title: Child pornography on cell phone sends Billings man to prison for more than four years

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conviction of a child pornography crime after he and another individual were arrested when they arrived at a park to meet a fictitious teenage boy, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Jeffrey Mayes Wilkerson, 40, pleaded guilty in May to possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. In court documents, the government alleged that on July 14, 2022, in Billings, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old boy received a message on a social media platform from Wilkerson’s co-defendant, Kyle Ray Schwindt. Communications between the undercover and Schwindt turned sexual and were later connected to Wilkerson. The communications led to setting up a meeting in a park on July 15, 2022. Officers arrested Schwindt and Wilkerson when they arrived. Investigators served a search warrant on Wilkerson’s cellphone and found 172 files depicting child sex abuse material. Schwindt was sentenced previously to five years and 11 months in prison for his conviction in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Bryan T. Dake prosecuted the case. The FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bozeman Police Department conducted the investigation. This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children. XXX


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Trafficking Large Quantities Of Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Near Elementary School

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Thursday by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to 10 years in prison for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine from his home, which was located across the street from an elementary school. According to court documents, Daniel Thorndal, 51, conspired with others to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and five grams or more of methamphetamine in Las Vegas. On April 15, 2022, Thorndal sold methamphetamine and fentanyl at his residence. On April 21, 2022, Thorndal sold fentanyl at the same residence again. On May 6, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant on the residence and recovered approximately 422 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 127 grams of fentanyl. In addition to the drugs, law enforcement officials also recovered a .380 caliber pistol that was possessed in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. Thorndal pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. In addition to imprisonment, he was sentenced to four years of supervised release. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Operskalski prosecuted the case. ###


title: Annapolis Woman Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison  For Role in Manufacturing Fentanyl Pills

body_text: WASHINGTON – Laura Garvin, 30, of Annapolis, Md., was sentenced today to 24 months in prison in connection with her role in a drug trafficking group running a fentanyl pill pressing operation in and around Washington, D.C. and Maryland. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. Garvin pleaded guilty to a one count information on May 17, 2023, charging her with conspiracy with intent to distribute fentanyl. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered Garvin to serve 24 months of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, Garvin helped sell real and fake oxycodone pills. She also sold powder cocaine. In addition to this, she allowed members of the drug trafficking conspiracy to store one of the group’s industrial pill presses at her home along with a tub filled with fentanyl pill making mix after the group’s drug lab was discovered in Laurel, Maryland. The conspiracy started in May 2020 and lasted until September 2022. Garvin admitted that she was accountable for between 40 grams and 160 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. In August 2021, the FBI began investigating a drug trafficking group running a fentanyl pill pressing operation in and around Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Law enforcement learned that the group possessed at least three pill presses – including one industrial rotary pill machine – used to press fentanyl into counterfeit prescription pills. The pills were made to appear as legitimate prescription oxycodone and other prescription drugs which the group then distributed throughout the District and Maryland. On March 29, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at an apartment stash house on the 1300 block of 4th Street in Southeast Washington, D.C. During the search, agents seized Zip-loc baggies of pills and loose powder, totaling more than 516 pills and more than 76 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Garvin had spent the evening at this location on multiple occasions. FBI agents arrested Garvin on September 20, 2022. After her arrest, she had been on home confinement while awaiting sentencing. However, she tested positive for cocaine and allegedly continued to sell oxycodone pills. Garvin was removed from pre-trial supervision and taken into custody on November 9, 2023. Garvin’s boyfriend, Co-defendant Collin Edwards, aka “Chills,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and a charge of identity theft. Edwards, 29, of Largo, Md., is scheduled for sentencing on March 5, 2024. The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating this case. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin L. Rosenberg of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Wasserman and former Special Assistant United States Attorneys Marnee Rand and Sarah Rasalam assisted in the investigation.


title: Brownsville Resident Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison and Three Years of Federal Supervised Release for Federal Firearms Violations

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan following his conviction for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Deago Lee Eddings, formerly of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment for his federal firearms conviction, with his federal sentence to be served consecutive to the term of incarceration for his state parole violation for the same conduct. In total, Eddings will be incarcerated for at least 45 months for his conduct. Judge Horan further sentenced Eddings to the maximum term of three years of federal supervised release following his incarceration. Eddings’ violation of federal firearms law occurred on September 16, 2020. Eddings had just completed his state sentence and was on state parole when he incurred this federal firearm charge. Eddings, a convicted felon, pleaded guilty to illegally being in possession of a firearm and ammunition in May 2023. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Ann Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Brentwood Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Eddings. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Jury Finds District Man Guilty of First-Degree Child Cruelty

