title: Odessa Veteran Pleads Guilty To Theft Of Veteran Benefits

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edward Ferraro (48, Odessa) has pleaded guilty to theft of Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) disability benefits. Ferraro faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. According to public records, Ferraro, a former VA disability rater, exploited his position with the VA to apply for and approve benefits in the name of an unwitting third party in May 2003. The proceeds of the fraud were deposited into a bank account in Ferraro’s name, and over the ensuing years the VA paid more than $500,000 in improper benefits. Ferraro withdrew the VA proceeds from the account and used them to fund his lifestyle, including cash payments to his credit cards, family vacations, gambling, and the like. The scheme was discovered when the identity theft victim—also a veteran—attempted to apply for a VA-backed home loan. This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Jones.


title: Navy Sailor Sentenced To 7 Years In Federal Prison For Distribution Of Child Sex Abuse Images

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Tanner Michael Jackson (25, Jacksonville), a U.S. Navy petty officer, to 7 years in federal prison for distributing child sex abuse images. The court also ordered Jackson to serve 20 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. In addition, he was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to a victim of his offense. Jackson had pleaded guilty on March 17, 2023. According to the plea agreement, in early 2022, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that suspected child sexual abuse material had been shared via a social media application. Law enforcement obtained the subscriber information for the user who had sent the files and the internet protocol address was traced to Jackson. On August 22, 2022, law enforcement investigators executed a federal search warrant at Jackson’s residence and seized his phone. A forensic review of the phone yielded multiple files of child sexual abuse material. “Those who choose to violate the innocence of children come from all walks of life, and unfortunately that includes those who don the uniform of this country’s military and take an oath to serve,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to the partnerships we have in the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, this sailor has lost the freedoms he swore to protect and will no longer be able to victimize innocent and vulnerable children.” This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, and the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. It was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Karase and Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: West Virginia man sentenced to 24 years for methamphetamine trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling, West Virginia man was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison today for the trafficking of methamphetamine. James R. Stewart, age 37, was sentenced to 294 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. Stewart, who pled guilty to possession with intent to deliver in April, was discovered with nearly 700 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm pistol during a routine probation check. Stewart was on supervised release from a prior conviction when a probation officer located the drugs and the weapon. In a separate case, Rocco Pasquale Pandoli, 34, also of Wheeling, was sentenced by Judge Bailey to 51 months in prison for the trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine. Pandoli, also known as “Fresh,” pled guilty to six drug trafficking counts in February 2023. The evidence presented by the government indicated that Pandoli was responsible for the distribution of nearly two kilograms of cocaine. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated both cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.


title: Two Individuals Charged with Neglect Following the Death of a Child on the Red Lake Reservation

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Two individuals from the Red Lake Indian Reservation have been indicted for child neglect following the death of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, between January 1, 2022, and December 25, 2022, Julius Fineday, 41, and Sharon Rosebear, 63, willfully deprived Minor A of necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care, and supervision, despite being reasonably able to make the necessary provisions. As alleged, the neglect caused the death of Minor A. The indictment charges Fineday with one count of felony child neglect causing the death of a child and Rosebear with one count of felony child neglect. The defendants will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fremont Man Indicted for Distributing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 21, 2023, a federal grand jury had returned an indictment alleging that Joshua J. Ozment (age: 34) of Fremont, Wisconsin, distributed child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(A). According to the indictment, Ozment knowingly distributed a sexually explicit image of a prepubescent child via the internet. If convicted, Ozment faces a mandatory minimum of five years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000. This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy Pays $65,000 to Resolve Controlled Substances Act Allegations

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Greene Pharma LLC, dba Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy (Greene Pharma), a pharmacy in Catskill, New York, agreed to pay $65,000 to resolve allegations that it failed to comply with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. During a January 2022 inspection and controlled substance audit, DEA determined that Greene Pharma failed to keep adequate records pertaining to the receipt and disposition of various controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam, methylphenidate, and buprenorphine. Greene Pharma subsequently performed a self-audit of its controlled substance records and was unable to account for 200 oxycodone tablets, 144 buprenorphine films, and 2 buprenorphine tablets, which the pharmacy concluded were likely stolen by an employee who had not been adequately screened before employment. DEA also determined that Greene Pharma failed to maintain records required by the CSA, including pseudoephedrine logs and Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) electronic order forms. This settlement resolves the United States allegations that Greene Pharma caused controlled substances to be distributed without a valid prescription and failed to keep records required by the CSA. As part of this resolution, and as a condition of maintaining its DEA Certificate of Registration, Greene Pharma also agreed to a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA, which requires the pharmacy to perform employee background checks and maintain complete and accurate records pertaining to the receipt and sale of controlled substances. This case was investigated by DEA Albany District Office’s Diversion Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran represented the United States in this matter.


title: Davenport Iowa Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – On June 21, 2023, Auston McLain, 38, of Davenport, Iowa, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. Over two days of trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah Darrow, the United States presented evidence establishing that from November 10, 2020, through November 14, 2020 McLain communicated with an individual he believed to be a minor about engaging in sexual activity, sent pornographic pictures to the person he believed was a minor, asked for pictures, and then traveled from Iowa to Illinois with the intent to meet with the child and engage in sexual activity. Federal law enforcement agents arrested him when he arrived at the meeting location. Sentencing for McLain has been scheduled for October 18, 2023, at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois. At sentencing, McLain faces statutory penalties of ten years to life imprisonment, a possible fine of $250,000, and a five year to life term of supervised release for attempted enticement and up to thirty years imprisonment, a possible $250,000 fine, and a five year to life term of supervised release for travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. He also must register as a sex offender. McLain has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. The prosecution was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with the assistance of the Rock Island Police Department, the Macomb Police Department, the East Moline Police Department, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tanner Jacobs and Matthew Weir represented the United States at trial. The case against McLain was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: FBI and Seattle Police arrest three connected to illegal gun possession and firearms trafficking

