to and from their Cash App accounts. Brosky faces a minimum term of 10 years and a maximum term of life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, and at least 5 years of court-ordered supervision after the service of imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III, accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Brosky after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Horry County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Mississippi Medicaid Recipients Agree to Pay $315,380 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

body_text: Jackson, Miss. - U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca announced today that Manjit Kaur (Kaur) and Gurmej Singh (Singh) have agreed to pay $315,380 to resolve allegations that they knowingly falsified their income to unlawfully create eligibility for Mississippi Medicaid health care benefits for their dependents. The Medicaid Program is a state and federally funded health benefit program intended to assist low-income individuals and families. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (MDOM) is the single state agency responsible for administering these health care benefits for eligible Mississippians. Eligible members do not directly receive money from Medicaid for health benefits. Instead, enrolled and qualified Medicaid providers are reimbursed for health services. The United States contends that Kaur and Singh did not meet Medicaid’s low-income requirements and thus were not eligible to receive Medicaid reimbursed health benefits for their dependents. According to the United States, husband and wife Kaur and Singh collectively owned and/or were associated with at least 15 convenience store/gas station/wine stores located in Mississippi. Kaur and/or Singh intentionally omitted these multiple businesses from their health benefit applications. Kaur and Singh also own an 8,804 square foot home located in Madison, Mississippi, most recently valued at 2.25 million dollars. Despite these assets, the United States alleges that Kaur and/or Singh represented on various Mississippi Medicaid health care benefit applications and renewals that Kaur was the sole source of income from one business receiving approximately $1,500 per month. In addition, Kaur and/or Singh represented that Singh was not residing in the home or contributing to the household income. As such, the United States alleges that from January 1, 2016, to December 22, 2022, Kaur and Singh caused the MDOM to pay $157,690 in federal health care coverage benefits on behalf of ineligible recipients. “The Medicaid Program is intended to provide access to quality health coverage for our most vulnerable populations in Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca. “Our office is committed to uncovering individual fraudsters and protecting the funding for eligible Mississippians and their families.” The FCA claims settled are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and supported by the MDOM and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.


title: Pennsylvania man sentenced for federal firearms charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shannon Lee Karns, age 56, of Bedford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for the transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. According to court documents and statements made in court, Karns, also known as “Ribeye,” sold two unregistered firearm silencers to an undercover officer in Wetzel County. A later search of Karns’s garage uncovered a tool bag with dozens of additional silencers and parts. In total, 58 unregistered silencers or parts designed and intended for use in assembling a silencer were recovered. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: U.S. Postal Service Employee Sentenced to More than 3 Years in Federal Prison in Multi-Million-Dollar PPP Fraud Ring

body_text: FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Tiffany McFadden, 40, of Brooklyn, New York, and Port St. Lucie, Florida, was sentenced to more than 3 years in federal prison for leading a multi-million-dollar PPP fraud scheme out of South Carolina while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee. McFadden was charged in the District of South Carolina for her role in a national fraud scheme related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress authorized the PPP program to provide emergency economic relief to businesses suffering economic harm during as a result of the pandemic. According to evidence presented in court, McFadden was the leader of a scheme responsible more than 400 fraudulent PPP loan applications, the majority of which were for applicants in the South Carolina towns of Kingstree, Johnsonville, and Hemingway. McFadden and her co-conspirators manufactured false and fraudulent documents claiming businesses that in truth did not exist and did not lose money due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, McFadden and others received more than $2,000,000 in loans, often approximately $20,000 at a time, that they were not entitled to. Those loans were later fully forgiven by the U.S. Government. McFadden and others recruited loan applications by word of mouth, manufactured false and fraudulent tax and business documents, and then applied for and obtained forgiveness for the loans. In exchange for her services, McFadden received a portion of the fraudulently obtained funds. Every dollar stolen from the PPP program was stolen from legitimate businesses who needed support during unprecedented challenges facing our country,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “This scheme took advantage of the public’s generosity by stealing millions from taxpayers. We thank our law enforcement partners for bringing accountability in this case.” “The Secret Service is committed to investigating and pursuing those who engage in fraudulent activity,” said Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s Columbia Field Office Donald Long. “Thanks to the hard work of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s office, this sentencing reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and should act as a warning to anyone who thinks they can exploit financial assistance programs without consequence.” United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced McFadden to 37 months in federal prison, a sentence that took into account McFadden’s leadership role in such a sophisticated scheme. Her sentence will be followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. In addition to her prison term, the court ordered McFadden to pay $2,191.257 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. Felony charges remain pending against two co-defendants at this time: Cherry Lewis, 43, a U.S. Postal Service employee from Johnsonville, South Carolina; and Keisha Lewis, 33, a U.S. Postal Service employee from Hemingway, South Carolina. Any member of the public who has information related to scheme is encouraged to contact the Columbia, South Carolina, field office of the U.S. Secret Service at 803-772-4015 . The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Small Business Administration, the Florence County Sheriff's Office, and the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Winston Marosek, who also serves as the Office’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, are prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . ###


