title: Ten Count Indictment Unsealed Charging Eight Individuals and Two Law Firms with Offenses in Connection with Staged Automobile Collisions in the New Orleans Area

component: Criminal - Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section

body_text: NEW ORLEANS –The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announce the unsealing of a ten count superseding indictment charging RYAN J. HARRIS, a/k/a “Red,” (“HARRIS”) , age 36, of New Orleans; SEAN D. ALFORTISH (“ALFORTISH”) , age 57, of New Orleans; VANESSA MOTTA (“MOTTA”) , age 43, of New Orleans; JASON F. GILES (“GILES”) , age 45, of New Orleans; LEON M. PARKER, a/k/a “Chunky,” (“PARKER”) , age 51, of New Orleans; DIAMINIKE F. STALBERT (“STALBERT”) , age 34, of Metairie; CARL MORGAN (“MORGAN”) , age 66, of New Orleans; and TIMARA N. LAWRENCE (“LAWRENCE”) , age 34, of New Orleans. Also charged are the law firms MOTTA LAW, LLC (“MOTTA LAW”) and THE KING FIRM, LLC (“THE KING FIRM”) , both of New Orleans. The superseding indictment was returned on Friday, December 6, 2024, and unsealed on Monday, December 9, 2024, after PARKER was arrested by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). Count One charges defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW FIRM, GILES. THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT and LAWRENCE with Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349. Count Two charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. Count Three charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA , and MOTTA LAW with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2. Count Four charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA , and MOTTA LAW with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2. Count Five charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2. Count Six charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2. Count Seven charges defendant STALBERT with Making False Statements, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). Count Eight charges defendant HARRIS with Witness Tampering through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(a)(1)(C), 1512(a)(3)(A), and 2. Count Nine charges defendant HARRIS with Retaliation Against a Witness Through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1513(a)(1)(B), 1513(a)(2)(A), and 2. Count Ten charges defendant HARRIS with Causing Death Through Use of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j)(1) and 2. According to the superseding indictment, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT , and LAWRENCE were members of a conspiracy that engaged in a fraud scheme, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, witness tampering through murder, and retaliation against a witness through murder. The members of the conspiracy intentionally staged automobile collisions in the New Orleans metropolitan area and submitted fraudulent insurance claims based on the staged collisions. The members of the conspiracy filed fraudulent lawsuits in state and federal court based on the staged automobile collisions. The members of this conspiracy also obstructed justice and made material misrepresentations in court cases to prevent detection of their scheme by law enforcement and members of the judiciary. The superseding indictment alleges that HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, LAWRENCE , Cornelius Garrison (“Garrison”), then attorney Danny Patrick Keating (“Keating”), Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), and others participated in a scheme in which they intentionally staged automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The scheme included individuals who rode in automobiles as passengers knowing they would be part of staged collisions. Those individuals later lied as part of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. Additionally, the scheme included individuals who drove automobiles and intentionally collided with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, in order to stage collisions (“slammers”). After the staged collisions, the slammers would flee the scene and a passenger would falsely claim to have been driving at the time of the collision. HARRIS , Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman were slammers. HARRIS , Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman also recruited and conspired with others to participate in staged collisions. Additionally, the scheme included individuals (“spotters”) who drove getaway cars that allowed the slammers to flee the scene after causing a collision and evade detection by law enforcement. The spotters would sometimes also pretend to be eyewitnesses and would flag down the commercial vehicles after the staged collisions, alleging that the commercial vehicles were at fault. Additionally, the scheme included individuals, including ALFORTISH, MOTTA, GILES, Keating, other attorneys and others associated with the attorneys, who pursued fraudulent claims and fraudulent lawsuits knowing they were based on staged collisions. Garrison worked with HARRIS as a slammer and spotter. Similar to HARRIS , Garrison recruited others to participate in staged collisions. Both HARRIS and Garrison caused or attempted to cause passengers in the staged collisions to hire the attorneys who were part of the scheme. Between approximately December 12, 2011, and the date of the superseding indictment, HARRIS , Garrison, Labeaud, Hickman, and others caused multiple staged collisions in order to file fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. The scheme involved the use of the mail and the use of interstate wires, including through the filing of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits. The superseding indictment includes twenty-two (22) staged collisions perpetrated by the charged defendants. The superseding indictment alleges that, in or around 2019, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES , and THE KING FIRM became aware of the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme. ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES , and THE KING FIRM committed various acts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering to cover-up the illegal collision scheme and to obstruct justice. These acts included ALFORTISH, MOTTA , and MOTTA LAW conspiring to 1) manipulate an individual into making a false statement, 2) offering to pay Garrison and to move Garrison outside of the United States if Garrison agreed not to cooperate with the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme, and 3) obstructing Garrison and HARRIS’s participation in civil depositions related to 18-wheeler tractor trailer collisions. Also, GILES and THE KING FIRM manipulated Labeaud and Hickman by secretly recording them, and thereby obstructing justice and committing witness tampering. GILES and THE KING FIRM also suggested that Labeaud leave town while there was increased attention on the staged collisions and convinced passengers in staged collisions to sign documents created to cover up the scheme. In or around October 2019, Garrison began covertly cooperating with the federal government concerning staged automobile collisions. On September 18, 2020, Garrison was indicted in the Eastern District of Louisiana with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, and other offenses related to the staged collisions. The superseding indictment alleges that on September 22, 2020, HARRIS murdered, and aided and abetted the murder of Garrison, as part of a scheme to prevent Garrison from cooperating with the federal government and exposing the scheme to stage collisions. In addition, the superseding indictment charges STALBERT with lying to Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on May 28, 2020, in connection with her involvement in staged collisions. PARKER made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Michael B. North, on Monday, December 9, 2024. Defendant HARRIS remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on May 3, 2024. Defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, STALBERT , and LAWRENCE will make their initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the near future. If convicted of Count One, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT , and LAWRENCE face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Count Two, defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victims. If convicted of Counts Three or Five, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES , and THE KING FIRM face up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Counts Four or Six, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES , and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Count Seven, defendant STALBERT faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. If convicted of Counts Eight, Nine, or Ten, defendant HARRIS faces a mandatory life sentence, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine as to each of these three counts. For each of the ten counts, any charged defendant also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for the charged conduct. Including this superseding indictment, sixty-three (63) defendants have been charged in the federal probe into the staging of automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The U.S. Attorney's Office reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the FBI, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; and Trial Attorney J. Ryan McLaren of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.


