title: Drugmaker Nostrum and Its CEO Agree to Pay Up to $50 Million to Settle False Claims Act Claims for Underpaying Rebates Owed Under Medicaid Drug Rebate Program

component: Civil Division

body_text: Nostrum Laboratories Inc. (Nostrum), located in Missouri and New Jersey, and its founder and CEO, Nirmal Mulye, Ph.D. (Mulye), have agreed to pay a minimum of $3,825,000, and up to $50 million if certain financial contingencies are met, to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly underpaying Medicaid rebates due for Nostrum’s drug Nitrofurantoin Oral Suspension (Nitro OS). The settlement is based on Nostrum’s and Mulye’s financial condition. Pursuant to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, drug manufacturers are required to pay quarterly rebates to state Medicaid programs in exchange for Medicaid’s coverage of the manufacturers’ drugs. The statute requires manufacturers to pay inflation-based rebates for drugs, which are designed to insulate the Medicaid program from drug price increases that outpace inflation. These rebates are calculated by comparing the drug’s current price to the drug’s price on the date that the “dosage form and strength” of the drug was first marketed or 1990, whichever is later. As part of the settlement, Nostrum and Mulye admitted that: Nostrum acquired Nitro OS from another manufacturer in December 2015 and continued to market the product pursuant to its preexisting FDA approval. In January 2018, Nostrum temporarily ceased manufacturing Nitro OS because the amount of lead in the product did not comply with updated 2018 FDA guidance. After modifying quantities of two inactive ingredients to reduce overall lead levels, Nostrum resumed manufacturing and marketing Nitro OS in August 2018. Nostrum characterized the relaunched version of Nitro OS as a “reformulation,” but Nostrum did not add or subtract any ingredients and the active ingredients remain unchanged. Nitro OS also remained in the same dosage form and strength as it did prior to 2018. Nostrum continues to market this version of Nitro OS under the same FDA Approval as the pre-2018 version and maintains that it is legal to do so because no major changes have been made to the drug. After relaunching Nitro OS in August 2018, Nostrum increased its price from $474.75 to $2,392.32 per bottle, which triggered significantly higher Medicaid Drug Rebate invoices from State Medicaid programs on account of the inflation-based rebate. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2018 through the first quarter of 2020 (when Nostrum withdrew from the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program), Nostrum and Mulye did not pay these entire invoiced amounts, despite learning that the larger rebate invoices were tied to the price increase and inflation based rebate and being notified by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that it should pay the higher calculated amounts. Instead, and despite prior communications to FDA that no “major changes” had been made to Nitro OS, Nostrum wrote CMS arguing that, because this version of Nitro OS is actually a “new” drug, Nostrum should not have to pay rebates based upon the prior version’s applicable price. The United States contends that, as a result of these actions, it has certain civil claims against Nostrum and Mulye from Oct. 1, 2018, through March 31, 2020, for knowingly failing to pay the required rebate amounts owed for Nitro OS as required by the Rebate Statute and Rebate Agreement and as invoiced by State Medicaid programs. “The department is committed to ensuring that pharmaceutical manufacturers meet their obligations to taxpayer funded health care programs, which support elderly and vulnerable populations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As this settlement demonstrates, the department will hold accountable those who knowingly fail to satisfy these obligations.” “The Medicaid program is a valuable safety net, providing health care to some of the most vulnerable Americans,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “By deliberately failing to pay appropriate rebates to Medicaid, Nostrum used that program to divert resources from those Americans in the hopes of generating profits. This office will not turn a blind eye to such flagrant abuse.” “The Medicaid program provides medical treatment for some of our most vulnerable citizens, and when a drug company improperly circumvents rules designed to protect the Medicaid program from overpaying for prescription drugs, the American taxpayer pays the price,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As illustrated by this settlement, pharmaceutical companies that disregard their obligation to play by the rules for financial gain will be held accountable for those actions.” “Nostrum Laboratories reduced the amount that it paid to the Medicaid program by improperly calculating the rebates it owed, even after hiking the cost of one of their drugs by over 400%,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. “Today’s settlement is a win for taxpayers by ensuring that this pharmaceutical company cannot boost its bottom line at the expense of the Medicaid program and the vulnerable population it serves.” The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was investigated by Fraud Section Attorneys Augie Ripa and Michael Hoffman, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich for the District of Massachusetts. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Kansas Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Soliciting Child Pornography from Two Boone County Victims

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Lawrence, Kansas, man has been sentenced in federal court for soliciting pornographic images from two Boone County, Mo., child victims. Kyle G. Gibler, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Friday, Oct. 27, to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Gibler to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration. Gibler will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. On Aug. 25, 2022, Gibler pleaded guilty to attempting to produce child pornography. Gibler admitted that he received pornographic photos of an 11-year-old victim and a 2-year-old victim. Gibler solicited the photos while communicating with the 11-year-old victim on a dating website. The victim told investigators she lied about her age in order to get on the site, but told Gibler she was 11 years old. According to court documents, Gibler used a fake name and persona online, portraying himself as an 18-year-old male in Florida. According to court documents, evidence from this case shows Gibler has been engaged in online activity involving the sexual exploitation of minors since at least January 2015 through April 2017. FBI agents identified six female victims under the age of 18 who produced child pornography at Gibler’s direction. Gibler distributed images of at least three of these child victims. Officers also located thousands of files depicting child pornography on Gibler’s electronic devices. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department 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: Long Island Man Charged In Bronx Shooting

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging TERRENCE ALLEN with illegally possessing ammunition in connection with a shooting by ALLEN in the courtyard of the Melrose housing complex in the Bronx on the evening of September 21, 2023. ALLEN was arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Terrence Allen brazenly fired 13 shots from a handgun as he casually strolled down a walkway in the courtyard of a residential building in the Bronx. New Yorkers deserve to be safe from gun violence. Thanks to our partners at the NYPD and the FBI, the defendant has now been apprehended.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “As we allege, in the shadow of a housing complex’s playground, Allen senselessly fired a gun, threatening the community’s right to live in safety. Along with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will hold anyone who endangers innocent lives accountable in the criminal justice system.” NYPD Commissioner Edward A Caban said: “Today’s arrest is the result of a thorough, intelligence-led investigation by the NYPD and our law enforcement partners that is just one layer of our continuing work to eradicate gun violence in New York City. We are relentless in these efforts because the lives and quality of life of all New Yorkers depend on it.” According to the allegations in the Complaint: [1] On or about September 21, 2023, at approximately 8:28 p.m., TERRENCE ALLEN walked through the courtyard of the Melrose housing complex. As he walked, ALLEN discharged a firearm multiple times by shooting to his right. This still image from surveillance camera footage shows ALLEN firing one of those shots, as well as an individual seated on a park bench just a few yards to ALLEN’s left. Upon canvassing the scene of the shooting, NYPD officers recovered 13 9mm shell casings. ALLEN was not permitted to possess ammunition because of prior felony convictions. * * * TERRENCE ALLEN, 41, of Freeport, New York, is charged with one count of possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD. Mr. Williams also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in this matter. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida School District to Protect the Civil Rights of English Learner Students