title: Habitual Drug Dealer in Alton Gets 262-Month Federal Prison Sentence

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A long-time, convicted methamphetamine dealer in Alton was sentenced to spend more than 21 years in federal prison after he admitted guilt to multiple drug and firearm charges. Dane Tannler, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Following his prison sentence, he will serve four years of supervised release. In addition, Tannler was ordered to pay a $400 fine and $400 in special assessments. “Career offenders like Tannler who repeatedly distribute large quantities of drugs tear at the fabric of the community and endanger the families who live there,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thanks to the courageous efforts by the Alton Police Department, a well-known criminal will serve more time in prison and give his neighbors a much-needed break from his string of crimes.” According to court documents, a confidential source working with the Alton Police Department purchased methamphetamine from Tannler at his residence in February 2021. On Feb. 25, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tannler’s house in Alton and seized a pound of crystal methamphetamine, $10,000 in cash, a luxury SUV, a loaded, stolen firearm and drug distribution paraphernalia. Tannler was on parole for methamphetamine dealing charges at the time of his arrest in this case and has several other convictions for drug dealing crimes. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he qualified as a “career offender.” Career offenders are eligible for longer terms of federal imprisonment, which applied in this case. The Alton Police Department led the investigation, and the ILEAS Regional Special Response Team (SRT) executed the search warrant. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.


title: Saudi Arabian National Indicted for Interstate Transportation of Stolen School Bus

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Saudi Arabian man was indicted for transporting a stolen school bus across state lines. Bader Alzahrani, 22, of Saudi Arabia, is charged by indictment with one count of receipt of a stolen vehicle and one count of transportation of a stolen vehicle. He was charged by complaint with the same offenses earlier this year. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. alzahrani.indictment.pdf


title: Tehama County Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Refund Fraud Scheme

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sabrina Raylene Toilolo, 26, of Corning, was sentenced today to seven years and two months in prison for a conspiracy to commit wire fraud for her participation in a merchant refund‑fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. In June 2020, a federal grand jury returned a 14-count superseding indictment against Toilolo and her previously charged co-defendant Johnathon Ward, charging them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, between July 2017 and September 2019, Sabrina Toilolo, Johnathon Ward, Monica Nunes, and Talalima Toilolo conspired to defraud financial institutions by exploiting the merchant refund process used by businesses and retail establishments to refund customers for returns, reimbursements, and erroneous charges. In total, the conspirators attempted $3.8 million in fraudulent transactions. The defendants committed this scheme by stealing or purchasing point-of-sale (POS) terminals used by businesses to process bankcard transactions. The defendants programmed each terminal to make it appear as if it was authorized by a particular retail merchant, connected the terminals to payment processing intermediaries, and executed refund transactions even though no purchases had been made. The payment processors, falsely believing the terminals were authorized, approved the refunds and caused the merchants’ payment processors to transfer funds to the defendants’ fraudulent accounts. The defendants then drained the stolen funds from the accounts and distributed them among members of the conspiracy. This case is the product of an investigation by the Regional Enforcement Allied Computer Team (REACT) Task Force, which includes investigators from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney is prosecuting the case. On April 2, 2021, Nunes was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison. On Feb. 11, 2021, Talalima Toilolo was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Ward has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 9, 2023.