title: McKeesport Felon Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Firearms Trafficking and Violating Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 134 months of imprisonment on his conviction of firearms offenses and conspiracy, as well as violations of his federal supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Duane Jackson, 39. According to information presented to the Court, Jackson engaged in a conspiracy to acquire numerous firearms from April through November 2021, and, in fact, acquired approximately 26 firearms during that period. At the time, Jackson was on federal supervised release for a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. During the conspiracy, Jackson also attempted to obtain numerous machinegun conversion devices, also known as Glock switches. Judge Stickman imposed a sentence of 120 months of imprisonment for the new offenses, and a consecutive sentence of 14 months of imprisonment for the defendant’s violations of his supervised release. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman reiterated the gravity of the offenses, noting the plague that illegal firearms, and the violence associated with them, inflicts on the community. “Firearms trafficking and violent crime often go hand in hand,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “During the conspiracy in this case, Duane Jackson, a convicted felon, illegally acquired over two dozen firearms. Today’s sentence of over 11 years sends a clear message: if you traffic in firearms, you will be held accountable under federal law. This office will continue to work every day with our law enforcement partners at all levels of government to stop the illegal flow of firearms across western Pennsylvania.” “Duane Jackson was fueling violent crime in our communities through his endeavors,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Illegal firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of dangerous criminals. Including devices that enable pistols to be fired like machineguns made them remarkably hazardous. ATF is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop dangerous criminals like Jackson and to making western Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods a safer place to live.” Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jackson.


title: Arrest Made in Superseding Indictment Charging Five Individuals with Three Different Murders and a Fourth Non-Fatal Drive-By Shooting

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

body_text: WASHINGTON – This morning, the U.S. Marshals Service (“USMS”) arrested Dionzai Parker, 21, also known as “Moneybag Jefe,” on a bench warrant issued after the grand jury returned a third superseding indictment charging Parker with, among other counts, conspiracy and first-degree murder while armed for the February 25, 2023 homicide of Brice Djembissi, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. Previously, four other men from the District and Maryland—Derrico Johnson, 20, Ronald Henderson, 19, Daveon Robinson, 18, and Demarco Robinson, 20—were arraigned on the same third superseding indictment in connection with three homicides—the April 12, 2022 murder of Clayton Marshall, the May 26, 2022 murder of Justin Johnson, and the February 25, 2023 murder of Brice Djembissi—and a fourth drive-by shooting at Alabama Convenience Store that injured two bystanders, described below. The 33-count third superseding indictment charges each defendant with conspiracy, as well as: Derrico Johnson with two counts of first-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed stemming from the April 12, 2022 murder of Clayton Marshall and May 26, 2022 murder of Justin Johnson; Ronald Henderson with one count of first-degree murder while armed and four counts of assault with intent to kill stemming from the May 26, 2022 murder of Justin Johnson and the January 2, 2023 drive-by shooting at Alabama Convenience Store; Daveon Robinson with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed stemming from the January 2, 2023 drive-by shooting at Alabama Convenience Store; Dionzai Parker with one count of first-degree murder while armed and two counts of assault with intent to kill stemming from the February 25, 2023 murder of Brice Djembissi. According to the third superseding indictment, the five defendants are members of a crew called “Get Back Gang,” which is associated with the Henson Ridge neighborhood in 7D often referred to as “the Z” and part of a broader group driving violence in DC known as “Fox 5 Gang.” Over the past few years, these defendants and others participated in several homicides and non-fatal shootings, including: On April 12, 2022, Derrico Johnson was picked up in a stolen vehicle and driven to the 2200 block of Savannah Street SE. At approximately 12:20 p.m., Derrico Johnson briefly exited the vehicle and fired several rounds in the direction of Shipley Market. Clayton Marshall, 32, who does not appear to have been the intended target, was shot and killed and another individual was shot and injured. On May 26, 2022, Derrico Johnson, Ronald Henderson, and another individual walked to the Savannah Terrace Circle, which the victim, 16-year-old Justin Johnson, also known as “23 Rackz,” had posted as his location to Instagram earlier that morning. At approximately 11:20 a.m., Derrico Johnson and Ronald Henderson fired eleven (11) shots from approximately 200 feet away in the direction of Justin Johnson, who was shot twice while standing a few feet away from an infant child on a scooter, who was uninjured. Justin Johnson died a few minutes later inside of a nearby apartment building. On January 2, 2023, Ronald Henderson and Daveon Robinson were riding in the back seat of a vehicle, while Dionzai Parker was seated in the front passenger seat and a known juvenile associated with “Get Back Gang” was driving the vehicle. At approximately 4:48 p.m., as the vehicle approached Alabama Convenience Store, Henderson and Robinson fired several rifle and handgun rounds in the direction of Alabama Convenience Store, shooting and injuring two people. Armed Special Police Officers in the area witnessed the shooting and pursued the two shooters through the Henson Ridge neighborhood to a home, where Henderson and Robinson were subsequently arrested. Parker and the driver made good on their escape. On February 25, 2023, Dionzai Parker was riding inside a stolen Jeep Compass as the vehicle approached the 2200 block of Savannah Street SE. At around 3:00 p.m., Parker and two others fired approximately 70 rifle rounds in the direction of Shipley Market. During the brazen drive-by shooting, Brice Djembissi—a Prince George’s County teacher and part-time Uber driver who was dropping off a customer—was shot feet away from where Clayton Marshall was killed on April 12, 2022, while two other bystanders were shot and injured. Mr. Djembissi, 37, succumbed to his injuries on March 3, 2023. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Sellinger. dparker_third_superseding_indictment_-_filed_redacted.pdf


title: California Man Indicted For Cyberstalking

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Girish Subburaman (24, California) with one count of cyberstalking. If convicted, Subburaman faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Subburaman on October 22, 2024. According to the indictment, from at least September 2023, to at least October 2023, Subburaman used the internet, a social media application, and cellular telephone networks to engage in a course of conduct that caused, attempted to cause, and would be reasonably expected to cause substantial emotional distress to the victim, while the victim was residing in Lake County, Florida. Subburaman’s actions were intended to injure, harass, and intimidate the victim. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Leesburg Police Department, and the San Diego Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: An Ohio man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for possessing child pornography. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Andrew Ladich-McGrew , 28, to 72 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $28,000 in restitution. According to court records, in June 2020, investigators with Maine State Police and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at an apartment Ladich-McGrew was renting in Presque Isle. The search warrant was based on a report by electronic service provider Discord that Ladich-McGrew’s account was involved in the possession of sexually explicit images of children under the age of 16. Discord is an online communication platform that, among other functions, allows users to communicate with text-based chats and to send and receive media files. During the initial investigation, images and videos were found on an online storage drive connected to Ladich-McGrew’s computer. In November 2020, a second investigation was launched, leading investigators to a computer that contained multiple files of child sexual abuse material. As with the external hard drive, the images included children as young as three years old being sexually abused. At the time of his arrest, Ladich-McGrew was living in Ohio. HSI and the Maine State Police investigated the case. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc . ###


title: Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI McDowell

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – William Williams, 24, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, was sentenced today to one year and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 12, 2022, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a random pat-down search of Williams and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his left front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal approximately five inches long with a sharpened point on one end and a cloth handle. Williams admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-52. ###


title: Miami Man Sentenced To More Than 20 Years For Producing And Attempting To Produce Child Sexual Abuse Materials Using Hidden Cameras