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the Clay County School District in Florida to resolve the department’s findings about the district’s program for English learner students. The department’s investigation found that the district did not provide English learner students with the language instruction needed to become fluent in English and failed to provide non-English speaking parents with important school information in a language they could understand. The department also found that English learner students could not meaningfully participate in core content classes, like math, science and social studies and did not receive individualized academic and behavioral supports that are available to their peers. In the face of these shortcomings, the district failed to take timely corrective action to ensure equal access. “Students who are learning English have the right to engage in coursework alongside their peers, and schools must take action necessary to make that right a reality,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold schools accountable when they fail to deliver on our collective promise of equality. This agreement will help ensure that English learner students in Clay County are given the tools necessary to succeed and strive in the classroom.” “School districts must provide English learner students with appropriate services to overcome language barriers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We are pleased that the Clay County School District has agreed to embrace its obligation to meet the language needs of its English learners so that students can learn English and fully participate in the district’s educational experience. Equal access to educational opportunities is at the heart of civil rights protections for our youth and students are entitled to equal access despite any language barriers they may have.” The district cooperated fully with the department’s investigation and, after receiving the results of the investigation, committed to improving its services for English learner students. As part of the settlement agreement, the district has agreed to revise its policies and improve its services so that students can learn English and fully participate in the district’s educational experience. Under the agreement, the district will modify its practices so that English learner students are properly assessed and identified shortly after their enrollment, promptly provided with language services if they qualify and have the opportunity to equally benefit from the academic and behavioral supports provided to their peers. The district will also make certain that all teachers are qualified, trained and provided enough support and resources to help English learner students become fluent in English and understand their core-content courses. The district will also provide language translation and interpretation of important school information to parents who are not fluent in English. The Justice Department will oversee the district’s implementation of the settlement agreement over the next four school years. The department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida jointly investigated under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974. The enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt , and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . View the letter of findings here. View the settlement agreement here. View the agreement summary here.


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con un Distrito Escolar de Florida para proteger los derechos civiles de los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un acuerdo de conciliación con el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Clay en Florida que resuelve los hallazgos del Departamento sobre el programa del distrito para estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés. La investigación del Departamento descubrió que el distrito no proporcionó a los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés la instrucción lingüística necesaria para dominar el inglés y no proporcionó a los padres que no hablan inglés información escolar importante en un idioma que pudieran entender. Por otra parte, el Departamento también descubrió que los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés no podían participar de forma significativa en clases de contenido básico, como matemáticas, ciencias y estudios sociales, y no recibieron los tipos de apoyo académico y conductual individualizado que están disponibles para sus compañeros. Ante estas deficiencias, el distrito no tomó medidas correctivas oportunas para garantizar el acceso igualitario. «Los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés tienen derecho a participar en los trabajos del curso junto a sus compañeros, y las escuelas deben tomar las acciones necesarias para convertir eso en realidad», afirmó la Fiscal General Auxiliar, Kristen Clarke, de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá responsabilizando a las escuelas cuando no cumplen nuestra promesa colectiva de igualdad. El acuerdo ayudará a garantizar que los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés en el Condado de Clay, reciban las herramientas necesarias para ser exitosos y esforzarse en el salón de clases. ». «Los distritos escolares deben proporcionar a los estudiantes de inglés servicios adecuados para superar las barreras lingüísticas», declaró Roger Handberg, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Centro de Florida. «Nos complace que el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Clay haya aceptado asumir su obligación de satisfacer las necesidades lingüísticas de sus estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés para que puedan aprender inglés y participar plenamente en la experiencia educativa del distrito. La igualdad de acceso a las oportunidades educativas es la base de las protecciones de los derechos civiles de nuestros jóvenes y los estudiantes tienen derecho a la igualdad de acceso a pesar de cualquier barrera lingüística que puedan tener». El distrito cooperó plenamente con la investigación del departamento y, después de recibir los resultados de la investigación, se comprometió a mejorar sus servicios para los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés. Como parte del acuerdo de conciliación, el distrito ha acordado revisar sus políticas y mejorar sus servicios para que los estudiantes puedan aprender inglés y participar plenamente en la experiencia educativa del distrito. En virtud del acuerdo, el distrito modificará sus prácticas para que los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés sean evaluados e identificados adecuadamente poco después de su inscripción, para que se les proporcionen servicios lingüísticos de inmediato si califican y para que tengan la oportunidad de beneficiarse por igual de los apoyos académicos y conductuales proporcionados a sus compañeros. Asimismo, el distrito también se asegurará de que todos los maestros estén calificados, capacitados y cuenten con suficientes recursos y apoyo para ayudar a los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés a dominar el inglés y comprender sus cursos de contenido básico. El distrito también proporcionará traducción e interpretación del idioma de información escolar importante a los padres que no dominen el inglés. El Departamento de Justicia supervisará la implementación del acuerdo de conciliación por parte del distrito durante los próximos cuatro años escolares. La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento y Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Centro de Florida investigaron conjuntamente en virtud de la ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974. La aplicación de la ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974 es una de las principales prioridades de la División de Derechos Civiles. Puede encontrar información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt , e información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas está disponible en www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section . Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles violaciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . Acuerdo de conciliación. Resumen del acuerdo.


title: Depatman Lajistis la Siyen yon Akò avèk yon Distrik Lekòl Florida pou Pwoteje Dwa Sivil Elèv K ap Aprann Anglè yo