title: Lorain Man Found Guilty of Possessing Methamphetamine and Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: CLEVELAND – United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today that Brandon O. Chambers, 41, of Lorain, Ohio, was found guilty of one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The trial lasted four days and was presided over by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr. According to court documents and trial testimony, on October 28, 2021, Avon patrol officers stopped Chambers’ vehicle for speeding and having no plates. Chambers fled initially, but eventually stopped after multiple patrol vehicles followed. After Chambers was arrested, officers found a firearm in his vehicle along with approximately 218.7 grams of methamphetamine. Chambers has multiple prior felony convictions which prohibited him from possessing a firearm. Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2023. Chambers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, although his sentence will be determined by many factors and may be higher than the mandatory minimum. The judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Avon Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Payum Doroodian and Vanessa Healy.


title: Glen Allen Man Pleads Guilty to $870,000 Sneaker Fraud

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Glen Allen man pleaded guilty today to a wire fraud charge arising from his operation of an online retail business. According to court documents, from approximately August 2020 through July 2021, Justin Lee Godsey, 26, ran "Sneak Foot," an online retailer that primarily sold athletic shoes through a website. When customers purchased shoes from Sneak Foot, the sales were managed by two credit card processing companies who had entered into agreements with Sneak Foot. The processors were obligated to refund the money sent to Sneak Foot through them if Godsey failed to deliver shoes ordered. Godsey consistently pocketed funds paid to him by customers without sending them the shoes, and used the funds for various personal expenditures, including the purchase of a Lamborghini. The losses incurred by the two credit card processors exceed $870,000. Godsey is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Robert C. Young accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Moore is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-58.


title: Jamestown Woman Pleads Guilty To Her Role In Sex Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jasmin Osteen, 26, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Cantil and Douglas Penrose, who are handling the case, stated that between August and October 2020, Osteen conspired with others to coerce two 17-year-old minors to engage in commercial sex acts. Osteen transported the minor victims to a hotel in Buffalo, where they were supplied with alcohol and drugs. Osteen then contacted various clients, who each engaged in commercial sex acts with minor victims. Osteen utilized Facebook to arrange for the commercial sex acts, and then received a majority of the proceeds. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson. Sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2023 at 9 a.m. before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Rhode Island Business Owner to Plead Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy and Obstruction of Justice

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Rhode Island man and the owner of a “virtual CFO” business has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to laundering tens of millions of dollars in proceeds from internet fraud schemes by creating shell companies and opening fraudulent business bank accounts. Craig Clayton, 73, of Cranston, R.I., has agreed to plead guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of obstruction of justice. Clayton was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. According to the charging documents, from 2019 to 2021, Clayton and others used his accounting and “virtual CFO” business, Rochart Consulting, as a front to launder the proceeds of internet fraud schemes. As part of the conspiracy, Clayton allegedly founded shell companies to open business bank accounts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, through which he laundered the proceeds of internet fraud schemes on behalf of his clients. In total, Clayton allegedly laundered more than $35 million. In communications with one of his Rochart co-conspirators, Clayton allegedly stated that they were “money mules complicit in their [Rochart’s clients’] offenses.” In encrypted communications with one of his client co-conspirators, Clayton allegedly expressed concern that his phone was “tapped” by law enforcement and sought to obtain “dirt” on a victim who had reported the fraud scheme in order to “distract the police.” It is further alleged that, when banks and law enforcement began to investigate Rochart, Clayton falsely told investigators and bank personnel that his shell companies were legitimate businesses, among other things. After he became aware that a federal grand jury was investigating him, Clayton allegedly attempted to obstruct the ongoing investigation by making several false statements to federal agents during an interview. As proceeds of the money laundering conspiracy, Clayton has agreed to forfeit more than $330,000 and a Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle that he purchased. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the proceeds, whichever is greater. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. This case is the result of a multi-agency coordinated investigation led by the Homeland Security Investigations in New England, El Dorado Financial Task Force; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Ian J. Stearns of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jury Convicts Man for Possession of Drugs and Gun at Elyria Motel

body_text: AKRON – Antoine Williams, 49, of Lorain, Ohio, was found guilty on August 16, 2023, of gun and drug offenses after a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge John R. Adams. The Jury convicted him of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, possessing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. According to court documents and testimony, the Elyria Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at the Arlington Inn Suites on March 8, 2022. Inside, they found Williams, along with significant quantities of fentanyl and heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Williams also had a Rohm revolver, and more than $7,000.00 of drug proceeds in cash. Sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The investigation was conducted by the Elyria Police Department and the FBI as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a joint law enforcement initiative that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers in Lorain County. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Paul Hanna.