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Anthony Johnson, 42, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of first-degree cruelty to children and assault of significant bodily injury of a minor for charges that took place in northwest Washington, D.C., on April 5, 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves. The verdict was returned on January 12, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Erik Christian scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, on the night of April 5, 2022, Johnson entered the home of the 12-year-old victim, who was at home with several of his minor siblings, his grandmom, and his uncle. Johnson knew the victim’s mother, and after entering the house, Johnson approached the minor victim and began physically fighting with him on the first floor of the home. When the minor victim tried to run away up a flight of stairs Johnson grabbed the victim’s leg, pulled him down the stairs, and punched him in the face, knocking three of the victim’s teeth out. Two of the victim’s minor sisters were also at home at that time, and bore witness to Johnson’s attack on their older brother. One sister called 911, alerting the authorities who took the victim to the hospital. In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Paralegal Specialist Garcia Clarke, Victim/Witness Specialist Lezlie Richardson, Appellate Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Han, Investigative Analyst Lucas Jetson, Forensic Interviewers Tracy Owusu and Tamara Carey, Interns Brittany Madrid, Natalie Norton, and Michael Santos, and Victim/Witness Coordinator Maenylie Watson. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, LaVater Massie-Banks and Sarah Roessler, from the Domestic Violence Felonies Unit, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Former U.S. Navy Doctor Sentenced for Perpetrating a $2 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Dr. Michael Villarroel, who at the time of his crimes was a doctor in the U.S. Navy, was sentenced in federal court today to one year and one day in custody after admitting that he and others participated in a scheme to file false claims to obtain unearned benefits from an insurance program that compensates service members who suffer serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty. He was also ordered to pay $180,000 as criminal forfeiture. A restitution hearing is scheduled on April 2. Villarroels’ sentence followed his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to his plea agreement, participants in the scheme obtained approximately $2 million in payments from fraudulent claims submitted to the insurance program - Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program, or TSGLI. Villarroel admitted that from 2012 to at least December 2015, he conspired with other members of the Navy to obtain money from the United States by making claims for life insurance payments based on exaggerated or fake injuries and disabilities. Villarroel certified that he reviewed the records and determined the injuries were legitimate when in fact he knew they were fake or exaggerated. At times Villarroel falsely stated that he interviewed the claimant and provided others service members actual medical records to be used in fabricating claims. Villarroel knew the claims were false but he signed off on them to receive kickbacks once the fake injuries resulted in insurance payouts. “As fraudulent schemes go, this one was egregious,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Today the defendant found out there is a high price to be paid for pocketing money intended for injured and traumatized servicemembers.” “Fraudulent activities compromise the integrity of government programs and services and divert compensation from deserving recipients,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebeccalynn Staples with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Western Field Office. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his dishonest actions, and the VA OIG will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure schemes like this are uncovered, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “Michael Villaroel’s blatant abuse of his position of trust within the United States military is unscrupulous and this sentencing proves that such actions will not be tolerated,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge John Kim. “The FBI and its law enforcement partners remain committed to aggressively disrupt, and, ultimately, bring to justice anyone who defrauds the United States government.” “Dr. Villarroel betrayed his oath to the Navy and has been held to account for his role in a scheme that diverted more than $2 million in critical resources away from wounded service members recovering from traumatic injuries,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our partners are committed to rooting out corruption that threatens the safety and wellbeing of our service members and their families.” The Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) program was administered by Prudential for the Navy and funded by servicemembers and the Department of the Navy. TSGLI provided financial assistance to servicemembers recovering from traumatic injuries. According to court records, Villarroel’s co-defendants were part of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One (“EOD ESU One”) based in Coronado, California. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Ko and Mark Conover for the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case. DEFENDANT 18CR1674-JLS Michael Villarroel 51 Coronado, California RELATED CASES Kelene Meyer 18CR1674-JLS Jacksonville, FL Christopher Toups 18CR1674-JLS White, GA Paul Craig 18CR1674-JLS Austin, TX Richard Cote 18CR1674-JLS Oceanside, CA Earnest Thompson 18CR1674-JLS Murrieta, CA Ronald Olmsted 20CR0659-JLS Mobile, AL Anthony Coco 20CR0197-JLS San Diego, CA Stephen Mulholland 20CR0052-JLS Panama City Beach, FL SUMMARY OF CHARGES 18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution Others: 18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution 18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution 18 U.S.C. § 287, Making a False Claim Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation Naval Criminal Investigative Service Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General


title: Prolific Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Almost 22 Years in Prison and Ordered to Forfeit $280 million

number: CAS24-0112-Flores Hernandez

body_text: SAN DIEGO –Narcotrafficker Raul Flores Hernandez was sentenced in federal court today to 262 months in prison for moving hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cocaine into the United States over more than three decades. He was also ordered to forfeit $280 million in drug proceeds. According to court documents, Flores Hernandez was a leader of a prolific drug trafficking organization that worked closely with Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman of the Sinaloa Cartel and Hector Beltran of the Beltran Leyva Organization. He utilized his connections with suppliers in South America and corrupt government employees to transport hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine into Mexico for importation into the United States. “It may be impossible to quantify the destruction wrought by this defendant channeling vast quantities of cocaine across the globe,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “One thing is certain - the world is far safer with this sentence.” “DEA and our partners will continue to hold drug traffickers, like Mr. Flores, responsible for their actions,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. We are steadfast in our commitment to reduce addiction, prosecute criminals, and make our communities safer.” “Today’s sentencing is the culmination of years of relentless work by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and its partners targeting the Sinaloa Cartel,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “This investigation highlights HSI’s dedication to go after cartel members importing dangerous drugs into our communities. This substantial sentence not only holds Mr. Hernandez accountable but also sends a resounding message that transnational criminal organizations are being continuously investigated and their leaders will be brought to justice.” During more than three decades as a narcotrafficker, Flores was closely aligned with the leaders of some of the most violent drug cartels, including. In addition to leveraging his relationships with cartel bosses, Flores benefited from corrupt government employees who facilitated Flores’s drug trafficking activities in exchange for bribes. This prosecution was a joint effort between the Southern District of California and the Department of Justice Criminal Division Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin for the Southern District of California, Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Melanie L. Alsworth and Trial Attorneys Kirk Handrich and Jonathan Hornok of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted the case. DEFENDANTS Case Number 17-CR-51 (BAH) (District of D.C.) Raul Flores Hernandez Age: 74 Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960, 963 Maximum penalty: Life in Prison AGENCY Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to 123 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Bonne Terre, Mo., man, Michael Ray Landness, 35, was sentenced on Friday, to 123 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct. Landsness is a trucker who lives in Missouri, but routinely travels through Kentucky as part of his employment. In his plea agreement, Landsness admitted to chatting with undercover law enforcement agents posing as a minor on two different occasions. In May 2022, Landsness connected with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a 14-year-old girl. Landsness engaged in chats with the purported minor via the internet and text, during which he discussed engaging in various sexual acts with the minor. Although the Defendant talked about meeting the purported 14-year-old for sexual purposes, he failed to show up at the arranged meet and then stopped all communications with the purported minor. On July 17, 2023, law enforcement located an ad placed by Landsness in which he was looking for young women to have sex with him in his truck during his travels as a truck driver. Law enforcement responded, this time posing as a 15-year-old minor girl. Landsness again engaged in sexual chats with the purported minor. During these chats, Landsness attempted to entice the purported minor to engage sexual activity with him. The Defendant also scheduled a time to meet with the purported minor at a truck stop in Woodford County for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. On July 27, 2023, law enforcement found Landsness at the planned meeting location and he was taken into custody. Under federal law, Landsness must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Dustin Bowman, Frankfort Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI, KSP, and Frankfort Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. — END—


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 145 months in Prison on Drug and Gun Charges

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

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A convicted felon was sentenced on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Lonnie Dean Hewlett, 30, of Huntsville, to 145 months in prison. Hewlett pleaded guilty in July 2023 to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to a plea agreement, on May 18, 2020, Hewlett, attempting to elude law enforcement, led officers on a chase. During the chase, a female passenger either jumped from or was thrown from a vehicle. Also, during the chase, officers observed the rear passenger throw a black backpack from the vehicle. Once officers were close enough to determine the rear passenger was a child, officers discontinued their pursuit. The bag thrown from the vehicle was recovered and officers discovered a firearm, a loaded 30-round magazine, a loaded 15-round magazine, a 100-round drum magazine, cocaine, and a set of digital scales. The ATF investigated the case along with the Huntsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pillsbury prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Idabel Resident Of Child Abuse In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that that Kaira Leigh Wilson, age 34, of Idabel, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Child Abuse in Indian Country. The jury trial began with testimony on January 8, 2024, and concluded on January 11, 2024, with the guilty verdict. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that Wilson shook and threw a six month old baby against a wall, resulting in serious injury to the child. The crime occurred in McCurtain County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The guilty verdicts were the result of investigations by the Idabel Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable John C. Coughenour, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, sitting by appointment, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentencing report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Wilson was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Sarah McAmis represented the United States.


