title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Cocaine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Robert Carodine, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 25, 2024 in federal court in Omaha for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Carodine to 300 months’ imprisonment on each count. The sentences are to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Carodine is released from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. Carodine will also forfeit to the United States $25,299.00 in United States currency and jewelry and watches that were from drug proceeds. In February 2022, law enforcement was tracking Carodine’s cell phone location data and observed that his phone traveled from Omaha, Nebraska, to Phoenix, Arizona. Based on an ongoing investigation, law enforcement believed Carodine traveled to Arizona for the purpose of trafficking controlled substances. Carodine traveled to Arizona to purchase, package, and send narcotics to Nebraska. While in Arizona, Carodine mailed four boxes—two addressed to his residence in Omaha and two addressed to stash house in Omaha. The boxes weighed 39, 23, 37 and 37 pounds, respectively. When the boxes arrived in Omaha, agents obtained a search warrant to search the boxes. Inside the boxes agents recovered various quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The boxes contained approximately 2.28 kilograms of cocaine, 8.09 kilograms of fentanyl, and 47.87 kilograms of methamphetamine. On February 25, 2022, agents searched Carodine’s residence and apartment. In the residence, agents found cash, a Rolex, cannabis, and two firearms: a Springfield XSD 45 caliber semi-auto handgun found in a kitchen drawer, and a Boomer 44 revolver found in the master bedroom. In the apartment, agents found .45 caliber ammunition in a kitchen cabinet, a drug ledger in the kitchen, $16,499 in cash, 359.6 grams of methamphetamine in kitchen cabinets, marijuana, and another 2,095 grams of suspected cocaine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Involvement in Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Alejandro Dominguez Delapena, 26, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced on October 25, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual, 500 grams or more of meth mixture and a mixture or substance containing marijuana. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Delapena to 102 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Delapena’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Between about February of 2020 and May of 2022, information obtained by law enforcement indicated Delapena was having packages of meth delivered to several residences in Lincoln. It was believed that Delapena received multiple pounds of meth at a time in shipments from outside Nebraska. Delapena is estimated to have been responsible for the distribution of more than 165 pounds of meth mixture during that timeframe in the Lincoln area. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.


title: Five Orlando Residents Indicted For Scheme To Facilitate Evasion Of Payroll Taxes And Workers’ Compensation Requirements In Construction Industry

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of two indictments charging Eduardo Anibal Escobar (44), Carlos Alberto Rodriguez (45), Adelmy Tejada (56), Rene Mauricio Escobar (53), and Juana Nelida Escobar (45), all residents of Orlando, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and each tax fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. The indictments also notify the defendants that the United States intends to seek forfeiture of a total of at least $19 million as well as five residential properties located in Orlando, which are proceeds of the alleged wire fraud offenses. According to the indictment, the defendants established companies that purported to supply labor for construction contractors. Florida law requires any business that engages in construction work to secure and maintain workers’ compensation insurance. The defendants applied for workers’ compensation insurance policies to cover a few employees and a minimal payroll. The defendants then entered into agreements with construction work crews, often consisting of undocumented aliens, pursuant to which the defendants submitted paperwork to construction contractors to obtain work for the work crews, falsely representing that the workers were the companies’ employees. The workers then performed construction work under the supervision and direction of the contractors. The contractors wrote payroll checks to the defendants’ companies for this work and provided the checks to work crew leaders. The checks were deposited into bank accounts in the name of the defendants’ companies and the defendants withdrew cash, and sometimes wrote checks, for the workers’ pay and provided the cash and checks to the work crew leaders. However, before turning over the payroll, the defendants deducted a 6% to 8% fee for their services. The funneling of payroll from the contractors to the work crews in this way allowed the contractors and the work crews to disclaim responsibility for ensuring that required payroll taxes were paid, that adequate workers’ compensation insurance was provided, and that the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States. During the period of the alleged conspiracy, the defendants deposited more than 46,000 payroll checks totaling more than $292 million, of which the defendants kept at least $19 million in fees. No one—neither the contractors nor the work crews nor the defendants or their companies—remitted payroll taxes, such as Social Security and Medicare taxes and federal income tax, to the IRS. According to the IRS, the unpaid taxes on the payroll total at least $52 million. The defendants also cheated the workers’ compensation insurance companies out of premiums. If the insurance companies had known that the policies were going to be used for more than $292 million in payroll, they would have charged additional premiums totaling at least $28 million. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service –Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It is part of a continuing investigation by those agencies on the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.


title: Real Estate Developer Sentenced to Prison for Bribing Former Taylor Mayor

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT –Real estate developer was sentenced to one year and a day in prison for bribing former Mayor of Taylor Richard Sollars with cash, home renovations, and other things of value in exchange for obtaining tax-foreclosed properties from the City of Taylor for redevelopment, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Shady Awad, 44, of Allen Park was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith. According to court documents, between 2016 and 2018, Awad provided a steady stream of bribes to then-mayor Sollars in the form of cash, home improvements to Sollars’ home and lake house, appliances, and other items of value. Awad also agreed to charge more than $19,000 to his credit cards, and then convert the charges to cash for Sollars. In total, Awad provided Sollars with goods and services valued at $85,011.73, in exchange for being permitted to acquire tax-foreclosed properties to redevelop through the City of Taylor’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program. This was a program designed to allow Taylor to acquire tax-foreclosed properties from Wayne County for redevelopment. As a result of the bribes Awad paid to Sollars, Sollars recommended to City Council that Awad be awarded the vast majority of the City’s ROFR properties. “Mr. Awad’s conviction and sentence should send a strong message that not only will public officials who accept bribes be brought to justice by my office, but also, those who seek to gain an advantage by bribing public officials will face serious consequences as well,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “Mr. Awad and the former Mayor of Taylor unlawfully corrupted the City of Taylor’s real estate redevelopment program, meant to benefit the city and its residents, for their own private gain,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “FBI Michigan’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force remains committed to rigorously investigating public corruption, especially individuals who cheat the system by bribing public officials.” The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.


title: New York Native Sentenced to Three Years for Bomb Threat Hoax Made Against Amtrak