body_text: Jodi a, Depatman Lajistis la (Justice Department) te anonse yon akò règleman avèk Distrik Lekòl Konte Clay la (Clay County School District) nan Florida pou rezoud pwoblèm depatman an te jwenn yo nan pwogram distrik la pou elèv k ap apran anglè yo. Envestigasyon depatman an te jwenn distrik la pa t ofri elèv k ap aprann anglè yo ansèyman lang yo bezwen an pou yo vin fen nan anglè epi li pa t ofri paran ki pa pale anglè yo enfòmasyon enpòtan sou lekòl la nan yon lang yo te ka konprann. Depatman an te konkli tou elèv k ap aprann anglè yo pa t ka patisipe yon fason valab nan kou matyè debaz yo, tankou matematik, syans ak syans sosyal, epi yo pa t resevwa sipò endividyalize pou etid ak pou konpòtman ki disponib pou lòt elèv yo. Devan defo sa yo, distrik la pa t pran mezi koreksyon rapid pou garanti aksè egal ego. “Elèv k ap aprann anglè yo gen dwa pou yo patisipe nan kou yo ansanm ak lòt elèv yo, epi lekòl yo dwe pran mezi ki nesesè yo pou fè dwa sa a vin yon reyalite,” Pwokirè Jeneral Adjwen an Kristen Clarke, ki nan Divizyon Dwa Sivil (Civil Rights Division) Depatman Lajistis la, te deklare. “Depatman Lajistis la pral kontinye fè lekòl yo rann kont lè yo pa respekte pwomès kolektif nou an sou zafè egalite. Akò sa a pral ede garanti pou elèv k ap aprann anglè yo nan Konte Clay resevwa zouti ki nesesè yo pou fè tout efò yo kapab epi reyisi nan saldeklas la.” “Distrik lekòl yo dwe ofri elèv k ap aprann anglè yo sèvis ki apwopriye pou simonte baryè lang yo,” Avoka Etazini an, Roger Handberg, te deklare pou Distrik Santral Florida a. “Sa fè nou plezi dèske Distrik Lekòl Konte Clay la dakò aksepte obligasyon li genyen an pou li reponn bezwen nan lang moun k ap aprann anglè li yo yon fason pou elèv yo ka aprann anglè epi patisipe konplètman nan eksperyans edikatif distrik la. Aksè egal a opòtinite edikatif yo se yon bagay ki nan kè pwoteksyon dwa sivil yo pou lajenès nou an epi elèv yo gen dwa a aksè egal malgre baryè lang yo ta ka genyen.” Distrik la te kopere nèt avèk envestigasyon depatman an epi, lè li te fin resevwa rezilta envestigasyon an, li te pran angajman amelyore sèvis li yo pou elèv k ap aprann anglè yo. Nan kad akò règleman an, distrik la te dakò revize politik li yo ak amelyore sèvis li yo pou elèv yo ka aprann anglè epi patisipe nèt nan eksperyans edikatif distrik la. Selon akò a, distrik la pral modifye pratik li yo pou yo ka evalye elèv k ap aprann anglè yo kòmsadwa epi idantifye yo touswit apre enskripsyon yo, epi ofri yo rapidman sèvis nan lang si yo kalifye pou yo ka gen chans benefisye yon fason egal ego sipò pou etid ak pou konpòtman yo ofri lòt elèv yo. Distrik la pral pran dispozisyon tou pou tout pwofesè yo ka kalifye, fòme epi resevwa kont sipò ak resous pou yo ede elèv k ap aprann anglè yo vin fen nan anglè epi vin konprann kou matyè debaz yo. Distrik la pral ofri tou tradiksyon ak entèpretasyon lang pou enfòmasyon lekòl enpòtan yo pou paran ki pa pale anglè kouraman. Depatman Lajistis la pral sipèvize jan distrik la aplike akò règleman an pandan pwochen kat ane lekòl yo. Divizyon Dwa Sivil depatman an ak Biwo Pwokirè Etazini an pou Distrik Santral Florida a te mennen envestigasyon an nan tèt ansanm selon Lwa sou Chans Egal nan Zafè Edikasyon (Equal Educational Opportunities Act) 1974 la. Aplikasyon Lwa sou Chans Egal nan Zafè Edikasyon 1974 la se yon priyorite prensipal pou Divizyon Dwa Sivil la. W ap jwenn plis enfòmasyon sou Divizyon Dwa Sivil la sou sit entènèt li an nan www.justice.gov/crt , epi w ap jwenn plis enfòmasyon sou travay Seksyon Opòtinite Edikatif la (Educational Opportunities Section) nan www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section . Manm piblik la gen dwa rapòte vyolasyon posib dwa sivil nan civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . Akò Règleman. Rezime Akò Règleman.


title: Veteran Pleads Guilty To Theft Of Government Money And Providing False Statements

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Kevin Paul McMains, 43, of Pace, Florida, plead guilty to theft of government money and providing false statements. The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “By falsely claiming he suffered catastrophic service-related injuries, McMains selfishly defrauded the federal government, but more significantly stole resources that were intended for the brave men and women who have valiantly served our country,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in such despicable conduct.” Court documents introduced at the plea hearing established that McMains served approximately eight years in the United States Army before separating from service on April 27, 2009. On April 28, 2009, McMains received a 100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) for post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”). From May 2009 to February 2023, McMains received money from the United States, namely benefits payments and services from the VA, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), and the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”). An investigation revealed that McMains provided false information to medical personnel during his examination at the VA clinic in Pensacola, Florida. McMains falsely stated he had been severely injured in an explosion while serving in Iraq, which he claimed resulted in paralysis and his confinement to a wheelchair since 2007. In addition, McMains altered a VA form that was submitted to a mental health counselor which gave the impression that McMains medical condition relating to PTSD was much more severe than it was. McMains also provided false information to the VA in documents and forms in support of his PTSD disability rating. The VA relied on the statements, documents, and forms provided by McMains in determining his disability rating. As a result, McMains received a 100% disability rating from the VA for PTSD. Based on his false statements and submission of fraudulent documents, McMains received $683,068.30 in benefit payments and services from the VA, SSA, and HHS, to which he was not entitled. “ The VA Office of Inspector General remains committed to ensuring that VA benefits are administered to deserving veterans based on legitimate military service,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Root with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this joint investigation.” “With fabricated documents that falsely reported his medical condition, Mr. McMains defrauded the government of more than $680,000, of which $357,847 was from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This admission of guilt results from an in-depth joint investigation by several Federal agencies; my office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who commit fraud against SSA,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “I thank the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General their invaluable work in this investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for holding this individual accountable for his criminal actions.” “Individuals who take advantage of federal healthcare benefits to which they are not entitled divert valuable resources away from their intended recipients,” said Steven Ryan, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those alleged to be defrauding federal health care programs are thoroughly investigated.” Sentencing in this case is set for January 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. McMains faces a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment for the theft of government money charge and a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment for each of the false statement charges. This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love. 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: Warwick Man Detained in Federal Custody on Enticement and Obscenity Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A U.S. District Court magistrate judge in Providence has ordered a Rhode Island man detained in federal custody following his arrest on charges that he allegedly attempted to entice an 11-year-old New Jersey girl to engage in sexual activity and that he allegedly transmitted obscene material to the girl, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. According to charging documents, it is alleged that Jeffrey Locke Slinn, 42, used multiple online accounts and logins to communicate with numerous underage girls. It is alleged that beginning in July 2023, Slinn engaged in a series of sexually explicit online communications with an 11-year-old girl in New Jersey, attempting to entice her to engage in sexual conduct, and that he exchanged sexually explicit images and videos with her. Slinn was arrested on October 26, 2023, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor and transfer of obscene material to a minor. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence on Friday and was ordered detained in federal custody. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams. The matter was investigated by the FBI, the Ocean Township, New Jersey, Police Department, and the Warwick, Rhode Island, Police Department. ###


title: Former Detention Officer Sentenced to Serve One Year of Probation for Deprivation of Rights