title: McAlester Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug And Firearms Offenses

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Allen Rollings, age 57, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered guilty pleas to two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Superseding Indictment alleged that on January 5, 2023, Rollings possessed over 50 grams of methamphetamine for distribution, along with two firearms. The Superseding Indictment also alleged that on a separate occasion, on June 27, 2023, Rollings again possessed over 50 grams of methamphetamine for distribution, along with four firearms. Prior to these instances, Rollings had already been convicted of a crime punishable by one year of prison and was prohibited from possessing firearms. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Rollings was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Ada Resident Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Assault And Possession Of Contraband

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Kalup Allen Born, age 25, of Ada, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and one count of Possessing Contraband in Prison. At the plea hearing, Born admitted that on April 24, 2023, while being held as a federal inmate at the Muskogee County Jail, he stabbed a fellow inmate in the neck and head numerous times with a metal shank. The crimes occurred in Indian country, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Judge Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Born will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Conway and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Human Trafficking Awareness Month

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND – Every year since 2010, the President of the United States has proclaimed January “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month” and reaffirmed the United States Government’s commitment to combatting human trafficking in all its forms. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana joins in this commitment and will continue to prioritize combatting forced labor, domestic servitude, and sex trafficking of children and adults throughout the District. “A crucial and necessary step in combatting Human Trafficking is recognizing potential trafficking situations and taking the further step of reporting these activities to law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “My office is committed to working with its state and local partners both in law enforcement and through non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, trauma-informed service providers and community leaders to support victims, prevent trafficking where possible, and prosecute those who are engaging in human trafficking. We are most effective in addressing these situations when the community joins with us to recognize and report ‘red flags’ that may indicate a trafficking situation. We encourage the public to join us in rooting out these crimes, not only during this month of recognition, but each and every day.” Below are a few questions that can help identify whether a potential sex trafficking or labor trafficking situation is occurring. Has the victim been forced or coerced into performing commercial sex acts? Is the victim under the age of 18 and engaged in commercial sex? Is the victim free to contact friends or family without being coached or monitored? Is someone severely limiting the victim’s freedom of movement? Has the victim or their family been threatened with harm if they attempt to leave? Has the victim been harmed, deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, or other life necessities? Is the victim in possession of their own travel/identification documents? Are the victim’s wages being unlawfully garnished to pay off a debt or fee? Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services? Has the victim been threatened with deportation or criminal charges? If a situation arises where the answer to one or more of the above questions is “Yes”, the U.S. Attorney’s Office asks that you to join in the effort to combat human trafficking and report the information. If you are a victim of human trafficking, suspect you know one, or have seen a situation you think may involve trafficking please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733), or your local law enforcement. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Call Center at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Major Supplier and Two Others Involved in the Carrollton / Flower Mound Juvenile Overdose Case Sentenced

body_text: Three defendants were sentenced today to a combined 35 years in federal prison for their roles in the drug conspiracy that claimed the lives of three teenagers in north Texas, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Jason Xavier Villanueva, 23, Robert Alexander Gaitan, 20, and Rafael Soliz, Jr., 23, were indicted in a superseding indictment in March 2023. In June 2023, Mr. Villanueva and Mr. Soliz pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl to a person under 21 years of age. In July 2023, Mr. Gaitan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Today, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade sentenced Mr. Villanueva to 15 years in federal prison; Mr. Gaitan to 5 years in federal prison; and Mr. Soliz to 15 years in federal prison. “Precious children in our north Texas community died—and more overdosed and almost died—as a direct result of these defendants’ actions, and I am proud of my dedicated prosecutors for working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to bring these men to justice,” announced U.S. Attorney Simonton. “We will not stop until every dealer or trafficker knows that we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law if you distribute the deadly drug of fentanyl.” “I was at today’s sentencing and heard statements from both the defendant’s and the victim’s family and friends. Nobody won today. This is what drug trafficking and abuse does. Lives have been destroyed and tragically some we will never get back,” said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge, Eduardo A. Chávez. “The men and women of the DEA Dallas will continue to relentlessly pursue those who distribute illicit fentanyl, while equally supporting and standing firm with those family members and friends affected by the grip of illicit substance abuse.” “Justice was served today in these cases,” announced Carrollton Police Department Chief Roberto Arredondo. “This national crisis is a priority for us; we will not rest until we have rid our great community of this poison, and those responsible for preying upon our citizens are behind bars. The Carrollton Police Department appreciates the hard work of our school resource officers in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District and the Lewisville Independent School District. CPD also thanks our partners in law enforcement including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office for their tireless work against this national problem.” In court documents, Mr. Villanueva admitted he distributed more than 200,000 fentanyl pills to north Texas customers over the course of five or six months, at a rate of about 40,000 pills per month. He sold the pills – round blue tablets marked M-30 – to a network of juvenile and adult dealers, including Mr. Gaitan and Mr. Soliz, who went on to sell to friends, classmates, and other customers in Carrollton. He often advertised on Instagram and following the arrest of one of his codefendants in February 2023 posted, “Only thing that’s gonna stop us is feds.” Villanueva was identified during the investigation as being one of the primary sources of counterfeit M30 pills. At today’s hearing, prosecutors discussed the overdose of several children ages 13 – 17 years of age, including two middle school and one high school student who died after taking the fentanyl pills. The defendants knew the ages of the students they were selling to and knew the pills they were selling contained fentanyl. Ten individuals have been charged in the drug conspiracy and are tied to at least 12 juvenile overdoses – three of them fatal – in Carrollton and Flower Mound. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of School Resource Officers from the Carrollton – Farmer’s Branch Independent School District and the Lewisville Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Calvert and Phelesa Guy are prosecuting the case.