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Grotez Simpson of New York City, New York, age 25, was sentenced to three years followed by three years of supervised release, for conveying false information concerning an alleged attempted attack on a mass transportation vehicle. On May 25 and May 26, 2022, Simpson sent fake bomb threats to Amtrak concerning its daily train from Miami to New York City. “Hoaxes are no joke,” said U.S Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “Bomb threats on mass transit get real prison time. This three-year prison sentence sends a strong message that we will not normalize threats of mass violence in this country.” According to court documents and information presented in court, Simpson boarded the 92 Silver Start in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on its way to New York City. During the trip, Simpson repeatedly texted Amtrak’s “Txt-a-Tip” phone application. In those text messages, Simpson claimed on multiple occasions there was a bomb on-board the train located in another passenger’s luggage. While pleading with Amtrak to stop the train, Simpson stated he was a military veteran and knew what a bomb looked like. Based on those repeated tips, the Amtrak Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Orange County, Florida, stopped the train just outside of Orlando, Florida. They had the approximately 225 passengers, including Simpson, deboard the train. During the next roughly five hours, law enforcement swept the train and did not find any explosive devices. After the delay, the passengers reboarded the train and continued their journey to New York. The next morning, Simpson made further claims that there was a bomb on board the train. As the train continued to its destination, Special Agents with the Amtrak Office of Inspector General determined that the threats had come from Simpson. When the train reached Raleigh, FBI agents took Simpson into custody. Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced the defendant. The case was investigated by the FBI, Amtrak OIG, and the Amtrak Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-127-D.


title: Grafton, Vermont Man Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Terry Russ, 42, of Grafton, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing a firearm, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony. On October 23, 2024, Russ appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Russ be detained during the pendency of this matter. According to court records, a search warrant was executed at Russ’s residence in Grafton on October 22, 2024. During execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered three firearms from the bedroom Russ had identified as his. An on-and-off housemate of Russ’s, who was also present, stated that he had purchased cocaine base and fentanyl/heroin from Russ in Russ’s bedroom and that Russ displayed a silver pistol next to the drugs he was selling. The housemate’s description of the silver pistol’s appearance was consistent with that of one of the firearms recovered from Russ’s bedroom. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Russ is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Russ faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Russ is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Judge Sentences "Biggest Pill Dealer in Chambersburg" to Life in Prison

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Bruce Darby, age 46, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 22, 2024, to life in prison by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons offenses. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Darby was convicted by a jury after a trial which Judge Conner presided over in January 2024. Judge Conner referred to the evidence presented at that trial when he sentenced him. The trial evidence included an extensive investigation of Darby and his drug trafficking crew by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Darby brought in oxycodone pills from New York City and reselling them in the Chambersburg area from 2018 to 2019. Darby continued to sell drugs while he was incarcerated in York County Prison. The jury heard evidence that police monitored Darby’s telephone calls, during which Darby described himself as “the biggest pill dealer in Chambersburg.” Darby was also convicted of delivering fentanyl laced pills that killed one of his customers in August of 2019. Judge Conner noted that Darby’s criminal history was one of the worst he had seen in 23-years on the bench. Darby’s criminal history also involved multiple criminal convictions for assaulting prison guards. “This career drug trafficker who prioritized profits over people’s safety will never have another opportunity to inflict harm,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “I am thankful for the collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners, which led to a life sentence for someone who ignored numerous prior opportunities to reform his conduct.” Co-defendant Malik Bonds was also convicted of drug trafficking at the same trial. On June 17, 2024, Judge Conner sentenced Bonds to 156 months in prison. The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smulktis and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. # # #


title: Chilton County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm He Used in a Shooting

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Chilton County, Alabama man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 23, 2024, a federal judge ordered that 57-year-old Alvin Lee McCary, serve 300 months in prison. A jury found McCary guilty of illegally possessing a firearm following a trial in March of this year. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. According to court records and evidence presented during McCary’s trial , on July 22, 2020, McCary had an argument with another individual at a residence in Clanton, Alabama. The argument escalated and McCary retrieved a shotgun. Witness reported that McCary shot the victim and then fled. When searching McCary’s residence, investigators eventually discovered a shotgun and ammunition at the bottom of a well adjacent to the property. McCary has previous felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. This case was prosecuted as 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Ashley J. Avera prosecuted.


title: Former Tamaqua Police Officer Indicted on Charges of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, Attempted Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography, and Animal Crushing

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher J. Cordes, age 29, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, attempted receipt of and possession of child pornography, and animal crushing. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that while employed as a Tamaqua Police Officer for the Tamaqua Police Department, Cordes communicated with at least one minor victim on a social media platform, whom he attempted to solicit for child pornography. Additionally, Cordes is alleged to have used at least one social media platform to attempt to receive child pornography. Cordes is also alleged to have created and then sent images to at least one minor victim, and others, depicting himself engaged in sexual activity with animals. When Cordes was arrested, he was in possession of child pornography. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Former Henry County Jail Corrections Officer Charged in Federal Court with Using Excessive Force on an Inmate

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— Federal charges have been filed against Curtis Doughty, 27, of Muncie, with deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, Doughty was employed as a corrections officer in the Henry County Jail, as well as a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. On February 13, 2024, Doughty participated in a scheduled search of an inmate housing pod in the jail. During the search, inmates were moved into a holding area in the recreation yard while officers searched the cells for contraband. During the search, Doughty was one of two officers responsible for directing inmates to face the wall and remain seated. When inmate turned his head away from the wall, Doughty, without warning, shot his pepper ball gun at point blank range into the inmate’s spine. The pepper ball shot caused bodily injury to the inmate. Doughty then yelled to the other inmates in the holding area, “congratulations, you all inhale that now,” in reference to the pepper ball gas. Shortly after the incident, other members of the team reported the incident to a commander. The commander pulled Doughty from duty and sent him home. The FBI investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. If convicted, Doughty faces up to ten years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett, who is prosecuting this case. A criminal information is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 180 Months' Imprisonment for Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Kevin Jones, aka “Hat,” age 40, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, was sentenced on October 23, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 180 months’ imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Jones was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl after a four-day jury trial before Judge Mannion in June 2024. Jones was one of fifteen individuals indicted in February 2023 for conspiring to distribute fentanyl in Northeastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Jones and his co-conspirators obtained pills containing fentanyl via the mail from co-conspirators in Arizona. Jones and his co-conspirators then distributed the pills in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and other locations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as other states. At trial, the Government presented testimony from six of Jones’s co-conspirators. Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service also testified. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Gerard T. Donahue prosecuted the case. To date, thirteen co-defendants have pleaded guilty. Some are still awaiting sentencing. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. # # #


title: Conspiracy to Steal Checks from Postal Collection Boxes and Possession of Firearm by Felon Gets Fayetteville Man 15 Years