title: Las Vegas Resident Sentenced To Prison For Methamphetamine And Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 96 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for selling more than 800 grams of methamphetamine and 25 firearms — including a shotgun and machine guns. Charles Sanders, also known as “Cheeze,” (39) pleaded guilty on May 4, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of trafficking firearms. According to court documents, between July 20, 2022 and September 13, 2022, Sanders conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Over the course of the conspiracy, he sold 25 firearms, including a shotgun and three machine guns, and 811 grams of methamphetamine. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Miller for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement. The ATF, HSI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . ###


title: Former Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Employee and 14 Others Charged in $3.2 Million Fraud Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A former Illinois Department of Children and Family Services social worker and 14 others have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly participating in a scheme to fraudulently obtain $3.2 million in state funds intended for childcare services. A 41-count indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that SHAUNTELE Y. PRIDGEON orchestrated the fraud scheme from 2016 to 2022 while serving as a Community Social Service Planner for DCFS in Chicago. Pridgeon fraudulently entered the information of several of her co-defendants into the DCFS computer system and approved them to be paid as providers caring for foster children, the indictment states. Pridgeon directed at least $3.2 million in State of Illinois funds to the co-defendants and others, each of whom agreed to receive the money even though they knew that no foster children were actually in their care, the indictment states. The co-defendants and others then paid bribes and kickbacks to Pridgeon totaling approximately $1.6 million, the indictment states. Pridgeon allegedly used the bribe money to pay personal expenses, including gambling losses at a casino in Hammond, Ind. The indictment accuses each of Pridgeon’s co-defendants of accepting various amounts of state money for the nonexistent childcare services. For example, LATASHA THOMAS received more than $1.6 million and TRACEY JERVIER received more than $695,000, the indictment states. RONNIE WEBB received more than $228,000, which was paid via checks made payable to “Webb Feet Child Care Inc.,” a bogus company that listed its address as Webb’s residence, the indictment states. Charged with honest services wire fraud are Pridgeon, 54, of Chicago; Thomas, 48, of Chicago; Jervier, 60, of Chicago; Webb, 57, of South Holland, Ill.; TAHNDREA N. HARPER, 50, of Chicago; JOI SANDERSON, 49, of Frankfort, Ill.; KELLI PAYNE, 49, of Hammond, Ind.; NIKKI GIOVANNI HOUSTON, 53, of Chicago; SHENITA MCGARY, 37, of Chicago; SHERRI BAINES, 45, of Chicago; KEICHA L. LACEY, 50, of Country Club Hills, Ill.; CHRISTINA A. DAVIS, 54, of Chicago; MARISSA TERRY, 36, of Frankfort, Ill.; ARAMIS COLLIER, 39, of Chicago; and AUNSHEREE NELSON, 44, of Chicago. Most of the defendants were arrested Wednesday and have begun making initial appearances in federal court in Chicago. The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Brendan F. Kelly, Director of the Illinois State Police; and Ann McIntyre, Inspector General of DCFS. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John D. Mitchell, Bradley A. Tucker, and Christine M. O’Neill. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Pridgeon et al indictment


title: Logan County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Vada Leann White, 32, of Big Creek, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 1, 2021, White was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by a law enforcement officer in the Jeffrey area of Boone County. The officer searched the vehicle and found seven bags containing a total of approximately 139 grams of methamphetamine. The officer also found $3,436 on White’s person and in the vehicle. White told the officer that she possessed the methamphetamine and intended to sell it. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-142. ###


title: Winchester Man to Serve Nine Years for Planting Bomb at Cedar Creek Battlefield