title: Hampshire County man sentenced to 9 years for methamphetamine trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timmey Leo Lambert, Sr., age 59, of Augusta, West Virginia, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for drug trafficking. According to court documents and statements made in court, Timmey Lambert, Sr., was selling methamphetamine in Hampshire County. Investigators searched Lambert’s home and found methamphetamine, 16 firearms, $4100 in counterfeit money, and a bulletproof vest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funding initiative, investigated. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Violent Member of ‘No Rats Allowed’ Crew Sentenced to 60 Months

body_text: WASHINGTON – Adrian Wade, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession a semi- automatic pistol and ammunition inside a known stash house on the 200 block of K Street, Southwest, when the townhome was raided in November 2021. The announcement was made January 10 by U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Wade to serve five years of supervised release. Wade pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023, to a charge of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. The sentencing followed a lengthy investigation lead by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU), FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The law enforcement partnership identified a crew of young men operating within on the 200 block of K Street, Southwest, with firearms, large amounts of U.S. currency, and illegal narcotics. The members of the group wore matching insignia on clothing printed with “NO RATS ALLOWED” or “N.R.A.” Wade, aka “AD”, and other members of the N.R.A. crew used several townhouses on the block as stash locations or “trap houses” for narcotics and firearms. Between May 1, 2021, and continuing until November 3, 2021, members of N.R.A. operated out of a townhome they took over at 215 K Street, Southwest, where they would sell counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl. Members of N.R.A. would refer to the townhome through text messages as the “Dope Hole.” On November 3, 2021, members of NEU and agents from FBI executed a search warrant at 215 K Street Southwest. Inside the townhome, officers located Wade and multiple other N.R.A. members. Law enforcement recovered 37 grams of cocaine base, 457 counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl, marijuana, multiple bottles of promethazine, and four pistols. One of those pistols was modified with a “giggle switch,” a device that converted the firearm to function as a fully automatic machinegun. Law enforcement then recovered multiple cell phones belonging to each defendant, and search warrants into those phones revealed and ongoing distribution scheme starting around May of 2021. Subsequent DNA testing performed by FBI’s Laboratory in Quantico confirmed Wade’s DNA on one of the firearms, a Glock 23 pistol. In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves, SAC Geist, and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and MPD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold, Justin F. Song, and Samuel Frey. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also provided valuable assistance.


title: Indiana Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Victimizing 96-Year-Old Rhode Islander Through an Online Romance Scam

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – An Indiana woman who perpetrated an online romance scam that defrauded a 96-year-old Rhode Island widower out of nearly $80,000 has been sentenced to three years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Brittany Rakia Shawnai Lasley, 34, of Anderson, IN, previously admitted to a federal judge that she created a social media account containing fake profile information on the dating site “Plenty of Fish.” When contacted by the Rhode Island widower, she promptly began a campaign to persuade the victim to provide her with money, credit cards, gift cards, and his personal identifying information. She led the victim to believe that providing her with these items would facilitate meetings between the two and foster a romantic relationship. During the scheme, Lasley fraudulently obtained access to the victim’s checking account and credit cards and made numerous unauthorized purchases. During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, a federal prosecutor quoted from a victim impact statement submitted to the court by the 96-year-old victim, who wrote that he “ was in shock and disbelief. It took me a few days to comprehend what had happened. I was embarrassed, horrified, and distressed about my financial situation, fearing that I could lose the house I had lived in since 1970. “This defendant preyed on a vulnerable, elderly Rhode Islander, dangling the promise of love and companionship in an attempt to help herself to her victim’s hard-earned savings,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “With this sentence, it is Ms. Lasley who will deservedly pay the price for her appalling conduct. I commend the exceptional work of this team of law enforcement professionals- state, federal, and local, for bringing this defendant to justice.” “There is no worse predator than one who preys on the vulnerable. In this case, Ms. Lasley targeted lonely seniors to satisfy her own greed. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect the vulnerable members of our community and to bring to justice those who would victimize them.” Inspector in Charge Ketty D. Larco-Ward, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. Lasley pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, to a charge of wire fraud. She was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 36 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, the first six months to be served in a residential reentry facility. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul F. Daly, Jr., and Peter I Roklan. The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Coventry, RI, Police Department; Anderson, IN, Police Department; Indiana State Police; United States Marshals Service; and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation of this matter. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month and in observance of January 11 th as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King renewed the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to fight against human trafficking by bringing traffickers to justice, assisting trafficked victims, and enhancing public awareness through community outreach. Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion that is physical and/or psychological. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker. “Human trafficking is a despicable crime that is happening in our cities, our towns, and our communities,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Our notable federal prosecutions speak to our commitment to combat human trafficking and bring traffickers to justice. But there’s more work to be done. That’s why today, and every day, we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners, victim service providers, government entities, private businesses, and the community to combine and strengthen our anti-trafficking efforts. Together, we will ensure that traffickers who exploit human beings for profit are brought to justice, and that survivors receive the protection and assistance they need and deserve.” To enhance awareness and educate the community about human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has released a Public Service Announcement on how to identify potential trafficking situations and where to report suspected human trafficking activity. 2022 & 2023 Human Trafficking Prosecutions In 2022 and 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s anti-trafficking efforts resulted in notable prosecutions that have led to federal charges, convictions, and lengthy prison sentences against individual traffickers: U.S. v. Batten and King – In December 2023, a federal jury convicted Tawaan Batten, 33, of Charlotte, of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity. His co-defendant, Kristi Heather King, 33, of Locust, N.C. has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic a minor. From July 2021 to December 2021, Batten engaged in a conspiracy to sex traffic a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina and South Carolina. Batten, who was at times assisted by King, posted advertisements of the minor victim on commercial sex websites, arranged the minor victim’s sexual encounters with customers, and booked hotel rooms where the encounters took place. Batten kept almost all of the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters and used various physical and psychological ways to control the minor victim, including branding the minor victim with tattoos. Both Batten and King are in federal custody and are awaiting sentencing. U.S. v. Reynolds – In May 2023, a federal grand jury in Charlotte indicted Yusef Reynolds, 32, of Delaware, with sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, or coercion, production of child pornography, transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity, and commission of a felony involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender. The indictment alleges that, between December 30, 2021, and January 25, 2022, in Mecklenburg County and elsewhere, Reynolds sex trafficked a victim who was not yet 18-years-old. It is furthered alleged that Reynolds engaged in the sex trafficking of the minor after he was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware for a federal sex trafficking crime involving a 17-year-old victim. The charges against Reynolds are pending and the defendant remains in federal custody. U.S. v. Hasty – In March 2023, Milton Antonio Hasty, a/k/a “Montana,” 31, of Salisbury, N.C., was sentenced to 21 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor. From January 22, 2019, to June 5, 2019, Hasty sex trafficked an underage female, knowing the victim was a minor, for his financial benefit. Hasty met the victim through a mutual female acquaintance, and, upon meeting the victim, he took photographs of the victim, posted escort advertisements online, booked hotel rooms, and arranged the victim’s sexual encounters with customers. For over five months, Hasty and the minor victim traveled to various cities throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, where the victim engaged in commercial sex acts. Hasty set up sexual encounters for the minor victim twenty-four hours a day and seven-days a week and kept almost all of the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters. U.S. v. Blair – On June 27, 2022, Dajuan Akeem Blair, 26, of Charlotte, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor. Blair was convicted of causing a minor female to engage in prostitution. The victim was a 16-year-old runaway, and she was introduced to Blair by a mutual friend, also a teenager, who had previously dated the defendant. Blair knew that both females were minors. On December 26, 2018, Blair rented a motel room in Charlotte, where he took pictures of the minors and used the pictures to advertise the minors for sex online. Over the next two days, Blair arranged sexual encounters for the minors and set the prices for those encounters. Blair then took a portion of the minor victim’s earnings from the commercial sex. U.S. v. Luong – On June 15, 2022, Thuy Tien Luong, 38, of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 15 years in prison after a federal jury found that the defendant compelled the labor of one of her nail technicians at a salon she owned and operated in Davidson, N.C. From October 2016 to June 2018, Luong compelled the victim’s labor by, among other things, physically assaulting the victim, threatening to ruin the victim’s reputation with her family, and falsely claiming that the victim owed Luong a fictitious debt. U.S. v. McIllwain – On January 26, 2022, Simone Cherelle McIllwain, 30, of Charlotte, was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor from December 2, 2019, to December 19, 2019. The minor victim was introduced to McIllwain through a mutual acquaintance, and shortly thereafter McIllwain began to advertise the victim online for commercial sex. McIllwain also arranged for the minor to engage in sex acts at McIllwain’s hotel room in Charlotte and the defendant kept a portion of the proceeds. At the time of the offense, McIllwain was on supervised release for a 2014 federal conviction in Florida, for transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. * * * If you believe you are the victim of human trafficking or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also send a text to 233733 or submit a tip online . You can also contact the Charlotte Office of the FBI at 704-672-6100, or your local law enforcement agency.