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Gray Edward Rivera (46, Miami) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for production and attempted production of child sexual abuse materials. Once Rivera is released from prison, he will be required to serve a 10-year period of supervised release. Gray Edward Rivera was found guilty by a jury on September 5, 2024. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Rivera gifted three items – a Bluetooth speaker, calendar/clock, and a USB charging tower – containing hidden cameras to a child and set them up in the child’s bedroom. In addition, a hidden camera smoke detector was discovered in the living room area. Those cameras were later discovered by the child’s mother, and she contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Rivera was out of the country at the time. The CCSO partnered with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and obtained Rivera’s cell phones when he re-entered the United States via a border search. A review of Rivera’s cell phones resulted in the discovery of 14 files containing child sexual abuse material of the child, as well as phone activity related to the use of the app for controlling the hidden cameras. Records obtained by law enforcement showed that Rivera had purchased three of the hidden cameras online. “This predator’s use of hidden cameras to spy on a child in intimate areas in her own home is a heinous violation of trust and privacy,” said Tim Hemker, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, and the protective nature of the victim’s mother, this predator will now spend more than two decades behind bars for his appalling actions. This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and pursuing justice for those who seek to exploit and harm children.” This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, , and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Sentencing of Online Predator for Sexual Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Santo Domingo man has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release for sexually assaulting a minor victim after grooming her through social media and gaining unauthorized access to her home on the Navajo Nation. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, Jordian Pacheco , 33, an enrolled member of the Santa Domingo Pueblo, was arrested on January 10, 2021, after the victim's mother discovered him hiding in her daughter's closet. Navajo Police Department officers responded to the call and initially detained Pacheco , who provided false identification. The investigation revealed that Pacheco had developed a relationship with the 14-year-old victim through TikTok and email over the course of a year. Pacheco , who was 29 years old at the time, did not disclose his true age to the victim. On January 9, 2021, Pacheco drove to the victim's residence on the Navajo Nation while her mother was away. He then engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with the minor. During the investigation, it was uncovered that Pacheco had a history of contacting minors online using usernames such as "youngduke12," "Little Felon," and "Scott Little Felon." He tried to ingratiate himself with minors, requesting photographs and attempting to meet them at local high school sporting events while lying about his age. Upon his release from prison, Pacheco will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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 Justice.gov/PSC. # # #


title: Santa Cruz-Based MS-13 Gang Members Sentenced To Over Twenty Years In Prison For Racketeering Conspiracy, Conspiracy To Commit Murder

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Erick Escalante-Torres and Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar, members of the La Mara Salvatrucha gang (better known as MS-13) based in Santa Cruz, were sentenced today to 27 years and 11 months in prison and 22 years in prison, respectively, for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and other crimes. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Edward J. Davila, U.S. District Judge, following the defendants’ convictions by guilty plea. Escalante-Torres, 29, also known as “Deceptico” or “Problematico,” and Ramirez-Avelar, 34, also known as “Chepito” or “Sparky,” were both actively involved in the MS-13 enterprise in Northern California from approximately 2015 to 2017. According to their plea agreements, MS-13 members and associates earn promotions and prestige by committing criminal activities benefitting the gang, including by engaging in violent crimes such as murder and attempted murder of rival gang members. In the summer of 2016, Escalante-Torres, Ramirez-Avelar, and others began planning to murder a man they believed to be associated with the rival 18th Street gang. Once the gang received approval for the killing from higher-up gang leaders in El Salvador, the group began surveilling the victim’s movements and plotting different ways to kill him. According to court documents, they decided to kill the victim late at night when he would routinely walk to a nearby taqueria to escort home his fiancée who worked the late shift. On Sept. 22, 2016, they executed their plan, fatally shooting the victim on his way to pick up his fiancée. The victim was not actually affiliated with the rival gang. Both defendants were also involved in other gang shootings. In May and June 2016, Escalante-Torres and Ramirez-Avelar helped destroy the evidence from a murder committed by another Northern California MS-13 clique. In July 2016, Escalante-Torres and others drove into rival gang territory and, after spotting suspected rival gang members, Escalante-Torres fired two shots, hitting one victim in the leg. “Defendants engaged in murder and other violent crimes to carry out the goals of MS-13, a transnational criminal organization. Their ruthless actions threatened public safety in Santa Cruz,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “With these sentences, we are sending a strong message to gang members that these crimes will be fully investigated and prosecuted, and justice will be served.” “This case illustrates the direct threat transnational gang activity is to our communities and the indiscriminate and needless devastation it brings to innocent families,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent Charge Tatum King. “HSI San Francisco will aggressively pursue individuals engaged in this criminal activity and ensure they face the consequences for their actions. HSI San Francisco appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Santa Cruz Police Department in bringing these individuals to justice.” Both defendants pleaded guilty on Aug. 19, 2024, to one count of racketeering conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Escalante-Torres also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Judge Davila also sentenced each defendant to a five-year term of supervised release in addition to the terms of imprisonment. Escalante-Torres has been in federal custody since 2018, and Ramirez-Avelar has been in federal custody since 2017. Both defendants began serving their sentences today. In addition to Escalante-Torres and Ramirez-Avelar, 10 other members of the Santa Cruz clique have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in criminal activity as members of the gang. Assistant United States Attorneys George Hageman and Aseem Padukone are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of a years-long investigation by HSI and the Santa Cruz Police Department.


title: Five Guatemalan human smugglers charged in U.S. for 2021 mass casualty event in Chiapas, Mexico