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, KYLE TECUMSEH , 26, a former detention officer with the McClain County Jail, was sentenced to serve one year of probation for deprivation of rights under color of law, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On March 22, 2023, Tecumseh was charged in a one-count information, to which he pleaded guilty the following day. According to court documents and admissions Tecumseh made during his change of plea hearing, on April 21, 2019, Tecumseh was involved with moving a pretrial detainee, B.B., into a jail cell with a senior United Aryan Brotherhood (UAB) gang member whom Tecumseh knew was angry at and posed a danger to B.B. Thereafter, Tecumseh allowed another detention officer to move several more UAB gang members into the cell with B.B. and the senior UAB gang member. The UAB gang members then, as Tecumseh knew was likely to occur, physically attacked B.B. At the sentencing hearing on October 27, 2023, U. S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Tecumseh to one year of probation, and a fine of $1,000. In announcing the sentence, the court noted Tecumseh’s duty as a detention officer to protect inmates under his supervision, but also noted his lack of prior criminal history. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: Raceland Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMYREN RICHARD , age 23, of Raceland, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 26, 2023, before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to two counts of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, on March 26, 2021, RICHARD was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Harahan Police Department. During the stop, officers located two loaded firearms inside the vehicle and RICHARD admitted to possessing both firearms. On June 15, 2021, RICHARD fled from a car that was being pursued by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. RICHARD carried a semiautomatic rifle while fleeing. He then entered a female’s home, and hid the rifle under the master bed mattress. RICHARD later admitted possessing all three firearms knowing he had a prior felony conviction that prohibited him from possessing any firearm. RICHARD is scheduled to be sentenced on February 29, 2024. As to each count, RICHARD faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Harahan Police Department, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Former Bureau Of Prisons Employee Sentenced To Prison For Workers’ Compensation Fraud

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ELIZABETH TORRES was sentenced to one year and one day in prison today for a decade-long workers’ compensation fraud scheme. TORRES duped the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) into paying her more than $600,000 in federal disability benefits by falsely claiming that she had a debilitating knee injury and therefore essentially could not work when in fact TORRES was not disabled and was even employed full-time for several years during her scheme. TORRES’s sentence was imposed by U. S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein before whom she previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The federal workers’ compensation program protects qualifying employees who suffer legitimate work injuries or illness. But some individuals, like Elizabeth Torres, take advantage of this disability benefit program. For 10 years, Torres lied to the DOL in order to steal more than $600,000 in disability benefits. For her criminal conduct, Torres has now been sentenced to prison.” According to the allegations in the Information, court filings, and statements made in court: From approximately late 2009 until early 2020, ELIZABETH TORRES sought and received compensation under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (“FECA”). FECA provides benefits to civilian federal employees who sustain an injury or illness as a result of their employment. FECA benefits are administered by the DOL’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (“OWCP”). To receive FECA benefits, a claimant must prove that she is disabled by furnishing medical documentation and other evidence with her claim. Until approximately 2006, TORRES worked as a Corrections Officer for the Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”). BOP employees are eligible to receive FECA benefits. For several years, TORRES submitted annual forms to OWCP seeking such benefits. In these forms, TORRES lied in various respects, including by claiming that: (i) she was significantly disabled; (ii) she was not working or performing volunteer work; (iii) she was not receiving any pay for various years; (iv) she was not involved in any business enterprise; and (v) a dependent was living with her for various years. More specifically, and among other things, TORRES claimed that she had a debilitating knee injury and therefore was essentially incapable of performing any work because she experienced pain and swelling within 30 minutes of sitting or standing. But in fact, TORRES was not so disabled, and she had an array of volunteer and paid work from at least approximately 2010 through 2019. Among other roles, TORRES was employed full-time from approximately 2015 through 2019 at a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center (the “Clinic”) in New York City, where she served as the Program Director for several years. On one occasion in 2019, TORRES was caught on video dancing with ease in high-heeled boots on the sidewalk outside of the Clinic. To conceal her Clinic employment from OWCP, TORRES was paid indirectly through an entity, and her salary payments were disguised as “rent.” On the basis of TORRES’s false representations to OWCP, TORRES received benefit payments of more than approximately $4,000 per month for 10 straight years, totaling over $600,000. * * * In addition to her prison sentence, TORRES, 57, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $603,372.92. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative efforts of DOL’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This matter is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Neff and Danielle M. Kudla are in charge of the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BURNEAL CARNEY , age 28, of New Orleans, plead guilty to three counts of violating the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts. Specifically, he is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). According to court documents, on January 31, 2023, in response to complaints of gun violence and drug trafficking, NOPD officers were monitoring the 1500 block of South Liberty Street when they observed CARNEY engaging in drug trafficking while possessing a firearm. The officers stopped CARNEY and , after obtaining a search warrant for his vehicle, found a loaded Glock Model 17, 9milli-meter handgun, and additional ammunition. Officers also recovered 102.92 grams of marijuana in a jar and in plastic baggies, 3.08 grams of cocaine, 0.09 grams of methamphetamine, and 2 digital scales. Sentencing in this case is scheduled for February 15, 2024. CARNEY faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine and at least three (3) years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of five (5) years to life to run consecutively, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum statutory sentence of fifteen (15) years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Each charge also carries a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González of the General Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the Clay County School District in Florida to resolve the department’s findings about the district’s program for English learner students. The department’s investigation found that the district did not provide English learner students with the language instruction needed to become fluent in English and failed to provide non-English speaking parents with important school information in a language they could understand. The department also found that English learner students could not meaningfully participate in core content classes, like math, science and social studies and did not receive individualized academic and behavioral supports that are available to their peers. In the face of these shortcomings, the district failed to take timely corrective action to ensure equal access. “Students who are learning English have the right to engage in coursework alongside their peers, and schools must take action necessary to make that right a reality,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold schools accountable when they fail to deliver on our collective promise of equality. This agreement will help ensure that English learner students in Clay County are given the tools necessary to succeed and strive in the classroom.” “School districts must provide English learner students with appropriate services to overcome language barriers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We are pleased that the Clay County School District has agreed to embrace its obligation to meet the language needs of its English learners so that students can learn English and fully participate in the district’s educational experience. Equal access to educational opportunities is at the heart of civil rights protections for our youth and students are entitled to equal access despite any language barriers they may have.” The district cooperated fully with the department’s investigation and, after receiving the results of the investigation, committed to improving its services for English learner students. As part of the settlement agreement, the district has agreed to revise its policies and improve its services so that students can learn English and fully participate in the district’s educational experience. Under the agreement, the district will modify its practices so that English learner students are properly assessed and identified shortly after their enrollment, promptly provided with language services if they qualify and have the opportunity to equally benefit from the academic and behavioral supports provided to their peers. The district will also make certain that all teachers are qualified, trained and provided enough support and resources to help English learner students become fluent in English and understand their core-content courses. The district will also provide language translation and interpretation of important school information to parents who are not fluent in English. The Justice Department will oversee the district’s implementation of the settlement agreement over the next four school years. The department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida jointly investigated under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974. The enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt , and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . View the Spanish translation of the press release here. View the Haitian Creole translation of the press release here. View the letter of findings here. View the English settlement agreement here. View the Spanish settlement agreement here. View the Haitian Creole settlement agreement here. View the English agreement summary here. View the Spanish agreement summary here. View the Haitian Creole agreement summary here.