title: eBay Inc. to Pay $3 Million in Connection with Corporate Cyberstalking  Campaign Targeting Massachusetts Couple

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – eBay Inc., the global ecommerce company, has agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty for an August 2019 harassment and intimidation campaign targeting a Massachusetts couple in retaliation for their online coverage of eBay, and for its obstruction of the investigation that followed. eBay was charged criminally with two counts of stalking through interstate travel, two counts of stalking through electronic communications services, one count of witness tampering and one count of obstruction of justice and has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, eBay admitted to a detailed recitation of all the relevant facts about its conduct and agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $3 million, which is the statutory maximum fine for these six felony offenses. As part of this resolution, eBay will also be required to retain an independent corporate compliance monitor for a period of three years and to make extensive enhancements to its compliance program. “eBay engaged in absolutely horrific, criminal conduct. The company’s employees and contractors involved in this campaign put the victims through pure hell, in a petrifying campaign aimed at silencing their reporting and protecting the eBay brand,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “We left no stone unturned in our mission to hold accountable every individual who turned the victims’ world upside-down through a never-ending nightmare of menacing and criminal acts. The investigation led to felony convictions for seven individuals, all former eBay employees or contractors, and the ringleader was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.” Levy continued, “Today’s criminal resolution with the company imposes the maximum fine that the law allows under the statutes, holding eBay accountable for a corporate culture that led to this unprecedented stalking campaign. The corporate monitoring of eBay will be in place for the next three years and will ensure that eBay’s senior leadership sets a tone that makes compliance with the law paramount, implements safeguards to prevent future criminal activity, and makes clear to every eBay employee that the idea of terrorizing innocent people and obstructing investigations will not be tolerated.” “Today’s settlement holds e-Bay criminally and financially responsible for emotionally, psychologically, and physically terrorizing the publishers of an online newsletter out of fear that bad publicity would adversely impact their Fortune 500 company. It also puts in place some much needed checks and balances to ensure an overhaul of e-Bay’s corporate culture by requiring it to implement a revamped compliance and ethics program designed to prevent the recurrence of the appalling conduct we uncovered in this case,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home, and while this settlement cannot erase the significant distress this couple suffered, we hope it will deter others from engaging in similar conduct.” According to eBay’s admissions, between approximately Aug. 5, 2019 and Aug. 23, 2019, Jim Baugh, eBay’s former Senior Director of Safety and Security, and six other members of eBay’s security team targeted the victims for their roles in publishing a newsletter that reported on issues of interest to eBay sellers. Senior executives at eBay were frustrated with the newsletter’s tone and content, and with the comments posted beneath the newsletter’s articles. The harassment campaign arose from communications between those executives and Baugh. Baugh and his co-conspirators executed a harassment campaign intended to intimidate the victims and to change the content of the newsletter’s reporting. The campaign included sending anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, including a book on surviving the death of a spouse, a bloody pig mask, a fetal pig and a funeral wreath and live insects; sending private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick; and traveling to Natick to surveil the victims and install a GPS tracking device on their car. The harassment also featured Craigslist posts inviting the public for sexual encounters at the victims’ home. The victims spotted the surveillance team and contacted local police. After learning of the Natick Police Department’s investigation, Baugh made false statements to police and internal investigators, and he and his team deleted digital evidence related to the cyberstalking campaign and falsified records intended to throw the police off the trail. The seven convicted eBay employees and contractors include Baugh, who was sentenced to 57 months in prison in September 2022; David Harville, former Director of Global Resiliency, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison in September 2022; Stephanie Popp, former Senior Manager of Global Intelligence, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison in October 2022; Philip Cooke, a former Senior Manager of Security Operations, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 12 months of home confinement in July 2021; Stephanie Stockwell and Veronica Zea, a former Manager of Global Intelligence and a contract intelligence analyst, respectively, who were each sentenced to one year in home confinement in October and November 2022. Brian Gilbert, a former Senior Manager of Security Operations, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Jodi Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Natick Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.


title: Randleman Man Convicted for Trafficking Fentanyl, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Heroin

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: WINSTON-SALEM – A Randolph County man, who was convicted in May 2023 after a four-day jury trial, was sentenced yesterday on four drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC). JOSEPH KENNETH NEWBOLD, age 65, was indicted in November 2022 on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to court documents, NEWBOLD, of Randleman, was charged after a search warrant executed at his home revealed narcotics buried in multiple locations in the woods around his property. Investigators located 1505 grams of methamphetamine, 49 grams of fentanyl, 166 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and 8 grams of heroin. NEWBOLD was sentenced yesterday to a 168-month term of imprisonment by the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. In addition to prison time, NEWBOLD will be subject to supervised release for 5 years following his release from prison. This case arises from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney and Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Principe. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Vigo County Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: TERRE HAUTE- Russell Silvers, 59, of Terre Haute, Indiana, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, on September 15, 2020, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office Deputies observed Silvers sell 15.5 grams of methamphetamine to an individual for $550. On November 17, 2021, Silvers was again observed selling 205.2 grams of pure methamphetamine in return for $3,260. On January 6, 2022, officers with the Vigo County Drug Task Force arrested Silvers while walking from a local restaurant to his parked Mustang. At the time, Silvers was on bond for two state cases, possession of methamphetamine and criminal recklessness, and had two other pending state cases involving dealing cocaine and methamphetamine. Investigators located two plastic bags containing 896 grams of methamphetamine mixture inside the trunk of the Mustang. During an interview with investigators, Silvers admitted that he was getting methamphetamine from his source in South Bend once every few weeks and would not travel for less than three pounds at a time. Over the course of the six months leading up to his arrest, Silvers obtained and distributed approximately 8.164 kilograms of methamphetamine to people in Vigo County. “The people of Vigo County are safer today because of this prosecution. The defendant is responsible for dealing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine into our communities, impacting countless lives and fueling the epidemic of substance abuse,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence demonstrates that major methamphetamine traffickers will face serious consequences in federal court. Our office is committed to partnering with outstanding federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the Wabash Valley to take dangerous drugs and dangerous criminals off our streets.” "When local and federal law enforcement work together, serious criminals are taken off the streets. Russell Silvers was given more than one opportunity to change the direction of his life, but he continued to prey upon our community with his weapon of choice, methamphetamine," said Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. "We applaud the efforts of the Vigo County Drug Task Force and Sheriff's Office in putting together such a strong case against Mr. Silvers. And we appreciate the D.E.A. agents, U.S. Attorney Myers, and his team for their efforts in removing another drug dealer from our streets." The DEA, Wabash Valley Drug Task Force, and Vigo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. The Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program provided valuable assistance and resources to support this operation. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Silvers be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Karwoski who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Federal Inmate Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder and Attempted Murder of Fellow Inmates at the Terre Haute Federal Penitentiary

