title: Two Russia-Born U.S. Citizens Arrested for Conspiring to Send $500,000 Worth of Luxury Goods to Russia

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: WASHINGTON – An indictment was returned yesterday in the District of Alaska charging Sergey Nefedov, 40, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mark Shumovich, 35, of Bellevue, Washington, with allegedly operating a scheme to illegally export nearly half a million dollars’ worth of snowmachines and associated parts from the United States to Russia without the required licenses and approvals, in violation of U.S. export laws. Nefedov and Shumovich were arrested yesterday morning in Alaska and Washington, respectively. “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants engaged in a scheme to evade export restrictions by smuggling hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of snowmachines and associated parts to Russia,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This matter is the latest example of our commitment to hold accountable those who violate sanctions laws and our determination to impose costs on the Russian government for its unjustified invasion of Ukraine.” “Violations of export laws carry significant consequences for perpetrators in the U.S. and abroad,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Our office will continue to work with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Commerce to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and ensure U.S. export restrictions are enforced.” “The charges laid out in the indictment are serious offenses,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who subvert export laws to smuggle goods out of the United States.” “Covertly selling snowmachines to Russia violates our export laws, regardless of whether the sales are direct or laundered through Hong Kong,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod. “Today’s arrests are just the latest example of our aggressive efforts to enforce the export restrictions imposed on Russia following its brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.” “This seizure of snowmachines and the coordinated investigation led to the disruption and identification of a transnational criminal network attempting to circumvent Russian sanctions,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Using our unique customs authorities, HSI works with its law enforcement partners, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to identify, search, and seize merchandise being exported contrary to law, and prosecute those responsible.” As alleged in the indictment, between at least March 2022 and May 2023, Nefedov and Shumovich conspired with individuals doing business in Russia and Hong Kong to evade the U.S. export restrictions that were imposed on luxury goods to Russia pursuant to Executive Order 14068 following Russia’s full-scale, unlawful invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, by shipping snowmobiles and associated parts to Russia through an intermediary company in Hong Kong. In furtherance of the conspiracy, a Russian national who owned a company selling snowmachines in Russia (Co-Conspirator 1, or CC-1) allegedly contracted with a Russian national doing business in Hong Kong (Co-Conspirator 2, or CC-2) for shipment of nearly $1 million worth of goods from Hong Kong to Russia. Separately, CC-1 allegedly created invoices for CC-2’s company to purchase snowmachines and other motorsport vehicles from Nefedov’s company, Absolut Auto Sales LLC. As alleged, CC-1 told a freight forwarder that he needed goods to “transit in a third country” from the United States because deliveries of equipment to Russia “have been stopped.” According to the indictment, Nefedov and Shumovich then received quotes from U.S.-based snowmachine distributors and freight forwarders to purchase and ship snowmachines. As alleged, Nefedov forwarded those quotes to CC-1, who approved of quotes and instructed Nefedov on additional questions to pose to the U.S. distributors and freight forwarders. To fund the purchase of snowmachines, CC-1’s company allegedly wired funds to CC-2’s company in Hong Kong, which wired funds to Nefedov’s company, Absolut Auto Sales LLC. Nefedov used those funds to purchase snowmachines in the United States with the aid of Shumovich. According to the indictment, Nefedov and Shumovich told freight forwarders that the snowmachines would be going to Hong Kong, where they knew that a license was not required for export, thereby causing a freight forwarder to provide false information to U.S. authorities by concealing the end user and destination of the snowmachines. Authorities seized all snowmachines related to this case. Nefedov and Shumovich are charged with the following offenses, which carry associated maximum penalties as follows: conspiracy to unlawfully export goods from the U.S. and defraud the U.S. (5 years in prison); false electronic export information activities (5 years in prison); smuggling (10 years in prison); unlawful export without a license in violation of the Export Control Reform Act (20 years in prison); and conspiracy to commit international money laundering (20 years in prison). Nefedov is also charged with money laundering and making a false statement in violation of the Export Control Reform Act, which both carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander for the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. These cases were coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Nahant Woman and Winthrop Man Plead Guilty to Fraud and Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Nahant woman and Winthrop man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to conspiring to commit wire fraud and tax evasion. Gary P. DeCicco, 65, and Pamela M. Avedisian, 61, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled DeCicco’s sentencing for Sept. 18, 2024; Avedisian’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. DeCicco and Avedisian were indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2018. Between April 2012 and February 2013, DeCicco repeatedly told the IRS that he did not have the ability to pay his over $340,000 tax liability and that he had very little cash, no vehicles or real property and no ownership interest in any asset with a positive value. However, DeCicco had ownership interests in several businesses, vehicles and real properties titled in his name and the names of Avedisian, Lynnway Auto Sales Inc., and other entities, in order to conceal those assets from the IRS during that time period. In addition, beginning in March 2013, after the IRS accepted DeCicco’s proposed monthly payment plan (based on the false information DeCicco provided about his assets and income), DeCicco bought and sold numerous real properties, boats and high-end cars and concealed those assets and his income from the IRS, often with Avedisian’s assistance. In addition, Avedisian owned a property in Nahant that was subject to a mortgage in excess of $1 million. In October 2015, DeCicco and Avedisian conspired to defraud the mortgage holder by proposing the sale of the property for significantly less than the outstanding mortgage, in what is commonly referred to as a “short sale.” By their very nature, short sales are intended to be arms-length transactions in which the buyers and sellers are unrelated and act independently, allowing sellers to cede their ownership of the property in exchange for the short-selling bank’s agreement to release them from their unpaid mortgage debt. In order to get approval for the sale, DeCicco and Avedisian concealed their long-term romantic and business relationships from the loan servicing company and falsely represented that Avedisian could no longer make payments towards the mortgage on the property. In fact, just two months before the “short sale” closed, Avedisian purportedly received $3.5 million from the sale of another asset to DeCicco. The conspiracy charges each provide for up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud For Investment Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Frank Lynold Mercado, 26, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud for defrauding over 100 victims of more than $700,000 through a fraudulent investment scheme, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to plea documents and today’s court proceedings, from July 2019 to December 2022, Mercado executed an investment fraud scheme in which he caused more than 100 investors to suffer almost $700,000 in losses. Mercado’s victims included friends, former co-workers, and other social acquaintances. Mercado induced the victims to invest their money by holding himself out to be an expert in options trading with years of experience and a successful track record. As part of the scheme, Mercado falsely represented to victim investors that he would use their money for options trading and similar investments through his hedge fund, Tiger-Wolf Capital, LLC (Tiger-Wolf Capital). Instead of investing the funds as promised, Mercado used a substantial portion of the investors’ money to fund his personal lifestyle, including to make large credit card payments and pay for personal expenditures such as Airbnb rentals, restaurants, and bars. As Mercado admitted in court today, he also used the investors’ money to make Ponzi payments to previous investors. Court documents show that with the money that he did invest, Mercado suffered trading losses and then lied to investors about the performance of their investments. For example, Mercado periodically sent updates to victim investors through emails, text messages, or screenshots of purported account portals that reflected fictitious trading gains. He also made false and fraudulent statements to investors about substantial returns on their investments in order to induce his victims to invest additional money with him and/or to leave their current investments with him. Mercado was released on bond following his plea hearing. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been set. On May 30, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced the filing of a complaint against Mercado in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, charging Mercado and Tiger-Wolf Capital with securities violations. U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI for their investigation of the case and thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for their coordination and assistance. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.