title: Alabama man indicted for threatening Fulton County District Attorney and Sheriff regarding Trump case

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Arthur Ray Hanson, II, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Atlanta on charges of transmitting interstate threats to injure Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat because of their connections to the Fulton County, Georgia, investigation of former President Donald Trump. Hanson made his initial appearance in federal court in Huntsville and will be formally arraigned in Atlanta on November 13, 2023. “Sending interstate threats to physically harm prosecutors and law enforcement officers is a vile act intended to interfere with the administration of justice and intimidate individuals who accept a solemn duty to protect and safeguard the rights of citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “When someone threatens to harm public servants for doing their jobs to enforce our criminal laws, it potentially weakens the very foundation of our society. Our office will labor tirelessly with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to help ensure that law enforcement officials are free to serve our communities without the threat of physical attack.” “Threats against public servants are not only illegal, but also a threat against our democratic process,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. We take this responsibility very seriously and seek to punish those who engage in this type of criminal behavior, and to send the message that such conduct will not be tolerated.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictment, and other information presented in court: On August 6, 2023, Arthur Ray Hanson called the Fulton County Government customer services line twice and left two voicemails—the first for Sheriff Labat and the second for District Attorney Willis. During both calls, Hanson threatened violence against the officials. In his message for the Sheriff, Hanson made statements that included: “if you think you gonna take a mugshot of my President Donald Trump and it’s gonna be ok, you gonna find out that after you take that mugshot, some bad [expletive]’s probably gonna happen to you;” “if you take a mugshot of the President and you’re the reason it happened, some bad [expletive]’s gonna happen to you;” “I’m warning you right now before you [expletive] up your life and get hurt real bad;” “whether you got a [expletive] badge or not ain’t gonna help you none;” and “you gonna get [expletive]ed up you keep [expletive]ing with my President.” In Hanson’s message for the District Attorney, he made statements that included: “watch it when you’re going to the car at night, when you’re going into your house, watch everywhere that you’re going;” “I would be very afraid if I were you because you can’t be around people all the time that are going to protect you;” “there’s gonna be moments when you’re gonna be vulnerable;” “when you charge Trump on that fourth indictment, anytime you’re alone, be looking over your shoulder;” and “what you put out there, [expletive], comes back at you ten times harder, and don’t ever forget it.” Arthur Ray Hanson, II, 59, of Huntsville, Alabama, was indicted October 25, 2023. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Former Miami-Dade corrections sergeant sentenced to 18 months in prison for COVID-19 relief fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Oct. 27, a former corrections sergeant with the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCRD), was sentenced to 18 months in prison for COVID-19 relief fraud, followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $432,051 in restitution. Arashio Harris, 49, of Miami-Dade County, Florida, had previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent applications for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, two Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and an EIDL advance. Harris, along with being a MDCRD sergeant at the time of the crimes, was the owner and president of The Good Family Property Solutions Inc. (“Good Family”) and Flying Lions LLC (“Flying Lions”). Harris, with the help of an associate, submitted to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) a false and fraudulent EIDL application in the name of Good Family, seeking both an EIDL and an EIDL advance. As a result of this fraudulent application, Good Family obtained from the SBA a $9,000 EIDL advance that did not need to be repaid and $14,500 in EIDL loan proceeds. Harris also submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application to the SBA for Flying Lions grossly overstating the company’s gross revenues and number of employees, allowing him to fraudulently obtain $150,000 in EIDL proceeds from the SBA. Harris continued his fraud scheme by obtaining two PPP loans in the name of Good Family. In July 2020, Harris submitted a PPP loan application grossly overstating Good Family’s payroll. In support of this fraudulent application, Harris submitted several false and fabricated 2019 IRS documents claiming that Good Family had a total income of over $1,000,000 and had paid wages and salaries that year of over $768,000. These documents included false IRS Form W-2s and Good Family payroll records for these supposed employees. As a result of this false and fraudulent application, Harris obtained a $129,275 PPP loan from an SBA-approved PPP lender. In February 2021, Harris began the process of seeking a Second Draw PPP loan for Good Family to take advantage of the additional PPP relief being offered to businesses that had suffered revenue losses in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Again, the Second Draw application relied on the fraudulent income and payroll numbers used to obtain the first PPP loan, and the application package included fraudulent 2019 IRS forms and fabricated Good Family payroll records for those supposed employees. As a result of this Second Draw application, Good Family obtained a Second Draw PPP loan of $129,276 from a different SBA-approved PPP lender. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office; SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Investigations Division’s Eastern Region, and Inspector General Felix Jimenez of the Miami-Dade County Office of Inspector General (MDC OIG), announced the sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. U.S. Attorney Lapointe commended the investigative efforts of FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from MDC OIG, working in conjunction with IRS-CI and SBA OIG, in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Raemy Charest-Turken handled asset forfeiture. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20295. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young Announces the Appointment of a Domestic Terrorism and Violent Crime Assistant U.S. Attorney

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces the appointment of Tiffany Scanlon as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. AUSA Scanlon will handle domestic terrorism and other violent crimes in the District of New Hampshire. Since 2012, AUSA Tiffany Scanlon served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office in the Major Felony Unit, the Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit, Gang Unit, and the District Court and Juvenile Court Units. Over the last decade, AUSA Scanlon prosecuted numerous criminal cases, including homicides, armed robberies, non-fatal shootings, firearm offenses, and aggravated assaults. “Assistant U.S. Attorney Scanlon is a veteran violent crime prosecutor,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The District of New Hampshire is fortunate to have gained an attorney with the breadth of Tiffany’s experience in prosecuting violent crimes coupled with her outlook and tenacious approach to investigating and prosecuting complex cases.” In May 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Hampshire was allocated two new attorney positions to address civil rights, domestic terrorism, and violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is still in the hiring process for an Assistant U.S. Attorney that will focus on Civil Rights. ###


title: Arizona Company and CEO Plead Guilty to the Distribution of Drugs Not Approved by the FDA and Will Pay $2.4 Million

body_text: CONCORD – An Arizona company and CEO pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for distributing drugs into the interstate commerce that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Centera Bioscience, d/b/a Nootropics Depot, and its CEO, Paul Eftang, 38, pleaded guilty to the introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. U.S. Magistrate Judge Talesha Saint-Marc scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2024. Between April 2017 and December 2021, Centera Biosicence and Mr. Eftang marketed pharmaceutical drugs, including tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams, on Nootropicsdepot.com and online platforms like Facebook and Google. They sold the drugs to customers across the United States. Centera Bioscience employees and Mr. Eftang also regularly made representations about the company’s drugs through a Reddit forum dedicated to Centera Bioscience products. As part of the plea, Centera Bioscience has agreed to forfeit $2.4 million. Centera Bioscience has also agreed to forfeit all tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams seized by the FDA and Customs and Border Protection. FDA has not approved drugs containing tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams for use in the United States. Racetam drugs include piracetam, aniracetam, and coluracetam, and phenylpiracetam. The Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Geoffrey W.R. Ward, and FDA Special Counsel Sarah Hawkins are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Glendale Man Sentenced to 6½ Years in Prison for Laundering At Least $3 Million in Fraudulently Obtained Jobless Benefits