body_text: TERRE HAUTE- Rodney Curtis Hamrick, 58, a federal inmate formerly housed at the United States Penitentiary, in the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex, has been sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to first degree murder and assault with intent to commit murder. According to court documents, Rodney Hamrick, Richard Warren, and Robert Neal were all inmates housed within the Communications Management Unit of the U.S. Penitentiary at the Terre Haute, Indiana, Federal Correctional Complex. On November 10, 2018, Warren notified a prison officer that he had been stabbed and assaulted in his cell by Hamrick. Officers secured Hamrick and confiscated a homemade weapon resembling an icepick used to stab Warren. Inside Hamrick’s cell, Officers also found inmate Robert Neal covered in a sheet with a pillowcase tied over his face and neck, his hands bound behind his back, and multiple puncture wounds in his chest. Neal had no pulse and was later confirmed by medical staff to be dead. The official autopsy noted eleven stab wounds to Neal’s chest, but the ultimate cause of death was strangulation. In an interview with FBI agents, Hamrick admitted to planning to attack Neal and Warren in advance. Hamrick lured Neal into his cell to help with legal paperwork, then binding him and strangling him with a cord. When the cord broke, Hamrick strangled Neal to death with his bare hands. Hamrick then stabbed Neal multiple times to ensure he was dead. Neal was 68-years-old when Hamrick murdered him. Hamrick then entered Warren’s cell and immediately attacked him, grabbing Warren from behind and stabbing him in the neck. Warren was able to escape Hamrick’s grasp and protect himself from further stabs until another inmate arrived and Hamrick left Warren’s cell. At the time he committed these crimes, Hamrick was serving a life sentence imposed in 2007 by the Eastern District of Virginia for using a destructive device in an attempted crime of violence. This sentence was imposed following seven prior federal convictions for offenses including violent threats against public officials and federal buildings, attempted escape, and multiple offenses involving manufacturing and mailing destructive devices—some of which detonated and injured others. After Hamrick murdered Neal and attempted to murder Warren, the Bureau of Prisons transferred Hamrick from Terre Haute to the ADMAX administrative security U.S. Penitentiary in Florence, Colorado. “It is clear from Rodney Hamrick’s lifelong pattern of violent crime, culminating the horrific attacks he perpetrated in the Terre Haute prison, that he should never live another day outside of federal prison,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the diligent work of the FBI and our federal prosecutors to hold this defendant accountable. I sincerely hope that the completion of this prosecution brings some measure of closure and peace to Mr. Neal’s family and the surviving victim.” FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jayson W. McGrath and William L. McCoskey, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Kyle Man Found Guilty of Illegal Possession of Ammunition

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Evan Brown Bull, age 38, of Kyle, South Dakota, of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 10, 2024. The charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Brown Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2022. Evidence at trial established that in March of 2022, in Rapid City, Brown Bull, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, was found in possession of 11 rounds of Black Hills Ammunition brand, .380 AUTO caliber ammunition, 49 rounds of Blazer brand, 9x19mm Luger ammunition, and 49 rounds of PMC brand, .38 Special caliber ammunition, which were found after Brown Bull came into contact with law enforcement during a traffic stop. 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 and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Jury Convicts Springfield Man of Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man has been convicted in federal court of his role in a conspiracy to distribute valeryl fentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl, and illegally possessing several firearms. Darrell L. Smith, 34, was found guilty at trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute a fentanyl analogue known as valeryl fentanyl, one count of possessing a fentanyl analogue with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Co-defendant Eugene C. Saunders, 50, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to three years in federal prison without parole. In August 2019, law enforcement learned that Smith and Saunders were selling “heroin” (later determined to be valeryl fentanyl) together in Springfield and that Saunders stored his “heroin” at Smith’s residence. Smith and Saunders often packaged “heroin” together at Smith’s residence. On Aug. 15, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence. Officers seized a large plastic bag that contained valeryl fentanyl and 30 individually packaged sandwich bags of valeryl fentanyl. In plain view on a table in the living room near the bags of valeryl fentanyl, officers found a loaded magazine for a 9mm pistol. Officers found body armor and seven loaded firearms – including a Smith & Wesson .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a North American Arms .22-caliber revolver, a Mossberg 20-gauge pump shotgun, a Smith & Wesson .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun – in an upstairs bedroom. Three of these firearms were located in plain view on a dresser and two shotguns were leaned up against a wall. An eighth firearm was found in a secondary bedroom, where Smith had been located when the warrant was executed. This firearm, a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol, was located underneath a couch cushion on a child’s bed. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield deliberated for less than four hours on Wednesday, Jan. 10, before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, ending a trial that began Monday, Jan. 8. Under federal statutes, Smith is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and John D. Hatcher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.


title: Three Men Indicted For Breaking Into  Dunham’s Sports And Stealing 25 Firearms