component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: An indictment was returned yesterday in the District of Alaska charging Sergey Nefedov, 40, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mark Shumovich, 35, of Bellevue, Washington, with allegedly operating a scheme to illegally export nearly half a million dollars’ worth of snowmachines and associated parts from the United States to Russia without the required licenses and approvals, in violation of U.S. export laws. Nefedov and Shumovich were arrested yesterday in Alaska and Washington, respectively. “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants engaged in a scheme to evade export restrictions by smuggling hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of snowmachines and associated parts to Russia,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This matter is the latest example of our commitment to hold accountable those who violate sanctions laws and our determination to impose costs on the Russian government for its unjustified invasion of Ukraine.” “Violations of export laws carry significant consequences for perpetrators in the U.S. and abroad,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Our office will continue to work with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Commerce to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and ensure U.S. export restrictions are enforced.” “Covertly selling snowmobiles to Russia violates our export laws, regardless of whether the sales are direct or laundered through Hong Kong,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce. “Today’s arrests are just the latest example of our aggressive efforts to enforce the export restrictions imposed on Russia following its brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.” “These arrests serve as an example of the FBI’s determination to stop those individuals who allegedly export U.S. goods to foreign adversaries in violation of U.S. law,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch. “Any attempt to circumvent U.S. laws, sanctions and regulations will not be tolerated, and the FBI will continue to work with our partners to counter any efforts to illegally ship U.S. goods to sanctioned nations.” “The charges laid out in the indictment are serious offenses,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who subvert export laws to smuggle goods out of the United States.” “This seizure of snowmachines and the coordinated investigation led to the disruption and identification of a transnational criminal network attempting to circumvent Russian sanctions,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Using our unique customs authorities, HSI works with its law enforcement partners, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to identify, search and seize merchandise being exported contrary to law, and prosecute those responsible.” As alleged in the indictment, between at least March 2022 and May 2023, Nefedov and Shumovich conspired with individuals doing business in Russia and Hong Kong to evade the U.S. export restrictions that were imposed on luxury goods to Russia pursuant to Executive Order 14068 following Russia’s full-scale, unlawful invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, by shipping snowmachines and associated parts to Russia through an intermediary company in Hong Kong. In furtherance of the conspiracy, a Russian national who owned a company selling snowmachines in Russia (Co-Conspirator 1, or CC-1) allegedly contracted with a Russian national doing business in Hong Kong (Co-Conspirator 2, or CC-2) for shipment of nearly $1 million worth of goods from Hong Kong to Russia. Separately, CC-1 allegedly created invoices for CC-2’s company to purchase snowmachines and other motorsport vehicles from Nefedov’s company, Absolut Auto Sales LLC. As alleged, CC-1 told a freight forwarder that he needed goods to “transit in a third country” from the United States because deliveries of equipment to Russia “have been stopped.” According to the indictment, Nefedov and Shumovich then received quotes from U.S.-based snowmachine distributors and freight forwarders to purchase and ship snowmachines. As alleged, Nefedov forwarded those quotes to CC-1, who approved of quotes and instructed Nefedov on additional questions to pose to the U.S. distributors and freight forwarders. To fund the purchase of snowmachines, CC-1’s company allegedly wired funds to CC-2’s company in Hong Kong, which wired funds to Nefedov’s company, Absolut Auto Sales LLC. Nefedov used those funds to purchase snowmachines in the United States with the aid of Shumovich. According to the indictment, Nefedov and Shumovich told freight forwarders that the snowmachines would be going to Hong Kong, where they knew that a license was not required for export, thereby causing a freight forwarder to provide false information to U.S. authorities by concealing the end user and destination of the snowmachines. Authorities seized all snowmachines related to this case. Nefedov and Shumovich are charged the following offenses, which carry associated maximum penalties as follows: conspiracy to unlawfully export goods from the United States and defraud the United States (five years in prison); false electronic export information activities (five years in prison); smuggling (10 years in prison); unlawful export without a license in violation of the Export Control Reform Act (20 years in prison); and conspiracy to commit international money laundering (20 years in prison). Nefedov is also charged with money laundering and making a false statement in violation of the Export Control Reform Act, which both carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI, HSI and Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander for the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case. This case was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. View the indictment here


title: Four Individuals Charged in Connection With Business Email Compromise Schemes and Related Romance Schemes

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Today, indictments were unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging four defendants for their participation in a series of fraudulent business email compromise (BEC) schemes and related romance schemes that resulted in more than $50 million in losses by individuals and small businesses located within the Eastern District of New York and throughout the United States. The defendants Animashaun Adebo, Idowu Ademoroti, Nelson Ojeriakhi and Noguan Marvellous Eboigbe, together with their network of co-conspirators, misappropriated victim funds and laundered them through shell company accounts in the United States and abroad, sometimes using unsuspecting middlemen, including escrow attorneys and other victims, to further obscure the audit trail and disassociate the funds from the frauds. Adebo was arrested yesterday in Chicago, Illinois. Ademoroti was arrested yesterday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, and will be arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo in federal court in Brooklyn. Ojeriakhi was arrested previously in Paris, France, and remains in custody pending the resolution of extradition proceedings. Adebo will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. Eboigbe remains at large. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Secret Service, New York Field Office (USSS), announced the arrests and charges. “As alleged, from breaking hearts to breaking into email accounts, no scheme was too depraved for the defendants and their network of criminal associates to steal over $50 million from innocent victims in Brooklyn and throughout the country,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Business email compromise schemes like these cause devastating financial losses and other harm to victims. The indictments unsealed today charge perpetrators at every step of the schemes – from executing the frauds to laundering and receiving the proceeds. Prosecuting online criminal actors and recovering the victims’ stolen funds is a priority of this Office.” “Today’s indictment is a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks they can target innocent victims through sophisticated cyber fraud and get away with it,” said USSS Special-Agent-in-Charge Freaney. “Through deception and lies the alleged ringleaders schemed unwitting victims of more than 50 million dollars, leaving a wake of anguish in their path. I am incredibly proud of the investigators and prosecutors who were relentless in bringing accountability to these crimes.” A BEC scheme is a form of cyber-enabled financial fraud. In a typical BEC scheme, a malicious actor compromises legitimate business email accounts through computer intrusion techniques or social engineering and uses those accounts to cause the unauthorized transfer of funds. Techniques for perpetrating these schemes include identity theft, spoofing of emails and websites and the use of malware. Confidence fraud is another form of cyber-enabled financial fraud. In a typical confidence fraud, a malicious actor befriends and gains the confidence of another individual through online communications and uses that confidence to cause the transfer of funds for unauthorized purposes. A romance scheme is a type of confidence fraud wherein the perpetrator adopts a fictitious online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The perpetrator then uses the illusion of a romantic relationship to cause the transfer of funds for unauthorized purposes. Between April 2021 and March 2022, the defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly orchestrated a series of fraudulent BEC schemes and related romance schemes and laundered and received proceeds from the fraudulent schemes. As one part of the BEC schemes, victim-individuals involved in real estate transactions received fraudulent emails purporting to be from legitimate parties to those transactions. The emails instructed them to wire funds they believed to be related to the real estate transactions to specified bank accounts. The fraudulent email accounts that contacted the victims closely resembled, but were slightly different from, the email addresses of the legitimate parties to the transaction (a process known as “spoofing”). As another part of the BEC schemes, employees of victim-companies received fraudulent emails purporting to be from legitimate vendors or other business partners of those companies directing them to transfer funds to specified bank accounts. The employees were also defrauded through email spoofing and received fraudulent emails from accounts that closely resembled, but were slightly different from, the email addresses of the legitimate vendors and business partners. In each case, after the victims executed the wires in accordance with the fraudulent instructions, the transferred funds were misappropriated from the victims and sent to and through accounts controlled by the defendants and their co-conspirators. As described below, the defendants played varying roles in the schemes. Animashaun Adebo, also known as “Kazeem” and “Kazeem Animashaun,” was charged with wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen funds and receipt of stolen funds. As alleged, Adebo conspired to perpetrate multiple internet-based fraud schemes on victims and directed others to launder the proceeds of those schemes through shell company accounts, through the purchase of luxury watches, and through an illegal money exchange operation run by his co-defendant Ademoroti. Adebo ultimately received fraudulent proceeds in corporate bank accounts located in Nigeria. If convicted, Adebo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges, five years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to receive stolen funds charge, and 10 years’ imprisonment on the receipt of stolen funds charge. Idowu Ademoroti was charged with money laundering conspiracy, operating an illegal money transmitting business, conspiracy to receive stolen funds and receipt of stolen funds. As alleged, Ademoroti laundered and received fraudulent proceeds of the schemes perpetrated by Adebo and others through the operation of an illegal money exchange business in which he facilitated the trading of fraudulent dollar proceeds to individuals overseas in exchange for Nigerian naira. If convicted, Ademoroti faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on the money laundering conspiracy charge, five years’ imprisonment on the illegal money transmitting business charge, five years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to receive stolen funds charge, and 10 years’ imprisonment on the receipt of stolen funds charge. Noguan Marvellous Eboigbe, also known as “Randall Olson,” “Martin Roberto” and “Carlos Eduardo,” was charged with wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions over $10,000 for facilitating the flow of more than $10 million in fraudulent proceeds from victims to the defendants and their co-conspirators. Using false identities, Eboigbe contacted law firms that provided escrow services and posing as a potential client, told them that he would send them funds for a business transaction, and instructed them to wire those funds to specified accounts. However, the funds received by the attorneys were in fact fraudulent proceeds of the real estate and corporate BEC schemes described above and were sent unwittingly by the victims. If convicted, Eboigbe, who is on the USSS Most Wanted list, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and money laundering charges and 10 years’ imprisonment on the unlawful monetary transactions charge. Nelson Ojeriakhi, also known as “Ojeey Mami” and “Oba Millie,” was charged with wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy for sending spoof emails to unsuspecting victims in order to misappropriate millions of dollars from them in connection with the schemes described above. The funds were subsequently laundered by the defendants and their co-conspirators. Ojeriakhi was arrested in Paris, France on April 18, 2023. If convicted, Ojeriakhi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges. A fifth co-conspirator, Franziska Von Greve-Dierfeld, was previously charged with money laundering conspiracy for receiving and disbursing fraudulent proceeds from the schemes described above in shell company accounts she created. Von Greve-Dierfeld was arrested in May 2022 and pleaded guilty to charges in connection with her conduct. Von Greve-Dierfeld served time in custody and, following the completion of her sentence, returned to Germany pursuant to a judicial order of removal from the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York conducts presentations by Assistant U.S. Attorneys about ways to protect yourself and your community against scams, especially those targeting financial exploitation. To request a presentation please email USANYE-SpeakersBureau@usdoj.gov . The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Daniel J. Marcus are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Jacob Menz. The Defendants : ANIMASHAUN ADEBO (also known as “Kazeem” and “Kazeem Animashaun”) Age: 39 Chicago, Illinois IDOWU ADEMOROTI Age: 31 Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Atlanta, Georgia E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-239 (PKC) NOGUAN MARVELLOUS EBOIGBE (also known as “Randall Olson,” “Martin Roberto” and “Carlos Eduardo”) Age: 44 Lagos, Nigeria E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-240 (PKC) NELSON OJERIAKHI (also known as “Ojeey Mami” and “Oba Millie”) Age: 31 Lagos, Nigeria E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-188 (PKC) FRANZISKA VON GREVE-DIERFELD Age: 79 Aachen, Germany E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-033 (BMC)


title: Lewistown Man Sentenced To 102 Months In Prison For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Prostitution And Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gregory A. Wilson, age 51, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to 102 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on the charge of attempted enticement of a minor. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $500 and a $5,100 special assessment. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on November 8, 2023, Wilson knowingly attempted to use a facility of interstate and foreign commerce to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in prostitution and sexual activity for which any person can be charged under Pennsylvania criminal laws, specifically aggravated indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and statutory sexual assault under Pennsylvania criminal laws. The case was investigated by the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Patton Township Police, and the Centre County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. # # #


title: Oklahoma Corrects Noncompliance with the National Voter Registration Act Following Justice Department Notice