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville, North Carolina man, Darrell Alan Thompson, age 35, was sentenced today to 15 years and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and possession of firearm by felon. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution to the impacted financial institutions. According to court documents and other information presented in court, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) initiated the investigation after receiving a large number of mail theft and check fraud reports in Wake County, North Carolina. It was discovered that a Postal Service “arrow key” was being unlawfully used to access and steal mail from official collection boxes located outside of government post offices throughout Wake County. The theft activity targeted checks that had been placed in the mail by postal customers. Thereafter, the subjects altered the checks by changing the payee information, deposited the checks into bank accounts, and withdrew the proceeds at local ATMs. Thompson was identified on surveillance footage opening and stealing the contents of postal collection boxes between November 2022 and January 2023. Officers eventually tracked Thompson to the North Ridge Post Office parking lot in Raleigh and arrested him on the scene. A search of Thompson’s vehicle recovered, among other things, a 9mm pistol and a backpack containing multiple ammo magazines, approximately 180 stolen checks, and approximately 450 stolen AMEX gift cards. At the time the firearm was recovered, Thompson was a convicted felon. Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The USPIS and the RPD investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-42-M-RN.


title: Two Former Georgia Deputies Plead Guilty to Violating Civil Rights of Jail Detainee

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Two former Richmond County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office deputies pleaded guilty yesterday to federal civil rights charges involving an assault on a jail detainee. Daniel D’Aversa, 52, and Melissa Morello, 28, pleaded guilty to an information charging both officers with one felony count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law. According to court documents, Morello was assigned as a jailer at Richmond County’s Charles D. Webster Detention Center, and D’Aversa was a corporal with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. On May 7, 2022, Morello and D’Aversa were working with other Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies to secure inmates who had caused flooding in a section of the jail. Fellow deputies deliberately removed the handcuffs of a compliant inmate and then proceeded to punch and kick him. Both Morello and D’Aversa pleaded guilty to failing to intervene or stop the assault on the inmate, who was not posing a threat to anyone at the time of the assault. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule sentencing for D’Aversa and Morello upon completion of pre-sentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services. Sentencing hearings will be set at a later date. Both D’Aversa and Morello face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, along with substantial fines and restitution, followed by up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and any other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs III for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Anita T. Channapati of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department and Department of Transportation Launch Broad Public Inquiry into the State of Competition in Air Travel

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and Department of Transportation (DOT) today jointly announced a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel. The agencies are seeking public information on consolidation, anticompetitive conduct and a wide range of issues affecting the availability and affordability of air travel options. The topics covered in the agencies’ joint Request for Information (RFI) include previous airline mergers, exclusionary conduct, airport access, aircraft manufacturing, airline ticket sales, pricing and rewards practices and the experiences of aviation workers. “Competition in air travel is a vehicle for better quality, better fares and better choices for Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “With this inquiry, we hope to learn more from the businesses and travelers at the center of this essential industry. Their feedback will ensure the Justice Department can continue to build on its historic efforts to protect competition in air travel.” “Americans count on air travel to visit loved ones, explore their country and get business done,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Good service and fair prices depend on ensuring that there is real competition, which is especially challenging for the many American communities that have lost service amid airline consolidation. Our goal with this inquiry is to identify and remove barriers to competition so that more Americans can access the opportunities that come with good, affordable air service.” The agencies jointly issued the RFI requesting public comments explaining how the air travel industry has been impacted by consolidation and anticompetitive practices and identifying ways to address any harms to competition. Key topics in the RFI include: General state of competition in the aviation sector and its effects on passengers, workers and jobs, regions and local communities and economic growth. Airline consolidation and the effects of previous mergers, common ownership, joint ventures, international alliances, structural advantages, exclusionary conduct and other anticompetitive practices. Airport access and its impact on airlines and their ability to enter and fairly compete in different areas of the country and the world. Aircraft manufacturing and the impact of consolidation and anticompetitive practices on new aircraft manufacture and sale, aircraft leases or secondary markets for used aircraft. Air transportation sales channels, pricing and airline rewards programs and the impact on the availability, access and affordability of air travel. Labor market issues and the effects of consolidation and anticompetitive practices in other parts of the aviation industry on pilots, in-flight crews, ground crews, airport services, union contracts and/or travel agents or other vendors of travel services. The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov , no later than Dec. 23. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov . All market participants are invited to provide comments in response to this RFI, including passengers, consumer advocates, pilots, in-flight and ground crews, airport authorities, employers, airlines, private and charter aircraft operators, travel agents, trade groups, industry analysts, purchasers of corporate travel services and other entities that provide or rely upon air travel services. The Antitrust Division has previously taken action to protect competition in the passenger air travel industry, including its successful lawsuits to block the proposed merger of JetBlue and Spirit Airlines and to unwind the anticompetitive Northeast Alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines. DOT has taken historic action to improve airline passenger rights and oversight of the airline industry. Most recently, prior to the close of the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger, DOT secured binding, enforceable public-interest protections aimed at preventing harms to the traveling public, rural communities and smaller airline competitors. DOT has issued new rules requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds when owed and protecting against costly surprise airline junk fees. DOT has also secured enforceable guarantees from airlines to provide food, lodging and other support when they strand passengers. Finally, since 2021, DOT has gotten nearly $4 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to passengers and issued nearly $225 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection and civil rights violations.


title: China-Based Chemical Manufacturing Companies and Employees Indicted for Alleged Fentanyl Manufacturing and Distribution