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: BAY CITY – A federal grand jury in Bay City returned an indictment yesterday charging Eben Gray II, 19 of Flint, Jermain L. Williams, 18 of Flint, and Donald R. Carson, 21 of Flint, for their role in breaking into a Dunham’s Sports store located in Burton, Michigan and stealing 25 firearms, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Joining in the announcement was James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division. The three men were charged with conspiracy to steal firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and to possess stolen firearms, theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer, and possession of stolen firearms. As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, sometime in December of 2023, the three men and others conspired to break into Dunham’s, steal firearms, and then sell those firearms for profit. During the day on December 15, 2023, Gray and Williams went to Dunham’s to learn about their gun shop and to obtain information to assist them in planning the burglary. Later that same day, and into the early morning hours of December 16, 2023, the three men and two juveniles drove to a location near Dunham’s where they parked their car and approached Dunham’s on foot. The group, all of whom were wearing masks, broke a window at the store and forced their way through a metal security gate. Once inside the store, the group broke a glass display case and stole 25 firearms. They placed the firearms into bags and then fled the scene. The indictment alleges that the men later sold or otherwise disposed of the firearms. “Stealing firearms and putting those stolen guns out on the streets of our community is both reprehensible and dangerous. We will continue to hold to account those individuals who threaten the safety of our communities with their reckless behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “Robberies and burglaries of gun dealers represent one of the biggest threats to our community’s public safety. Eben Gray, Jermain Williams, and Donald Carson are nothing more than common-day thugs who put personal greed before the safety of our community. In my experience, said Special Agent in Charge James Deir, “these folks represent the most deserving candidates for Federal prosecution. In the end, they’ll have a lot of time to reflect on their wrongdoing.” The grand jury also returned an indictment against Gray for possessing a machinegun in a separate incident on December 17, 2023. This case was investigated by the special agents from the ATF and the Burton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Turkelson. Anyone with any information on those stolen guns is asked to contact the ATF at 1-800-atf-guns. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced for Issuing Death Threats to LGBTQI+ Advocacy Group

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Maryland man was sentenced today to two years in prison, along with three years of supervised release, for making death threats and other calls for violence against a group that advocates for LGBTQI+ people. According to the evidence presented by the government at today’s sentencing hearing, Adam Michael Nettina, 34, of West Friendship, also sent threatening messages to Maryland and Virginia state delegates due to their support of transgender people. “This defendant targeted and threatened members of the LGBTQI+ community and their allies, instilling fear and promoting violence toward a heavily targeted community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to combating threats against public officials and protected communities. We will work tirelessly to expunge the growing threat posed by bias-motivated acts of violence directed at the LGBTQI+ community and their allies.” “You have the right to your own opinions, but you don’t have the right to threaten the lives of those who disagree with you. As this case demonstrates, free speech does not include violent threats against others,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “We’ll continue prosecuting these threats to the fullest extent of the law.” “Threats of violence made against people and organizations to instill fear will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work diligently to ensure the civil rights of all Americans are protected.” According to court documents, on the evening of March 28, 2023, the victim organization received a threatening voicemail from a phone number, which investigators identified as belonging to Nettina. The message referenced the March 27, 2023, mass shooting at a school in Nashville, Tennessee, involving multiple shooting fatalities, where police identified the perpetrator as a transgender woman. During the call, numerous threats were made including, “…we’ll cut your throats. We’ll put a bullet in your head…You’re going to kill us? We’re going to kill you 10 times more in full.” Nettina admitted that he left this voicemail for the purpose of issuing a threat and with the knowledge that the voicemail would be viewed as a threat. Further, Nettina intentionally selected the advocacy organization as a target of his message because of the actual and perceived gender, gender identity and sexual orientation of the people who work at and are assisted by the organization. As detailed in his plea agreement, on March 31, 2022, a Maryland State Delegate posted a message of support on social media in honor of Trans Day of Visibility. Nettina responded on social media later that same day, which stated, among other things, that he had “begun the formal process of getting you excommunicated…” from the Catholic Church. On Nov. 8, 2022, the delegate was reelected. Nettina sent the delegate another message on social media, stating: “…Baby killing terrorist. Enjoy hell…You’re going sooner than you think.” Finally, as outlined in the court documents, on Oct. 13, 2022, an online news story was published about an interview a Virginia State Delegate gave in which she advocated for the prevention of abuse towards transgender children. Two days later, on Oct. 15, 2022, Nettina sent an email to the delegate’s press email account, stating: “The delegate is a terrorist. You are a terrorist. You deserve to be shot and hung in the streets. You want to come after people? Let’s go b**ch.” Nettina also sent a similar message to another email address of the delegate two minutes later. Nettina intentionally selected the delegate and her campaign staff as the recipient of his email because of the actual and perceived gender, gender identity and sexual orientation of the people and constituents for whom the delegate had expressed support. The FBI Baltimore Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow for the District of Maryland and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case. For more information about the department’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes .


title: Brooklyn Woman Charged with Trafficking 18 Firearms into Brooklyn

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, a five-count indictment was unsealed charging Ariana Charles with conspiring to illegally traffic 18 firearms to Brooklyn. The defendant is charged under the gun trafficking provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress and the President enacted in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target gun trafficking. Charles is also charged with three narcotics-related charges, including distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base, and a conspiracy to do the same. The defendant was arrested this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino, III, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges. “As alleged, the defendant brazenly trafficked firearms and deadly drugs to the streets of Brooklyn, feeding the cycle of gun violence and drug abuse endangering our community,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will not relent in its efforts to keep the community safe by investigating and prosecuting those who seek to profit from the proliferation of guns and fentanyl which have destroyed so many lives.” “DEA and our law enforcement partners work to stop the invasion of guns, drugs and violence that invade our neighborhoods causing unimaginable casualties along the way,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Taremtino. “This indictment reinforces our commitment to saving lives through comprehensive investigations at the behest of public safety and health. I commend the DEA New York Division, New York City Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York for their work throughout this investigation.” “Today’s indictment underscores the destructive threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on the streets of New York City, as well as our unwavering commitment to delivering public safety and improving quality of life in every community,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Together with our partners at the DEA and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, NYPD investigators remain dedicated to this critical mission.” According to the indictment and court documents, Charles personally conducted firearms sales to an undercover member of law enforcement (the UC) in and around New York City Housing Authority’s Breukelen Houses which is located in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Transactions also took place outside apartment buildings and in shopping center parking lots in broad daylight. Several guns were purchased in Virginia and Georgia and transported to New York. The UC told Charles and her co-conspirators that he was a drug dealer who needed guns and that he was going to resell some of the guns and drugs that were provided to him. For example, messages between the UC and Charles show that the UC told Charles that he intended to “flip” the firearms Charles sold him so that he could resell them to others. One firearm sold had a defaced serial number, making it hard for law enforcement to trace. Charles also sold semi-automatic rifles. In addition to firearm sales, Charles sold drugs, including crack cocaine and fentanyl. The fentanyl allegedly sold by the defendant was disguised as Oxycodone pills. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Charles faces up to 20 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Amir, Irisa Chen, and James Simmons are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendants : ARIANA CHARLES Age: 28 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-8


title: California Man Caught At Tampa International Airport Pleads Guilty To Transporting 60 Kilograms Of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Hernan Cruz-Moreno (24, Earlimart, California) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Cruz-Moreno faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on May 2, 2023, Cruz-Moreno and Agustin Ortiz-Sanchez (22, Thermal, CA) flew from Los Angeles, California to Tampa International Airport with four suitcases containing a total of 60 kilograms of methamphetamine. Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from the Tampa International Airport Police Department examined the luggage in a secure area of the airport, and a narcotics detection dog indicated there were drugs in the bags. Cruz-Moreno and Sanchez-Ortiz later retrieved the bags and were arrested by officers conducting surveillance. Cruz-Moreno admitted that he had been paid $2,000 by another individual to transport the luggage and stated at the time that he didn’t know what was in the bags, but he knew it was something illegal. In November 2023, Ortiz-Sanchez pleaded guilty to same offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2024. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Tampa International Airport Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.