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced that the State of Oklahoma has taken corrective action regarding driver’s license and ID card applications and forms that previously did not comply with Section 5 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). Section 5 of the NVRA, also known as the motor voter provision, requires that all applications for a driver’s license or state ID — including online renewal applications — provide an opportunity to register to vote or to update an existing voter registration. The NVRA also requires that any paper or online change of address form for a driver’s license or state ID automatically update the address on voter registration records, unless a voter indicates that the change is not for voting purposes. “An inclusive democracy must provide all eligible voters access to the full range of voter registration opportunities required by law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We encourage states and jurisdictions across the country to ensure that they are making voter registration opportunities fully and equally accessible at DMVs and other social services agencies, both in person and online. The Justice Department is committed to ensuring full compliance with the NVRA.” Earlier this year, the Justice Department told the state that its online renewal applications for driver’s licenses and state ID cards did not provide the required opportunity to register or update an existing voter registration record. The state’s online change of address form also could not update voter registration records. The department met with state officials, who acted to correct these omissions, along with similar ones on paper forms. The state also committed to notifying voters affected by these lapses. Additionally, the state is providing instructions so that eligible citizens not currently registered to vote at the address found in their driver’s license or ID card records can register or update outdated registration records. The department will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes and this remedial program, and it welcomes feedback from the public. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by calling (800) 253-3931. More information about the NVRA and about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting . Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section .


title: Nonprofit Organizations Pay Over $5.8 Million to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulently Obtaining Pandemic-Related Loans

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 12, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Multiple nonprofit organizations—including two private country clubs and two homeowners associations—have paid $5,809,021.60 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims and obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans for which they were not eligible. Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program loans, known as PPP, in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other permitted business expenses. Under the CARES Act, certain entities organized under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code were not eligible for PPP loans. Rancho Santa Fe Association is a homeowners association and 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Rancho Santa Fe Association serves members in the community of Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego County, which includes over 4,000 residents, the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, the Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club, private sports fields, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, nearly 60 miles of private equestrian and pedestrian trails, shops, restaurants, and full-time security patrol. In April 2020, Rancho Santa Fe Association applied for a PPP loan and later received disbursement of a $1,542,100 loan. The United States contended that Rancho Santa Fe Association knew or should have known it was not eligible to receive its PPP loan as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, and it caused the Small Business Administration (SBA) to forgive the loan and to pay lender fees and interest to the bank that processed the loan. Rancho Santa Fe Association paid $2,037,451.44 to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act. Pine Mountain Lake Association, a homeowner’s association and 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, is in Groveland, California near Yosemite National Park. Pine Mountain Lake Association is a gated community with amenities that include a private lake with six miles of shoreline, 18-hole championship golf course, swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, hiking trails, archery range, equestrian center, restaurant and lounge, and lake lodge. In April 2020, Pine Mountain Lake Association applied for a PPP loan and later received disbursement of a $687,500 loan. In January 2021, Pine Mountain Lake Association applied for a second PPP loan and later received disbursement of a $950,000 loan. The United States contended that Pine Mountain Lake Association knew or should have known it was not eligible to receive its PPP loans as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, and it caused the SBA to forgive the loan and to pay lender fees and interest to the bank that processed the loans. Pine Mountain Lake Association paid $2,372,440.98 to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act Glendora Country Club, a private country club and 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization, is in San Gabriel Valley and offers its members an 18-hole golf course, a 25-yard swimming pool, and dining and entertainment options. In April 2020, Glendora Country Club applied for a PPP loan and later received disbursement of a $471,685 loan. The United States contended that Glendora Country Club knew or should have known it was not eligible to receive its PPP loan as a 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization, and it caused the SBA to forgive the loan and to pay lender fees and interest to the bank that processed the loan. Glendora Country Club paid $708,843.42 to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act. The Palms Golf Club, a private, single membership golf club and a 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization, is in La Quinta, California. The Palms Golf Club claims to offer a world-class golfing environment with a golf course designed by Fred Couples, state-of-the-art practice facility, locker rooms and fitness facilities, and multiple dining options. In May 2020, The Palms Golf Club applied for a PPP loan and later received disbursement of a $327,035 loan. The United States contended that The Palms Golf Club knew or should have known it was not eligible to receive its PPP loan as a 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization, and it caused the SBA to forgive the loan and to pay lender fees and interest to the bank that processed the loan. The Palms Golf Club paid $690,285.76 on an ability-to-pay basis to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act. “The PPP program was born from the urgent need to support small businesses weathering the storm of a generational pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “These agreements hold accountable those who deceitfully diverted public funds from the deserving hands of struggling small businesses trying to support their employees and serve their customers.” “Providing false information to obtain PPP loans and forgiveness is wrong,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Today’s settlement sends a strong message that attempts to wrongfully obtain loan fund and forgiveness will not go unnoticed, and violators will be identified. I want to thank the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners for their support and dedication to pursuing justice in this case.” The settlements resolve claims brought by Wade Riner under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Riner v. Rancho Santa Fe Ass’n, et al. , 22-CV-1285-GPC-KSC. Mr. Riner will receive a total share of nearly $700,000. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and Office of the Inspector General. In total, the United States recovered over $6.1 million against the named defendant in the qui tam action. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan M. Aste. 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: Cincinnati area man sentenced to 78 months in prison for laundering proceeds from online romance-fraud conspiracy

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – De-love Kofi Amuzu, 25, of Fairfield, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 78 months in prison for his role as a money launderer in a romance fraud conspiracy that targeted elderly victims looking for companionship online. According to court documents, members of the conspiracy created fake online dating profiles using stolen photographs and false information, then communicated with the victims via chats, texts and phone calls while pretending to be the imaginary person pictured in the profile. They commonly claimed to be living abroad to explain why they could not meet in person. The conspirators instructed the victims to transfer money, often tens of thousands of dollars at a time, to accounts controlled by Amuzu. They also commonly instructed victims to mail Amuzu cash or other items of value, like Rolex watches and iPhones. After receiving the victims’ money, Amuzu laundered it to accounts in Ghana. Investigators tracked more than $1.1 million in fraud proceeds that flowed through Amuzu’s accounts. Amuzu was ordered to pay $835,487.65 in restitution. “According to court documents, several victims lost so much money to the scheme that they were forced to declare bankruptcy,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Anyone who suspects they or a loved one is a victim of such a fraud can report it by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, or go to the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website for more information – www.Justice.gov/elderjustice .” A federal grand jury indicted Amuzu in 2022. He pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2024, to conspiring to launder money. His case was announced in October 2022 as part of the Justice Department’s National Elder Justice Sweep , an initiative to increase awareness of the various fraudulent schemes targeting the elderly. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser and Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black. U.S. Attorney Parker also recognized the contributions of Garrett Baker and Susan Monnin of the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as Butler County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Steve Isgro. Assistant United States Attorney Julie D. Garcia is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Marion County Man Admits to Firearms Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Allen Burns, 46, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Burns, also known as “Shawn Fain,” is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior cocaine conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia. During a supervised release check on another defendant, U.S. Marshals found Burns in possession of a 9mm pistol in Marion County, WV. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Marshals investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.