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, the Justice Department announced the unsealing of indictments against eight China-based chemical companies and eight employees charging federal crimes, including attempted distribution of synthetic opioids and precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, and money laundering. The indictments were filed under seal in the Middle District of Florida over the past year. “Today, the Justice Department announced charges against eight China-based companies and eight individuals we allege are responsible for trafficking precursor chemicals that cartels use to manufacture lethal fentanyl,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies based in China. In order to break this critical link in the fentanyl supply chain, the Justice Department has aggressively investigated and prosecuted these companies. We will continue to target every organization and individual that fuels the deadly drug trade.” As described in the unsealed indictments, the defendants openly advertised their ability to thwart border officials and deliver the synthetic opioids or the chemicals used to make fentanyl to the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere in the United States. The defendants deliberately engaged in evasive activities, such as mislabeling the contents of shipments to ensure the illicit chemicals and controlled substances went undetected. As a result, these companies were able to sell a stable supply of precursor chemicals to clients in Mexico and the United States for years. One of the companies even represented that every month it sends “more than 20 kilograms to the United States, Africa, Canada, and other countries.” “Today’s indictments against eight China-based chemical companies and eight Chinese nationals are further evidence of DEA’s unwavering commitment to disrupt every aspect of the global fentanyl supply chain,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “For the third time in over a year, DEA investigations have resulted in charges against chemical companies and individuals in China who we allege are supplying chemicals to the cartels to make deadly fentanyl. While they may go to great lengths to try to evade our detection, DEA will use every tool and authority we have to save American lives.” The indictments target the evolving tactics of drug traffickers, who often adapt to tightening restrictions on the production and sale of fentanyl. For example, when China banned the production of fentanyl in 2019, China-based companies began producing and selling fentanyl precursors, the ingredients needed to manufacture the drug. These China-based companies distribute fentanyl precursors throughout the world, including to the United States and to Mexico, where drug cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación combine the chemicals into fentanyl and other synthetic opioids that they then distribute throughout the United States and the rest of the world. “These indictments are part of our continuing commitment to the protection of our country from the deadly scourge of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Along with our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration, we will be relentless in our pursuit of China-based chemical companies and their employees who are knowingly manufacturing and exporting fentanyl precursors that cause thousands of deaths every year in the United States.” The Justice Department acknowledges the efforts of the People’s Republic of China, Ministry of Public Security. The following indicted companies are now out of operation: Jiangsu Jiyi Chemical, Tianjin Furuntongda Tech Co. Ltd, Wuhan Jinshang Import & Export Trading Co. Ltd., Hubei Shanglin Trading Co., and Wuhan Mingyue Information Technology. In addition, the People’s Republic of China has recently scheduled three key chemicals, which in turn provides additional tools for the People’s Republic of China to regulate the chemicals’ production and distribution. DEA Administrator Milgram said, “I would also like to recognize the work done by the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Public Security in taking action to schedule protonitazene, piperidone, and 1-BOC-4-AP, which were not scheduled at the time of these investigations, but have now been scheduled.” The DEA investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Chee, David Pardo, Lauren Stoia, and Adam McCall and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Haynes for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the cases. These cases are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Case Summaries In January, Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co. Ltd., based in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene, along with Chinese national Xiaojun Huang, who allegedly maintained a Bitcoin wallet for the remittance of payments for illicit synthetic opioids on the company’s behalf. In January, Hubei Shanglin Trading Co., based in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, was charged with attempted international money laundering, along with Chinese national Zhihan Wang, who was the alleged registered owner of a Bitcoin wallet associated with the company utilized to complete the sale of fentanyl precursors. In November 2023, Jiangsu Jiyi Chemical, based in Beijing, Hebei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene, along with Ji Zhaohui, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of the Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. In January, Tianjin Furuntongda Tech Co. Ltd, based in Tianjin, Hebei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of fentanyl precursors, along with Wenxing Gao, a Chinese national, who was the alleged registered agent of Tianjin Furuntongda and the owner of a cryptocurrency wallet associated with the company. In November 2023, Wuhan Jinshang Import & Export Trading Co. Ltd., based in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene, attempted importation of a fentanyl precursor, and attempted international money laundering, along with Wenying Nie, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of a Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. In January, Wuhan Mingyue Information Technology, based in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of fentanyl precursors and attempted international money laundering, along with Chinese national Huanhuan Song, who was the alleged recipient of funds via Western Union on the company’s behalf and the alleged holder of a cryptocurrency wallet associated with the company. In June, Henan Oumeng Trade Co. Ltd., based in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene and attempted international money laundering, along with Yinxia Zhao, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of the Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. In June, Shanghai Senria New Materials Co. Ltd., doing business as Shanghai Senria Biotechnology Co. Ltd., based in the Fengxian District of Shanghai, China, was charged with attempted importation of protonitazene and attempted international money laundering, along with Zhenbo Han, a Chinese national, who was the alleged holder of the Bitcoin wallet associated with the company. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: City Man Sentenced to 12½ Years in Prison for 2022 Armed Robbery of Northeast Philadelphia Store

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

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Nafec Pressley, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Kai N. Scott to 150 months in prison and five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a store in the city’s Northeast in late 2022. Pressley was indicted in March 2023 on one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty to those charges this July. On November 20, 2022, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a male employee was waiting on several customers inside a dollar store on the 6900 block of Bustleton Avenue. After the last customer left, Pressley approached the counter and engaged in small talk with the employee. The defendant suddenly walked around the counter, brandished a black semiautomatic pistol, and demanded money from him. The victim opened the cash register and invited Pressley to take the money inside, which amounted to over $300. Pressley pocketed the cash, then demanded that the victim take him upstairs to get more money. The victim pleaded with Pressley to leave, finding some more cash by the counter, which he gave to Pressley. When the victim’s wife began to come down the steps from the second floor, Pressley aimed his gun at her, and then back at the male victim. Pressley told the man that he had five seconds to go upstairs and get more money and began to count backwards from five. The victim then grabbed his own firearm from behind the counter and he and Pressley exchanged gunfire. Pressley was shot numerous times throughout his body, knocking him backwards and onto the floor. The defendant discharged his pistol multiple times as he fell but did not strike the victim. Pressley ran to the back of the store, then made a dash for the front door. As he fled, he turned and fired at the victim, again missing him. A short time later, Pressley was dropped off at an area hospital where he was treated for gunshot wounds. Philadelphia police officers who responded to the hospital seized Pressley’s clothing, finding approximately $371 in cash in his pants pocket. “Nafec Pressley nearly got himself killed because he’d rather steal money than work for it,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “He’s extremely fortunate he didn’t kill anyone else when he opened fire in that store. My office and our partners at ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department are committed to protecting the public from these violent criminals who prey on others. With Mr. Pressley behind bars for the next decade-plus, our stores, streets, and city are safer.” “We will not let violent criminals like Nafec Pressley terrorize Philadelphia’s businesses and communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “In this robbery turned shootout it was only by good fortune no one was killed. ATF Philadelphia Field Division has a long history of partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we will continue to work tirelessly together to ensure justice for the victims and to make our communities safer.” The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.


title: United States Attorneys Available to Receive Election Complaints

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: United States Attorneys Breon Peace and Damian Williams announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024 general election. AUSA Erik Paulsen has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of New York, and AUSA David J. Kennedy has been appointed to serve as the DEO for the Southern District of New York. In their capacity as DEOs, these AUSAs are responsible for overseeing the Districts’ handling of Election Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. “A free election is the cornerstone of our democracy and every citizen in the Eastern District of New York must be able to vote and have their votes counted fairly and without interference, discrimination or threat of violence,” said United States Attorney Peace. “Election officials and their staff also must be able to perform their duties without being subjected to unlawful threats of violence or intimidation. My Office will defend those rights with the full force of federal law.” United States Attorney Williams said, “Free, fair, and accessible elections are critical to democracy, and every voter in the Southern District of New York deserves to cast their vote with confidence in the integrity of our electoral process. It is the responsibility and privilege of this Office to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that New Yorkers are able to exercise their right to vote free of unlawful intimidation or hindrance. We encourage anyone who finds their civic voting protections subject to any attempted undue interference to please contact the numbers below.” The Department of Justice plays an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or individuals who are limited English proficient). United States Attorneys Peace and Williams stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.” In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 5, 2024, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the United States Attorneys said that their Offices will be available to receive complaints at the following numbers through Tuesday, November 5, 2024: (646) 369-4739 (for Manhattan, Bronx, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester counties) and (718) 254-6085 (for Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk counties). Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (212) 384-1000. In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. The United States Attorneys also noted that the following additional telephone numbers are available on Election Day for citizens to call for routine inquiries, such as where to vote or how late the polls are open, or to register complaints that may concern violations of New York State election laws: IN NEW YORK CITY New York City Board of Elections Main Office (866) 868-3692 TTY #: 212-487-5496 IN COUNTIES OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY County Boards of Elections Dutchess (845) 486-2473 Nassau (516) 571-8683 Orange (845) 360-6500 Orange (Spanish language) (855) 331-2444 Putnam (845) 808-1300 Rockland (845) 638-5172 Suffolk (631) 852-4500 Sullivan (845) 807-0400 Westchester (914) 995-5700


title: Pharmacy Owner Sentenced for Role in $6.9 Million Scheme to Bill  Insurance for Medications Not Dispensed

body_text: DETROIT - A licensed pharmacist from Dearborn Heights was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for submitting claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for her role in a scheme to defraud health care insurers by submitting claims for pharmaceuticals that were not actually purchased, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds also ordered Zeinab Makki, 61, to pay $6.9 million in restitution imposed of a forfeiture judgment of $6.9 million. According to court records, Makki was the pharmacist in charge from 2001 through 2021 at New Millennium Drugs and Western Wayne Pharmacy. She admitted that she led a scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by submitting claims for pharmaceuticals which New Millenium Drugs and Western Wayne Pharmacy did not actually purchase. “Fraud by health care professionals will be aggressively pursued by our office,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “We hope that prosecutions like this one will deter health care professionals from stealing money from those who genuinely need it to order to line their own pockets.” “This sentencing underscores our commitment to holding those who defraud Federal health care programs accountable,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency remains dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate fraud allegations.” “False medical claims divert much needed funding away from patients in need of life-saving services and Ms. Makki will serve her sentence for orchestrating and participating in this scheme,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners and pursue justice against medical professionals who defraud government healthcare programs. The case was investigated by Special Agents of the HHS and FBI, with cooperation and assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip A. Ross. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan is prosecuting the related asset forfeiture matters.


title: Dauphin County Man Indicted for Robbery

body_text: HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury indicted Nicholas Silva-Shaffer, age 29, of Dauphin County, for Hobbs Act robbery. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on or about September 16, 2024, Shaffer approached an employee of a Rite Aid store in Dauphin County. Shaffer stated that he had a gun and demanded and obtained money from the store employee. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalties under federal law for the charge against Shaffer is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons indicted are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Local business owner admits to receiving over $400,000 in CARES Act conspiracy

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 52-year-old Stafford resident has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Kristen Fenrick admitted the fraud was in connection to false applications through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Programs provided through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. From March 2020 until February 2022, at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fenrick conspired to submit false and fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) via the PPP and EIDL programs. Fenrick was the owner of Klearly Kristen Inc., a business engaged in the sale of jewelry and accessories. As part of her plea, she admitted to conspiring to submit a PPP loan application that grossly inflated the number of employees her business purportedly had as well as the business’s average monthly payroll expenses. In support of the application, she and a co-conspirator she paid for assistance submitted fraudulent IRS documents to the lender. Relying on the false representations in the application, a third-party lender with SBA-delegated authority disbursed a PPP loan to Klearly Kristen in the amount of $405,340 in June 2020. Fenrick admitted to using at least some of those funds for her own personal benefit including the lease of a luxury vehicle and not for the loan’s intended use. The loan was later forgiven based on continued misrepresentations about the business’s employee headcount and payroll expenses. Fenrick further admitted she submitted several false EIDL applications for Klearly Kristen and several other purported businesses she owned, most of which were unsuccessful except for a $10,000 advance issued to Klearly Kristen. Due to her actions, the PPP and EIDL programs lost a total of $415,340. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2025. At that time, Fenrick faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Fenrick was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. The SBA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is prosecuting the case.


title: United States Attorneys Available To Receive Election Complaints

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (“AUSAs”) will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA David J. Kennedy has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (“DEO”) for the Southern District of New York, and AUSA Erik Paulsen has been appointed to serve as the DEO for the Eastern District of New York. In their capacity as DEOs, these AUSAs are responsible for overseeing the Districts’ handling of Election Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Free, fair, and accessible elections are critical to democracy, and every voter in the Southern District of New York deserves to cast their vote with confidence in the integrity of our electoral process. It is the responsibility and privilege of this Office to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that New Yorkers are able to exercise their right to vote free of unlawful intimidation or hindrance. We encourage anyone who finds their civic voting protections subject to any attempted undue interference to please contact the numbers below.” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said: “A free election is the cornerstone of our democracy and every citizen in the Eastern District of New York must be able to vote and have their votes counted fairly and without interference, discrimination or threat of violence, Election officials and their staff also must be able to perform their duties without being subjected to unlawful threats of violence or intimidation. My Office will defend those rights with the full force of federal law.” The Department of Justice plays an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). U.S. Attorneys Damian Williams and Breon Peace said: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.” In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 5, 2024, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the U.S. Attorneys said that their Offices will be available to receive complaints at the following numbers through Tuesday, November 5, 2024: (646) 369-4739 (for Manhattan, Bronx, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester counties) and (718) 254-6790 (for Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk counties). Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (212) 384-1000. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. The U.S. Attorneys also noted that the following additional telephone numbers are available on Election Day for citizens to call for routine inquiries, such as where to vote or how late the polls are open, or to register complaints that may concern violations of New York State election laws: IN NEW YORK CITY New York City Board of Elections Main Office (866) 868-3692 TTY #: 212-487-5496 IN COUNTIES OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY County Boards of Elections Dutchess (845) 486-2473 Nassau (516) 571-8683 Orange (845) 360-6500 Orange (Spanish language) (855) 331-2444 Putnam (845) 808-1300 Rockland (845) 638-5172 Suffolk (631) 852-4500 Sullivan (845) 807-0400 Westchester (914) 995-5700


title: Former Delaware Resident Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Wilmington, Del. – Alfred E. Daking, Jr., an 81-year-old former Delaware resident currently serving a federal prison sentence in an unrelated case, was charged on October 22, 2024, with possession of child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), announced David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware. According to the indictment, on an unknown date, Daking buried material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in his parents’ then backyard in New Castle County, Delaware. Later, while serving a sentence in federal prison on an unrelated case, Daking told a fellow inmate that he had buried an ammunition can containing video footage in his parents’ backyard. Daking also gave that inmate a hand-drawn map of the backyard depicting the location that the ammunition can was buried on the property. Per the hand-drawn map, law enforcement searched and located an ammunition can buried underground. Both the ammunition can, and its contents were wrapped in plastic. Inside the can, law enforcement found three videocassettes and an 8mm film containing CSAM. One of the videocassettes contained a latent fingerprint that matched Daking. U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “For years the defendant hid evidence of his victimization of children. Today’s indictment demonstrates the commitment of my office, and our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from predatory individuals like this defendant. We will never stop working to uncover evidence of sexual exploitation and to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.” The FBI investigated this case, with the assistance of New Castle County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare and Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are assigned to prosecute this case. The U.S Attorney’s Office and the FBI are seeking to identify additional victims of Daking’s. If you, your family member, or anyone that you know had contact with Daking and would like to provide additional information, please contact the FBI Baltimore Field Office at 410-265-8080. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER . An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.


title: Two former Richmond County deputies plead guilty to violating civil rights of jail detainee

component: Civil Rights - Criminal Section

body_text: AUGUSTA, GA: Two former Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies have pled guilty to federal civil rights charges involving an assault on a jail detainee. Daniel D’Aversa , 52, and Melissa Morello , 27, await sentencing after each pled guilty to an Information charging them with Deprivation of Civil Rights Under Color of Law. The guilty plea subjects each defendant to a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, along with substantial fines and restitution, followed by up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement. As described in the plea agreements, Morello was a jailer at Richmond County’s Charles D. Webster Detention Center, and D’Aversa was a corporal with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Both were at the jail on May 7, 2022, working with other Richmond County Sheriff’s Office jailers and deputies to secure inmates who had caused flooding in a section of the jail. A pretrial detainee, referred to in court documents as Victim 1, was handcuffed face-down in the jail when D’Aversa and Morello shouted to other staff members that Victim 1 wanted his handcuffs removed. Morello then “attempted to unlock Victim 1’s handcuffs so that another employee would have an excuse to go hands-on with him,” and when Morello was unsuccessful, a deputy listed as Deputy 2 then unlocked and removed the handcuffs. A deputy listed as Deputy 1 then “repeatedly punched Victim 1 and placed him in a chokehold. … During Deputy 1’s assault on Victim 1,” and both Morello and D’Aversa “failed to intervene to stop or attempt to stop the assault,” despite having the opportunity to do so. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule sentencing for D’Aversa and Morello upon completion of pre-sentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services. The case is being investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs III and Anita T. Channapati of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement to Resolve Claims of Retaliation at State Farm Corporate Office in Texas

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm) resolving the department’s determination that one of State Farm’s corporate offices in Richardson, Texas, violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it terminated a worker in retaliation for raising concerns about citizenship status discrimination. “Workers have the right to oppose perceived discrimination, without retaliation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring workers are able to speak up about discrimination without fear of unlawful retaliation.” The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) determined that State Farm terminated a worker and placed her on a “do not hire” list because the worker opposed State Farm’s rejection of her valid documentation showing her permission to work. State Farm rejected the worker’s valid documentation, which included a Permanent Resident Card together with a notice from the Department of Homeland Security that extended the validity of the card past the expiration date listed on the card. The worker complained of discrimination and opposed the rejection of the documents. The department determined that State Farm retaliated against the worker when it terminated her employment and labeled her as “do not hire” for complaining about the discrimination. Under the terms of the settlement, the company will pay civil penalties to the United States and pay more than $30,000 in backpay to the affected worker who filed a complaint with IER. The agreement also requires State Farm to train its personnel on the INA’s anti-discrimination requirements, revise its employment policies and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements. IER is responsible for enforcing the antidiscrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices ; or retaliation and intimidation . Find more information on how employers can avoid unlawful discrimination and retaliation on IER’s website . Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video . Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge . The public can also call IER’s free hotline at 1-800-255-7688 for workers or at 1-800-255-8155 for employers (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation ; email IER@usdoj.gov or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Sign up for email updates from IER.