title: Convicted Ocala Felon Makes Interstate Threat To Kill And Lies In An Attempt To Purchase A Firearm

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Michael Guy Dambrosia (61, Ocala) with interstate transmission of a threat to injure and making a false statement in connection with the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted on both counts, Dambrosia faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on August 30, 2021, Dambrosia attempted to purchase a firearm from a local federally licensed firearms dealer. In completing the necessary paperwork to purchase the firearm, Dambrosia indicated that he was not a convicted felon even though he knew this to be false. Later, on January 30, 2023, Dambrosia made an interstate telephone call to the victim and left an obscenity-laden, threatening voicemail stating several times that he would kill the victim. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police - Threat Assessment Section. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Wheeler, III and Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.


title: Brevard County Man Indicted For Possessing Cocaine With Intent To Distribute

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jackie Jamal Hines (46, Melbourne) with possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. If convicted, Hines faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Hines that the United States intends to forfeit any assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Melbourne Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.


title: Winter Park Man Indicted For Receiving And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material Over The Internet

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kevin Scott Thompson (34, Winter Park) with three counts of receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Thompson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison for each of the receipt counts, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the possession count. According to court documents, law enforcement seized Thompson’s cellphone during a search of his home following an investigation into his activity of downloading child sexual abuse material from a file sharing program. While forensically examining the cellphone, investigators discovered numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the children depicted in the images and videos were under the age of 12 years old. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Orlando Man Charged With Possessing A Firearm As A Convicted Felon

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Malcolm Bellamy (33, Orlando) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Bellamy faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Bellamy that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition that are alleged to have been used during the commission of the offense. According to the indictment, on April 21, 2023, Bellamy possessed a Forjas Taurus firearm. At the time of the alleged offense, Bellamy had prior felony convictions for robbery with a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm. As a convicted felon, Bellamy is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Temple Terrace Woman Indicted For Possession Of Stolen Firearms

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Laela Marme (18, Temple Terrace) with possession of stolen firearms. If convicted, Marme faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to court documents, on October 28, 2023, Marme stole five firearms, including four handguns and a semi-automatic rifle, from a victim with whom she was in an ongoing relationship. Multiple photographs and videos were located on Marme’s Instagram account depicting her in possession of the stolen firearms. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: North Las Vegas Resident Sentenced To Prison For Selling Over 200 Firearms Without A Federal Firearms License

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A North Las Vegas man was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 32 months in prison for illegally buying and selling over 200 firearms without a Federal Firearms License. In January 2023, after the Government rested its case-in-chief at trial, Charles Martin Ellis (69) pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of the transfer or sale of a firearm to a non-resident. According to court documents and admissions made in court, in February 2017, Ellis bought a Zastava 7.62mm caliber AK-47-style assault pistol and, in February 2017, he resold that firearm to an individual. In August 2017, a convicted felon used that firearm to kill a Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Deputy and shot and wounded two California Highway Patrol Investigators who were investigating a stolen vehicle. An ATF investigation revealed guns sold by Ellis were used in other crimes in Nevada and California. In September 2017, Ellis bought a Century Arms International Rifle in Las Vegas and resold that firearm to an individual. Two years later, that firearm was used in a homicide in Guadalajara, Mexico. In total, Ellis bought and quickly resold over 200 firearms without a Federal Firearms License. Some of the guns have been seized by law enforcement in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Mexico. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. The case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant United States Attorneys Ed Veronda and Nadia Ahmed prosecuted the case. Anyone with information about crimes that may be happening in your communities that involve firearms, explosives, arson, and violent crime can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/ . ###


title: Two Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Officer

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Jose Maria Reyes-Fuentes and his brother Juventino Darinel Reyes-Fuentes pled guilty in federal court to assault upon a federal officer involving physical contact. Jose Maria, 23, and Juventino Darinel, 29, both Mexican nationals, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2023, a Border Patrol Agent from the Santa Teresa Patrol Station was pursuing a group of five to seven migrants using an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). After a brief search, the agent located Juventino Darinel hiding in a bush. The agent pulled Juventino Darniel out of the bush and began to handcuff him. After the agent had placed the first handcuff on, but before the agent had completed securing him, Juventino Darinel began to resist the agent. During the ensuing struggle, Juventino Darinel shouted, at which time Jose Maria rose up approximately 20 yards away and ran towards the agent with a stick. The agent disengaged from Juventino Darinel, drew his duty weapon, and commanded Jose Maria to stop in Spanish. Juventino Darinel then tackled the agent and climbed on top of him. While he was on the ground, Jose Maria made contact with the agent during the altercation. The agent felt Juventino Darinel reach for his weapon and commanded him to stop in Spanish again. The agent then fired his weapon at Juventino Darniel’s leg. The firearm malfunctioned and the agent lost control of the weapon. Juventino Darniel disengaged from the agent and Jose Maria wrestled the agent’s weapon from the agent before tossing the weapon away. Juventino Darinel and Jose Maria then mounted the agent’s ATV and drove into the dessert. Other agents tracked the ATV and located it at the bottom of a mesa. Juventino Darinel and Jose Maria were located on top of the mesa by a Border Patrol helicopter. Agents climbed the mesa and located the two men and arrested them. At sentencing, Juventino Darinel and Jose Maria face up to eight years in prison. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ramirez is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint View Jose Maria's Plea Agreement View Juventino's Plea Agreement # # # 24-15


title: Palm Coast Man Arrested For Wire Fraud And Aggravated Identity Theft Charges

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Noah Michael Urban (19, Palm Coast), a/k/a “Sosa,” a/k/a “Elijah,” a/k/a “King Bob,” a/k/a “Anthony Ramirez,” with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, and five counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Urban faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud charge. He also faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity offenses which will run consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed. Urban was arrested on January 9, 2024. According to the indictment, between August 2022 and March 2023, Urban committed wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, which resulted in at least $800,000 being stolen from at least five different victims. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is a joint partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the United States Attorney’s Office District of Oregon, and the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.