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – Three Seattle-area men were arrested today on a criminal complaint charging each defendant with unlawful possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Marquise Tolbert, 27, of Tacoma, Washington, Parchey Kelly, 29, of Issaquah, Washington, and Kisean Coleman, 22, of Renton, Washington, were arrested today. The men made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle today. According to the criminal complaint, Marquise Tolbert is alleged to have possessed firearms on May 28, 2023, and on June 1, 2023. Tolbert is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a September 2022 conviction in King County Superior Court for illegally possessing a firearm. Kelly allegedly possessed a firearm on May 30, 2023. Kelly is a prohibited person due to a conviction for assault – a domestic violence conviction from 2019. Coleman is alleged to have possessed a firearm on June 1, 2023. Coleman is a prohibited person due to theft and robbery convictions in King County Superior Court in 2019. According to a detailed criminal complaint, investigators with the FBI Safe Streets task force, the DEA, and the Seattle Police Gun Violence Reduction Unit, were investigating a drug trafficking organization when Tolbert and the other defendants were heard on the wiretap discussing a gang related shoot-out in Federal Way. From that point on, investigators worked to identify those who were possessing and using firearms as part of their criminal activity. In various conversations, Tolbert, Coleman, and Kelly discussed their efforts to obtain, buy or sell firearms. In some instances, the men texted images of the firearms they wanted to buy or sell. On May 30, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant in the 3800 block of Klahanie Drive SE, in Issaquah and seized four firearms from Kelly’s car and residence in an effort to interdict the gun sales. On June 1, 2023, the wiretap indicated Tolbert was in the process of buying a Ruger handgun from Coleman. Law enforcement obtained a warrant and searched Tolbert’s residence seizing the Ruger firearm. Coleman was arrested today, and additional firearms were seized from his residence. Tolbert was arrested on the federal charges today when he reported to his state probation officer. Kelly was arrested today without incident. Illegal firearms possession is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, and the DEA as part of their focus on getting firearms off the streets. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Hobbs and Michelle Jensen.


title: Former Idaho Commercial Driver’s License Skills Tester Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Taking Bribes in Exchange for Passing Test Scores

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BOISE – Kelly Nathaniel Goodman, 72, of Gooding, Idaho, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for honest services wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. U.S. District Court Judge Amanda K. Brailsford imposed the sentence, which also requires Goodman to forfeit $38,000. To obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Idaho, an applicant must, among other requirements, receive a passing score from a CDL skills test examiner. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) contracts with third-party CDL skills test examiners to administer CDL skills tests in Idaho. According to court records, since the 1990s until late 2021, Goodman was an Idaho CDL skills test examiner. Between December 2017 and May 2020, Goodman engaged in a scheme and artifice to defraud ITD’s right to honest services while serving as an Idaho CDL skills tester. Without the knowledge or permission of ITD, Goodman accepted at least $38,000 in bribes in return for providing passing scores on Idaho CDL skills tests. Goodman specifically pleaded guilty to receiving a bribe on August 31, 2021, in return for giving an individual a passing score on an Idaho CDL skills test. U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Transportation—Office of Inspector General, which led to the charges.


title: Hardin felon sentenced to prison for illegal possession of gun

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

body_text: BILLINGS — A Hardin man with felony convictions was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after law enforcement found a firearm in a stolen truck he was driving during a pursuit that began near Billings and ended on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Casey Wallace Leider, 32, pleaded guilty in February to felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The federal sentence is in addition to a 16-month sentence the Crow Tribal Court imposed on Leider for conviction for conduct from the same incident. In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2021, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued a stolen Ford F-350 truck driven by Leider from the Lockwood area and onto the Crow Indian Reservation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs authorized the deputies to continue the chase onto the reservation. The pursuit involved police vehicles and a helicopter. The pursuit eventually ended near Pryor when the truck left the roadway and broke down in a field. Law enforcement arrested Leider, who told a deputy that he was high. Inside the truck was a pistol in plain sight. Leider had two felony convictions and was prohibited possessing firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. XXX


title: Co-Conspirator of Tucson Amtrak Shooter Sentenced to 10 Years

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Devonte Okeith Mathis, 24, of Mesquite, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 10 years in prison (60 months on Count 2, consecutive to 60 months on Count 1), followed by 60 months of supervised release. Mathis pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. On October 4, 2021, Mathis and his co-conspirator were traveling together aboard an Amtrak train in Tucson, Arizona, when his co-conspirator shot and killed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Michael Garbo aboard the train. His co-conspirator also shot and injured a second DEA Special Agent and a DEA Task Force Officer. The co-conspirator died on the scene after a shootout with a Tucson Police Department Sergeant. In pleading guilty, Mathis admitted that he knew that his co-conspirator possessed two handguns. He also admitted that it was reasonably foreseeable that his co-conspirator would possess the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking conspiracy, and that he would carry and use the two handguns during and in relation to their drug trafficking conspiracy. “Today we honor resilience,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “We commemorate the strength of a fallen hero’s family; the courage and recovery of a TPD officer and a DEA agent injured in the line of duty; the esprit de corps of our law enforcement partners at DEA and TPD; the dedication of the FBI in its investigation; and the renewed commitment by local, state, and federal law enforcement to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe. Most of all, we honor DEA Group Supervisor Michael G. Garbo for being an agent who made everyone around him better.” “Every day, law enforcement officers face dangerous situations to keep our communities safe. Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo made the ultimate sacrifice to protect everyone on that train and prevent others from being harmed,” said Akil Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office. “Today is for Michael Garbo, and his loved ones and colleagues. We hope this sentence will bring a degree of comfort and closure knowing that Mr. Mathis has been held accountable for his criminal conduct.” “Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo dedicated himself to DEA’s mission and gave his life in service to his country,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Today, we remember him as a hero, mentor, and friend and, each and every day, we honor his legacy by continuing our fight to keep Americans safe. His daughter Alexis and wife Vida are in our thoughts, as well as our DEA Special Agent and Task Force Officer who were injured during the tragic events of October 4, 2021. We want to thank the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona for their dedicated work on this case and pursuit of justice.” “That day is seared in our collective memory as an agency and as a law enforcement community,” said Tucson Chief of Police Chad Kasmar. “We will never forget our fallen colleague, DEA Group Supervisor Mike Garbo, and we are thankful that more lives were not lost that day - due to the heroic actions of many of our TPD members. Two others were seriously injured, a DEA agent and a TPD officer. I remain extremely proud of TPD's response and I hope that today's decision brings closure and peace to the family of GS Garbo, and to all who were affected by this event.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-21-2714-TUC-RM-MSA RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-096_Mathis # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans Joins Law Enforcement, Stakeholders to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Crimes