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo para resolver acusaciones de represalias en una oficina corporativa de State Farm en Texas

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm) resolviendo la determinación del Departamento que una de las oficinas corporativas de State Farm en Richardson, Texas, infringió la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA) cuando despidió a una trabajadora en represalia por plantear inquietudes sobre la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía. «Los trabajadores tienen derecho a oponerse a la discriminación percibida, sin represalias», declaró Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia se compromete a garantizar que los trabajadores puedan denunciar la discriminación sin temor a represalias ilegales». La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados («IER», por sus siglas en inglés,) de la División de Derechos Civiles, determinó que State Farm despidió a una trabajadora y la colocó en una lista de personas que no se deben contratar porque la trabajadora se opuso al rechazo de State Farm de su documentación válida que mostraba su permiso para trabajar. State Farm rechazó la documentación válida del trabajador, que incluía una tarjeta de residente permanente junto con un aviso del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional que prorrogó la validez de la tarjeta después de la fecha de vencimiento que figura en la tarjeta. La trabajadora se quejó de discriminación y se opuso al rechazo de los documentos. El Departamento determinó que State Farm tomó represalias contra la trabajadora cuando rescindió su empleo y la etiquetó como «persona que no se debe contratar» por quejarse de la discriminación. En virtud de los términos del acuerdo, la compañía pagará sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos y pagará más de $30,000 por concepto de pagos retroactivos al trabajador que presentó una queja ante la IER. El acuerdo también requiere que State Farm capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos antidiscriminatorios de la INA, que revise sus políticas de empleo y que se someta a los requisitos de supervisión y declaración departamentales. La IER es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, la ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación . Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación ilícita y las represalias en el sitio web de la IER . Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto . Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia . El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 o para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscribirse a un seminario en línea en línea en vivo o visualizar una presentación a la carta; enviar un correo electrónico a IER@usdoj.gov ; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español . Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico desde la IER.


title: Manly, Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who possessed a firearm as un unlawful drug user was sentenced on October 22, 2024 to 2 years in federal prison. Cory Allen More, age 33, from Manly, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 3, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user. In a plea agreement, More admitted that on October 23, 2023, his vehicle ran out of gas in Clear Lake, Iowa. A Clear Lake police officer saw More pull his vehicle over to the side of the road. The officer made contact with More while he was outside of his vehicle near the engine bay where he had just opened the hood. At that time, the officer observed 2 marijuana baggies with a green leafy substance on the ground between More’s feet and the officer’s feet. The officer seized the two baggies which were found to contain marijuana. More also had a handgun in a holster on his belt in plain view of the officer. On October 27, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at More’s residence in Manly, Worth County, Iowa, and seized marijuana, scales, drug paraphernalia, and an additional 16 firearms and ammunition. More was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. More was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. More was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Manly Police Department, Worth County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigations Laboratory, and United States Marshal’s Service. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-03006. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Meth Convictions

body_text: Nicholas Janvrin, 32, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was sentenced on October 23, 2024, to more than 13 years in federal prison. Janvrin pled guilty March 27, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City to illegally possessing a firearm and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Janvrin was previously convicted of burglary, third degree, a felony, in the Iowa District Court for Hamilton County, which prohibits Janvrin from possessing any firearm. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on August 1, 2023, law enforcement was called to a local hotel in Webster City regarding a disturbance where they observed Janvrin, who was arrested for outstanding arrest warrants. During a search of the hotel room, law enforcement seized a firearm (Smith & Wesson .22 revolver) and drug user/distribution paraphernalia from a bag in the room. The Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory matched DNA from a known sample of Janvrin to the handle of the firearm and a toothbrush. Evidence further established Janvrin’s involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from January 2023 through August 2023. Janvrin obtained more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine from a source in Des Moines to re-distribute to others in the Fort Dodge area. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Janvrin was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Janvrin remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster City Police Department, the Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa DCI Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-3026. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Owner of Suburban Chicago Medical Supply Company Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Procurement Fraud at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — The owner of a suburban Chicago medical supply company has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for paying kickbacks to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employee in exchange for procuring orders of medical equipment. DARREN A. SMITH operated a medical distribution company based in Bolingbrook, Ill. From 2017 to 2020, Smith schemed with a procurement clerk in the Veterans Health Administration Prosthetics Service in Chicago to have the VA order costly medical equipment from Smith’s company in exchange for concealed kickbacks to the clerk. The orders placed by the clerk involved unnecessary and more expensive rentals of certain medical equipment from Smith’s company instead of purchasing the equipment outright, as VA physicians had instructed. The VA spent more than $2.7 million at Smith’s company and fraudulently overpaid it by more than $1.3 million. In exchange, the clerk pocketed kickbacks from Smith of at least $220,000. A federal jury earlier this year convicted Smith, 60, of Hazel Crest, Ill., on eight counts of wire fraud. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang on Wednesday fined Smith $10,000 and ordered him to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution. The VA procurement clerk, ANDREW LEE, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge prior to trial. He is awaiting sentencing. Smith’s sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Gregory Billingsley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Central Field Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi Manschreck and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Christenson. “Instead of paying for essential equipment and supplies for veterans, the defendants used the VA’s money to line their own pockets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “Our office remains committed to preserving the integrity of the VA health care system.” “This sentence should send a message that corrupt VA employees will be rooted out and prosecuted,” said SAC Billingsley. “These fraudulent activities erode public trust and divert taxpayer money intended for our nation’s deserving veterans. The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this investigation.”


title: Armed Hickory Drug Dealer Is Sentenced To Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Phalen Devon Izard, 42, of Hickory, N.C., was sentenced today to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on drug and gun offenses, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Reed Baer of the Hickory Police Department (HPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, in July 2022, HPD was investigating Izard for suspected drug trafficking activities. During the investigation, HPD utilized a confidential informant on two occasions to buy cocaine base from Izard. Court documents show that, on April 11, 2023, HPD officers were patrolling near an apartment complex in Hickory, where they observed Izard walk into an apartment. A short time later, Izard walked back outside and fired a gunshot into the air. Officers immediately detained Izard. The HPD officers also recovered a 9mm pistol loaded with a magazine containing thirteen rounds of ammunition and a spent shell casing from the front porch. According to filed court documents, on October 22, 2023, a shooting occurred at the Gateway Pub in Hickory. During the investigation of the shooting incident, law enforcement obtained security camera footage that captured a fight break out between a large crowd. Izard, who was present in the crowd, was captured on video using a small black handgun to fire multiple rounds into the air. Izard was arrested the next day in connection with the incident. According to court records, HPD officers executed a search warrant at an apartment where Izard had been staying. Officers seized several firearms from the apartment including a 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition; a stolen 10mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with nine rounds of ammunition; a 12- gauge shotgun and 22 12-gauge rounds; and a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol fitted with an extended magazine loaded with multiple rounds of ammunition. Izard has prior criminal convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. On May 15, 2024, Izard pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cocaine base and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Izard remains in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and HPD for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Baltimore Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Soliciting Sexually Explicit Images of Children

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Court Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Eugene Edward Golden, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 45 years in federal prison and lifetime supervised release, for conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child and for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child in order to produce and transmit a visual depiction of the sexually explicit conduct. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Baltimore; Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (MSP); Chief Gregory Der, Howard County Police Department; and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department. According to his guilty plea, beginning in at least 2019, Golden located several females, specifically six co-defendants — using dating or prostitution websites — and communicated with each of them individually using texts, messaging applications, and social media. Golden requested for each woman to produce sexually explicit videos and images of children, citing his specific fetishes and directed them on what to do and say. The defendant then had the women send him the files in exchange for financial compensation. Golden’s co-defendants agreed to his requests and produced and distributed sexually explicit images and videos of at least 12 minor victims, using their cellphones. The victims ranged in age from approximately one year old to 13 years old. Images and videos documenting the sexual abuse were found in Golden’s online accounts. Golden produced and received well over 100 images and videos documenting the sexual abuse of children at his request. The defendant had also amassed a large collection of commercially available child pornography. In addition to Golden’s co-defendants, HSI and MSP were able to identify more females who produced and distributed sexually explicit images and videos of minors in their care and/or custody, resulting in two more separate child exploitation cases and the identification and rescue of two minor victims. The victims were approximately one to four years old. As detailed in Golden’s plea agreement, in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon his release from prison, Golden will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, is an employee, and/or is a student. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s 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 . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. U.S. Attorney Barron commended HSI Baltimore, the MSP-led Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Howard County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Districts of Mississippi and Tennessee; and HSI in Jackson, MS, and Memphis. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn, who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: St. Louis County Woman Admits Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from St. Louis County, Missouri on Thursday admitted producing child pornography involving a two-year-old. Raven Ainesis Pointer, 26, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of production of child pornography. Pointer admitted using her phone to produce videos containing child sexual abuse material. The investigation into Pointer began in August of 2023 in Montgomery, Alabama, where Homeland Security Investigations agents learned that a man who had been distributing child sexual abuse material had also been communicating with a woman from St. Louis who identified herself as “Raven P.” He said she sent him videos involving a two-year-old victim, information which was corroborated by his phone. Investigators identified Pointer and matched details in the videos to her and the location where they had been filmed, Pointer’s plea agreement says. In an interview with investigators, she confirmed that she was in the videos and also identified the victim, the plea says. Pointer is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2025. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Claremont, California, man convicted at trial of sexually molesting young woman on flight from Burbank, California to Seattle

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 41-year-old Claremont, California man was convicted yesterday of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft enroute to Seattle from Burbank, California, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Justin Baker was arrested March 14, 2024, when the Alaska Airlines plane arrived at SEA. Baker was taken into custody again yesterday immediately after the jury returned its guilty verdict. The jury deliberated about 90 minutes following a three-day trial. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2025. According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Baker was in the middle seat, with the victim seated to his right next to the wall of the plane. Baker learned the victim was preparing to go to college and was just 18 years old. According to testimony at trial, Baker showed the teen sexually explicit text messages he had on his phone and then draped his jacket over his lap as well as her lower body. The victim attempted to move away from Baker and closer to the wall. He reached under the jacket and groped her leg and genitals over her clothing. Then he reached into her top and groped her breast. Despite the victim saying “No” and moving away when he first tried to touch her, he continued to grope her. Ultimately, the victim got out of her seat to contact the flight crew. As she tried to pass by Baker, he groped her buttocks. In closing argument Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster said the defendant “saw the word ‘No’ as a speedbump, not a stop sign.” At the trial prosecutors presented the testimony of different victim, who in 2004, as a girl of 15, was molested by Baker in a similar fashion. At the time Baker was a youth pastor who didn’t stop despite the victim telling him no when he tried to molest her under a blanket. Abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Coughenour after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Port of Seattle Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristine Foerster and Grace Zoller.


title: Waterbury Felon on Supervised Release Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GLENN JAMISON, 43, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses, and for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release that followed a prior firearm possession conviction. According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, Jamison was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 25 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On July 24, 2023, while he was on supervised release, Jamison ran from Waterbury Police officers toward a vacant lot, holding his waistband. After Jamison was apprehended, a search of his person revealed fentanyl, carfentanil, and crack cocaine. Officers also found a loaded handgun that Jamison discarded as he ran. In addition to his prior federal firearm conviction, Jamison’s criminal history includes numerous state convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Jamison has been detained since his arrest. On July 1, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Chatigny sentenced Jamison to 33 months of imprisonment for the July 2023 offenses, and a consecutive six months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth. This prosecution was brought through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn .