title: Repeat Sex Offender From Sun Prairie Sentenced To 18 Years For Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Robert D. Sutton, Jr., 52, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 18 years in prison for producing child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by a lifetime period of supervised release. Sutton pleaded guilty to this charge on October 3, 2023. In May 2021, law enforcement received information that Sutton was sexually assaulting Minor A, then age 13, and Minor B, then age 15. As part of the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Sutton’s phone and found numerous close-up images of him assaulting the minors. Sutton was convicted of assaulting a different minor in 2007, and as a result, he was required to register as a sex offender. He was in violation of that requirement at the time he assaulted Minors A and B in the federal case. Judge Conley stated that Sutton was calculating and manipulative, and that the most disturbing part of the case was Sutton’s willingness and ability to manipulate both adults and children in order to use the children for sexual gratification. Judge Conley was also troubled that Sutton did not seem to recognize the lifelong injury to his victims due to his actions. The charge against Sutton was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Dane County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anita Boor and Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case. This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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: Niskayuna Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron Griesche, age 40, of Niskayuna, New York, pled guilty today to possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Griesche admitted that on July 11, 2021, he possessed child pornography on a USB flash memory stick found in his residence. Griesche admitted that he had purchased the memory stick from an online retailer and transferred videos of child pornography from the Internet to the device. Sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2024. Griesche faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The judge may also order Griesche to pay restitution to the victims of his offense and forfeit the device used in the offense. Griesche will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The FBI and the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia is prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Justice Department Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Oklahoma Landlord for Sexually Harassing Tenants

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against Shevis “Don” Petties of Moore, Oklahoma, for sexually harassing female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Petties has owned, operated or managed residential rental properties in Oklahoma City, Forest Park, and Moore, Oklahoma, since at least 2016. “These women lived in fear every day that their landlord would enter their bedroom unannounced, film them in the bathroom, make lewd comments about their bodies and appearance and grope them,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing federal civil rights laws to ensure landlords are held accountable for unlawful and predatory behavior.” “Tenants have the right under federal fair housing laws to be free from unwanted sexual harassment and intimidation by their landlord in order to obtain or maintain housing,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Today’s civil complaint represents a significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to pursue justice and compensation for vulnerable female victims who have been subjected to civil rights violations.” The lawsuit alleges that Petties subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual contact and comments about their physical appearances; physically assaulted tenants; entered tenants’ bedrooms without consent; photographed and filmed female tenants in their bedrooms and bathrooms without their knowledge and permission and demanded that female tenants engage in sexual acts with him under threat of losing their housing. The lawsuit also names the current owners of the rental properties, TMH Group Inc, The Monarch House LLC, also known as Monarch House LLC, and Exceptional Service Company LLC as defendants. The lawsuit seeks money damages to compensate women harmed by the alleged harassment, a fine for the United States, and a court order prohibiting future acts of discrimination and harassment. The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. It also prohibits sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment at rental properties owned or operated by Petties, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Justice Department by calling its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative at 1-844-380-6178, or by calling the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 405-553-8700. The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance works, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 38 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $11 million for victims of such harassment. The Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting people from sexual misconduct. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . Individuals may report discrimination in housing that violates the Fair Housing Act by calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online .


title: Former NOPD Sergeant Charged with Wire Fraud for Double Billing and Billing for Time Not Worked

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TODD F. MORRELL , age 56, a resident of New Orleans, was charged today with twelve (12) counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, for perpetrating a multi-year scheme to defraud the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the New Orleans Fair Grounds, an entity for which he was paid to provide off-duty police details. According to the charging document, MORRELL was a NOPD Sergeant with NOPD’s Special Operations Division and served both on a Tactical Platoon and the Bomb Disposal Unit. He supplemented his NOPD income with security-oriented secondary employment ( i.e. , “police details”) while off-duty, including the New Orleans Fair Grounds Neighborhood Patrol (“Fair Grounds Patrol”). The Fair Grounds Patrol was created by city ordinance to supplement and enhance police service around the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racecourse, in New Orleans. The Fair Grounds Patrol consisted of two patrol cars operating 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, with one off-duty NOPD officer per car. MORRELL signed annual certifications attesting to his understanding of NOPD policies, including, secondary employment, and acknowledging that he would “actively monitor my hours.” Notwithstanding these annual certifications, on numerous occasions between January 2017 and November 30, 2021, MORRELL submitted and certified timecards to NOPD and time sheets to the Fair Grounds Patrol falsely claiming to have been on duty (for NOPD) and on detail (for the Fair Grounds Patrol) when, in actuality, MORRELL was not present for duty. Often, MORRELL was engaged in recreational race car driving in Avondale, Louisiana, and Austin, Texas, while claiming to be on duty and on detail. Additionally, MORRELL frequently “double billed” NOPD and the Fair Grounds Patrol by submitting time sheets to both entities reflecting that he was working for both entities simultaneously. Further, MORRELL regularly certified and submitted timecards to NOPD and time sheets to other entities, reflecting that he provided police details not only for a significant number of consecutive days but also, in effect, for the vast majority of days each year. For example, MORRELL certified and submitted timecards and time sheets reflecting that he worked every day between March 26, 2017, and July 23, 2017, except one. MORRELL claimed to have worked between thirteen (13) and twenty and one-half (20.5) hours per day for more than thirty (30) of those days. Similarly, MORRELL certified and submitted timecards and time sheets in 2020, reflecting that he worked approximately 356 days out of the 365-day calendar year. MORRELL also reported—and was paid for—working a massive number of hours annually, including more than 4,600 hours in 2020 alone. In Fall 2021, including on or about November 16, 2021, local New Orleans media outlets published and broadcast reports concerning MORRELL’s employment with NOPD and the Fair Grounds Patrol. On November 17, 2021, MORRELL submitted payroll adjustment forms for several dates between December 2017 and April 2021 seeking to correct “clerical errors” that misstated the hours he had been on duty for NOPD, to NOPD. On about November 30, 2021, MORRELL resigned from NOPD. “While an indictment is merely a charge, not a full presentation of evidence, today’s indictment emphasizes this office’s dedication to ensuring the integrity and honesty of public officials and holding responsible those who betray that sacred public duty,” announced U.S. Attorney Evans. “Official misconduct erodes trust in public institutions and deprives local governments of precious resources. When the public official is a member of law enforcement, who has sworn to protect and serve its citizens and maintain the highest standards of the community, such behavior is even more egregious, especially in communities whose police departments are already enduring critical staffing shortages.” For each count, MORRELL faces up to twenty (20) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jaime Alberto Garza, 52, of Othello, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 78 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to court documents and information provided at sentencing, in October of 2022, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received information that Garza was distributing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the community of Othello. A short time later, a search warrant was executed at Garza’s trailer. Law enforcement sized approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, several ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, 2 firearms, and a volume of ammunition. Law enforcement arrested Garza during a high-risk vehicle stop and executed a search warrant on his jeep. Investigators located a loaded Colt .45 firearm that was determined to be stolen, .45 caliber ammunition, 50 fentanyl-laced pills, two plastic bags containing methamphetamine, and a bag of marijuana. Garza has a significant criminal history which included prior acts violence and drug trafficking offenses. “Mr. Garza was trafficking a large amount of deadly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics in this small community. By partnering with state law enforcement, we were able to apprehend a dangerous and habitual offender, successfully pursue federal charges, and help make that community safer and stronger today,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to working with federal, state and local law enforcement to put a stop to anyone who pumps this poison into Eastern Washington.” “The Drug Enforcement Administration is committed to confronting fentanyl traffickers wherever they may try to sell their misery and death,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Garza chose to prey on his small community and this sentence holds him accountable for these actions. We appreciate our partnership with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney as we work together to make our community safer.” This case was investigated by The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office to Co-Sponsor a “United Against Hate” Forum at Dover Public Library

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, in partnership with City of Dover Mayor Robin R. Christiansen and the Dover Police Department, will host a United Against Hate forum on January 25, 2024, at the Dover Public Library located at 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901. The forum is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Light refreshments will be served. Launched by the Department of Justice, United Against Hate is an initiative focused on improving efforts to combat hate crimes. Endeavoring to create and encourage cooperation and coordination, this forum aims to strengthen trust and build partnerships among community residents, community leaders and law enforcement. “This forum is an education and awareness opportunity for community residents and community leaders to learn how we can work together to stand up against unlawful hate by identifying, reporting, and preventing acts of hate,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. “It is an honor to partner with Mayor Christiansen on such an important initiative.” City of Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen stated, “I am deeply honored and appreciative of the partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice on their efforts to bring a forum for discussion and identification of hate crimes. It is imperative in the times we live in, that we are able to learn how we can assist authorities to help identify, prevent and respond to hate crimes. I would strongly urge all of our citizens to take the time to participate in this valuable and timely discussion of the ongoing issue that faces our country.” “As a part of our community policing mission, it is essential that potential hate crimes are fully investigated so appropriate measures are taken against the offenders. Just as important is our goal of hate crime prevention and supporting healthy communities through education and alternative solutions. Bias, Hate or Discrimination has no place, or space, in Dover,” stated City of Dover Police Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr. The January 25 event will include remarks from local leaders and presentations from prosecutors and law enforcement about hate crimes laws and reporting mechanisms. For additional information, please email USADE.Outreach@usdoj.gov . Media inquiries can be emailed to USADE.Press@usa.doj.gov .


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

body_text: Spokane, Washington – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month, Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, along with several members of the office, joined with Lutheran Community Services Northwest on Wednesday, January 10, to honor survivors of Human Trafficking at a community reception at the Spokane’s Central Public Library. Lutheran Community Services is one of the United States Attorney’s Office’s principal partners in fighting human trafficking and advocating for survivors. The program included a training session for victim advocates, and was attended by law enforcement personnel, anti-trafficking advocates, and resource providers from around the region. From L to R: Jolene Jones, First Assistant United States Attorney Rich Barker, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref, Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick, and Michelle Spicer U.S. Attorney Waldref reaffirmed her commitment to the importance of federal prosecutors and community partners working together, “My office routinely partners with trauma-informed service providers to protect victims and survivors by connecting them with the resources and support they deserve. We also seek decades-long sentences for those who are convicted of keeping others enslaved through physical and sexual violence.” Also this month, Assistant United States Attorney, Ann Wick, who serves as the Human Trafficking coordinator for the Eastern District, will be co-presenting a training for all deputy prosecuting attorneys in Spokane County. This training will focus on identifying the signs of trafficking in drug, property crime or domestic violence cases. The training will help put the focus on the victim’s needs, while also pursuing criminal charges. Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney Waldref recorded a public service announcement , where she encouraged the public to learn the indicators of Human Trafficking and shared ways in join in the fight to prevent it . If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know one, please call the FBI, your local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1- 888-373-7888.


title: Former Seattle resident convicted of bank fraud for false COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program filings

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 30-year-old New York City man was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle of three counts of wire fraud and two counts of bank fraud related to his abuse of the COVID-19 Pandemic Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Donte Jamal McClellon was a resident of Seattle when he submitted falsified documents to obtain $500,948 in loan proceeds from three different financial institutions in May and June 2020. The jury deliberated about two hours following the three-day trial. U.S. District Judge Lauren King scheduled sentencing for April 10, 2024. According to records filed in the case, McClellon used the names of three limited liability corporations he had once registered in the State of Washington to make his claims. Each of the entities, ‘Frostlake,’ ‘Cannonlake,’ and ‘Skylake’ LLC, had been inactive and showed no signs of business activity in any state or federal registries in the years leading up to the pandemic. Nevertheless, in May and June 2020, McClellon submitted Paycheck Protection program applications claiming the entities each had as many as 13 employees and, in one case, gross receipts of more than $1.6 million. McClellon forged multiple Internal Revenue Service forms to make it appear the three companies were operating real estate, wholesale, or retail businesses, with employees who would benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program loans. McClellon claimed the businesses operated out of his home address in Seattle. The investigation revealed there was no business activity at that address. The loan funds were disbursed to bank accounts that McClellon had set up just days before he made the loan applications. The proceeds were then moved to a personal bank account controlled by McClellon. McClellon used the money to pay his rent on a Manhattan apartment, for travel and gym memberships, and some $20,000 on Uber rides among other personal, non-business expenses. The case was investigated by The FBI Seattle Field Division with assistance from FBI New York and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar, Jessica Murphy Manca, and Sok Tea Jiang. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: North Carolina Man Convicted of Federal Hate Crimes for Racially Motivated Attacks Against Black and Hispanic Men

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: WASHINGTON – A jury today in Greensboro, North Carolina, convicted Marian Hudak, 52, for committing a hate crime against a Black man and a Hispanic man on separate occasions. “It’s one thing to use racial slurs and harbor the KKK’s flag, but carrying out acts of violence fueled by naked racial animus and hatred violates the law and core principles of our democracy. The defendant was held accountable for his violent and unlawful attacks on Black and Hispanic members of his community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute violence targeting people because of their race or national origin. All community members should be able to live in and move about their neighborhoods without fear of attack because of how they look or where they are from.” “All people — regardless of the color of their skin or their nationality — are entitled to travel on public roads and enjoy their homes without fear of being threatened, harassed or intimidated,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. “We appreciate the law enforcement agencies who diligently sought justice in this case. The Concord community is safer and more peaceful as a result of today’s verdict.” “Investigating civil rights violations is some of the most important work we do,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI Charlotte Field Office. “No one should be afraid to drive down the street, fill their car with gas or take their children to the bus stop because of someone’s intolerance and racial hatred. The FBI hopes this guilty verdict can give Mr. Hudak's victims some sense of peace." Evidence at trial proved that, on Oct. 13, 2022, Hudak encountered a Black man, identified as J.S., while driving in Concord, North Carolina, and shouted racial slurs at him. After telling J.S. to “come here, boy,” Hudak swerved into J.S.’s lane, got out of his vehicle and punched J.S.’s driver’s side window multiple times. When J.S. fled, Hudak chased him to his home where he continued shouting racial slurs and threatened to shoot and kill him. Evidence at trial also proved that on Nov. 27, 2021, Hudak attacked his Hispanic neighbor, J.D., outside J.D.’s home because of his nationality. Hudak shouted racially charged insults at J.D. before attacking him. Hudak punched and tackled J.D., causing J.D. to suffer bodily injury. Additional trial witnesses testified about Hudak’s frequent anti-Hispanic comments, both before and after the attack on J.D., and about other instances where Hudak shouted slurs at, gave the middle finger to and drove aggressively near other minority motorists in the Concord area. Other evidence included a KKK flag, a racist publication and Nazi memorabilia found in Hudak’s residence. On June 26, 2023, Hudak was charged with willfully injuring, intimidating or interfering with J.S. because of J.S.’s race and color and because J.S. was using a public facility. Hudak was charged with willfully injuring, intimidating or interfering with J.D. because of J.D.’s race and national origin and because J.D. was occupying a dwelling. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 1. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Waid and JoAnna McFadden for the Middle District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Fairfield County man sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for armed bank robberies in Athens, Marietta

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A career bank robber was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 162 months in prison for armed robberies he committed in Athens and Marietta in 2020. William E. Johnson, 58, of Lancaster, committed armed robberies in August 2020 in Athens and October 2020 in Marietta. As part of his sentence, he will pay more than $50,000 in restitution. According to court documents, on Aug. 17, 2020, Johnson brandished a firearm at Hocking Valley Bank on East State Street in Athens. Johnson wore a prosthetic forehead and nose, skin-toned arm sleeves/gloves, makeup and a COVID mask, all designed to disguise his appearance. Johnson ordered employees to get on the floor and then emptied several drawers of cash. In total, he took more than $25,000. After stealing the cash, he tied the employees’ hands with zip ties. Johnson ordered the bank manager to give him the keys to the bank manager’s car and the manager complied. Johnson fled the bank in the stolen vehicle. On Oct. 22, 2020, Johnson robbed the Citizens Bank on North Second Street in Marietta. Johnson was wearing a full-length Halloween-style mask that made him appear to be an old man and wore a red hood pulled up around his face. Johnson possessed a gun and forced his way behind the tellers’ counter. He emptied several drawers, stealing $11,390. At the time, Johnson had a warrant out for his arrest for a pending indictment for a bank robbery in Williamstown, West Virginia. Law enforcement officers spotted Johnson driving in West Virginia on the evening of the Marietta bank robbery and pulled him over. Johnson attempted to flee on foot, telling officers they would have to kill him to take him into custody again. Officers tased Johnson and placed him under arrest. Officers searched Johnson’s vehicle and located more than $9,000 in cash, a loaded handgun, zip ties and his disguises. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division; the Athens, Marietta, Williamstown, W.Va. and Parkersburg, W.Va. police departments; the Washington County and Wood County, W.Va. sheriff’s offices; and the West Virginia State Police announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Canal Winchester man convicted at trial of drug, gun, fraud crimes

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted Thomas O. Crowell, 35, of Canal Winchester, with narcotics, firearms and fraud crimes. The verdict was announced today following a trial that began on Jan. 8 before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. According to court documents and trial testimony, Crowell, who is also known as “T-Mack,” possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana in June 2021. He illegally possessed firearms at the time, namely, a rifle and a Glock. Crowell is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Crowell was also convicted of wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining COVID-relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding by falsely claiming to own a trucking business called “Thomas Crowell.” In April 2021, Crowell applied for the PPP loan and received nearly $20,000. Possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana carries a potential punishment of at least five years and up to life in prison. Illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Congress sets the minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; and Hilliard Police Chief Michael Woods announced today’s verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Damoun Delaviz are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Two Men Plead Guilty to Trafficking Firearms

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

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two men pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms from Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. Yesterday, Juan Antonio Duran , 28, of Watford City, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide a false statement to a federal firearm licensee (FFL), false statement during the purchase of a firearm, straw purchasing a firearm, and firearms trafficking. In November 2023, Jose Nicolas Flores , 31, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide a false statement to an FFL, false statement during the purchase of a firearm, straw purchasing a firearm, and firearms trafficking. Both men pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler. According to related court documents, between May 9, 2023, and May 11, 2023, Duran conspired with Flores to purchase at least three firearms from an FFL in the Northern District of Alabama. Flores, the straw purchaser, falsified documents by specifically stating that he was the actual buyer when in fact he was buying the firearms for Duran. On May 9, 2011, after Duran and Flores traveled into Alabama, Flores attempted to purchase three Barrett .50 caliber rifles from the FFL but was told the transaction was delayed pending completion of a background check. Instead, Flores purchased the FFL’s entire stock of Barrett .50 caliber rifle magazines. Flores paid $2,769 in cash for the 15 rifle magazines. The next day, the FFL called Duran and Flores and informed them that the background was complete, and the transfer could proceed. On May 11, 2023, Duran and Flores returned to the FFL from out of state. Flores recertified the document stating that he was the actual buyer and provided approximately $31,000 in cash before being detained by ATF agents. Flores told the ATF agents that he received the bulk cash from Duran for the purpose of buying firearms for Duran. Meanwhile, Duran was detained while moving their vehicle in anticipation of receiving the rifles. During a search of Duran’s property, agents found a receipt for three Barrett .50 caliber rifles purchased by another person from an FFL in Grimes, Iowa, on April 28, 2023. The purchase was made in cash for $35,843.91. The ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Homeland Security Investigations provided translation and technical support. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and Brittney L. Plyler are prosecuting the case.


title: Springfield, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 54 Months for Bank Robbery

component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Heather Horrighs, 44, was sentenced on January 10, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 54 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery. At the sentencing hearing, the Court found that Horrighs and co-defendant Theodis Parnell jointly planned to rob the Alliance Community Bank located at 6530 North IL-29 in Springfield, IL. On September 13, 2021, Parnell drove Horrighs to the area of the bank where he remained in the vehicle with the engine running. Horrighs then entered the bank with a package that she said contained a bomb. After receiving money from two tellers, Horrighs left the bank and Parnell acted as the getaway driver. The pair stole a total of $12,888 from the bank. Parnell was previously sentenced to 51 months in federal prison. Horrighs was indicted in November 2021 and pleaded guilty in January 2023. She has remained in the custody of the United States Marshal Service since her arrest. The statutory penalties for bank robbery are up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervised release. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Horrighs and Parnell 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: Colorado Woman Sentenced to more than 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Charge

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Melanie Margaret McDonald, 38, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced January 11, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced McDonald to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After McDonald’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On August 26, 2021, an Omaha traffic stop of two men resulted in the discovery of five pounds of meth and two firearms. Both men were arrested, indicted, and have since cooperated with law enforcement. Both men identified McDonald as one of the men's sources for pound quantities of methamphetamine dating back to October of 2020. The investigation revealed Facebook messages where McDonald discussed the arrest of her co-conspirators, and all of their involvement in the drug conspiracy. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearms Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Majok Bethow, 24, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on January 11, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for illegal possession of a machine gun and participation in a firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Bethow to 24 months’ imprisonment on each charge to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bethow’s release from prison, he will begin a concurrent 3-year term of supervised release. On March 26, 2022, Omaha Police Department officers initiated a traffic stop southeast of South 32nd and Q Streets after they observed a vehicle without license plates. After pulling over the vehicle, the rear driver's side passenger door opened, and an occupant fled on foot. Officers gave chase and the party, later identified as Bethow, was taken into custody. A search of his person located a Glock 19X, 9 mm handgun loaded with a 24 round extended magazine containing 18 live rounds. The firearm slide had a black metal auto sear installed on the back of it, a “Glock switch,” that allowed it to function as a machinegun. Bethow was also charged in a firearms conspiracy after law enforcement learned that codefendant Rodolfo Falcon owned a drug stash house that was the central location for the distribution of narcotics. Falcon rented the house out to younger drug dealers who were also documented gang members: codefendants Kenneth Blair, Alexis Bernal-Lopez, Majok Bethow, and Keland Strong each rented the residence from Falcon for some portion of the conspiracy. The Safe Streets Task Force of the Greater Omaha area conducted a search of the residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, currency, drug paraphernalia, and three firearms. Falcon was observed posing with one such firearm in photos of himself that were recovered during the search. Flacon is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. At the time of the search, Kenneth Blair was in the basement of the residence, where text messages amongst the group confirmed was the portion of the house that Blair regularly occupied. Two apparent narcotics customers were located with Blair in the basement at the time of the search. Drugs and cash were also recovered from the basement. Keland Strong used an upstairs room that contained numerous firearms. Falcon was found on the main level of the home where cash and cocaine were recovered along with identification documents. Evidence of significant marijuana distributions, such as wrappers for large quantities of marijuana were also recovered. This, along with text messages between the group, revealed that the home was being used as a narcotics distribution hub and that Bethow, Bernal-Lopez, Strong, and Blair all worked together to sell drugs. Kenneth Blair pled guilty to firearms conspiracy and was sentenced on December 21, 2023, to 21 months imprisonment. Codefendants Rodolfo Falcon, Keland Strong and Bernal-Lopez have all pled guilty to the firearms conspiracy. Sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2024, February 8, 2024, and February 16, 2024, respectively. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department.


title: Ardmore Resident Sentenced For Abusive Sexual Contact Of A Child

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin Wayne Hayes, age 41, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was sentenced for sexually abusing four children under the age of 12. Hayes was sentenced to 20 years in prison for one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(5), 2246(3), 1151, and 1152. Following his term of imprisonment, Hayes will be placed on a life-time term of supervised release and required to register as a sex offender. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City and Ardmore Field Offices, the Ardmore Police Department, Sara’s Project, and the Carter County District Attorney’s Office. On November 22, 2022, Hayes pleaded guilty to knowingly engaging and causing sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. According to court documents, Hayes repeatedly sexually abused four young children beginning as early as 2009 and continuing through 2014. The child victims, who were as young as five and six years old when the abuse began, came forward and provided critical evidence and information to law enforcement regarding the sexual abuse. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Hayes will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Special Assistant United States Attorneys Jenna Rudoff (Dallas, TX) and Callie Woolam (Lubbock, TX) represented the United States.


title: Stilwell Resident Pleads Guilty To Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lewis Reynaldi Cypress, age 39, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Indictment charging him with one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. The Indictment alleged that on December 3, 2023, Cypress knowingly possessed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, and rounds of 9mm and .22 caliber ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stilwell Police Department. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.


title: Maryland And Arizona Residents Plead Guilty To Federal Drug Offenses

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Devier Tamon Washington, age 24, of Arizona, and Gabriel Donte Cunningham, age 28, of Maryland, each entered guilty pleas to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. The Indictment alleged that on March 29, 2022, Washington and Cunningham knowingly possessed 400 grams of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, intending to distribute it. The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Roland Police Department. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted both defendants’ pleas. Washington and Cunningham were remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the completion of presentence investigation reports. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: DC Rapper Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm in Connection with Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Earl Isaac III, a previously convicted felon, pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with possessing a Glock “ghost gun” with a machine gun conversion device, narcotics trafficking, and related counts. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Isaac, 20, aka “Frontline,” of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty on January 9, 2024, to a four-count information in U.S. District Court for possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking; unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; unlawful possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly set a sentencing date for May 8, 2024. Isaac styled himself as a rapper and was known to the YouTube community as “Frontline.” On the video sharing website, he posted veiled threats, to a specific group, with automatic firearms pointed directly at the viewer. Under the Frontline alias he uploaded several rap tracks glorifying violence with guns. Isaac posted “Frontline – PTSD” while he was on probation in 2021 and pointed firearms directly at the camera. According to the government’s evidence, police executed a search warrant at a residence on Stanton Road on June 1, 2023. Under a bathroom sink, police found a .40 caliber Glock firearm, outfitted with a machinegun conversion device, and loaded with a high-capacity magazine that contained 21 rounds of ammunition. Police also found 100 small, round, blue pills inscribed with “M30” littered throughout the premises that were determined to contain fentanyl; 2.68 kilos of marijuana; and $2,020 in cash in the front left pocket of Isaac’s jeans. Isaac previously was convicted and sentenced to a 14-month suspended prison term under the Youth Rehabilitation Act with a one-year probationary term in D.C. Superior Court for carrying a pistol without a license on October 28, 2022. Isaac’s social media account showed that Isaac advertised marijuana for sale, sold marijuana and fentanyl, and posed with marijuana and the money he had earned from drug sales. The case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Leiter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sitara Witanachchi of Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. ###


title: St. Augustine Man Who Led A Police Helicopter On High-Speed Chase Sentenced To Ten Years In Federal Prison For Drug And Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Andrew Tyler Harp (31, St. Augustine) to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture for a Taurus pistol and assorted ammunition. Harp had pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022. According to court documents, on November 24, 2021, a deputy witnessed Harp commit a traffic offense in St. Johns County. The deputy signaled Harp to pull over. In response, Harp initially appeared to be looking for a place to stop, but then accelerated and started racing down the streets of a residential neighborhood, causing the deputy to lose sight of him. A police helicopter then began tracking the speeding car. The helicopter pilot saw an object being throw from the car. Noting the location of the object, the pilot directed another deputy to that specific location. Following the directions of the pilot, that deputy located a black backpack on the side of the road. Inside the backpack the deputy found a plastic bag containing approximately 988.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a digital scale, a pouch containing approximately 28.2 grams of THC wax, baggies of various sizes, nine rounds of .380 ammunition, and a paycheck and pay statement made out to Harp. A fingerprint examiner later determined that Harp’s fingerprints were on the methamphetamine’s packaging. In the meantime, Harp continued to drive but he eventually reached a dead end, abandoned the car, and attempted to hide in a nearby wooded area. With the assistance of a police canine and the helicopter, deputies located Harp and arrested him. When deputies searched the abandoned vehicle, they located approximately 74.5 grams of marijuana and a loaded Taurus .380 pistol. Having previously been convicted of various felony offenses, Harp was prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition. This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. 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: Justice Department Releases New Guide on the Use of Specialized Units in Law Enforcement Agencies

component: Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

body_text: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta announced the release of a new publication, Considerations for Specialized Units: A Guide for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies to Ensure Appropriateness, Effectiveness, and Accountability, commissioned in the wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols and amid mounting public concern over the use of specialized units in police agencies . The guide is designed to support law enforcement agencies and communities across the country as they assess the appropriateness of the use of specialized units, and, where units are deemed appropriate, ensure the necessary management and oversight of such units to advance effective and just policing practices. The guide is the result of a series of convenings, roundtable discussions, and interviews with law enforcement, civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders, led by the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the National Policing Institute (NPI). It provides law enforcement leaders, mayors, and community members with actionable considerations for the formation, management, and accountability of specialized units. “After the tragic death of Tyre Nichols and public scrutiny of the SCORPION unit, we made it a priority at the Justice Department to develop a practical resource for law enforcement and community leaders assessing the use of specialized units in police agencies,” said Associate Attorney General Gupta. “We hope that police chiefs, mayors, and community stakeholders will use the guide when considering whether a specialized unit should be formed to focus on a particular problem, and, if formed, how to ensure proper transparency, oversight, accountability, and evaluation of such units. The Justice Department is grateful for the engagement of law enforcement and community stakeholders that helped make this vital resource a reality.” The guide looks at four main stages of specialized units: (1) formation, (2) personnel selection and supervision, (3) management and accountability, and (4) community engagement. Each section of the guide offers key considerations for agencies as they are creating or reviewing their own specialized units. If law enforcement and the community determine that a law enforcement response is required to address a problem and that standard patrol units are unable to effectively address the concern, this publication offers actionable guidance for defining the specialized unit’s mission and culture, hiring the most suitable personnel and supervisors, developing innovative unit and personnel performance metrics, and establishing policies and practices to mitigate the risks of specialized units. “This guide is based on input from representatives from law enforcement, the community, academic institutions, and advocacy organizations across the country,” said Director of the COPS Office Hugh T. Clements, Jr. “I feel confident this guide will help both law enforcement and the communities they serve to demonstrate and uphold the principles of effective, constitutional policing.” The report is available at www.portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter?item=cops-r1140 .


title: Harrisburg Man and Woman Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Steal Cell Phone Shipments

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Parmod Kumar, age 41, and Reecha Saini, age 36, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for conspiring to steal interstate shipments of cell phones. The Court sentenced Kumar to 12 months’ imprisonment and Saini to 8 months’ imprisonment. The Court also ordered that Kumar and Saini pay over $142,000 in restitution. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Kumar and Saini previously admitted that from 2018 to 2021, they enlisted employees at a UPS facility in Harrisburg to steal packages that they believed contained smartphones. Kumar and Saini then paid the employees for the phones and arranged for their sale at a convenience store in Harrisburg. The stolen phones had a total value of over $142,000. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Swatara Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Houston man sentenced to federal prison for Beaumont bank robbery

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas– A Houston man has been sentenced to federal prison for bank robbery in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Michael Raymond Karras, 65, pleaded guilty to bank robbery and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on Jan. 9, 2024. According to information presented in court, on June 6, 2023, Karras robbed the Chase Bank on Eastex Freeway in Beaumont. Within minutes of the robbery, Karras was located at a convenience store wearing a trench coat and driving the vehicle described in the robbery. After detaining Karras and obtaining consent to search his vehicle, officers discovered $2,870.00 in cash and the handwritten note Karras had used in the robbery. This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte. # # #


title: Springdale Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale man was sentenced today to 235 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents, in January 2023, detectives with the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force received information from a confidential source about ongoing methamphetamine distribution occurring in Northwest Arkansas. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Thomas Colt Boger , age 40. Subsequently, investigators learned that there was an increase in suspected drug activity occurring at Boger’s residence in Springdale. Law enforcement later successfully seized a backpack from the residence that contained two large bundles of methamphetamine. The purchased and seized methamphetamine was submitted to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory for testing where it was tested and determined to be methamphetamine. Between the controlled purchases and the seized backpack, Boger was held accountable for over 2.25 kilograms of actual methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Eaton prosecuted the case. Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov .


title: Cape Coral Man Sentenced To 17 Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Videos

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Anthony Vincent Organo (32, Cape Coral) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for distributing videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Organo to a term of 15 years of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Organo had pleaded guilty on October 3, 2023. According to court documents, between March 9 and May 9, 2023, Organo distributed videos depicting minors being sexually abused through his social media account. Among those who Organo had distributed the child sexual abuse material to were undercover special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In addition, Organo distributed videos of children being sexually abused to an undercover detective from the Montgomery County Constable’s Office in Texas. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Organo was an administrator of a social media chat group and had helped to run the chat group that had the main purpose of sharing child sexual abuse material. On June 14, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Organo’s residence and agents seized Organo’s cellphone. A subsequent forensic examination of Organo’s cellphone revealed more than 400 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. During an interview with agents on June 14, 2023, Organo admitted that he had received videos and images of children ranging in age from 5-15 years old. Organo estimated that he had sent and received over 500 images and videos depicting children being sexually abused in 2023, and he admitted that he had created the social media group chat where he would send and receive child sex abuse material. This case was jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Montgomery County (Texas) Constable’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Maintaining Drug Premises

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RYAN NEGROTTO, a/k/a “WHITE BOY,” age 43, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 4, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 255 months incarceration after previously pleading guilty to eight counts of the superseding indictment pending against him. Judge Fallon also ordered that NEGROTTO be placed on supervised release for five (5) years following release from imprisonment and pay a mandatory $100 assessment special assessment fee as to each count. Count 1 charged NEGROTTO with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C § 841(a)(1) and 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. Count 2 charged NEGROTTO with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B), and 18 U.S.C. § 2. Count 3 charged NEGROTTO with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and 18 U.S.C § 2. Count 4 charged NEGROTTO with distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and 18 U.S.C § 2. Counts 5 and 7 charged NEGROTTO with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 6 charged NEGROTTO with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count 8 charged NEGROTTO with using or maintaining a drug premises, in violation of 21 U.S.C § 856(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C § 2. According to public records, prior to March 2, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) was informed that a New Orleans motorcycle shop harbored drug dealers. ATF used a confidential informant (“CI”) who both visited the shop numerous times, saw drug sales occurring and heard discussions about other drug sales. The CI learned that NEGROTTO was the co-renter of the shop. On separate occasions in March 2021, NEGROTTO sold methamphetamine to a CI, one sale of which totaled over 300 grams, and also provided prices for future purchases. In May 2021, NEGROTTO sold over 400 grams of methamphetamine to a CI. 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. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.


title: New Jersey Laboratory and Its Owner and CEO Agree to Pay Over $13 Million to Settle Allegations of Kickbacks and Unnecessary Testing

component: Civil Division

body_text: Clinical laboratory RDx Bioscience Inc. (RDx), of Kenilworth, New Jersey, and its owner and Chief Executive Officer Eric Leykin, of Brooklyn, New York, have agreed to pay to the United States $10,315,023 to resolve False Claims Act allegations involving illegal kickbacks and medically unnecessary laboratory testing. RDx and Leykin will pay an additional $2,934,977 to the State of New Jersey, which jointly funded claims paid by the New Jersey Medicaid program. RDx and Leykin have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of, and litigation against, other participants in the alleged schemes. “Regardless of how they are disguised, kickbacks for laboratory referrals are illegal and can corrupt medical providers’ decision making and subject patients to expensive and unnecessary testing,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable individuals and entities who participate in kickback schemes that harm taxpayers and threaten the integrity of federal healthcare programs.” The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients. Claims that are knowingly submitted in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are ineligible for payment and can violate the False Claims Act. The settlement announced today resolves allegations concerning five types of kickbacks paid to induce referrals to RDx for laboratory testing. First, from 2018 to 2022, RDx and Leykin allegedly paid commissions based on the volume and value of Medicare and Medicaid referrals to independent contractor marketers to arrange for and recommend that healthcare providers order RDx laboratory tests. Second, from 2018 to 2022, RDx marketer Corum Group LLC allegedly paid healthcare providers thousands of dollars in purported management services organization (MSO) payments, which were disguised as investment returns but actually were offered to induce the providers to order RDx laboratory tests. Third, from 2017 to 2023, RDx marketers BeauMed Consultants LLC and Ralston Health Group Inc. allegedly paid thousands of dollars to healthcare providers that were disguised as consulting or medical director fees but were actually offered to induce orders, among other things, for RDx laboratory tests. Fourth, from 2019 to 2020, RDx marketer Seaworthy Recovery Services Inc. allegedly paid thousands of dollars in kickbacks to one or more principals of certain substance abuse recovery centers to induce their referrals to RDx for laboratory testing. Fifth, RDx and Leykin allegedly paid specimen collection fees to the staff members of referring healthcare providers to induce those providers to order RDx laboratory testing. The settlement resolves allegations that RDx and Leykin billed or caused Medicare and Medicaid to be billed for the tests despite paying or knowing of these kickbacks. In addition, from 2017 to 2023, RDx and Leykin allegedly submitted or caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid for laboratory tests that were not reasonable and necessary; not covered because they were identical orders of urine drug testing panels for all patients within a clinician’s practice without individualized decision-making; or not covered because they were improperly duplicative of other claims for urine drug testing for the same date of service, the same patient, and the same drugs. “Kickbacks have no place in our healthcare system,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “Patients need to trust that health care referrals are made in their best interests, not in the interests of lining someone else’s pockets. We have pursued and will continue to pursue laboratories that enter into unlawful financial arrangements that waste taxpayer dollars and improperly influence healthcare providers.” “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that health care providers are not permitted to induce referrals, thereby causing unnecessary medically testing,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The defendants in this case disguised payments, which is a violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.” The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with assistance from HHS-OIG. Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti Dharia for the District of New Jersey handled the settlement. The United States has recovered over $46 million relating to conduct involving MSO kickbacks to healthcare providers, including False Claims Act settlements with 43 physicians, three laboratories, five medical practices, three healthcare executives and one office manager. The government’s pursuit of these matters illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: New Jersey Laboratory and Owner/CEO Agree to Pay $13 Million to Settle Allegations of Kickbacks and Unnecessary Testing

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A clinical laboratory and its owner and chief executive officer have agreed to pay $13.25 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations involving illegal kickbacks and medically unnecessary laboratory testing, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. RDx Bioscience Inc. (RDx), of Kenilworth, New Jersey, and its owner and chief executive officer, Eric Leykin, of Brooklyn, New York, agreed to pay the United States $10.32 million and will pay an additional $2.93 million to the state of New Jersey. RDx and Leykin have agreed to cooperate with the Department of Justice’s investigations of, and litigation against, other participants in the alleged schemes. “Kickbacks have no place in our healthcare system. Patients need to trust that health care referrals are made in their best interests, not in the interests of lining someone else’s pockets. We have pursued and will continue to pursue laboratories that enter into unlawful financial arrangements that waste taxpayer dollars and improperly influence healthcare providers.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Regardless of how they are disguised, kickbacks for laboratory referrals are illegal and can corrupt medical providers’ decision making and subject patients to expensive and unnecessary testing,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable individuals and entities who participate in kickback schemes that harm taxpayers and threaten the integrity of federal healthcare programs.” “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that health care providers are not permitted to induce referrals, thereby causing unnecessary medically testing,” Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), said. “The defendants in this case disguised payments, which is a violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.” The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients. Claims that are knowingly submitted in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are ineligible for payment and can violate the False Claims Act. The settlement announced today resolves allegations concerning five types of kickbacks paid to induce referrals to RDx for laboratory testing: From 2018 to 2022, RDx and Leykin allegedly paid commissions based on the volume and value of Medicare and Medicaid referrals to independent contractor marketers to arrange for and recommend that healthcare providers order RDx laboratory tests. From 2018 to 2022, RDx marketer Corum Group LLC allegedly paid healthcare providers thousands of dollars in purported management services organization (MSO) payments, which were disguised as investment returns but actually were offered to induce the providers to order RDx laboratory tests. From 2017 to 2023, RDx marketers BeauMed Consultants LLC and Ralston Health Group Inc. allegedly paid thousands of dollars to healthcare providers that were disguised as consulting or medical director fees but were actually offered to induce orders, among other things, for RDx laboratory tests. From 2019 to 2020, RDx marketer Seaworthy Recovery Services Inc. allegedly paid thousands of dollars in kickbacks to one or more principals of certain substance abuse recovery centers to induce their referrals to RDx for laboratory testing. RDx and Leykin allegedly paid specimen collection fees to the staff members of referring healthcare providers to induce those providers to order RDx laboratory testing. The settlement resolves allegations that RDx and Leykin billed or caused Medicare and Medicaid to be billed for the tests despite paying or knowing of these kickbacks. In addition, from 2017 to 2023, RDx and Leykin allegedly submitted or caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid for laboratory tests that were not reasonable and necessary; not covered because they were identical orders of urine drug testing panels for all patients within a clinician’s practice without individualized decision-making; or not covered because they were improperly duplicative of other claims for urine drug testing for the same date of service, the same patient, and the same drugs. The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from HHS-OIG. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti Dharia of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit and Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section). The government’s pursuit of these matters illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. rdx.settlement.pdf


title: Appleton Woman Charged with Producing & Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 4, 2024, a federal criminal complaint was issued alleging that Charlotta A. Belgum (age: 38) of Appleton, Wisconsin, produced and distributed child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”) in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(b). According to the criminal complaint, between approximately December 2021 and June 2022, Belgum produced CSAM of a minor child which she then shared with a male acquaintance in Texas via the internet. The complaint further alleges that Belgum frequently engaged in online conversations on a “fetish” website centered around the sexual abuse of children. Belgum faces a mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 30 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the production charge. She also could be fined up to $250,000. This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Appleton Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security, Milwaukee Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Combats Human Trafficking in Recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina affirms its continued commitment to work with federal, state, and local partners to combat human trafficking in all its forms. “As we recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we honor the courageous survivors, we mourn the victims, many whose names we will never know, and we remain relentless in our pursuit of traffickers who exploit them,” said United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office – along with our law enforcement partners – will continue our fight to end human trafficking in South Carolina.” Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used. In the past year, the United States Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of its law enforcement partners, prosecuted the following noteworthy cases: US v. Eric Rashun Jones Eric Jones, of Newberry, and Brittany Cromer, of Greenville both await sentencing following guilty pleas for Human Trafficking Conspiracy and other charges. Jones recruited vulnerable victims and forced them into commercial sex work for his own financial gain. Jones, aided by Cromer, physically assaulted victims, including breaking one victim’s orbital socket. Jones was convicted in June 2023 and Cromer was convicted in Jan. 2024. US v. Elizabeth Balcazar, et al. Enrique Balcazar and Elizabeth Balcazar, both of Batesburg, were sentenced to federal prison for labor trafficking, confiscating passports in connection with labor trafficking, and fraud in foreign labor contracting. They recruited 55 Mexican nationals to work at their agricultural company, confiscated their passports and visas, then failed to pay promised wages. Enrique used force and coercion to keep workers with his company, including by threatening deportation, brandishing and discharging firearms, failing to provide medical care, placing locks on the outside of the facility where workers slept, and by posting armed guards at the camp facility. US v. Aaron Simmons A Greenville man was convicted of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor after compelling one adult and one minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts. Simmons is awaiting sentencing. US v. Cedrick Riley Cedrick Riley and Earl Caldwell were sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for their involvement in the sex trafficking of a minor. Caldwell spent at least $45,000 to purchase sex from the minor and supply the victim with clothing, drugs, and hotel rooms. Jessica Mills was also sentenced for her involvement in the conspiracy. US v. Brian Leroy Watson A Blythewood man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Distribution of Heroin. Watson trafficked at least nine victims, including one minor, into the commercial sex trade. Watson frequently used physical violence against his victims, manipulated their drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and confiscated monetary proceeds from them. Watson was assisted at times by Ryan Grover, of Barnwell, who pleaded guilty to Human Trafficking Conspiracy and was sentenced to three years in federal prison. Watch U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs’ call to raise awareness and learn more about combatting human trafficking in your community on our Facebook page . Join the U.S. Attorney’s Office and advocates across the country for #WearBlueDay tomorrow, Jan. 11, to honor human trafficking survivors during Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . ###


title: Justice Department, Local Law Enforcement Partner to Fight Firearm Theft

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is partnering with Bexar County and San Antonio law enforcement to urge residents to properly secure their firearms when they’re not in use. According to data, more than 25,000 firearms have been stolen from vehicles across Texas’ four largest cities—Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio—over the past three years. In 2023, 3,146 firearms were stolen in San Antonio alone. In many cases, investigators find that weapons used in violent crimes are those stolen from law-abiding gun owners. In August, two San Antonio police officers were injured, one of whom lost an eye, during their pursuit of a man wanted on three warrants. The gun used by the suspect against the officers turned out to be one of many that were stolen from a vehicle parked overnight outside a hotel. Stolen firearms have also been recovered from the scenes of other shootings, robberies, and murders. Maps highlighting the areas where gun thefts are most common in Bexar County show that retail parking lots on the northwest side of San Antonio, as well as parts of Alamo Ranch, are hot spots for activity. It takes a thief less than 15 seconds to break into a vehicle and steal a gun. While it’s common for gun owners to leave their firearms unsecured under a vehicle seat or in an unlocked compartment, legitimate gun safes concealed and fixed to the inside of a vehicle can assist in the prevention of theft. “Leaving a firearm unsecured in your vehicle is not just negligence. It’s an open invitation to chaos and every responsible gun owner must recognize that,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Don’t make it any easier for criminals. Carry with a plan and understand that a locked car is not a locked safe.” “We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of guns stolen from vehicles in Bexar County in the last year,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales. “When a gun is stolen from a gun owner who leaves it in a vehicle, that same weapon can be used in another crime that causes serious injury or death. Please take your gun with you whenever possible or secure it in a gun safe and never leave your weapon in your vehicle overnight.” “The fact that criminal organizations have now prioritized stealing firearms left in unsecured vehicles, has increasingly become a threat to public safety nationwide,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. “Responsible gun ownership can decidedly reduce violent crime alone, but more importantly eliminate the opportunity of illegal weapons falling into the hands of violent criminals.” “I’ve been to many shooting scenes. They’re terrible scenes,” said Chief William McManus for the San Antonio Police Department. “When I learn that the weapon used was stolen, it’s frustrating because it takes single responsible action to make sure the gun doesn’t get into the hands of the wrong person.” In November, the DOJ named San Antonio as one of five new cities in its National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program. PSP is managed by the Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and has a proven track record of helping partner sites reduce crime, improve homicide clearance rates, and enhance the quality of life for community members. In addition to combatting gun violence, PSP brings opportunities over a three-year span to broaden federal partnerships and create task forces, develop innovative technological solutions, enhance crime analysis capabilities, further community engagement, and more. The DOJ is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. The PSP initiative supports and advances the DOJ’s principles in all of its activities. ###


title: Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Arson Charge By Pouring Gasoline on Several Supreme Court Vehicles

body_text: WASHINGTON – Cody Tarner, 26, of Hagerstown, Maryland, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2024, in federal court to Arson. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 14, 2024. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael O’Callaghan of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to the government’s evidence, on July 15, 2020, Tarner drove onto the United States Supreme Court’s property located on First Street Northeast, Washington D.C., and parked his vehicle in an employee only parking spot. The defendant got out of his car and walked around the Supreme Court property. Tarner then returned to his car and pulled out a red gas can. At approximately 1:48 p.m., Tarner was observed on security camera footage pouring gasoline onto three Supreme Court Police unmarked vehicles parked in Supreme Court employee only parking spaces. While pouring the gasoline on the vehicles, it was observed that some of the gasoline was splashing onto his person and clothing. The unmarked vehicles had emergency police lights visible from the outside of the vehicles, and one of the vehicles had emergency police lights on the roof of the vehicle. Tarner was then seen lighting one of the vehicles on fire resulting in a violent ignition of the gasoline. This action resulted in Tarner also being engulfed in the fire causing severe burns and injuries to himself. Tarner admitted to starting the fire with 87 octane unleaded gasoline he had purchased in Pennsylvania for that purpose. The investigation revealed that Tarner had several prior encounters with law enforcement in which he expressed anti-government and militia extremist ideologies. Tarner also claimed to be the leader of an identified militia group. This case was investigated by FBI, Supreme Court of the United States Police – Protective Intelligence Unit, and Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emory V. Cole and DOJ Attorney James Peterson.


title: Threat Made to Police about Possible Mass Shooting Leads to Federal Prison Sentence for Local Man

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, La. – Kenneth Allen Moody , 33, originally of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was sentenced yesterday for making threats, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Moody was sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on August 24, 2022, charging Moody with one count of interstate communication of a threat as the result of a threatening phone call he made in July 2022 to the Vidalia Police Department (“VPD”). In the phone call, Moody, who was living in Vidalia, Louisiana, at the time of the incident, stated that he wanted to turn himself in because of what he was going to do. When asked what he was planning, Moody told the VPD dispatcher that he was going to possibly perform a mass shooting at the Natchez High School in Mississippi. Moody told the dispatcher that he had been planning the shooting for months and had loaded automatic weapons. VPD was able to locate the cellular device he had used to make the call to them and traced it to a device in Hot Springs, Arkansas with subscriber information belonging to Moody. At the time of the call, Moody was living in the Vidalia, Louisiana area. He admitted to making the call to VPD with the intent to make a threat or with knowledge that the communication would be viewed as a threat. The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and Vidalia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath. # # #


title: Media Advisory – U.S. Attorney to Host Human Trafficking Awareness Training in Southeast Raleigh

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern


title: Mexican men indicted for forging federal documents related to human smuggling scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – Two Mexican citizens illegally present in the United States have been taken into federal custody on charges relating to conspiracies to forge I-551 stamps as part of human smuggling activities, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Juan Francisco Reyna-Robles, 52, is set to make an initial appearance Jan. 11 at 9:40 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga. Authorities previously arrested Eugolio Araus Ocampo, 49, who has already made his appearance in federal court. According to the two-count indictment returned Dec. 12, 2023, Reyna-Robles and Ocampo engaged in conspiracies dating back to 2022 to forge and distribute I-551 stamps as part of a broader human smuggling scheme. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues “ADIT” or I-551 stamps on foreign passports as temporary evidence of permanent resident status. Such stamps can be used as proof of status for travel, identity verification and employment authorization, according to the charges. If convicted, they face up to five years for immigration document fraud conspiracy and up to 10 years for human smuggling charges. They could also be ordered to pay hundreds of thousands in fines. DHS-Office of the Inspector General led the multi-agency investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Webb County Constable’s Office – 2 nd and 4 th Precincts and the Laredo Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Terence A. Check Jr. is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For His Enticement Of An Orange County Minor

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that MATTHEW MILLS was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Nelson Román for his enticement of an 11-year-old minor. Today’s sentencing followed MILLS’s guilty plea on September 29, 2023. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Matthew Mills’s crimes are the nightmare of every parent. Even after registering as a sex offender, Mills was able to prey on a young child from across the country, but the career prosecutors of this Office and our investigative partners were relentless in pursuing this predator. Today’s lengthy sentence ensures that Mills will face justice for his reprehensible conduct.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings: From on or about July 30, 2020, up to and including on or about July 31, 2020, MATTHEW MILLS exchanged text messages with an 11-year-old minor (“Victim-1”) and directed Victim-1 to take and transmit sexually explicit photographs and videos of Victim-1 to MILLS. At the time of these communications, MILLS was in Colorado and Victim-1 was in Orange County. Earlier in 2020, MILLS pled guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a Class 4 Felony, in the state of Colorado. As a result of this offense, on or about July 10, 2020, MILLS was sentenced to an eight-year term of probation and was required to register as a sex offender in Colorado. * * * In addition to the prison sentence, MILLS, 32, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Denver Police Department in connection with this investigation. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Independence Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing $500,000 from Employer

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing more than $500,000 from her employer. Tammy Myers, 50, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to a federal information that charges her with one count of wire fraud. Myers was employed by Builders Overhead Door Service, Inc., in Blue Springs, Mo., from 1998 through 2022. Myers, who became the head of accounting in 2012, admitted that she engaged in a scheme to defraud Builders Overhead Door Service from January 2013 to December 2022. Myers admitted she used the company’s bank account information to pay off the balances on her personal credit cards, totaling $429,025. In addition to paying her personal credit cards, Myers admitted she wrote checks to herself from the company’s bank account without the authorization of the owner. Myers deposited the unauthorized checks, which had been pre-signed by the owner, into her personal bank account and spent that money on personal expenses. The total amount of unauthorized checks she wrote to herself was $86,477. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Myers must pay $521,996 in restitution to Builders Overhead Door Service, which represents the total loss she caused and includes loss attributable to related criminal activity. Myers must also pay a money judgment to the government of $429,025. Myers also admitted that while she was using company funds to pay her personal credit cards and writing checks to herself, she let the company fall behind on payroll, real estate, and sales and use taxes. Under federal statutes, Myers is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Cooper. It was investigated by the FBI.