body_text: NEW ORLEANS - On June 21, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana (USAO, EDLA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New Orleans Field Office, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the Anti-Defamation League, South Central Region (ADL) co-hosted an event at the Jewish Community Center entitled “United Against Hate: Identifying, Reporting, and Preventing Hate Crimes” to discuss the rate of antisemitism both nationally and locally. UAH is a national federal initiative initiated by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland that encourages all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nation-wide to host local outreach forums to educate citizens about hate crimes. Yesterday’s meeting was the first of several planned outreach and educational events to be conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the Justice Department’s “United Against Hate” (UAH) outreach initiative, a nationwide program launched in September, 2022 to combat the rise in hate crimes. The local event at the Jewish Community Center featured presentations by Assistant U.S. Attorneys with experience in prosecuting hate crimes and civil rights violations, and representatives with the FBI-New Orleans, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Anti-Defamation League. These presentations covered such topics as the definition of hate crimes; the distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents; and accessing hate crimes prevention resources. “Crimes committed against individuals motivated by their perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability are heinous acts that denigrate the dignity of victims”, said U.S. Attorney Evans. “DOJ’s UAH initiative provides the vital information needed for the public to not only identify and report hate crimes in their community but also establish and nurture positive working relationships between the greater community and law enforcement.” U.S. Attorney Evans thanks ASAC Hannah Buch and, SSA Johnson from the FBI-New Orleans Field Office; the Anti-Defamation League-South Central Region Regional Director Lindsay Friedman, Criminal Division Chief Tracey Knight, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon (Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator), Civil Division Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Adams, New Orleans Police Department Lieutenant Hudson Cutno, Jr. and the Jewish Community Center for their development and participation in the program. Those who believe they are subject to hate crimes or incidents should contact local law enforcement and the FBI. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . * * *


title: Fourth Defendant Sentenced To Prison For Multi-Million Dollar Gas Pump Skimming Scheme

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – The fourth defendant in a gas pump skimming scheme was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 81 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to defraud victims of more than an estimated $5 million in Nevada and Southern California. Adrian Leyva Tamayo, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty in February 2023 to one count of conspiracy, one count of use of unauthorized access device, and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, from at least April 2017 and continuing through August 2020, Leyva Tamayo, together with co-conspirators Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez, Juan Sosa Tamayo, and Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez, conspired to use credit and debit card account numbers stolen from victims by means of skimmers attached to gas pumps in Las Vegas and various locations in California. As part of the conspiracy, Leyva Tamayo and his co-conspirators drove to gas station and broke into gas station pumps and installed skimmers on card payment terminals to steal credit and debit card account information from unsuspecting customers. They subsequently recoded the stolen account information and other personal data onto counterfeit cards. Then, the defendants used the counterfeit cards to fraudulently obtain goods and to make ATM cash withdrawals. Leyva Tamayo and his co-conspirators stole at least 8,229 credit and debit card numbers through the use of their skimmers, and caused a total estimated loss amount of $5,032,616. Juan Sosa Tamayo was previously sentenced to 56 months in prison; Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez was previously sentenced to 61 months in prison; and Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez was previously sentenced to 70 months in prison. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Karon Ransom for the United States Secret Service made the announcement. The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Schmale and Kimberly Frayn prosecuted the case. If you are a victim of identity theft, you may make a report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 1-877-438-4338 or online at www.identitytheft.gov . For identity theft prevention tips and free resources visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft . ###


title: Jury Convicts Brothers Who Conducted Pump and Dump Scheme on Company that Sold Home COVID-19 Tests

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 22, 2023 SAN DIEGO – A federal jury has convicted brothers Joshua Yafa and Jamie Yafa, both Florida citizens, of participating in a securities fraud pump-and-dump scheme surrounding the publicly-traded stock of two small companies. The jury found that the Yafa brothers both committed securities fraud by manipulating the market for the stock of Global Wholehealth Partners Corp. and Nunzia Pharmaceutical Corp. According to the evidence presented at trial, the Yafas worked alongside their co-conspirators to artificially inflate the price and volume of these companies’ stocks by controlling the majority of the company’s free-trading shares through concealed nominee accounts, coordinating the company’s press releases with the issuance of penny stock newsletters, paying analysts to write rosy reports about the companies, and using call rooms, all to create a buying frenzy for the stocks among unwitting investors. The FBI investigated this case through a combination of forensic analysis and sophisticated covert techniques, including the use of an undercover agent and an informant, both of whom gathered evidence through recorded phone conversations and captured email and text messages. Central to the scheme were penny stock newsletters that the Yafas created and emailed to thousands of investors. In a single six-month period, for example, the Yafas distributed 116 newsletters touting the stock of Global Wholehealth Partners. The newsletters were sent under various publication names, including OTC Tip Reporter, BuzzStocks, marketCALIBER, and Penny Stock Prophet, but the publications often carried virtually the same content, and always predicted tremendous investment returns; this despite the fact that Global Wholehealth Partners was severely underfunded and had made only a handful of sales in its entire existence. The conspirators focused heavily on touting Global Wholehealth Partners because the company purported to have access to an early COVID-19 testing product that it could sell to consumers. They hoped that creating excitement among investors about the company’s stock based on the pandemic would make their pump-and-dump scheme extremely profitable. The Yafas were just two of several defendants who were charged. Their co-conspirators, Brian Volmer and Carl Marciniak of Nevada, and Charles Strongo of Calfornia, all previously pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme. “This verdict should send a clear message: Pump-and-dump and similar market manipulation schemes are serious crimes, and the Department of Justice will continue to hold those who engage in these schemes accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and FBI agents who diligently pursued this matter. “The FBI remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals like the Yafa brothers who intentionally degrade the integrity of the United States financial markets,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Market manipulation schemes can be devastating for the victims they affect, and we will continue to collaborate with our local, state and federal partners to hold those who perpetrate them accountable.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office expresses its appreciation for assistance provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and FINRA’s Criminal Prosecutions Assistance Group. Joshua and Jamie Yafa are scheduled to be sentenced on September 25, 2023. DEFENDANTS Case Number 21CR1310-WQH Joshua Yafa Age: 49 Boca Raton, FL Jamie Yafa Age: 44 Kissimmee, FL SUMMARY OF CHARGES Securities Fraud – Title 15, U.S.C., Section 78(j) Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud – Title 18., U.S.C., Section 371 Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation


title: Portland Area Gang Member Arrested, Faces Federal Charges for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A known Hoover Criminal Gang member arrested today at his home in Gresham, Oregon is facing federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Shakor Shovontae Ray Holiday, 29, has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, with five prior felony convictions, including a 2020 federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Holiday is prohibited from possessing firearms. Despite this restriction, in May 2023, law enforcement obtained several images and videos of Holiday in possession of at least one firearm. Two videos obtained by investigators appeared to show Holiday driving a vehicle while holding an AR-style assault rifle and threatening rivals. Holiday was also observed in the photos and videos displaying various gang signs, including “H” and “107” hand signs associated with the Hoover Criminal Gang. Today, investigators executed a federal search warrant on Holiday’s Gresham residence. They located and seized a 9mm handgun and an AR-style assault rifle resembling the firearm depicted in the photos and videos reviewed by law enforcement. Holiday made his first appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Armistead. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. Illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison, three years’ supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Seven Members of Multi-State Violent Robbery Crew Indicted on Conspiracy and Hobbs Act Robbery Charges