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Glendale man was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for laundering at least $3 million in fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance (UI) benefits that his accomplices fraudulently obtained during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arman Nikogosyan, 45, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $3 million in restitution. Nikogosyan pleaded guilty on March 27 to one count of conspiracy to launder money. Starting in 2020 and continuing until December of that year, Nikogosyan became a member of a conspiracy to launder fraudulently obtained jobless benefits. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Nikogosyan arranged to receive the cash proceeds of the unemployment fraud scheme in which his co-conspirators applied for UI benefits in the names of other people and then used debit cards issued by a major bank to withdraw the fraudulently obtained funds. In 2020, Congress expanded UI benefit amounts and duration and expanded UI eligibility to more workers in response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Employment Development Department (EDD) is the agency that administers UI benefits in California. Nikogosyan knew the cash was proceeds from the jobless benefits fraud and had some of it deposited under assumed names, including those of shell companies. Nikogosyan then had the illicitly obtained funds sent abroad and used to purchase gold in order to conceal their source, ownership and location. During this conspiracy, Nikogosyan laundered at least $3 million in fraudulently obtained proceeds that his co-conspirators brought to him in cash. In December 2020, law enforcement seized $194,497 in cash from Nikogosyan’s residence that was proceeds of the fraudulent scheme. “When confronted with the COVID pandemic that has claimed the lives of almost seven million persons worldwide to date, [Nikogosyan] instead saw an opportunity to bilk taxpayers out of the emergency funds their government generously made available to protect those who lost their jobs,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “Such criminal opportunism during a global health and economic emergency is egregious.” In separate cases, some of Nikogosyan’s co-conspirators received prison sentences for their crimes: Arman Aghasinyan, 23, of Glendale, is serving a 46-month federal prison sentence for withdrawing for accomplices $2.9 million in bogus unemployment insurance benefits from ATMs; and Arayik Avetisyan, 23, of Glendale, is serving a federal prison sentence of 36 months for withdrawing from ATMs $1.4 million in fraudulent EDD benefits and delivering the cash to his co-conspirators. The FBI and the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case. Anyone with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Nevada Man Arrested And Charged For Making Threats To United States Senator

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man made his initial appearance in federal court on October 27, 2023, for making threatening communications to a United States Senator from Nevada. According to allegations contained in a criminal complaint, between October 11, 2023 and October 19, 2023, John Anthony Miller, 43, left numerous threatening voicemails at the office of a United States Senator. On October 17, 2023, Miller threatened to assault, kidnap, or murder the United States Senator with intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the United States Senator while engaged in the performance of official duties, or with intent to retaliate against the United States Senator on account of the performance of official duties. Additionally, on October 18, 2023, at the Lloyd D. George Courthouse in Las Vegas, Miller stated that he was going to see the United States Senator. He refused to fully cooperate with a Court Security Officer and was denied entry into the courthouse. After being refused entry, he became agitated and started yelling and shouting profanities. Miller was arrested on October 26, 2023. He is charged with one count of threatening a Federal official. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 13, 2023, before United States Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI Las Vegas Division with valuable assistance provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Capitol Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Operskalski is prosecuting the case. To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov . If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Tulsa Public Schools’ Employee Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: A former Chief Learning and Talent Officer for Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) pleaded guilty today, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Devin Darel Fletcher, 39, formerly of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, Fletcher was hired in August of 2016 to be the District’s Chief Academic Officer. He was further promoted to be the District’s Chief Learning and Talent Officer prior to his resignation in June 2022. Fletcher was responsible for human resources and educational performance issues throughout TPS. Among other things, Fletcher was entrusted with limited hiring and firing authority for certain personnel, including consultants where he had limited expenditure approval authority. While working for TPS, Fletcher, admitted to working with another person to create, alter, and fabricate fraudulent invoices, purchase orders and supporting documents to defraud TPS and the Foundation for Tulsa Schools (Foundation). The Foundation is a public charity recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to build a better community through the support of TPS by providing education resources via donated funds. In total, Fletcher’s fraudulent actions caused a loss of at least $603,992.32 to TPS and the Foundation. Devin Darel Fletcher was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing and will be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple is prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Officials in Mexico Provide Capacity Building to Mexican Prosecutors to Counter Fentanyl Trafficking and Organized Crime

component: Criminal Division

body_text: To further the Bicentennial Framework between the United States and Mexico, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Assistance (INL), organized consecutive workshops with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) prosecutors to improve binational coordination, investigations and prosecutions of fentanyl cases. “We must do everything we can to stop violent cartels from manufacturing and trafficking fentanyl,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These workshops with our FGR partners strengthen our abilities to target and hold accountable those who threaten the lives of our citizens through the deadly effects of fentanyl.” During the week of October 23, in Tijuana, Mexico, OPDAT and INL, with the support of presenters from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, FGR, and the Mexican Federal Judiciary, strengthened the capabilities and skills of more than 100 Mexican federal prosecutors to investigate and prosecute fentanyl cases through two 2-day workshops. Fentanyl Workshop Presenters and Representatives from DEA, FBI, CBP, HSI, DOJ, U.S. Embassy, Mexican Attorney General's Office, and Mexican Federal Judiciary. The workshops highlighted and promoted good practices to investigate fentanyl trafficking networks, provided an understanding of global trafficking trends and the fentanyl criminal market worldwide, and explained how precursors from China arrive to the Americas and are eventually used to make fentanyl that is trafficked throughout the United States. At the workshop, OPDAT Senior Resident Legal Advisor in Mexico René Valle, Justice Department Counselor for Narcotics and Transnational Organized Crime Arthur Wyatt, the Deputy Consul General of the U.S. Embassy in Tijuana William Swaney, and the FGR Delegate in Tijuana Victorino Porcayo Domínguez, provided opening remarks in which they emphasized the importance of binational coordination and collaboration to jointly combat fentanyl trafficking. Justice Department representative provides opening remarks to FGR prosecutors. This bilateral effort was coordinated to address fentanyl trafficking at the border of both countries and strengthen the justice system, all with the goal to ensure safe and prosperous communities.


title: California Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two California men were each sentenced today to 24 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in New Jersey and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Erik Eduardo Velazquez Bautista, 25, and Jesus Alejandro Rodriguez Velasquez, 27, both of San Diego, California, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an informations charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentences today in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Dec. 2, 2021, Velazquez Bautista and Rodriguez Velasquez were driving across the country to deliver narcotics to a purchaser in New York when they were stopped by law enforcement. Law enforcement seized approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately five kilograms of fentanyl. In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martinotti sentenced both defendants to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.