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: HARRISONBURG, Va. – Gerald Leonard Drake, a Winchester, Virginia man and former Civil War reenactor, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison for mailing threatening letters and planting a pipe bomb at the Cedar Creek Battlefield in Middletown, Virginia during a Civil War reenactment event in 2017. In the mailings sent to victims and two newspapers, Drake purported to be a member of Antifa and threatened harm, including referencing the Unite the Right riots in Charlottesville. Drake, 64, pled guilty in April 2023 to possession of an unregistered explosive device and stalking. “Gerald Drake’s attempts at sowing hatred and terror have been answered with 108 months in federal prison,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “Hate has no place in our community, and we are truly grateful for the steadfast efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who unmasked the once-hidden identity of this defendant and ended his campaign of fear-mongering and intimidation." According to court documents, Drake belonged to a reenactment unit that participated in an annual Civil War reenactment at Cedar Creek Battlefield until he was removed from his unit in 2014. In later years, Drake volunteered with the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation (CCBF), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of history related to the Cedar Creek Battlefield and which hosts an annual reenactment attended by merchants, reenactors, and visitors. On September 23, 2017, a letter was received at the CCBF visitor center addressed to “Cedar Creek Battlefield people.” The envelope and its letter both bore a printed Antifa symbol depicting a black flag overlayed atop a red flag inside of a circle. The letter claimed the reenactment event “clearly celebrates the war to keep African-Americans in chains,” and warned the reenactment organizers that if the event was not cancelled, the trouble Antifa would inflict on Cedar Creek Battlefield would make the riots that took place in Charlottesville in August look like “a Sunday picnic.” On October 14, 2017, the CCBF hosted the planned 153rd anniversary and reenactment of the Battle of Cedar Creek. During the afternoon hours, as the reenactment of the battle was coming to an end, an unexploded pipe bomb was discovered in one of the merchant tents. The pipe bomb contained metal nuts, a mercury switch, a battery, ball bearings, black and red wires, powder, and other items. Deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to investigate and seized the explosive device, which was later rendered safe by Virginia State Police. Due to its discovery, however, all remaining reenactment activities were cancelled, and individuals were evacuated from the area. Following this incident, Drake continued writing letters purporting to be sent by Antifa, including letters to the CCBF, its board members, an individual associated with Civil War reenactments, and news outlets. During this same time frame, Drake continued to volunteer with the CCBF. Drake admitted he manufactured the pipe bomb to instill fear and cause harm to those attending the reenactment. According to FBI explosives experts, several of the bomb’s contents, such as black powder, smokeless powder, and Pryodex, are explosives in and of themselves that are sensitive to friction, heat, impact, and sparks, and therefore are very dangerous to handle. When confined in a container, such as a pipe with end caps used in this case, these ingredients combine to create an exceptionally destructive device. In addition, Drake admitted to being the author of the threatening letters sent to members of the CCBF and various news agencies between September 2017 and December 2018. Those letters included threats of violence and sexual assault against members of the CCBF and their families. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Middletown Police Department investigated the case. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katie Burroughs Medearis, Melanie Smith, and Cagle Juhan prosecuted the case.


title: Drywall Contractor Sentenced to 18 Months for Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gustavo Reyes, 52, Verona, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 18 months in prison for tax evasion. Reyes pleaded guilty to this charge on May 24, 2023. Between 2013 and 2020, Reyes owned and operated a drywall business in Dane County. In 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced a civil audit of Reyes’s income tax returns for 2013 and 2014 and determined that he had significantly underreported his income for those years. Between 2015 and 2019, the IRS sent multiple notices to Reyes regarding tax deficiency assessments for the 2013 and 2014 tax years but he did not respond. On December 22, 2014, the IRS filed a tax lien for tax year 2013 against Reyes in an attempt to collect tax due and owing. On February 9, 2017, the IRS filed a tax lien for tax year 2014 against Reyes. The IRS continued its collection efforts in 2018 by sending a letter to Reyes and filing levies against several of his business bank accounts. Despite the IRS’s collection efforts, Reyes failed to pay any of his tax debt. Beginning with tax year 2018 and continuing to 2020, Reyes worked with others to create five nominee entities in Dane County through which he operated his drywall business, including Royal LLC, American Drywall, and Morales Construction. By operating his drywall business through the nominee entities, Reyes attempted to defeat IRS collection efforts for tax years 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. In addition, Reyes avoided IRS liens and levies by operating in large amounts of cash that he received from cashing checks at different establishments around the Madison area. In total, Reyes owes $557,907.19 in unpaid taxes. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley stated that the IRS had made “remarkable efforts” to handle Reyes’s failure to pay taxes as a civil matter, but Reyes inexplicably chose to ignore the IRS’s communications. Judge Conley also stated that Reyes made a bad situation with the IRS worse when he “doubled down” and used other people to create fictitious companies in an attempt to avoid the IRS’s liens and levies. The charge against Reyes was a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.


title: Local Driving School Owner Sentenced for Driver's License Bribery Scheme at Brockton RMV

body_text: BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston. Estevao Semedo, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to six months in prison and one year of supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Semedo was also ordered to pay a $17,000 forfeiture money judgment. In April 2023, Semedo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. Semedo, the owner of a driving school, conspired to defraud the RMV into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not pass the road test. Specifically, Semedo paid a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent to the RMV that certain driver’s license applicants had passed their road test when, in fact, they had not. Some of the applicants did not even show up to take the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed driver’s licenses to unqualified applicants. In total, Semedo paid the road test examiner $17,000 in bribes in exchange for fraudulent passing scores on road tests. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General’s Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher A. Scharf made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). Valuable assistance was provided by the Mattapoisett Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Adam Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.


title: California Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Ex-Girlfriend and Transporting Her to Idaho

body_text: BOISE – Emiliano Jaime Ramos, 41, of Lompoc, California, pleaded guilty to kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and transporting her from California to Idaho where she was eventually rescued by Nampa police, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, on December 21, 2022, the victim left work at a clinic in California, where she was employed as a medical assistant. Upon walking to her vehicle, she was approached by Ramos who had been waiting for her in the parking lot. The victim and Ramos had previously dated, and following their breakup, the victim refused to meet with Ramos and blocked him from her social media accounts and had blocked his phone number. When the victim entered her vehicle to leave, Ramos opened the back passenger door and jumped into the seat behind her. He then reached around the driver’s seat and pressed a handgun into her right side, leading her to believe she was going to be shot. Ramos then ordered her to drive north, and she complied. Ramos, who was in possession of a large knife in addition to the firearm, compelled the victim to drive from California to Nevada, Oregon, and eventually to Nampa, Idaho, where Ramos checked them into a hotel. Later, when Ramos was fully asleep, the victim grabbed her cell phone, which had been sitting on a nightstand, and turned it on. She quickly sent a text message to 911, before turning the phone off and placing it back on the nightstand. Once the 911 message was received, Nampa police officers were dispatched to the hotel, where they quickly worked to assemble a team of officers to conduct a rescue. During the morning of December 23, 2022, Ramos was arrested by police as he exited the hotel room. It was later learned that during the kidnapping, Ramos sexually assaulted the victim and told her that he intended to kill her in Idaho. Ramos is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Chief U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “It is humbling for my office to be able to seek justice in this disturbing kidnapping and sexual assault case,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “The victim in this case showed remarkable bravery, and I am also grateful for the quick response of the Nampa Police Department. The public should rest assured that, along with our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue, and hold accountable, those who use firearms to commit federal offenses in Idaho.” “This is the result of great teamwork, starting with Nampa’s 911 Dispatchers and ending with the successful prosecution,” said Nampa Police Department Interim Police Chief Curt Shankel. “We commend the bravery of the victim in this case and we’re proud of the investigation completed by all agencies involved. For those who find themselves in an emergency, who aren’t able to speak freely, texting to 911 is an excellent option in our region of Idaho.” In addition to the Nampa Police Department, U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Idaho State Police Forensic Services, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Lab, Idaho Department of Correction, the Pismo Beach Police Department, and the Santa Maria Police Department, which led to the charges. ###


title: Hazelwood Man Sentenced to 111 Months in Prison for Schemes Seeking $404,000

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Thursday sentenced a man from Hazelwood, Missouri who committed a series of scams trying to steal a total of $404,415 to 111 months in prison and ordered him to repay the money. Naquan Powers, 27, pleaded guilty in March to four felony counts of bank fraud and three felony counts of aggravated ID theft. He admitted involvement in the fraudulent purchase of vehicles, a credit card scam and fraud involving two pandemic relief programs. In 2018 and 2019, Powers accessed multiple Discover Bank accounts belonging to other people and changed information in these accounts so he could receive debit cards and bank checks for the accounts. Powers’ intended loss for this scheme was $11,754. Powers used fraudulent Social Security cards and driver’s licenses to apply for loans to purchase three vehicles from a Florissant dealership between June 24, 2019 and August 23, 2019. Powers bought a Chevrolet Impala with a $18,098 loan, a $42,086 Chevrolet Tahoe and a BMW 428 XI for $29,079. He was arrested trying to buy a Dodge Challenger with a $38,191 loan. After his arrest, Powers helped others to do the same thing at dealers throughout the St. Louis and southern Illinois areas, causing a total loss of $244,374. In 2020 and 2021, Powers applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan and four Economic Injury and Disaster Loans, claiming he was a sole proprietor in the general freight trucking industry. Powers submitted a fraudulent tax form and a bank statement and received $20,832 in PPP funds. “Mr. Powers not only stole individuals’ identities for his personal gain but led multiple fraud schemes including stealing money intended for legitimate businesses that were impacted by COVID-19,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “This sentence demonstrates our diligent commitment to hold those accountable for misusing Social Security numbers.” Five others involved with Powers’ schemes have also been charged. Four have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to between 24 and 51 months in prison. They were also ordered to pay restitution. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is prosecuting the case.