body_text: WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging seven members of an armed robbery crew with conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and other charges related to a multi-state robbery spree that targeted pharmacy and cell phone retail stores. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Sarah Linden, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Divisions. Ashley Gause, 30, was arrested on June 8, 2023. She and her co-defendants – D’Marrell Mitchell, 33, Terrance Barnham, 33, Floyd Neal, 30, Ashawntea Henderson, 31, Deaundre Blount, 30, and Glenn Dolford, 29, all of Washington, D.C., are charged with conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), a crime that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, for allegedly robbing at least 18 pharmaceutical and cell phone stores in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey, between May 2020 and May 2021. Gause is charged in 20 of the 21 counts. She is charged, with various members, in all 15 counts of Hobbs Act robbery. According to the indictment, Gause, a/k/a “Cray,” worked with different members of the crew to rob businesses that they had surveilled. Gause and her co-conspirators also allegedly traveled to other states - including North Carolina and Virginia - likely searching for other possible targets for robberies. In some of the robberies, the defendants assaulted the victims, zip tied their hands, and/or held them at gunpoint in order to demand currency, prescription drugs, and/or cellular telephones from the victim businesses. The defendants would then sell the narcotics and cell phones. The victim businesses were located as far away as Neptune, New Jersey, and as close as neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. “This indictment alleges that these defendants conspired to commit armed robberies, at targeted businesses, using firearms and the threat of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “They chose victim establishments – throughout DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey - based on location, opportunity, and the profitability of the goods they planned to steal. Through the great work of the FBI and partner agencies, this ring has been dismantled.” “Ashley Gause and her co-conspirators allegedly committed a series of armed robberies in Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., over the course of at least two years, in part to steal prescription drugs and cell phones that they could then resell,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacobs. “During some of the armed robberies, the defendants assaulted victims, tied their hands, and held them at gunpoint. The people who live and work in these communities deserve to feel safe. Today's indictment demonstrates the FBI's commitment to leveraging partnerships to bring to justice these boundless violent criminals.” All of the defendants, except Glenn Dolford, are charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, amphetamine, morphine, tapentadol, hydrocodone, and promethazine with codeine. Branham and Neal are charged with carrying and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Gause and Mitchell are charged with two counts of using, carrying, possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Gause is charged, alone, in a third count. In addition to the conspiracy charge, each count of Hobbs Act robbery carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to distribute oxycodone carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison; using, carrying, possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. A U.S. District court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department, Alexandria Police Department (Virginia), Anne Arundel County Police Department (Maryland), Baltimore County Police Department (Maryland), Henrico County Police Division (Virginia), Laurel Police Department (Maryland), Montgomery County Police Department (Maryland), Neptune Township Police Department (New Jersey), and Prince George’s County Police Department (Maryland). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold.


title: District Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison For Two Shootings in Northeast D.C.

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Braxton Johnson, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 126 months for two separate shootings that occurred in Northeast D.C., in November and December of 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Johnson pleaded guilty, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to two counts of assault with intent to kill in April 2023. According to the government’s evidence, on November 28, 2022, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Mr. Johnson used a firearm to shoot multiple rounds at three individuals, one of which was Mr. Johnson’s ex-romantic partner, who were walking southbound on 21 st Street NE between Maryland Ave NE and I Street NE. As a result of the shooting, one victim suffered a single gunshot wound to the lower left back, and another victim suffered from a single gunshot wound to his left bicep, which shattered his humerus. Mr. Johnson then fled the scene. On December 19, 2022, at approximately 11:18 a.m., Mr. Johnson drove a scooter to one of the victim’s residences. At around 11:21 a.m., one of the victims exited the residence and was spotted by Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson, using the same firearm that was used on November 28, 2022, fired ten rounds at this victim while chasing the victim down the street. While this victim was not injured in the shooting, multiple innocent bystanders were endangered by the shooting. On January 2, 2023, Mr. Johnson was arrested and admitted to the shootings in a custodial interview. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Michelle Wicker and Cynthia Muhammad. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin F. Song, Shakinah Douglas, and Monisha Rao, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Yakima Man Sentenced to 40 Months Imprisonment and Ten Years Supervised Release for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child in Indian Country

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Raymond Lenard Holt, age 76 of Yakima, Washington has been sentenced after pleading guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor occurring on the Yakama Nation. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of forty months imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release. In addition, Holt will be required to register as a sex offender. According to Court documents and information disclosed during the sentencing hearing, between March 5, 2013 and March 4, 2015, Holt sexually touched a minor child under the age of twelve. The unlawful contact occurred directly and through the child’s clothing and while the child was participating in an after-school program. Holt had been a volunteer with the after-school program at the time of the offense. “As a parent, I am chilled by Mr. Holt’s conduct,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “It is especially concerning that this offense occurred on a bus that provided transportation to young children for an after-school program. My office takes child exploitation seriously, whether online or in-person. Children deserve to live in a world that is free from those who would exploit them. My office will continue to prioritize those offenses against our community’s youngest and most vulnerable victims.” “All children deserve to be safe, especially in an educational environment and around adults they are taught to trust. Mr. Holt’s actions demonstrated the opposite and caused irreversible damage to the victims, their families, and the community,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Together with our partners, the FBI is committed to protecting Washington state’s youngest residents by holding child predators accountable for the harm they cause.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Michael Murphy, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 1:22-CR-2060-SAB


title: California Women Plead Guilty to Iowa Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Two women who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on June 16, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. Lauretta Payce, 61, from Fontana, California, and Andrea Romo, 41, from Gardena, California, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. At the plea hearings, each admitted their involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from December 2019 through May 2022. Payce and Romo further admitted to assisting at least six others in the conspiracy by distributing roughly four pounds of methamphetamine and one pound of marijuana from California and Nevada and transporting the drugs, in a hidden vehicle compartment to Cherokee, Iowa, for further distribution. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after presentence reports are prepared. Payce and Romo were each taken into the custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, United States Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and Cherokee Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 22-4066. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Sacramento Man Indicted for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Christopher Eric Campbell, 48, of Sacramento, charging him with possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Campbell possessed child pornography in March 2023. The indictment seeks forfeiture of three different electronic devices that Campbell used to commit the offense, including an iPad, a cell phone, and a hard drive. This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case. Campbell is in state custody on related charges. If convicted in this case and proven to have a prior conviction under the laws of any State relating to the sexual abuse of a minor, Campbell faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Fort Worth Oil & Gas Man Sentenced to 17+ Years for Wire Fraud, Ordered to Pay $16M Restitution

body_text: An oil and gas fraudster was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for running a multi-million dollar Ponzi-type scheme, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Billy Marcum, Jr., 67, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty in December 2022 to wire fraud. On Thursday, he was sentenced to 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman, who also ordered him to pay more than $16 million in restitution. In plea papers, Mr. Marcum – the owner of a number of oil and gas companies, including Navarro Minerals, Caddo I, Bluecreek Operating, Fullspike Energy, Viejo Services, and Viejo Exploration – solicited money from investors, telling them their funds would be used to purchase oil and gas leases and to pay for well oil repairs and returns would be paid out of profits from the ensuing oil and gas sales. A classic Ponzi scheme, instead of purchasing the leases, Mr. Marcum used new investors’ money to fund earlier investors’ returns, lulling them into believing their investments were sound and that they should continue investing with him. (He also used some of the investment money to pay personal expenses.) In furtherance of the scheme, Mr. Marcum fabricated reports about oil production and sales and sent them to investors. The false run statements noted purported lease name and number, the gross volume of product taken, sales value, taxes paid, dates, and net amount to be paid to the operator. Marcum also recorded false lease assignments related to his scheme in counties throughout Texas to disguise his crime. Around September 2018, Mr. Marcum realized he lacked sufficient revenues and could no longer raise sufficient funds to pay existing investors. He conspired with a man named Jay Taylor to solicit investor funds on behalf of several of his companies. Mr. Marcum knowingly supplied false information to Mr. Taylor, who used the information to successfully solicit additional funds. In April 2022, Mr. Marcum admitted to FBI agents that he concocted false run statements about oil and gas sales and sent them directly to some investors and indirectly, through Mr. Taylor, to others in order to entice investments. He also admitted that he used new investor funds to pay off other investors and represented to them that the returns were from oil sales. At sentencing, prosecutors said Mr. Marcum defrauded over 150 victims, collecting nearly $30 million in investor funds and inflicting over $16 million in losses. Mr. Taylor also pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced in April to eight years in federal prison. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Fort Worth Resident Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy Larson, John de la Garza, and Beverly Chapman prosecuted the case.


title: Carter County Resident Sentenced In Two Federal Cases

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeremy Matthew Girty, age 43, of Carter County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 130 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. In a separate case, Girty was sentenced to 96 months in prison for Manslaughter in Indian Country. The manslaughter sentence was ordered to run consecutive to the drug and gun crimes. The drug and gun charges arose from an investigation by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, the Ardmore Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The manslaughter charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On April 7, 2022, Girty pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. At the plea hearing, he admitted that on July 14, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Carter County and found three handguns, ammunition, and baggies containing approximately 35 grams of methamphetamine. He further admitted he intended to distribute some of the methamphetamine seized during the search and that he was a convicted felon and knew he could not possess firearms. On June 10, 2022, Girty pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, Girty admitted that on July 31, 2021, he was drinking at a friend’s home. Girty and a passenger left in Girty’s pickup. Girty lost control and flipped the pickup killing the passenger. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Girty will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve the non-paroleable sentences of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: EU-U.S. Joint Statement Following the EU-U.S. Ministerial on Justice and Home Affairs

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: On June 21, the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) hosted the EU-U.S. Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs in Stockholm. The European Union was represented by Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, as well as Swedish Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer. The incoming Presidency of the Council was represented by Spanish Minister of Justice Maria Pilar Llop Cuenca and Spanish Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The United States was represented by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary for Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. The meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the European Union and the United States to a strong transatlantic partnership, at a time of major geopolitical challenges. The United States and the European Union once again condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. They discussed their intent to deepen their cooperation in assisting Ukraine in the area of justice reform and the rule of law. The United States and the European Union remain committed to provide protection to those who had to flee Ukraine as a result of the Russian aggression. Specifically, the United States and the European Union reaffirmed their unequivocal commitment to ensure full accountability for the international crimes committed in connection with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, respecting the important role of the International Criminal Court, Ukrainian courts, and other courts. They welcomed the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of Justice and the prosecuting authorities of the national members of the Joint Investigation Team on Ukraine, set up with the support of Eurojust, and the upcoming establishment of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which will benefit from the United States' support. The United States and the European Union saluted the start of operations of the Core International Crimes Evidence Database at Eurojust and look forward to the database becoming fully operational and to contributing thereto. The United States and the European Union also intend to continue to take the discussions on international accountability mechanisms forward to ensure effective accountability for the crime of aggression. The United States and the European Union reiterated their commitment to ensure that Russia pays for all the damages it causes in Ukraine. Relatedly, they welcomed the establishment, within the Council of Europe, of a register of damage for Ukraine. The United States and the European Union reconfirmed their intent to continue their close cooperation on the full enforcement of sanctions, including by taking action consistent with their respective legal frameworks to freeze and seize, and where appropriate confiscate, assets linked to criminal activities such as sanctions evasion, money laundering, or corruption. They reiterated the importance of cooperating with other international partners, including G7 countries, to avoid any enforcement gap and welcomed the first United States' transfer of funds seized from Russian oligarchs to aid Ukraine. The United States and the European Union remain steadfast in their efforts to fully account for holdings of immobilized assets of the Central Bank of Russia in the respective jurisdictions. The two sides reiterated their commitment to address security threats stemming from the war, including cooperation with Ukraine to reinforce the collective capacities to prevent trafficking of firearms, trafficking in human beings, and critical infrastructure protection, as well as law enforcement cooperation on information exchange and joint operational actions. They highlighted the importance of the support to help strengthen the Republic of Moldova’s security sector in the face of destabilizing activities by external actors and advance the necessary rule of law and justice reforms. The United States and the European Union expressed strong concern with the rise of violent extremism, based on the rejection of democratic values and motivated by hate, racism, xenophobia and/or related intolerance. They stressed their willingness to work jointly to identify and take effective action in situations in which violent extremist groups cooperate transnationally for the purpose of committing criminal offenses, as well as to address the challenges arising from lone actors acting at their own initiative. Both sides stressed the need to further address the significant challenges arising from the spread of terrorist and violent extremist content online, including the role of algorithmic amplification. They encouraged companies to take action to prevent misuse of their platforms to promote violence and exploit children. The United States and the European Union reaffirmed the importance of effective information sharing to combat terrorism. To that end, they plan to continue and build upon the existing pilot project between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Europol addressing security risks associated with terrorist travel. The United States and European Union welcomed the continued sharing by the U.S. Department of Justice of terrorist information, including battlefield evidence, with Europol. The United States and the European Union discussed the U.S. Enhanced Border Security Partnership and the value of bilateral information sharing under this program. They also expressed their intent to discuss future cooperation at the EU level. The United States and the European Union welcomed the relaunch of the negotiations for an EU-U.S. agreement facilitating access to electronic evidence in criminal proceedings at the beginning of 2023. This agreement will complement a robust network of existing instruments that have built trust and cumulatively provide a framework for transatlantic cooperation in criminal matters and protection of public safety subject to strong safeguards. In this context they recognized the value of the recently adopted OECD Declaration on Government Access to Personal Data held by Private Sector Entities. They also welcomed the strides taken by the United States and the European Union with respect to transatlantic transfers of data between commercial operators in a manner that satisfies the requirements of their respective legal systems. The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and its Second Additional Protocol remain the primary instruments for international cooperation on cybercrime. At the same time, in the context of their close coordination towards a new UN convention on cybercrime, the United States and the European Union support a convention that advances international cooperation to fight cybercrime and respects human rights and the rule of law. The United States and the European Union recognized the benefits and risks associated with new and emerging online technologies. They discussed the importance of maintaining the ability of judicial and law enforcement agencies to lawfully access data in order to effectively prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute crime, while safeguarding cybersecurity and confidentiality of communications. The United States and the European Union concurred on the need to enhance joint efforts to prevent and combat child sexual abuse in all its forms, online and offline. The United States and the European Union remain committed to reinforcing cooperation against cross border organized criminal networks, in particular, those involved in the illicit manufacture and trafficking of cocaine and synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. Both parties resolved to further their exchanges in relation to supply and demand reduction at the EU-U.S. Dialogue on Drugs, and at appropriate multilateral bodies. They jointly endorsed work on a project between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Europol to develop additional intelligence on entities known or suspected of participating in the transnational trade in synthetic drugs. They also welcomed ongoing cooperation between the agencies of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security and of the EU. The United States and the European Union underlined the need for joint efforts to address synthetic drugs in the context of the Global Coalition. Both expressed hope that the launch event on July 7 would provide avenues for concrete action to address this shared health and security problem. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to intensify their cooperation against environmental crime, including working together on cross-border criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as developing best practices. The United States and the European Union welcomed the progress made by the three EU Member States not yet in the Visa Waiver Program and reiterated their willingness to pursue efforts in the context of the tripartite process and bilateral discussions. The two sides concurred on the importance of reciprocal visa-free travel under their respective legal frameworks. Reaffirming their joint commitment to advance together towards common solutions in all these areas, the United States and the European Union decided to meet again in the second half of 2023 in Washington, D.C.


title: United States Attorney's Office Will Continue Federal Prosecution Of Jimcy McGirt

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Yesterday the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion reversing the November 2020 federal jury conviction of Jimcy McGirt on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. The appellate court determined an improper instruction of law was given to the jury which could have impacted the verdicts and remanded the case to the district court. “The role of the prosecution is to seek justice under the law,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “We are disappointed by the ruling, but we respect the opinion of the court. If a critical error occurred during the trial, then our goal was not achieved. The United States Attorney’s Office will, however, continue pursuing justice for the victim.”


title: Eufaula Resident Sentenced For Involuntary Manslaughter In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wendy Dawn Johnson, age 38, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country. The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On January 13, 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge. On March 18, 2021, Johnson was driving on State Highway 9 in Eufaula with a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit. She crossed the center line and struck an oncoming car, killing the driver. The crime occurred in McIntosh County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Johnson will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Former Bangor Resident Sentenced to 7+ Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A former Bangor resident was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Wayne Smith , 32, to 85 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Smith conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Miller knowingly and intentionally joined and participated in the conspiracy. His participation resulted in contacts with local law enforcement that resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms, drug paraphernalia, and other items. There are 21 defendants in this and related cases. Ten other defendants have pleaded guilty in this case, and four other participants in the conspiracy were sentenced in prior related cases. Six additional defendants have been charged; a charge in a criminal complaint or an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: 63,000 Fentanyl Pills Removed from Utah Streets and Alleged Drug Dealers Indicted and in Custody

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: Salt Lake City , Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging two foreign nationals living in Utah with multiple federal crimes including possession and distribution of narcotics. According to court documents, Lenin Rafael Rodriguez-Villafranca, a/k/a “Jose Santiago Funez Villafranca,” 23, of Magna, Utah, and Onesy Basilo Avilez-Flores, a/k/a Rafael Flores Onesy Basilo,” 22, of Magna, Utah, are in federal custody. According to a criminal complaint, in May 2023, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF), initiated a criminal investigation into Rodriguez-Villafranca and other members of a drug trafficking organization suspected of distributing large amounts of narcotics in Utah. During the execution of a search warrant for Villafranca’s residence on June 6, 2023, agents saw Avilez-Flores with narcotics, which were consistent with blue fentanyl pills. Avilez-Flores attempted to retreat further into the residence and dispose of the narcotics. Agents recovered counterfeit blue M-30 pills on the floor of the residence and in the toilet. Agents also recovered approximately 6,288 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl (totaling approximately 63,000 pills), approximately 2,737 grams of field-tested positive heroin, and approximately 1,096 grams of field-tested positive cocaine. Rodriguez-Villafranca and Avilez-Flores are charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and reentry of a previously removed alien. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on the indictment June 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Connecticut Man Sentenced to 235-Month Prison Term for Inducing a Minor to Engage in Unlawful Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that John Griffin, 45, formerly of Norwalk, Connecticut, was sentenced yesterday afternoon following his guilty plea to using a facility of interstate commerce to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. According to court records, since 2019, Griffin communicated over the internet with parents of minor daughters in an effort to allow him to train their girls in sexual submission. In furtherance of this plan, in the summer of 2020, Griffin paid for a mother, who he had met online, and her 9-year-old daughter to fly to Logan Airport in Boston, where he picked them up and drove them to his house in Ludlow, Vermont. While in Vermont, Griffin engaged in what he considered to be sexual training of the child. This “training” included Griffin forcing the child to perform a sex act with him and using the child to engage in bondage and sado-masochistic activity. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Griffin to a prison term of 235 months, to be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, Judge Sessions described Griffin’s conduct as “outrageous,” and explained that such conduct warranted a severe penalty. Griffin was also ordered to pay approximately $1.1 million dollars in restitution to the child victim, and to forfeit the Tesla he used to transport the girl and her mother from Boston to Vermont, among other items. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest said, “Leveraging his personal wealth, John Griffin targeted and sought to abuse vulnerable young girls. The sentence he received reflects the seriousness of Griffin’s horrific crime. We are grateful for the tremendous investigatory work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the invaluable assistance of both the Ludlow, Vermont and Henderson, Nevada Police Departments. This office along with its partners will continue to prioritize protecting the vulnerable and prosecuting dangerous offenders such as Griffin.” “Mr. Griffin preyed on a vulnerable woman and her child, using his wealth to lure them to his home to manipulate and sexually exploit them,” said Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “This sentence reinforces the message that the victimization of children will not be tolerated by law enforcement, and the FBI will continue to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served to those who cause irreparable harm and trauma to these innocent young victims.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with support from the police departments of Ludlow, Vermont and Henderson, Nevada. The case is docket number 2:21-cr-00109-wks and the plea agreement is linked here: US v. John Griffin Plea Agreement Griffin was represented by David Kirby, Esq., of Pound Ridge, New York. The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Michael Drescher. 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 Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Tallahassee Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession Of A Firearm By A Felon