title: Shrewsbury Man Arrested for Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A mentor for the Shrewsbury High School Robotics Team was arrested today for allegedly possessing and transporting child pornography. Brian Lingard, 60, of Shrewsbury was charged with transportation of and possession of child pornography. He was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Worcester at 3:45 p.m. today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy. According to the complaint affidavit, on Oct. 19, 2023, Lingard flew from Paris to Boston. During a customs screening, it is alleged that Lingard was found to possess images depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his phone. A subsequent search of devices stored at Lingard’s residence revealed an additional collection of alleged CSAM. Data extracted from the SD card of Lingard’s phone allegedly revealed approximately 23 images of CSAM depicting minors who appear to be under 10 years old. At least two of the images depict minors who have previously been identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as child sexual abuse victims. It is further alleged that the SD card also contained multiple images of fully clothed minor females who appear to be in a school setting. The images appear to have been taken surreptitiously and are focused on the buttocks of the minor females. A review of the metadata associated with these photos allegedly revealed that some were taken at Shrewsbury High School. The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Michael McCarthy, Acting Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ . Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. The details contained in the criminal complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: Birmingham, Ala. – U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona joins the U.S. Department of Justice in commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). DVAM provides an opportunity to honor victims and survivors, and recognize the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors. The prevalence of domestic violence, dating violence, and intimate partner violence is alarming. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. Nearly 20 percent of all violent crime is categorized as domestic violence, as revealed by the 2021 National Crime Victimization Survey data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. “Domestic violence tears at the fabric of our communities and affects every demographic of society,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “People who commit violence within their homes are often also the same people who commit violent crimes in our communities. My office along with our federal, state, and local partners remain committed to protecting victims of violence.” An abuser’s access to firearms is the single greatest risk factor for intimate partner homicide. The presence of a firearm during a domestic violence incident increases the risk of homicide 500%. Federal firearm laws prohibit gun possession for domestic abusers. These firearm laws can be used to prosecute abusers – often without the testimony of victims, who may be hesitant to testify in a court proceeding against their abuser. The pertinent federal laws that may relate to domestic violence crimes fall into two broad categories: Crimes under the Gun Control Act , which prevents prohibited persons – including convicted felons, individuals previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses, and individuals subject to certain protective orders—from possessing firearms, or from lying to firearms dealers about their status Crimes under the Violence Against Women Act , which prohibits interstate stalking, cyber stalking, and using interstate commerce to commit domestic violence or violate protective orders The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women has awarded One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center (One Place) $800,000 to support its mission as the comprehensive service provider for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Jefferson County. The Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!) and the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) partnered with One Place in its application to enhance services to survivors of domestic violence in Jefferson County. The award comes to One Place through OVW’s Improving Criminal Justice Responses grant program. Since 2022, the Department of Justice has committed more than $1.6 million of funding for new projects to address domestic violence within the Northern District of Alabama. In October 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama launched Operation Safe Families to bring federal law enforcement alongside local victim service providers, state and local law enforcement, and local prosecutors to better respond to the needs of victims of domestic violence and the threats presented to the community by domestic violence offenders. Not only do domestic violence offenders often terrorize former intimate partners, national and local crime data confirms that domestic violence offenders present extreme risks to law enforcement officers and are often responsible for significant amounts of violent crimes in Alabama communities. If you would like more information about Operation Safe Families visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndal/operation-safe-families-protecting-families-gun-violence or to receive training or resources related to domestic violence, please contact the U.S Attorney’s Office at 205.244.2015. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or need resources, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources .


title: Convicted Drug Dealer Sentenced to 16 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Fentanyl and Cocaine while on Probation.

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Walter Mays, 52, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 198 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and admitting to violating his supervised release from a prior federal conviction. According to court documents, on October 26, 2022, IMPD officers stopped Walter Mays for numerous traffic violations on the east side of Indianapolis. Officers searched the vehicle and located 189.2 grams of cocaine in the center console. During a conversation with officers, Mays admitted that he had more drugs at his residence and another 5.5 ounces of cocaine in the back of his truck. Mays also stated that he was on his way to sell the cocaine to a customer for $3,000. Drug Enforcement Administration Agents searched Mays’ home and found a Bath and Body Works bag containing over 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl and 83.6 grams of crack cocaine. Agents also found a black 9mm handgun and two digital scales. Mays is prohibited under federal law from ever possessing a firearm due to his previous felony conviction for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. Mays was on federal supervised release at the time of this most recent offense. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug our country has ever faced, and those who seek to profit from this poison must be held accountable,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The federal prison sentence imposed against this repeat drug dealer demonstrates that there will be serious consequences for those who traffic in deadly drugs with utter disregard for human life. Our federal prosecutors are committed to working closely with the DEA and IMPD to take fentanyl and fentanyl dealers off our streets because just one pill can kill.” DEA and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Mays be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Patrick A. Gibson, who prosecuted this case. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug. One Pill Can Kill : Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill . Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late. ###


title: Martinsburg woman sentenced to 40 years for trafficking a teenager

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Destiny Rebecca Somersall, age 41, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 40 years in federal prison for sex trafficking of a child. According to court documents and statements made in court, Somersall befriended a Florida man, 76-year-old John Balch, who requested photos and videos of a minor in exchange for money and gifts. Somersall sent sexual photographs and videos of the minor. One of the videos included a second victim. Somersall later agreed to drive the teen to a hotel in Maryland for sexual contact with Balch for money on multiple occasions. Investigators found at least 60 cash transactions between Balch and Somersall over a period of two years totaling $13,725. Balch was indicted in the District of Maryland and pled guilty to related charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland assisted. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided. 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information on human trafficking, go to www.stophumantraffickingwv.org . To report a potential human trafficking crime, email USWVN-Report@usdoj.gov or call 304-234-0100.


title: Two Russian Nationals Charged For Conspiring To Hack The Taxi Dispatch System At JFK Airport