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – An international enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of five Guatemalan human smugglers linked to the Dec. 9, 2021, mass casualty event in Chiapas, Mexico, where a semi-trailer truck containing at least 160 migrants — many of whom were Guatemalan nationals — crashed, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 people and injuring over 100 more. The operation was the result of coordination between the Justice Department and Guatemalan authorities and marks the third anniversary of the tragic event. Authorities have now taken Guatemalan national Jorge Agapito Ventura, 32, Cleveland, into custody. He is expected to make his initial appearance Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison. At the request of the United States, Guatemalan law enforcement also acted on provisional arrest warrants for Tomas Quino Canil, 36; Alberto Marcario Chitic, aka Alberto De Jesus, 31,; Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, aka Osvaldo ZQ, 24: and Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, 42. All have been indicted in the Southern District of Texas in connection with the investigation. According to the indictment unsealed upon the arrests, from October 2021 to February 2023, all conspired with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of migrants from Guatemala though Mexico with the intended destination of the United States. They allegedly recruited Guatemalan migrants, collected payment and arranged for travel to the United States. In some instances involving the smuggling of unaccompanied minors, they allegedly provided scripts and instructions on what to say if apprehended. Some of the migrants they had recruited died or suffered serious bodily injury as result of the Dec. 9, 2021, crash, according to the charges. “The Justice Department is holding accountable the individuals who we allege preyed on vulnerable migrants and are responsible for this heinous crime that resulted in the deaths over 50 people and injured over 100 more. Human smugglers should heed these charges and arrests as a warning: you will be held accountable for your deadly crimes,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Since we launched Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) more than three years ago, we have secured more than 330 domestic and international arrests and more than 275 convictions on smuggling offenses, as well as significant jail sentences and substantial forfeitures. We will continue to work across agencies and across borders to stop the scourge of human smuggling.” “Today, the alleged perpetrators of an abhorrent crime — one that resulted in the senseless deaths of more than 50 migrants and the injury of more than 100 others — are being held accountable, thanks to the investigative work of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents and our federal and international partners,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The tragedy that occurred three years ago today in Chiapas is further proof that human smugglers are ruthless, callous and dangerous — intending migrants should not believe their lies. DHS will continue to disrupt and dismantle illegal human smuggling operations and help bring those who perpetrate such horror to justice.” “Three years ago today, in Chiapas, Mexico, a place known for natural wonder and cultural richness, a scene of unimaginable tragedy unfurled,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “Our investigation into this catastrophic event that killed over 50 people, including children, signifies the unwavering commitment of the SDTX to hold those who engage in human smuggling accountable, irrespective of where their actions or the resultant harm occur. While this crash transpired beyond our borders, it is imperative that the pursuit of justice transcends those boundaries. Today, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring that those allegedly responsible for exploiting the vulnerabilities of families seeking refuge and opportunity face the full force of the law.” “The indictment unsealed today alleges that the defendants conspired to smuggle Guatemalan migrants, including minors, to the United States, and that some of these migrants died when the tractor trailer they were riding in overturned in Chiapas, Mexico,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement — on the three-year anniversary of the victims’ deaths — demonstrates the Criminal Division’s commitment to holding smugglers accountable, no matter where they may be, for their indifference to human life in their callous pursuit of profit. I am proud of the outstanding work by the prosecutors and investigators of JTFA, and I am grateful for our partnership with the Guatemalan authorities, whose assistance was essential in this investigation and prosecution.” “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, along with our law enforcement partners from JTFA, worked tirelessly to investigate, locate, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger. “Now, three years later, I proudly stand with our colleagues from the Justice Department to announce that we have made these apprehensions. HSI remains committed to dismantling human smuggling networks that exploit and mislead migrants, often subjecting them to dangerous and abusive conditions. These illicit organizations profit by preying on vulnerable populations, and HSI works assiduously to disrupt their operations. I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of our law enforcement partners in the United States, Guatemala, and Mexico for their invaluable work to bring this investigation to fruition.” HSI’s Global Investigation Group in Washington D.C. conducted the investigation in partnership with HSI Guatemala and HSI Mexico. HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit provided valuable assistance as did Customs and Border Protection National Targeting Center; DHS Operation Sentinel; Border Patrol; Liberty County Constable, Precinct 6; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Houston; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division; and Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) and Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT). The Justice Department thanks Guatemalan and Mexican law enforcement officials, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day for the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Danielle Hickman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) with substantial assistance from HRSP Latin American Specialist/Historian Joanna Crandall. The indictment is the result of the coordinated efforts of JTFA. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with the DHS, to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, District of New Mexico, District of Arizona and Southern District of California. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by OPDAT, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, OIA and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from the DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 330 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 275 U.S. convictions; over 225 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable Issues 2024 Report

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and White House Counsel Ed Siskel co-chaired a convening of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable (LAIR) today where they announced the issuance of the 2024 LAIR Report . Attorney General Garland discussed the report and the role that data and research play in advancing access to justice through federal policymaking and government actions. The Department’s Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), which leads the work of LAIR, facilitated the convening. LAIR also announced that in 2025 its interagency work and report will focus on federal agency efforts and opportunities to expand access to justice for victims and survivors of crimes and other legal violations. This year’s report focuses on data that offer insight into people’s ability to access justice and resolve problems implicating legal issues. It highlights how such data are essential to efforts to expand access to justice and offers a roadmap for the improved collection and use of data. It also explains the ways in which such data benefit a wide range of other justice stakeholders, including state and local governments, courts, community-based and advocacy organizations and researchers. Drawing on the input and efforts of LAIR staff, LAIR member agencies, justice system stakeholders, and external experts, the report sets forth strategic solutions and highlights the work of LAIR’s 28 federal agency members to use data and research to expand access to justice. “Every day, millions of Americans face problems that are legal in nature,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “The Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable’s 2024 Report focuses on how data held by federal agencies can illuminate these problems, how people navigate and address them and how federal agencies can help resolve or prevent them. The report underlines the importance of collecting, using and sharing these data in a secure, people-centered way. It also offers concrete strategies, examples, and resources to further those efforts.” “The office is proud of LAIR’s continued growth in scope and importance, as it addresses some of society’s most pressing issues by looking across the federal government for solutions,” said ATJ Director Rachel Rossi. “Building on this years’ work, in 2025, LAIR will focus on strengthening the federal government’s ability to support access to justice for victims and survivors of crime and other violations. These efforts will continue LAIR’s urgent work to advance access to justice and pursue public safety for the American people.” At the convening, Attorney General Garland and Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Mizer provided remarks highlighting the Department’s commitment to promoting access to justice and to furthering the work of LAIR. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and White House Counsel Ed Siskel also provided remarks. Member agency leaders discussed recent activities and accomplishments in using data and research to address access to justice challenges faced by the people they serve. Agency leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts to mobilize resources and develop access to justice solutions. They also heard directly from legal aid providers about the challenges that individuals can face in accessing government programs and services and the impact that recent agency efforts have made for clients and communities. In 2012, more than a dozen federal agencies came together under the leadership of the White House Domestic Policy Council and the Justice Department to launch LAIR. It is co-chaired by the Attorney General and White House Counsel and convenes 28 federal agencies and offices to improve coordination among federal programs and increase availability of meaningful access to justice for individuals and families, regardless of wealth and status. LAIR’s work is supported by LAIR Executive Director Allie Yang-Green in the Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice and federal agency LAIR Representatives from member agencies. Through interagency collaboration and stakeholder engagement, LAIR develops policy recommendations that improve access to justice in federal, state, local, Tribal and international jurisdictions; advances relevant evidence-based research, data collection and analysis of civil legal and indigent defense; and promulgates best practices. Additionally, LAIR assists with implementation of Goal 16 of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development and provide access to justice for all.


title: Federal Inmate Convicted of Possession of a "Shank" in Federal Transfer Center