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jaquez Quashawn Price, 25, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison followed by three years’ supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “The collaborative efforts of our partners in the Tallahassee Gun Violence Initiative continue to produce impactful results, and we will continue working tirelessly to make North Florida safer,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.” On the morning of March 8, 2022, officer of the Quincy Police Department responded to a concerned citizen’s call regarding possible prowlers walking through neighborhood backyards. Officers responded and contacted Price and another male, who claimed to be in the neighborhood visiting friends and looking for property they had lost in the area. Officers were aware that several days earlier, a vehicle had been abandoned nearby while fleeing from police, after which a backpack containing several firearms and a laptop computer were recovered. Officers believed that Price and the other male were likely searching for the backpack and weapons that had been discarded in that incident. Investigators checked Price’s identification and discovered he had a pending felony warrant, and that he was a convicted felon. Price was detained and during an officer pat-down, a .40 caliber handgun was found on his person. He was placed under arrest, for the warrant as well as for the firearm in his possession. Officers also identified a vehicle parked nearby occupied by a female who informed officers that she had driven Price and the other male to the neighborhood. Inside the vehicle, a 9mm handgun was found on the backseat floorboard behind the driver, where Price and the male had been sitting. “This is a true testament to the partnership we share with all law enforcement authorities, which transcends across all levels, said Chief T. Ashley, Quincy Police Department. “ We are committed to detouring criminal activity by proactively patrolling our communities and promptly responding to our citizens safety needs. Our citizens deserve to live free of the constant fear of gun violence in our neighborhoods. I appreciate the work of the United States Attorney Office, Northern District of Florida for prosecuting this case.” Following his arrest, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms adopted the case for federal prosecution and conducted a follow-up investigation. It was determined that Price had prior felony convictions including Burglary of a Dwelling and multiple counts of Grand Theft. Price was also documented as a member of a criminal street gang and on release and awaiting trial on multiple unrelated violent state criminal charges when the instant arrest occurred. The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Quincy Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin. 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. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Former Lawson Business Owner Indicted for Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lawson, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing and distributing child pornography over the internet. Lance M. Berry, 36, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, June 20. Berry, the owner of a flower shop in Lawson at the time of his offense, has a prior Ray County, Mo., conviction for deviate sexual assault, which requires him to register as a sex offender. The federal indictment charges Berry with one count of distributing child pornography over the internet on June 1, 2022, and with one count of possessing child pornography on June 17, 2022. Berry was arrested at his former business on June 17, 2022, by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. Berry struggled with troopers when they seized his cell phone and troopers were forced to spray him with pepper spray before placing him in handcuffs. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI. Project Safe Childhood 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 . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: KC Man Indicted in Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a murder-for-hire conspiracy after being indicted last year for illegally possessing firearms. Thomas D. Clegg, 40, was charged in a two-count second superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, June 20. The second superseding indictment replaces the original Oct. 11, 2022, indictment and a superseding indictment that contained the firearms count, and includes the additional conspiracy charge. The federal indictment charges Clegg with one count of participating in a conspiracy to commit murder for hire and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that Clegg and others conspired from Aug. 19, 2021, to June 13, 2022, to murder a victim identified as “J.C.” and his family members for payment in cash and marijuana. The indictment also alleges that Clegg was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber pistol and a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol between May 25 and June 13, 2022. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Clegg has two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, as well as prior felony convictions for unlawful use of a weapon, trafficking in drugs, voluntary manslaughter, discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle, assault, armed criminal action, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys D. Michael Green and Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Independence, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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: Mexican National Sentenced to Life in Prison for Kidnapping

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has been sentenced in federal court for kidnapping, which led to the death of the victim. Juan D. Osorio (also known as “Spexx”), 30, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Tuesday, June 20, to life in federal prison without parole. On Dec. 16, 2022, Osorio and co-defendant Jonathan M. Bravo-Lopez (also known as “Jonathan Vravo,” and “Shadow”), 28, were found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. Osorio was also found guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Bravo-Lopez was also found guilty of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported in 2016. The sentencing hearing for Bravo-Lopez is scheduled on July 26, 2023. Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Osorio and Bravo-Lopez conspired to kidnap Cristian Escutia in an attempt to rob him of money. They transported Escutia across state lines from Missouri to Kansas before fatally shooting him on April 3, 2017. Osorio and Bravo-Lopez arranged to purchase $300 of marijuana from Escutia as a ruse to lure him into their kidnapping plan. On April 3, 2017, they met Escutia outside his residence and forced him into their vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica, at gunpoint. The kidnapping was captured by the video surveillance system outside a nearby residence. When they drove to the 200 block of Donovan Road in Kansas City, Kan., they forced Escutia out of the vehicle. Escutia was shot three times and left to die on the side of the road. Osorio, who is in the United States unlawfully, was in possession of an Action Arms Uzi .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol when he was arrested on April 7, 2017. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and Matthew A. Moeder. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.


title: MEDIA ADVISORY - Two Andrews Men to be Sentenced in Federal Court for Murder and Robbery of Postal Carrier

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Trevor Seward and Jerome Davis are scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Seward is being sentenced after being convicted at trial for the murder and robbery of mail carrier Irene Pressley, which occurred after Pressley refused to deliver two pounds of marijuana to Seward. Davis is being sentenced after pleading guilty to his role in the robbery of Pressley. A press conference will be held at 4:00pm following Davis’ sentencing. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr. presided over the trial and will impose the sentences. WHEN: Thursday, June 22, 2023, Seward at 9:30am and Davis at 2:00pm WHERE: McMillan Federal Building Courtroom 1 401 West Evans Street Florence, South Carolina ###


title: Two Men Convicted Of Multiple Armed Robberies

body_text: NASHVILLE – Two men were convicted by a federal jury in Nashville on Friday of multiple crimes for their role in armed robberies committed throughout middle Tennessee, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. After a week-long trial, Fredrick Eugene Carney, 32, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was convicted of robbery, bank robbery, illegally possessing ammunition, and brandishing or discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. William John Ewing, III, 26, of Nashville, was found guilty of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges in this case relate to the 2022-armed robberies of two Cash Express businesses in Ardmore, Tenn., and Greenbrier, Tenn., as well as armed robberies of the Regions Bank in Smyrna, Tenn., and the First Horizon Bank on Whites Creek Pike in Nashville. This crime spree occurred between February 18, and May 2, 2022. The jury acquitted both men of the robbery of a Cash Express in Murfreesboro. “This is yet another example of our commitment to holding violent criminals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Leventis. “These individuals will now be removed from our communities for a long period of time and will no longer have the opportunity to inflict fear and violence upon others. I commend our law enforcement partners and our trial team for their work in securing these convictions.” As a result of these convictions, Fredrick Carney faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 31 years, and up to life in federal prison. William Ewing faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, and up to life in prison. Both men will be sentenced by United States District Court Judge William Campbell later this year. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; the Murfreesboro Police Department; the Ardmore Police Department; the Greenbrier Police Department; the Smyrna Police Department; and the Moulton, Alabama Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Montminy and Amanda J. Klopf are prosecuting the case. # # # # #


title: Cheshire Medical Center to Pay $2 Million to Settle Allegations of Controlled Substances Act Violations

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces today that Cheshire Medical Center (CMC) in Keene will pay $2 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to keep accurate records of controlled substances, including opioids. “Cheshire Medical Center’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the Controlled Substance Act enabled the theft of prescription narcotics – including powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which led to a shockingly high percentage of drugs missing from CMS’s inventory. The failures uncovered warranted a multi-million-dollar penalty and a stringent corrective action plan,” said U.S. Attorney Jane Young. “This is one of the largest settlements of drug diversion claims against a hospital in the country.” “The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.” The CSA deters the illegal distribution, possession, dispensing, and improper use of controlled substances, all of which have contributed to the opioid epidemic. The CSA requires the accurate inventorying, tracking and recordkeeping of each controlled substances to prevent misuse. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation of CMC after a nurse had stolen twenty-three intravenous bags of fentanyl solution from an automatic medication dispensing machine. CMC initially disclosed this theft to the DEA in February 2022. CMC later reported that an additional six hundred thirty-four bags of fentanyl were unaccounted for. The nurse that allegedly stole these drugs died on March 3, 2022. In April 2022, DEA investigators conducted audits of eight controlled substances at CMC’s inpatient pharmacy, which included audits of fentanyl 2ml vial; fentanyl 50 ml vial; fentanyl 50 ml IV bag; midazolam 2ml vial; lorazepam 1ml vial; hydromorphone 4mg tablet; hydromorphone 1 ml vial; and morphine sulfate 1ml vial. This audit revealed an additional 17,961 missing controlled substance units and various related recordkeeping deficiencies on the part of CMC, such as failing to maintain accurate purchase and dispensation records. The audit also revealed that, among other things, CMC failed to regularly review reports to look for possible diversion, to have sufficient structures in place to alert it to the greatly increased purchasing of controlled substances from one month to the other, and to enforce various controlled substance security policies. The settlement resolved the allegations that CMC violated the recordkeeping requirements of the CSA and its regulations. As part of the settlement, in addition to the improvements voluntarily undertaken by CMC before and after the DEA investigation, CMC has agreed to additional security and recordkeeping measures. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation leading to the settlement agreement. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz. ###


title: Charlotte Woman Faces Federal Charges For Producing And Selling Fake Documents

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury has returned a criminal indictment charging a Charlotte woman for operating a fraudulent document scheme which she advertised on Facebook, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The indictment charges Chaiya Maley-Jackson, 23, with eight counts of unlawful production of false identification documents, eight counts of unlawful transfer of false identification documents, one count of wire fraud, and one count of making false statements to a financial institution. 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 allegations contained in the indictment, as early as January 2020, Maley-Jackson was the owner and operator of Diva Documents/CPN Services (Diva Documents). The indictment alleges that Diva Documents advertised the sale of false and fraudulent documents on Facebook as well as two websites, divadocuments.com and divadocuments.onuniverse.com. As alleged in the indictment, Maley-Jackson used her personal Facebook page under the name Yaya Flowers to advertise a pricelist for the fake documents she produced, which included paystubs, lease agreements, COVID-19 hardship letters, bank statements, W2 forms, Social Security Cards, and driver’s licenses, both digital and hard copies, among others. The indictment alleges that the price for the fake documents ranged from $15 to edit a paystub to $150 for a hard copy of a driver’s license, and that Maley-Jackson required customers to pay half of the payment upfront and the balance upon completion of the fabricated documents. According to allegations in the indictment, Maley-Jackson communicated with clients via emails and text messages and provided the fraudulent documents to customers via email and mail. As alleged in the indictment, Maley-Jackson was aware that she was producing and transferring fake documents and knew that customers would use the fake documents for PPP loan applications, car loan applications, and apartment rentals, among other things. According to the indictment, between January 2020 and August 2022, Maley-Jackson created at least 400 Social Security Cards, eight driver’s licenses, and six COVID-19 vaccine cards, and earned more than $320,000 in fees from producing, selling and transferring false documents. The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charge of unlawful production of false identification documents carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison per count. The charge of unlawful transfer of false identification documents carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison per count. The maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison, and the maximum penalty for making a false statement to a financial institution is 30 years in prison. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King credited the FBI in Charlotte for the investigation which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 27 Years for Violating Federal Firearms Law

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

body_text: Oxford, MS – A Marshal County man was sentenced on Tuesday to more than 27 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. According to evidence presented at the jury trial and sentencing hearing, Charles Derryberry was the 46-year-old leader of a Mississippi-based street gang, the Nines. In February 2022, Derryberry committed a string of robberies, and fired shots at one of his victims. On February 27, 2022, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office deputies received information that Derryberry possessed a large quantity of narcotics. Deputies stopped the truck Derryberry was riding in and found a gun under Derryberry’s seat. At the time he illegally possessed a firearm, Derryberry had three or more felony convictions for crimes of violence or drug offenses and was subject to increased penalties under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). Under the ACCA, Derryberry faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison. Evidence revealed that Derryberry actually had seventeen prior felony convictions on the day he possessed the firearm. On June 20, 2023, United States District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Derryberry to 327 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “The defendant’s entire adult life has been spent committing an unending series of crimes, many of them violent,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The prosecutors and investigators in this case have made the public safer by ensuring that Derryberry is where he belongs – behind bars.” “Sending a career criminal like this to prison is another example of our commitment to work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood. “The sentence imposed in this case sends a message to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.” The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Stringfellow and Julie Addison 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.