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and John Gay, the Inspector General of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (the “Port Authority”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ALEKSANDR DEREBENETC, a/k/a “Sasha Novgorod,” and KIRILL SHIPULIN, a/k/a “Kirill Russia,” with two counts of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions. The Indictment charges that DEREBENETC and SHIPULIN hacked the electronic taxi dispatch system (the “Dispatch System”) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK”). Taxi drivers are required to wait in a holding lot at JFK before they are dispatched to pick up a fare. A computer system ensures that taxis are dispatched in the order in which they arrived. DEREBENETC and SHIPULIN conspired with DANIEL ABAYEV and PETER LEYMAN to hack the Dispatch System and move certain taxis to the front of the line in exchange for payment. ABAYEV pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, and LEYMAN pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions on October 4, 2023. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the indictment, these four defendants conspired to hack into the taxi dispatch system at JFK airport. Cyber hacking can pose grave threats to infrastructure systems that we rely on every day, and our Office is dedicated to pursuing criminal hackers, whether they be in Russia or here in New York.” Port Authority Inspector General John Gay said: “The significant charges in this alleged hacking conspiracy show that the Port Authority takes seriously our obligation to safe and equitable operations across our facilities. As alleged, this brazen scheme corrupted a system that hard-working taxi drivers rely on to earn a living, all so the defendants could make some extra cash. We are grateful for our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.” As alleged in the Indictment: [1] From at least September 2019 through September 2021, DEREBENETC and SHIPULIN, who are Russian nationals residing in Russia, and ABAYEV and LEYMAN, who are U.S. citizens residing in Queens, New York, engaged in a scheme (the “Hacking Scheme”) to hack the Dispatch System at JFK. At all relevant times, taxi drivers who sought to pick up a fare at JFK were required to wait in a holding lot at JFK before being dispatched to a specific terminal by the Dispatch System. Taxi drivers were frequently required to wait several hours in the lot before being dispatched to a terminal and were dispatched in approximately the order in which they arrived at the holding lot. Beginning in 2019, DEREBENETC, SHIPULIN, ABAYEV, and LEYMAN explored and attempted various mechanisms to access the Dispatch System, including bribing someone to insert a flash drive containing malware into computers connected to the Dispatch System, obtaining unauthorized access to the Dispatch System via a Wi-Fi connection, and stealing computer tablets connected to the Dispatch System. The members of the Hacking Scheme also sent messages to each other in which they explicitly discussed their intention to hack the Dispatch System. For example, on or about November 10, 2019, ABAYEV messaged the following to DEREBENETC in Russian: “I know that the Pentagon is being hacked[.]. So, can’t we hack the taxi industry[?]” At various times between November 2019 and November 2020, DEREBENETC, SHIPULIN, ABAYEV, and LEYMAN successfully hacked the Dispatch System. They used their unauthorized access to alter the Dispatch System and move specific taxis to the front of the line, thereby allowing drivers of those taxis to skip other taxi drivers waiting in the line. ABAYEV and LEYMAN charged taxi drivers $10 each time they were advanced to the front of the line and transferred part of their profits to SHIPULIN and DEREBENETC. ABAYEV and LEYMAN’s scheme resulted in large numbers of taxi drivers skipping the taxi line. Over the course of the scheme, they enabled as many as 1,000 fraudulently expedited taxi trips a day. * * * DEREBENETC, 30, of Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia, and SHIPULIN, 30, of Moscow, Russia, are each charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. ABAYEV, 47, and LEYMAN, 49, both of Queens, New York, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. LEYMAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Crotty on January 11, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., and ABAYEV is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Crotty on February 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. DEREBENETC and SHIPULIN remain at large. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Port Authority Office of the Inspector General. Mr. Williams also thanked Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Steven J. Kochevar are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Browning woman sentenced to 27 months in prison for sexual abuse of minor boy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Browning woman who admitted to sexually abusing a boy on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 27 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Brittany Lynn Gervais, 26, pleaded guilty in May to sexual abuse of a minor. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2021, a relative of the victim, identified as John Doe, was outside her residence when she saw John Doe approach, with Gervais trailing. John Doe was 13 years old and has developmental delays. The relative saw blood on John Doe’s clothing and called an ambulance. The investigation determined that Gervais met John Doe at a residence in the early morning hours. The pair left the residence together and at some point, Gervais sexually assaulted him before walking with him back to his residence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kalah A. Paisley and Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Service conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Former Federal Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to Five Years' Probation After Pleading Guilty to Violating Airport Security Requirements

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced former Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officer Supreme Jones, age 32, of Atlanta, Georgia and formerly of Maryland, today to five years’ probation after Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of entering an aircraft or airport security area in violation of security requirements. As a result of his federal conviction, at least during his five year term of probation, Jones will not be able to be employed in law enforcement. The guilty plea and sentence were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Baltimore; Stephen T. Maloney, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Craig Miles of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region (“DOT-OIG”). According to court documents, from 2018 through 2022, Jones was an armed CBP officer assigned as a uniformed officer at the Baltimore Washington International/Thurgood Marshall Airport (“BWI”). As a result of his duties, Jones was issued credentials authorizing him to go into any area of BWI, including the areas beyond the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) security checkpoints, for the performance of his official duties. In June 2021, the FBI began an investigation into complaints that Jones was abusing his authority by using his credential to enter secure areas when not performing official duties, specifically when flying for personal travel. According to the statement of facts, during a 14-month period Jones made more than 60 flights, either going from or returning to BWI. Upon review of surveillance imagery corresponding to the entry point hits, the FBI discovered that Jones was often entering the sterile area of BWI via the controlled exit portals when in civilian clothing by displaying his badge to the TSA Officer or TSO on duty at the exit portal. Although a number of trips raised suspicions about Jones’ conduct, two itineraries in particular drew close scrutiny. On February 21, 2022, Jones flew from BWI to Atlanta, GA. He did not declare himself to be armed on this flight. Nonetheless, while in civilian clothes, he used his badge to access the security area to proceed to his departure gate within. When he arrived at the gate, he engaged in a conversation with the airline personnel, appeared to display a previously unseen limp and obtained a special needs boarding pass from the airline, thus enabling him priority boarding of the aircraft. During this same travel period, Jones flew round-trip from Atlanta to Miami, then Miami to St. Martin. To justify a flight change and/or late arrival on the return flight, without incurring a flight change fee, Jones falsely represented that a military unit to which he was assigned had been involved in an accident; falsely identified his military superior; and provided a fictitious phone number. On April 5, 2022, FBI agents conducted surveillance of Jones in BWI. They saw Jones, while still on duty and in his uniform, jump a long line of passengers in line at an airline ticket counter to check-in for a flight he was taking later that day in his personal capacity. About 30 to 45 minutes before the departure time of his flight, FBI Special Agents saw Jones entering the terminal through the exit point, rather than through the TSA security checkpoint. When the agents confronted Jones, he denied having a flight that day and stated that he was “…working…trailing somebody,” or words to the effect. A short while later, Jones was seen in the departure gate area for his Atlanta-bound flight. Jones was arrested on June 26, 2022, as he was about to board a flight from BWI to Boston, Massachusetts, with a scheduled return the following day. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the FBI, HSI, CBP and DOT-OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Minnesota Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Minnesota man who intended to distribute pills containing fentanyl was sentenced on October 27, 2023, to more than four years in federal prison. Khalil Petroske, age 22, from St. Paul, Minnesota, received the prison term after a June 13, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, on July 23, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle Petroske was driving. During the traffic stop, officers seized a baggie of blue pills containing fentanyl from an air vent. Petroske was arrested and, while in the back of a patrol car, Petroske removed a baggie of marijuana and a baggie containing more blue pills containing fentanyl from his pants and dropped them in the back of the patrol car. In total, Petroske possessed 30.73 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. Petroske was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Petroske was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a three‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Petroske is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Urbana Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-00028-CJW. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.