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted BRYAN JOSHUA TEWANEMA , 31, of Arizona, of possessing a prohibited object at the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On July 17, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Tewanema with possession of a prohibited object. On December 4, 2024, after a two-day trial, a federal jury found Tewanema guilty of the charge. Evidence presented at trial indicated that on May 29, 2024, corrections officers with the FTC discovered a sharpened piece of plexiglass, a “shank,” hidden in Tewanema’s pant leg. Evidence at trial indicated that this incident was the fourth time a “shank” has been located either on Tewanema’s person or in a cell assigned to him. At sentencing, Tewanema faces up to five years in federal prison—which must be served consecutively to his already imposed federal sentences for second-degree murder and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Jordan Ganz are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Bay Area Home Health Agency Owner Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Health Care Fraud

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Veronica Katz was sentenced today to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $543,634.34 in restitution for committing health care fraud. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge. Katz, 36, of San Francisco, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 17, 2023, along with two co-defendants. Katz pleaded guilty on Apr. 18, 2024, to one count of health care fraud. Katz was the owner and operator of HealthNow Home Healthcare and Hospice (HealthNow), a home health agency that provided in-home medical care to patients in the Bay Area. HealthNow billed Medicare and private insurance companies for in-home medical care. In the course of operating HealthNow, Katz submitted false documentation to Medicare in order to obtain reimbursements in violation of Medicare’s rules and regulations. According to Katz’s plea agreement, she participated in a scheme to defraud Medicare that took a number of forms, including using the identities of licensed medical practitioners on electronic medical records and billing information without the practitioners’ knowledge or consent; directing certain individuals to prepare “Start of Care” (SOC) forms even though the individuals were not Registered Nurses (RNs), as required by Medicare; manipulating electronic patient medical records in order to make it appear as if RNs had completed the patient SOCs; and billing Medicare for physical therapy services that Katz knew had not been provided. In addition, Katz admitted that she took steps to thwart law enforcement’s investigation into HealthNow. In October 2019, Katz met with one of her HealthNow employees, who informed Katz that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents had questioned the employee regarding the company’s billing practices and SOC assessments. Katz instructed the employee to lie to the FBI and falsely state that the employee had been trained and supervised by an RN in the course of conducting SOC assessments. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp, and Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG). In addition to the term of imprisonment and restitution, Judge Donato also sentenced Katz to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered her to pay a $50,000 fine. Defendant will begin serving her sentence on Jan. 6, 2025. Co-defendant Vennesa Herrera pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2021, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud, and will be sentenced on Mar. 17, 2025. Co-defendant Simon Katz’s trial is scheduled for May 12, 2025. Assistant United States Attorney Christiaan Highsmith is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Helen Yee and Mark DiCenzo. The prosecution is the result of a lengthy investigation by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the California Department of Public Health.


title: Denver Man Indicted On 18 Counts For Defrauding Investment Clients

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Ian Gregory Bell, age 35, of Denver, Colorado was indicted by a federal grand jury on eight counts of wire fraud, five counts of mail fraud, and five counts of money laundering in connection with an investment scheme to defraud his clients. According to the indictment, beginning in early 2020 and continuing through around March of 2023, Bell devised, intended to devise, and participated in a scheme and artifice to defraud investors and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. It is alleged that as a part of the scheme Bell obtained more than $1 million from more than twenty investor clients by telling them he would deliver significant returns with low risk. In nearly all cases, he spent or lost the investors’ money within days or weeks of receiving it. The indictment further alleges that Bell sent investors screenshots showing fabricated gains, and routinely solicited additional investments through false promises about how much earlier investments had grown. The defendant made his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael E. Hegarty. The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service. These charges follow a parallel investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Denver Regional Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Weber. Case Number: 1:24-cr-00345-PAB-1


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office and HSI Charge Childcare Owner in Alleged Minor Sexual Abuse Case

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – The owner of Cardiel Childcare Services in Las Cruces is charged with attempted enticement of a minor after an investigation revealed alleged systematic sexual abuse of a child under his care. Juan Jose Cardiel, Sr. , 79, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for December 11, 2025. According to court documents, Cardiel allegedly showed the minor victim naked photos of herself as a baby and toddler, displayed a video of people engaging in sexual acts to the victim, forced the victim to perform sexual acts on him, and inappropriately touched the victim. This is alleged to have occurred on numerous occasions. The complaint also states that Cardiel was previously arrested by Las Cruces Police Department on May 1, 2024, on state charges of Criminal Sexual Contact with a Minor. If convicted of the current charge, Cardiel faces not less than 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department and the U.S. Marshals. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Jackson Dering are prosecuting the case as part of as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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 Justice.gov/PSC. HSI is seeking other potential victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact HSI at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP (877-447-4847) or online at www.hsi.gov. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Criminal Charges Unsealed Against Two Former High-Ranking Syrian Government Intelligence Officials for War Crimes against Americans and Other Civilians

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A copy of the indictment can be found here . An indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Illinois charging two high-ranking Syrian officials under former President Bashar al-Assad with war crimes. The indictment charges the former Syrian intelligence officials with engaging in a conspiracy to commit cruel and inhuman treatment of civilian detainees, including U.S. citizens, during the course of the Syrian civil war. Former Syrian Air Force Intelligence officers Jamil Hassan, 72, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, 65, were each charged in connection with a conspiracy to commit war crimes through the infliction of cruel and inhuman treatment on detainees under their control, including U.S. citizens, in detention facilities at the Mezzeh Military Airport (Mezzeh Prison), near Damascus, Syria. Warrants for the defendants’ arrest have been issued, and they remain at large. “The perpetrators of the Assad regime’s atrocities against American citizens and other civilians during the Syrian civil war must answer for their heinous crimes,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As alleged, these Assad regime intelligence officials whipped, kicked, electrocuted, and burned their victims; hung them by their wrists for prolonged periods of time; threatened them with rape and death; and falsely told them that their family members had been killed. The Justice Department has a long memory, and we will never stop working to find and bring to justice those who tortured Americans.” “The Assad regime may have fallen, but our commitment to accountability continues unabated,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “For the second time in a year, the Department of Justice has brought charges against those who committed war crimes against U.S. citizens, deploying a previously unused federal law to hold accountable individuals who engaged in cruel and inhuman atrocities during armed conflict.” “Hassan and Mahmoud allegedly oversaw the systematic use of cruel and inhumane treatment on perceived enemies of the Syrian regime, including American citizens,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners around the world to ensure these alleged war criminals are held accountable for their actions and justice is brought to the victims of these atrocities.” “The defendants are alleged to have committed atrocities against political dissidents, including U.S. citizens, opposing a brutal and now-deposed dictatorial regime,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “War crimes such as the torture described in this indictment strike at the basic human rights that we all share. This historic indictment — the second brought under the U.S. War Crimes statute — demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to pursue accountability for those who commit war crimes and other atrocities wherever they may occur.” “The serious human rights abuses set forth in this indictment must not go unpunished,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “The United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago remains steadfastly committed to bringing justice to the victims of these heinous crimes, no matter where the perpetrators are or how long it takes.” “Human rights abuses are among the most egregious crimes that the FBI investigates, and this historic indictment memorializes our commitment to accountability and justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office. “This multi-year investigation is the culmination of the tireless work by FBI personnel, both in the United States and overseas, and the courage of countless victims and witnesses affected by the Assad Regime in Syria.” According to the indictment, Hassan was the Director of Syrian Air Force Intelligence and oversaw a network of detention facilities, including the Mezzeh Prison in Damascus, where civilians perceived to be opponents of the Syrian regime were detained and subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment. Mahmoud was a Brigadier General in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence and directed operations at the Mezzeh Prison. The indictment alleges that, between January 2012 and July 2019, Hassan and Mahmoud conspired to identify, intimidate, threaten, punish, and kill people detained at Mezzeh Prison suspected of aiding or supporting opponents of the regime, such as those who protested, provided medical aid to opponents of the regime, or publicly criticized the regime. According to the indictment, detainees in the defendants’ custody, including U.S. citizens, were mercilessly beaten, electrocuted, and had their toenails removed. Detainees were also allegedly hung from the ceiling by their wrists and were burned with acid. The defendants allegedly conspired to create an atmosphere of terror at Mezzeh, forcing detainees to listen to the screams of tortured prisoners and share cells with the dead bodies of other detainees, while guards threatened to kill and sexually assault their family members. The detainees were also allegedly deprived of adequate food, water, and medical care. The defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit the war crime of cruel and inhuman treatment. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Chicago Field Office investigated the war crimes allegations in partnership with the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, and Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The Justice Department thanks the United Nations International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism for Syria, as well as French authorities, for their assistance. HRSP Trial Attorneys Elizabeth Nielsen and Frank Rangoussis and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Dollear, Barry Jonas, and Ann Marie Ursini for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case. HRSP historian Phil Hoffman provided substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution. Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States or the location of the defendants named in this indictment are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form . All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Chief of Staff to Mayor in Lawrence Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lawrence, Mass., pleaded guilty on Dec. 6, 2024 in federal court in Boston to transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Jhovanny Martes-Rosario, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2025. In April 2023, Martes-Rosario was indicted by a federal grand jury. Martes-Rosario was identified by law enforcement as the likely user of Yahoo and Apple accounts, in February 2023, containing child pornography. A search was executed at Martes-Rosario’s residence and an iPad device was seized which contained child pornography files. Martes-Rosario admitted that he was the owner of the email addresses and that he searched for and downloaded child pornography to his personal iPad and later sent it to his email address for storage. He also admitted he had been searching for and storing child pornography for years. The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Orange County Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison for House Flipping Investment Scam that Raised More Than $17 Million

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Costa Mesa man was sentenced today to 181 months in federal prison for running fraudulent investment schemes that raised more than $17 million by promising investors – several of them elderly – returns of up to 10% that would be generated through real estate deals that turned out to be bogus, and for disobeying a court order to surrender to federal authorities for violating the terms of his pretrial release. Brett Barber, 45, a former co-owner of the Newport Beach-based BNZ Capital One LLC and National American Capital, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who scheduled a January 9, 2025, restitution hearing in this case. At today’s hearing, Judge Wright said, “There may not have been bloodshed, but this was real violence. [The defendant] knew these people were in their golden years, and he just took it all.” Barber pleaded guilty in October 2023 to two counts of wire fraud and one count of criminal contempt. “This defendant enriched himself through a fraudulent investment scheme that solicited millions of dollars from retirement funds belonging to his victims, including older adults,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office is committed to protecting vulnerable communities from fraud and other harms. Today’s sentence sends a message to victims that we are here to fight for them and hold con artists and other fraudsters accountable for their actions.” From May 2019 to October 2021, Barber participated in two schemes to defraud victim investors out of their money and property. In the first scheme, BNZ Capital, its principals, and several marketers raised money by falsely representing that the firm bought and sold real estate projects and “flipped” real estate. Barber, co-conspirator Louis Zimmerle, 65, of Sacramento, and the marketers falsely promised investors a “guaranteed” return of between 8% and 10%, as well as potential bonuses based on successful deals. According to court documents, Barber told investors that their funds were “safe” and “FDIC insured.” In fact, while BNZ Capital did purchase some real estate, it did not take any substantial steps to develop parcels, nor did BNZ flip real estate for a profit. Rather, BNZ primarily used investor funds to pay Barber, Zimmerle, and others associated with the scheme, including purchasing residences where Barber and Zimmerle lived. Some of the investors’ money was used to repay earlier investors. During this scheme, Barber, Zimmerle, and the marketers solicited or caused to be transferred to BNZ Capital approximately $13.8 million from victim investors. Investigators estimate that actual losses resulting from this scheme are at least $7 million. Barber received and kept approximately $2,933,970 of investor money for his personal gain. At least five BNZ Capital investors were elderly, vulnerable victims who suffered substantial hardship because of the fraud committed against them. After Barber learned that federal officials were investigating BNZ Capital, he began a second fraudulent scheme, this time involving a company he formed in January 2021 called National American Capital (NAC). The NAC scheme operated, in substance, the same way as the BNZ Capital fraud. That is, Barber and marketers working at his direction lied to investors by saying their money would be used to fund real estate development projects. In fact, there were no such projects, and the only way NAC could repay earlier investors was by soliciting money from new investors. Specifically, in October 2021, Barber met with a person he believed was a prospective investor, but who in fact was an undercover law enforcement official. During this meeting, Barber told several lies: that NAC had been in business for 20 years, that it owned 10 parcels of land in Laguna Beach, and that it had purchased property in Newport Beach and turned it into a four-plex. None of these statements was true. This scheme caused a loss of at least $3.5 million. Barber received and kept at least $388,669 of investor money for his personal gain. During the BNZ Capital and NAC schemes, Barber failed to disclose to investors that he previously was barred from acting as or associating with a broker-dealer by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Finally, after a federal grand jury indicted Barber in October 2021, he was released on bond. In January 2023, a court found that Barber violated the terms of his pretrial release and ordered him to surrender to the United States Marshals Service by January 13. Barber willfully disobeyed the court’s order and failed to surrender. In March 2023, Barber was arrested in Santa Cruz County, California. He eventually was transferred to federal custody in Los Angeles, where he remains. Zimmerle pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of wire fraud for participating in the scheme. Judge Wright on June 3 sentenced Zimmerle to five years’ probation, fined him $10,000, and ordered him to pay $684,500 in restitution. In October 2021, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed civil charges against Barber, Zimmerle, and BNZ Capital for fraudulently raising more than $13 million from over 100 retail investors. That litigation remains pending. The FBI investigated this matter. The SEC provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Maxwell K. Coll of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Anne C. Gannon of the Orange County Office prosecuted this case.


title: Canadian Man Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for $1.4 Million Embezzlement Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A Canadian man was sentenced today in federal district court in Boston to embezzling more than $1.4 million from his employer and its clients. Adil Rahman, 36, of Ontario, Canada, was sentenced by United States Senior District Judge William G. Young to 20 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1,473,909.50 in restitution. In September 2024, Rahman pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Rahman was charged in July 2024. Rahman worked in Ontario, Canada as a credit analyst for Company A – a subsidiary of a large electrical distribution and services company based in Pittsburgh, Pa. As part of his job, Rahman interacted with clients of Company A concerning invoices for the company’s services. Between November 2022 and December 2023, Rahman directed certain customers of Company A to pay their invoices via ACH transfers to his personal bank account, rather than to the account of Company A. For example, in or about November 2022, Rahman sent an email to the accounts payable department of Company B – a nonprofit municipal corporation based in Hartford, Conn. – asking if the company would be interested in paying future invoices to Company A by ACH transfer rather than by check. When Company B agreed to do so, Rahman provided his personal account information to Company B. Thereafter, under the false impression that it was sending the money to Company A to pay the invoices it owed, Company B sent at least 15 ACH transfers to Rahman’s personal account between December 2022 and June 2023. Likewise, in May 2023, Rahman emailed the accounts payable department at Company C – a privately held provider of corporate security systems based in Andover, Mass. – asking if Company C wished to pay future invoices by ACH transfer. Once again, when Company C agreed to do so, Rahman provided his personal bank account information and Company C thereafter made 11 ACH transfers to Rahman’s personal account between May 2023 and July 2023. In total, through this scheme, Rahman defrauded Company A and its clients of more than $1.4 million. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Lawrence Man Charged with COVID Relief and Social Security Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – A Lawrence man was charged today in federal court in Boston with scheming to fraudulently obtain and misuse COVID-19 relief funds and stealing Social Security benefits. Randolph Dominguez, 57, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government money. Dominguez will make an appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. The charging document alleges that, in June 2020, Dominguez submitted a loan application on behalf of an interpreter business he owned and operated, Dominguez SP Interpreters, to the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which provided loans to small businesses that suffered substantial economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dominguez is alleged to have fraudulently obtained $74,900 in EIDL funds from the SBA in July 2020 when he claimed falsely on his EIDL application that his gross business revenue was $600,000 the previous year, when it was only $16,989. Further, Dominguez is alleged to have improperly spent all of the EIDL funds received on non-business expenses. Separately, it is alleged that, from April 2001 through June 2022, Dominguez stole approximately $163,642 in Social Security benefits. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Registered Sex Offender from Minnesota Indicted for Attempting to Sexually Exploit a 12-Year-Old Child

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 19, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Matthew W. Tolkinen (age: 53) of Wadena, Minnesota. According to court documents, Tolkinen engaged in a conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office who was posing online as a 12-year-old girl. During the conversation, Tolkinen repeatedly described his desire to have sex with the child, whom he believed was in school. In the conversation, Tolkinen also described his plan in graphic detail, requested naked photographs of the child, represented that the child could not get pregnant, and warned the child that the planned sexual activity was going to be painful. Tolkinen was arrested in Minnesota on November 20, 2024. Court records indicate that agents searched Tolkinen’s phone and discovered the conversations he had with the undercover officer. They also observed that on the day Tolkinen was indicted by the grand jury, he searched for driving directions to Appleton, Wisconsin. Tolkinen appeared before Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach on December 5, 2024, and was ordered detained. His jury trial is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2025. Tolkinen is a registered sex offender based on a 2018 conviction for soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct in Ramsey County, Minnesota. Tolkinen now faces charges alleging that he attempted to sexually exploit a minor and persuade that minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a), and committing a felony offense involving a minor as an individual required to register as a sex offender, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2260A. If convicted of the charges, Tolkinen faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros. 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 . An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. # # # For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Chinese citizen pleads guilty to kidnapping in case linked to human smuggling

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 33-year-old citizen of China, who was residing in Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Ji Wang was arrested on May 13, 2024, in the Los Angeles area. Wang was identified as one of the kidnappers linked to the May 27, 2023, abduction and assault of a worker at a hot pot restaurant in Bellevue, Washington. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2025. According to records filed in the case, Ji Wang was involved with a ring smuggling people across the southern border into the U.S. for a fee. The victim referred people from China who wanted to cross into the U.S., for the smuggling services. The victim was supposed to collect and transfer smuggling fees from those who used the smuggling services. The victim did not collect as high a fee as the smuggling group anticipated. Wang and a co-schemer traveled to Bellevue in May and physically removed the victim from his work and forced him into a sedan. The men beat the victim and smashed his face into the cement and dragged him down a set of stairs. Witnesses quickly alerted Bellevue Police. Officers worked with the victim’s girlfriend who placed a video call to the victim’s cellphone. Wang answered the call and showed his face. Police recorded the call and were able to identify Wang. Wang and his associate dropped the victim at a service station in Bellevue. The victim was critically injured and needed emergency surgery for swelling of the brain. He spent weeks in Overlake hospital. He has lasting physical and cognitive damage from the assault. Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors will cap their recommended sentence at eight years in prison. The actual sentence is up to Judge Robart and can be any sentence allowed by law. Kidnapping is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison. Wang was not legally present in the United States and may be deported following his prison term. The case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Cecelia Gregson.


title: Albany Man Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine and Marijuana

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brian Scott, age 44, of Albany, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute at least 5 kilograms of cocaine and 100 kilograms of marijuana, and for distributing cocaine. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James; and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Scott admitted that between June 2020 and October 2023, he was a member of a drug trafficking organization that trafficked cocaine and marijuana in the Capital Region and the North Country. Scott admitted that he and a co-conspirator routinely sent drug couriers, whom they referred to as “horses,” between the Capital Region and the North Country to transport cocaine to the North Country and marijuana to the Capital Region. Scott also admitted that he trafficked at least 7 kilograms of cocaine, which he obtained from another co-conspirator, and that he sold over 400 grams of cocaine to another person. Scott was also ordered to forfeit $4,865 in seized drug money and to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $17,180. FBI, New York State Police, and HSI investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Joseph Hartunian.


title: Fort Madison Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to File Tax Returns

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Fort Madison man pleaded guilty today to four counts of failure to file income tax returns. According to public court documents, Marty Feinberg, 58, owned and operated a scrap metal business in Fort Madison. Feinberg willfully failed to file federal income tax returns for the calendar years 2018-2021 at the times required by law, despite having received gross income substantially in excess of the IRS’s filing requirements. Feinberg is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2025, and faces a potential sentence of up to one year in prison on each count. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation investigated this case


title: JET SKI COCAINE TRAFFICKER PLEADS GUILTY

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Emmanuel Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 33, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine before United States Magistrate G. Alan Teague. Rodriguez-Rodriguez, along with Jose Torres-Russi, Ben Carrasquillosanto, Jose Martes-Gonzalez, Wilfredo Vazquez-Lopez, Jonathan Fernandez Montesino, Esteban Borrome Diaz, Smarling Villilo De Los Santo, and Guillermo Morales, were indicted on drug trafficking conspiracy and related charges for the December 11, 2021, cocaine smuggling operation between St. Thomas and Culebra, PR and St. Thomas. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. According to court records, on December 11, 2021, Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine Operations officers observed four jet skis traveling from Culebra, Puerto Rico, towards Mermaid’s Chair Beach located at Botany Bay, St. Thomas, where four individuals were awaiting their arrival. Officers later observed duffle bags being loaded onto the jet skis after which the jet skis quickly departed Mermaid’s Chair Beach and headed back in the direction of Culebra. The officers also noticed that a red Jeep Wrangler was the only vehicle parked at Mermaid’s Chair Beach while the transaction was ongoing. Officer pursued the four jet skis as they sped towards Culebra. One jet ski operator abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot but left behind a duffle bag containing 26 kilograms of cocaine. Officers later apprehended jet ski operators Torres-Russi, Carrasquillosanto and Martes-Gonzalez. The remaining six defendants, including Rodriguez Rodriguez, were apprehended by federal agents as their vehicle attempted to exit the gated community at Botany Bay, St. Thomas. During their arrests, agents recovered two Glock pistols, one with an obliterated serial number, in the defendants’ vehicle. This case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: RED HOOK DRUG DEALER SENTENCED ON COCAINE DISTRIBUTION CONVICTION

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Niah Henry, 35, of St. Thomas, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Robert Molloy to six months incarceration followed by four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to documents filed in court, on December 6, 2023, Henry sold cocaine to an undercover agent during a joint operation conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and the Virgin Islands Police Department. During the investigation, law enforcement identified Henry as part of a broader network responsible for distributing narcotics in the Red Hook area which is approximately 800 feet from the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods.


title: Boston City Councilor Arrested on Federal Public Corruption Charges

body_text: BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has been indicted by a federal grand jury for an alleged kickback scheme to obtain thousands of dollars in cash from a staff member in exchange for a large bonus. Tania Fernandes Anderson, 45, of Boston, was indicted on five counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Fernandes Anderson was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston at 2:15 p.m. today. “Elected officials have a duty to serve the public with the highest integrity and not to abuse positions of trust for personal gain. By allegedly orchestrating a scheme to funnel public funds into her own pocket, City Councilor Fernandes Anderson betrayed the trust of her constituents and violated her fiduciary duty as a public servant,” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office remains committed to holding those who abuse public office accountable and protecting precious public resources.” “The FBI arrested Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson today for allegedly orchestrating a kickback scheme in which she stole thousands of dollars in taxpayer money for herself,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Using public office for personal gain is a crime. Her behavior, as alleged in today’s indictment, is a slap in the face to the hardworking taxpayers in the city of Boston who have every right to expect that the city’s funds are in good and honest hands. This case illustrates how the FBI, and our partners are working hard every day to battle public corruption and the corrosive damage it does to people’s faith in government.” “Tania Fernandes Anderson was elected to serve the citizens of Boston, but today we arrested her for allegedly orchestrating a kickback scheme to enrich herself through the misappropriation of city funds,” said Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “Elected officials are held to a higher standard when they take an oath to serve, but to Fernandes Anderson, her oath meant nothing when she allegedly chose to steal from the City of Boston and her constituents. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to root out public corruption at every level.” Fernandes Anderson currently serves as City Councilor for Boston’s District 7, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway and part of the South End. She was first elected to office to a two-year term in November 2021 and won re-election in November 2023. According to court documents, in or about 2022, Fernandes Anderson hired two members of her immediate family as salaried employees of her City Councilor Staff. Because City Councilors are prohibited by law from hiring immediate family members to their paid staff, Fernandes Anderson was required to terminate their salaried employment in or about August 2022. Additionally, from in or about March 2023 to May 2023, the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission notified Fernandes Anderson of its findings and that it would be seeking a $5,000 civil penalty payment from her. According to the indictment, Staff Member A was a relative of Fernandes Anderson but was not an immediate family member. In or about November 2022, Fernandes Anderson allegedly emailed a City of Boston employee regarding her hiring of Staff Member A as a salaried employee, falsely representing that she and Staff Member A were not related: From in or about early to mid-2023, Fernandes Anderson was allegedly facing personal financial difficulty, which included the outstanding $5,000 civil penalty payment to the Ethics Commission. It is further alleged that, in or about early May 2023, Fernandes Anderson told Staff Member A that she would give them extra pay in the form of a large bonus, but that Staff Member A would have to give a portion of the bonus back to Fernandes Anderson. Staff Member A agreed to the arrangement with Fernandes Anderson. On or about May 3, 2023, Fernandes Anderson allegedly sent an email to a City of Boston employee to process bonus payments for her City Councilor Staff. In the email, Fernandes Anderson instructed the City of Boston employee to process a bonus payment of $13,000 to Staff Member A – more than twice as large as the total amount of all bonus payments to Fernandes Anderson’s other staff combined. Fernandes Anderson allegedly did not disclose the bonus kickback arrangement she had made with Staff Member A to the City of Boston employee. Staff Member A deposited the bonus check on or about May 26, 2023 into their account at Santander Bank. It is alleged that, at Fernandes Anderson’s direction, Staff Member A then made separate cash withdrawals of the payment on three separate dates: $3,000 on May 31, 2023; $3,000 on June 5, 2023; and $4,000 on June 9, 2023. It is alleged that, on June 9, 2023, immediately following the final cash withdrawal, Fernandes Anderson and Staff Member A arranged to meet at a bathroom at City Hall. There, Staff Member A allegedly provided Fernandes Anderson with $7,000 in cash: The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and IRS Acting SAC Wlodyka made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Ravenel Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Gun Charge

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Derrick Santell Brown, 33, of Ravenel, was sentenced to 1o years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing with intent to distribute marijuana. Evidence presented to the court showed that on Jan. 12, 2023, an officer with the Goose Creek Police Department conducted a traffic stop on an SUV for having an inoperable headlight. Immediately upon stopping in a nearby parking lot, Derrick Brown, the defendant, and sole occupant, exited the vehicle. After a brief interaction with the officer, Brown fled the traffic stop. He was apprehended by another officer about 300 yards away. Brown had more than $10,000 in cash, 43 grams of marijuana split in two bags, and two cell phones on his person. A search of the car revealed an AK-47 style firearm with an extended magazine containing 48 rounds. United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Brown to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Goose Creek Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Holmes is prosecuting the case. ###