title: Leader Of “Pump And Dump” Securities Fraud Scheme Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EARL INGARFIELD pled guilty today to participating in a “pump and dump” stock fraud scheme designed to target retail investors and manipulate trading in penny stock shares of Suburban Minerals Corporation (“SUBB”). U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Earl Ingarfield engaged in a classic pump and dump scheme where the price of stock for a worthless company was inflated with paid promotions and fairy tales of riches from a $5 billion African diamond mine. Today’s plea is a reminder that the Southern District of New York will investigate and prosecute all such pernicious market manipulation schemes.” According to the Indictment and statements made in court: From at least in or about 2013 through at least in or about March 2014, EARL INGARFIELD engaged in a scheme to manipulate the stock price of SUBB, a public company traded on the over-the-counter market. In or about 2013, the defendant obtained control of SUBB, installing management at the company that acted at his direction and financing SUBB’s operations. INGARFIELD also obtained convertible promissory notes issued by SUBB, which he then converted into tens of millions of SUBB shares that were nominally held by offshore shell entities. INGARFIELD used these shell entities to conceal his involvement and the fact that he owned and controlled the vast majority of the shares of SUBB. In early 2014, at INGARFIELD’s direction, SUBB announced that it was purportedly acquiring a producing African diamond mine worth $5 billion. But in reality, no such mine existed. Between January 2014 and March 2014, SUBB issued a series of press releases making false representations regarding that purported mine acquisition and SUBB’s operations. During the same time period, INGARFIELD orchestrated a marketing campaign through which promotional materials echoing the same false claims were distributed to the investing public by email. The false and misleading press releases and email marketing campaign caused SUBB’s share price and trading volume to become artificially inflated. While SUBB’s price was artificially inflated, INGARFIELD profited by selling millions of his secretly amassed shares, all at the expense of the investing public. Between January and March 2014, he made more than $1.4 million from the sale of SUBB shares. On March 7, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission halted trading in SUBB, after which the share price dropped precipitously and never recovered. * * * EARL INGARFIELD, 64, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and agreed to forfeiture of $1,418,473. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of Homeland Security Investigation’s El Dorado Task Force. The matter is being handled by the Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Deininger and Shiva Logarajah are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Previously Convicted Felon Indicted for Narcotics and Firearms Offenses

body_text: BOSTON – A Methuen man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly trafficking counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition and using a firearm in relation of a drug trafficking offense. Shawn Hart, 45, was charged with one count of distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl; one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; one count of using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Hart was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2023 . He has remained in custody since. According to the charging documents, in August 2022, Hart was identified as a manufacturer and distributor of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances on the North Shore. On Sept. 15, 2022, Hart allegedly distributed approximately 500 counterfeit Adderall pills, containing 68 grams of fentanyl, during a controlled purchase in North Billerica. Additionally, on June 1, 2023, Hart allegedly distributed approximately 100 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing suspected fentanyl and well as a 9mm privately manufactured firearm (commonly known as a “ghost gun”) containing 19 rounds of ammunition during a controlled purchase at his home in Methuen. It is further alleged that three additional firearms, a pill press used for manufacturing counterfeit pills and suspected narcotics in various forms and quantities were seized from Hart’s residence following his arrest. Hart is prohibited from possession firearms and ammunition due to multiple previous state felony convictions, including: possession with intent to distribute a class a controlled substance in December 2003; armed robbery in June 2004, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison; masked armed robbery, breaking and entering a vehicle at night and larceny in August 2004, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison; and assault and battery on a correctional institution guard in September 2004, for which he was sentenced to six months in prison. The charges of distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine provide for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense provides for a mandatory five-year sentence to run consecutive to any other sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Methuen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.