title: Georgian with Lengthy History of Making Death Threats Sentenced to Prison

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia resident with a criminal history of arson and sending death threats was sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of 60 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications. Travis Leroy Ball, 56, of Barnesville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on June 12. Ball previously pleaded guilty to one count of mailing threatening communications on Jan. 19. Ball is not eligible for parole. “We will not tolerate threats of violence against public servants and other similar criminal intimidations that disturb peace and order,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Travis Ball has threatened government workers at every level and even their families. Keeping people safe is the highest priority of our office and our law enforcement partners.” “Threats against public servants are not only illegal, but also a threat against our democratic process,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “While Mr. Ball’s continued criminal conduct clearly illustrates his lack of concern and compassion for others, it also illustrates his unwillingness to be rehabilitated. Hopefully, this additional sentence will finally send the message that the FBI will not tolerate his hate fueled hoaxes and will continue to hold him accountable.” According to documents and statements filed in court, the FBI obtained a letter on March 10, 2023, addressed to U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in which the writer was purporting to be a U.S. Secret Service agent who investigated one of the defendant’s prior cases. In the letter—later determined to be written by the Ball—the writer demanded that the charge in Ball’s most recent federal case be dismissed, and he be let out of federal custody. Ball—using the name of a former cell mate—also wrote letters to the U.S. District Court in Valdosta, Georgia, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., in March and May 2023 respectively, threatening to kill employees and their families, as well as burn down property. Ball wrote a letter to the Upson County Sheriff’s Office in July 2023, purporting to be an FBI agent working on a top-secret case and demanded that Ball’s photos and personal information be removed and deleted from jail records. The FBI compared the letters, handwriting, letterhead, postage stamps, verbiage and the “INMATE MAIL” stamp on each letter and determined that Ball wrote the letters while in custody. The defendant’s DNA was compared against the letters sent to the U.S. Courthouse in Valdosta and the letter impersonating a U.S. Secret Service Agent sent to U.S. District Chief Judge Treadwell. The results confirmed Ball’s DNA on both letters. Officers found the writing material and stamps in Ball’s cell. For more information about Ball’s prior convictions for threats, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/georgia-man-sentenced-federal-prison-threats-against-president . The case was investigated by FBI with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Services, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: Jury Convicts Kentucky Man of Multiple Terrorism Charges

body_text: A federal jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, convicted a Kentucky man yesterday of providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and receiving military-type training from ISIS. ISIS is a designated foreign terrorist organization. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 3, 2014, Mirsad Hariz Adem Ramic, 34, and two co-conspirators coordinated their departure from the United States, arriving separately in Istanbul, Turkey. They abandoned the rest of their purchased travel itineraries, and purchased tickets to fly to Gaziantep, Turkey. Gaziantep is located near the Turkey-Syrian border, and from there, Ramic and the two co-conspirators crossed into Syria and joined ISIS. The evidence at trial established that after joining ISIS, Ramic attended an ISIS training camp, where he received military-type training. A photograph of Ramic, posted on social media, depicted him, among other things, wearing camouflage clothing and standing in front of a truck outfitted with an anti-aircraft gun and the ISIS flag. After joining ISIS, Ramic and his co-conspirators remained in contact with each other and discussed, among other things, his use of an anti-aircraft weapon to shoot at planes. Ramic and his co-conspirators also discussed jihad, martyrdom and fighting for ISIS. Ramic, a dual U.S.-Bosnian citizen, joined an ISIS fighting unit comprised primarily of Bosnian foreign fighters, and participated in an ISIS offensive in Kobane, Syria. Ramic has been in federal custody since December 2021, after being deported to the United States from Turkey. Ramic is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 and a term of supervised release up to life. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky and Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Kevin C. Nunnally and Jessica Fender of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd and Christopher Tieke for the Western District of Kentucky are prosecuting the case.


title: Washington County Woman Sentenced to 600 Months in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Riverside woman was sentenced yesterday to 600 months in federal prison for two counts of Production of Child Pornography, following a plea of guilty on an earlier date. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Abigail Margarete Knight, 36, produced child sexual assault material of two minor victims between July 2020 and May 2023. Knight used photos and videos of minors and sent the child sexual assault material to two men, one in Texas and the other in Missouri, through the use of cellular phones and internet chats. After completing her term of imprisonment, Knight will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Washington County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, and the ICAC Task Force. 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 Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 . For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Sanostee Man Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Sanostee man was sentenced to 144 months in prison after pleading guilty to the beating death of his friend during a drunken altercation. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on June 8, 2022, John Doe went to the residence of Tyrone Atcitty Nez , 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, to assist with repairing a water heater. During the visit, John Doe and Nez were drinking together and rough housing. At one point, John Doe stood up from a seated position, and Nez punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious and causing him to fall to the floor. While John Doe lay unconscious and unresponsive on the floor, Nez proceeded to kick him in the face and torso approximately 5 to 10 times while wearing work boots until he noticed Doe was bleeding profusely from his nose and mouth. Worried Doe would choke, Nez turned him onto his side and exited the residence to ask neighbors to call 911. The Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations responded, and Nez admitted to punching and kicking Doe. Doe died at Nez ’s residence from the head injuries inflicted. The medical examiner listed the cause of death as blunt head trauma, with contusions, fractures, internal bleeding, and brain swelling. After completing his term of imprisonment, Nez will be required to serve five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and R. Eliot Neal are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Essex County Man Admits Illegally Possessing Firearm used in Shooting and Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted illegally possessing cocaine and heroin for distribution and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Naiem Moore, 34, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with two counts of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Jan. 14, 2021, law enforcement recovered glassine envelopes containing heroin, jugs containing cocaine, and a Chrome Llama Max I firearm loaded with four rounds of ammunition and two controlled expansion rounds from Moore’s vehicle. On Sept. 28, 2020, Moore had used the same firearm in a shooting and attempted assault. The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024. This investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crimes Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety to combat violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Board of Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited officers of the Newark Police Division under the direction of Director Fritz Fragé; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Samuel A. DeMaio, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney DeNae Thomas of the Health Care Fraud Unit. moore.indictment.pdf


title: Mount Carmel Woman Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Micia Best, age 45, of Mount Carmel, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Best possessed more than 350 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. The charge stemmed from a broader investigation into drug trafficking in Northumberland County through which Best was identified as moving significant amount of methamphetamine. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: Camden County Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Robert Giles, 73, of Collingswood, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of child pornography. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On April 15, 2022, agents with FBI served a search warrant at Giles’s residence and discovered electronic devices that belonged to Giles. A forensic examination of those devices revealed over 45,000 unique files containing videos and images of children being sexually abused. In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Giles to 10 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $186,500 in fines. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Collingswood Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.


title: New Haven Man Charged with 2 Gunpoint Bank Robberies

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a four-count indictment today charging MARQUE GREENE-PENDERGRASS, 31, of New Haven, with offenses stemming from the armed robberies of two banks in December 2019 and January 2020. As alleged in the indictment, on December 27, 2019, Greene brandished a revolver and robbed a TD Bank located at 128 Amity Road in Woodbridge, stealing $7,139. On January 7, 2020, Greene brandished a revolver and robbed a Citizens Bank located at 430 Foxon Boulevard in East Haven, stealing $11,600. During the second robbery, Greene discharged the firearm. The indictment charges Greene with two counts of bank robbery with a dangerous weapon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years on each count; one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years; and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 10 years. Greene is currently incarcerated serving an unrelated state sentence. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Woodbridge and East Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/PSN .


title: New York Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl in New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man was sentenced today to time already served – 25 months in prison – for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jose Migel Cleto, 65, of Manhattan, New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In April 2022, Cleto distributed, and possessed with the intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl to a man in a commercial parking lot in Fort Lee, New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano of the OCDETF Unit in Newark.


title: Casper man found guilty on federal firearm offenses

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

body_text: Frank Ray Berris, 53, of Casper, Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The verdict was reached on Jun. 11, following a two-day trial held before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin. According to evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 3, a Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) trooper conducted a traffic stop, near Casper, on a black Ford Explorer being driven by Berris. The defendant, who considers himself a “sovereign citizen,” was driving with fictitious license plates that said, “United States of America Republic Diplomat Foreign National” and “UCC1-308.” Berris was unable to provide proof of a valid driver’s license, insurance, or registration. While talking with Berris, the trooper noticed a pistol in a holster between Berris and the console and an AR-style rifle between the console and the passenger seat. Berris had a warrant for his arrest. Following a three-hour standoff where the defendant refused to exit his car and told officers they would have to kill him, Berris eventually surrendered and was arrested. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the vehicle and seized a semiautomatic rifle, two semiautomatic pistols, and ammunition of various calibers. Berris was a convicted felon so he was prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms or ammunition. Berris was indicted by a grand jury and pleaded not guilty to the charges in March 2024. He represented himself at trial. Sentencing has been set for Sep. 3, 2024. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison and up to $250,000 in fines. WHP, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office and Mills Police Department responded to the scene and special agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Makenzie Morrison and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Sprecher prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00034


title: Troy Felon Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jashene Austin, age 29, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to distributing fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. Austin admitted that on August 11, 2023, he sold, to another person, 50 grams of fentanyl and a semi-automatic pistol. A prior felony conviction for attempted burglary prevented Austin from legally possessing the firearm in New York. Austin faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, when he is sentenced on October 22, 2024, by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. ATF investigated this case with assistance provided by the Troy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Fulton County Man Sentenced for Transmitting Threats

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jesse Bedell, age 36, of Mayfield, New York, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for transmitting threats to injure another person. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. Bedell was convicted following a two-day jury trial in February 2024. The evidence established that Bedell applied to work at Medline Industries’ NAMIC Division in Glens Falls and received an employment offer conditioned upon passing a background investigation. Bedell, however, failed to disclose a prior criminal conviction. As a result, on January 9, 2020, Medline withdrew the employment offer. The following morning, Bedell phoned Medline employees in Neptune, New Jersey, and Northfield, Illinois, and threatened to burn down and blow up the Glens Falls plant. Bedell also threated to kill the employee in Illinois. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start when Bedell is released from prison. The case was investigated by the Glens Falls Police Department and HSI, with assistance from the Warren County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.


title: Former D.C. CEO Sentenced to 66 Months for Stealing $2.5 Million From Former Clients

body_text: WASHINGTON – Graham S. Hauck, 51, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for stealing millions of dollars from eight clients, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. In May 2023, Hauck pleaded guilty to wire fraud for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from one former client. Following that guilty plea, additional clients contacted the government to report that Hauck had stolen from them too. Hauck even stole money from one of those clients after his May 2023 guilty plea, which resulted in the court revoking his bond. Hauck has been housed at the Alexandria, Virginia, detention center since September 2023. In total, Hauck misappropriated about $2.5 million from the clients over five years. One of his victims was a nonprofit charity working to improve the lives of cancer patients. In September 2023, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud to reflect the additional criminal conduct. In addition to the 66-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered Hauck to serve three years of supervised release and pay full restitution. Hauck served as president and CEO of Hauck & Associates, Inc., (H&A) a trade association management firm based in Washington, D.C. The victim organizations retained H&A to serve as their management company. Hauck used his access to their financial accounts to embezzle the money. Some of the ways he camouflaged his criminal conduct included falsifying balance sheets and using a foreign exchange and international payment services company to conceal fraudulent transactions. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman with assistance from former Financial Analyst Bryan Snitselaar, and Paralegal Specialists Sona Chaturvedi, Michon Tart, Marsha Cannon, and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Catherine Chae. 23cr320


title: Battle Creek Man Who Possessed and Sold Machineguns Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Over Four Kilograms of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Travon Deshaun-Roderick Mansker, 26, of Battle Creek, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing over four kilograms of methamphetamine. Mansker also possessed several firearms as a felon and two of the weapons had been modified to meet the federal definition of “machineguns”. “We choose our cases carefully, focusing the longer sentences we often secure on those who pose the greatest threat,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “Travon Mansker is one of those people. He was a large-scale pill dealer selling methamphetamine masked as Adderall. And he was trafficking illegal firearms calibrated to cause maximum harm. As we’ve done here, we will continue to focus our limited resources on those who supply the firearms and drugs that cause so much pain in our communities.” The conviction arises from an April 27, 2023, search of a Battle Creek residence where investigators seized over four kilograms of orange powder methamphetamine, 14 firearms, approximately a thousand rounds of ammunition, various high-capacity magazines, pill presses, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia. As part of his guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he intended to press the methamphetamine into pills and distribute the pills to others. The defendant had previously sold pills during the investigation that were designed to appear like the commercial drug Adderall. Of the 14 firearms seized on April 27, two of the guns had been modified to meet the federal definition of “machineguns.” Evidence in the investigation also showed that the defendant had sold four machinegun conversion devices designed to turn AR-style firearms into fully automatic machineguns in March and April 2023. Finally, five of the firearms were “privately made firearms” or “ghost guns” designed to be untraceable to law enforcement. A photograph of the evidence seized from the search is provided below: “Mr. Mansker’s time as a peddler of poison in west Michigan has come to an end,” said Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge of Detroit Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration . “His sentence clearly demonstrates our collective resolve to safeguard our communities from the threats of drugs and firearms.” “Removing violent offenders from our communities is ATF’s highest priority,” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir . “Mansker sold poison in our community while armed with illegally modified firearms. This sentence should serve as a clear message to all armed drug traffickers in the state of Michigan, if you’re packing a firearm illegally while peddling your poison, pack your bags for prison.” The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Battle Creek Police Department (BCPD), with additional support by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Vito S. Solitro prosecuted the case. ###


title: Illinois Sex Offender Charged With Coercion And Enticement Of 15-Year-Old Girl In Dutchess County

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today a Complaint charging DEREK HASSELBRINK, a/k/a “Derek Spear,” with enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and committing this offense while being required to register as a sex offender. HASSELBRINK was arrested this morning and was presented in federal court in the Central District of Illinois before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. McNaught. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Derek Hasselbrink, a 48-year-old convicted sex offender, pretended to be a 17-year-old boy online in an effort to coerce and entice a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. Hasselbrink allegedly knew that his victim was a minor, so he lied about his own age and took other measures to hide his unlawful intent. This Office will continue to relentlessly pursue predators who sexually exploit children, whether online or in person.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Those who prey upon the innocence of children represent the dark and twisted side of the criminal underworld. Derek Hasselbrink - having failed to register as a previously convicted sex offender - allegedly seduced and coerced a minor female to participate in illicit sexual activity through lewd and horrifyingly explicit messages. Today's arrest emphasizes the FBI's intrepid vigilance to protecting one of our most vulnerable populations, especially from those who seek to exploit and harm them for perverse gratification.” According to allegations contained in the Complaint: [1] From at least in or about April 2023 up to on or about July 2, 2023, HASSELBRINK, a 48-year-old male who was a convicted sex offender, engaged in sexually explicit message conversations with a 15-year-old girl (“Victim-1”) and traveled to meet Victim-1 near her home in Dutchess County, New York, to engage in sexual activity. Any individuals with information concerning DEREK HASSELBRINK, a/k/a “Derek Spear,” or whose child may have had any communications with HASSELBRINK, are asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov . * * * HASSELBRINK, 48, of Quincy, Illinois, is charged with one count of enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of engaging in this offense while being required to register as a sex offender, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI; the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office; the Quincy, Illinois Police Department; the Adams County States Attorney’s Office; the Office of the Attorney General of Kentucky; the Springfield, Illinois Field Office of the FBI; and the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Canton Resident Agency’s Child Exploitation Task Force. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcia Cohen and Kingdar Prussien are in charge of the prosecution. The allegations in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Passaic County Man Sentenced to 125 Months in Prison for Possessing Fentanyl and Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 125 months in prison for possessing fentanyl for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jessie Mayfield, 61, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Aug. 24, 2021, Mayfield possessed a quantity of fentanyl that was packaged for distribution, with the intent to sell it. He also possessed a Ruger .22 caliber pistol, along with a box containing 95 .22 caliber long rifle cartridges. In addition to the prison term, Judge Padin sentenced Mayfield to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the members of the New Jersey State Parole Board, under the direction of Chairman Samuel J. Plumeri Jr.; Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Cybercrimes Unit.


title: One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership to Host  Third Annual Peacenics at Heilman Recreation Center and O’Hair Park

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - More than 70 community organizations and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will gather at Heilmann Recreation Center on June 15 (Rain Date: June 23) and O’Hair Park on June 29 (Rain Date: June 30) for the third annual Peacenics. The events will run from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. The Peacenics are part of the One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership, a coalition of community and law enforcement partners working together to develop and execute the best strategies to reduce violent crime. The strategy has three components—enforcement, prevention, and reentry. As part of its Safe Summer Streets initiative, One Detroit will hold its third annual Peacenics in coordination with its enhanced summer enforcement strategy aimed at reducing gun violence in Detroit’s neighborhoods with the highest incidence of violent crime – Detroit’s 8th and 9th Precincts. The Peacenics are a collective gathering of the community and law enforcement coming together in the name of peace and where residents can have fun, engage with law enforcement, and obtain resources to improve the quality of their lives. The Peacenics will feature vendors offering a variety of resources including job training, literacy programs, mental health and medical screenings, utility assistance, educational and vocational opportunities, tutorial and career development programs, expungement assistance and more. Several law enforcement agencies will be there to engage with the community and recruit to fill vacancies in their organizations. In addition to the resources, there will be bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, and a free throw tournament for kids. There will also be community basketball and volleyball games. The Detroit Public Library will have their bookmobile on site for kids to enjoy storytelling time. Adults will be able to join in the fun with Hustle Dance lessons, and a Spades tournament as well as Uno tables. And back by popular demand will be the Peacenic Thrift Clothing Boutique, where residents can shop for free gently used clothing for all ages. Free food, such as pizza, hot dogs, sliders, and ice cream will also be available for residents at the Peacenics. “We are so excited to partner with the City of Detroit and the rest of our One Detroit Partners to bring the Peacenics back to Detroit again this year. We look forward to this amazing opportunity to have the community and our law enforcement join together to celebrate peace. The Peacenics will have resources to help improve lives as well as plenty of opportunities for fun and community bonding,” said United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. "Peacenics are about connecting with the community. We can't enforce without the community's understanding and buy-in," said Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison. "This is about coming together with our residents in the name of peace, and the city and our partners bringing much-needed resources right into the neighborhoods. We are thankful for the One Detroit partnership, our corporate sponsors and our volunteers who work hard to make these events happen." Residents are encouraged to register for the events by visiting the following websites: For the Peacenic at Heilmann: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/june15peaceniconedetroitprevention . For the Peacenic at O’Hair Park: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/june29city-of-detroit-host-peacen . Heilman Recreation Center is located at 19601 Brock Street (9 th Precinct) and O’Hair Park is located at 20253 Stahlian Street, Detroit (8 th Precinct). Media is welcome to attend the event. U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison, Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and Detroit Police Chief James White will be available for interviews at the Heilman Peacenic. Please contact Gina Balaya at the above email address or contact her directly at (313)226-9758 or Corey McIsaac, Deputy Director of Media Relations, City of Detroit at (248) 870-8620 for more information or to schedule an interview.


title: Eight Members and Associates of Street Gang Charged for Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Eight people have been charged as members and associates of the “793 Bloods” street gang, a subset of the Bloods national gang, for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Newark, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Muta Bell, 33, Ibn Foster, 19, Xavion Miller, 19, Corey Wade, 32, Bazair White, 20, Yusef Milliron, 28, and Alshakur Robinson, 29, all of Newark, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Robert Franklin, 29, of Newark, is charged in a separate complaint with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bell, Foster, White and Robinson were arrested today and appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate José R. Almonte in Newark federal court. Bell, Foster, and Robinson were detained; White was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. Wade and Franklin are currently detained in state custody and will make their appearances at a later date. Miller and Milliron remain at large. According to the complaints: The defendants are part of a drug trafficking organization that operates an open-air narcotics market in the area of South Orange and Isabella avenues in Newark. For several months, law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance of the area and conducted numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, all of which demonstrated extensive interactions related to drug trafficking between and among the members or the conspiracy. During law enforcement’s investigation, Franklin engaged in a suspected narcotics transaction in the vicinity of Isabella Avenue and was soon thereafter found in possession of suspected cocaine base and a privately manufactured firearm, equipped with a high-capacity magazine, loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The count of conspiracy charged in the complaint carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of at least $5 million, with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years. Franklin faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of at least $250,000 on the possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, on the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, which must run consecutive to any other punishment, and a fine of $250, 0000, for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As part of this same investigation, Fakhir Johnson, 20, and Samaj Collins, 20, both of Newark, New Jersey, were charged by complaint on Sept. 11, 2023. Johnson was charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Collins was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, and the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Fritz G. Fragé, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Juan Mattos Jr. The investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The Newark VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, Union County Jail, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Graham of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit and Rebecca Sussman of the OCDETF Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. franklin.complaint.pdf belletal.complaint.pdf


title: Roofing Company Principal Sentenced To Four Months In Prison For Failing To Protect An Employee Who Fell To His Death

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSE LEMA, a/k/a “Jose Lema Mizhirumbay,” the founder and principal of ALJ Home Improvement, Inc., a New York roofing company, was sentenced today to four months in prison by U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy for willfully violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) regulations, resulting in the death of an employee (“Victim-1”) in New Square, New York, on February 8, 2022. LEMA previously pled guilty to one count of willfully violating OSHA regulations, resulting in the death of an employee on February 26, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jose Lema endangered the safety of his workers by disregarding regulations and failing to ensure his employees used fall protection systems. This conduct led to the death of a roof worker on a construction site. Today’s sentence should send a message to small businesses that failure to comply with safety regulations endangers workers and can lead to unnecessary and preventable tragedy, and this Office will hold you accountable.” According to the allegations contained in the Information, court filings, and statements made during court proceedings: On the morning of February 8, 2022, LEMA sent Victim-1 and three other ALJ employees to install a roof on a three-story multi-family apartment building under construction in New Square, New York. LEMA failed to protect his employees from fall hazards by having them work on the roof of the building without fall protection. After ascending a ladder to the roof, Victim-1 fell to the ground and died from his injuries. Victim-1’s deadly fall was not the first time an employee of LEMA and ALJ fell to his death at one of ALJ’s worksites or that ALJ employees were exposed to fall hazards. The first fatal fall, on February 27, 2019, involved an ALJ employee who slipped off the roof of a newly constructed three-story home in Kiamesha Lake, New York. During the time between the two employees’ deaths, OSHA investigated and issued numerous citations to ALJ relating to six other ALJ worksites for failure to ensure employees were using fall protection systems. Even after Victim-1’s death, OSHA investigated yet another ALJ worksite and issued citations to ALJ for failing to ensure employees were using fall protection. In imposing LEMA’s sentence, Judge McCarthy observed that Victim-1’s death was “avoidable” and noted LEMA’s repeated failures to comply with fall protection regulations after the first ALJ employee’s death from falling from a roof. * * * In addition to the prison term, LEMA, 41, of Nanuet, New York, was sentenced to one year of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of OSHA; the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margery Feinzig is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Oklahoma sex offender sentenced to seven years in prison for failing to register in Montana

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: BILLINGS — An Oklahoma man convicted by a federal jury in Montana of failing to register as a sex offender after moving to the Billings area and despite repeated orders to do so was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Windelyn Valdo Shoulderblade, Jr., 33, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was convicted of failure to register as a sex offender on Jan. 30, following a two-day jury trial. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court ordered the sentence to run consecutive to other cases pending in Oklahoma. “For years, Shoulderblade refused to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), while continuing to commit sex offenses and exhibiting public displays of sexual deviancy. By not registering as required by law, Shoulderblade posed a constant threat to community safety. But not anymore, as he will spend the next seven years in federal prison due to aggressive and effective work of our federal prosecutors, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Northern Cheyenne SORNA Compliance Office, and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. “Since the passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act in July 2006, the U.S. Marshals Service, nationally and in Montana, has vigorously pursued those who have failed to stay compliant with the legal requirements of their registration. We will continue to do so. This sentence was the culmination of some great collaboration among several federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement entities and is a good example of how, when all of us work together, we can make our communities a safer and better place to live,” said U.S. Marshal Craig Anderson. In court documents, the government alleged that Shoulderblade was convicted of felony sexual battery in Oklahoma in 2014 and was required by law to register as a sex offender under SORNA. The government further alleged that from about December 2022 to November 2023 in Montana, Shoulderblade knowingly failed to register and update his sex offender registration. Since his 2014 conviction, Shoulderblade continued exhibiting predacious behavior while refusing to comply with his sex offender registration requirements. While out of compliance with his registration requirements, Shoulderblade spent years committing additional sex crimes. Shoulderblade moved to Montana in December 2022 and had contacts with law enforcement in Billings and on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Despite instructions to register by a Northern Cheyenne SORNA compliance officer and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Shoulderblade never did. After relocating to Billings, Shoulderblade had frequent, near-weekly contact with local law enforcement between March 2023 and July 2023. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Marshals Service, Northern Cheyenne SORNA Compliance Office and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Pharmacy Owner Sentenced for $1M Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A California man was sentenced today to two years in prison for submitting more than $1 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for prescription drugs that were never dispensed to beneficiaries. According to court documents, Paul Mansour, 56, of Sierra Madre, was a pharmacist who co-owned Mansour Partners Inc., doing business as Best Buy Drugs (Best Buy). From January 2017 to July 2022, Mansour created fake patient profiles in the Best Buy pharmacy’s digital filing system using fictitious names, dates of birth, and addresses. Mansour added fraudulent prescriptions to the fake patient profiles and then submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for those prescriptions in the name of actual Best Buy patients. In doing so, Mansour billed Medicare for fraudulent prescriptions that were never dispensed to beneficiaries. Mansour pleaded guilty on April 5, 2023, to one count of health care fraud. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Assistant Director in Charge Krysti Hawkins of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Timothy DeFrancesca of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorney Matthew R. Belz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .