title: Stratford Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Meth and Oxycodone

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD JOHNSON, 32, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Harford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine and oxycodone. According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2022, the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice and Intelligence Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Johnson and others for distributing controlled substances in the Stratford and Bridgeport area. Johnson was arrested on August 2, 2022. On that date, investigators conducted a court authorized search of his residence on Thompson Street in Stratford and seized approximately 967 grams of methamphetamine in both pill form and powder form, approximately 13 grams of oxycodone pills; other prescription pills, more than six pounds of marijuana, and $32,151 in cash. At the time of his arrest, Johnson was on state probation from a prior drug offense, and on pre-trial release for state narcotics and firearm charges. Johnson has been detained since his arrest. On December 14, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and oxycodone. This matter was investigated by the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice and Intelligence Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick.


title: Man Sentenced to 7+ Years in Prison After Domestic Assault, Shooting

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Monday sentenced a St. Louis County man who assaulted his then-girlfriend in 2022 to seven years and five months in prison. Joshua Lee, 37, pleaded guilty in October to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted being caught with a handgun on Aug. 6, 2022, by Saint Louis County Police Department officers who were responding to a report of a domestic incident involving an assault and shooting. The victim had been shot in the back. When Lee was arrested, he told officers that the victim shot herself. Judge Fleissig on Monday found that evidence and testimony showed that Lee committed an aggravated assault by striking and choking his then-girlfriend before she was shot during a struggle over the gun Lee had in his waistband. Lee is a convicted felon and is barred from possessing a firearm. Judge Fleissig sentenced Lee to seven years in prison for that crime. Lee was also on supervised release at the time of the assault after pleading guilty in 2016 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Fleissig on Monday sentenced Lee to five more months in prison for violating his supervised release. The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Hoag is prosecuting the case.


title: Bozeman man admits assaulting woman passenger on aircraft

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Note: This press release has been updated to correctly identify the flight as SkyWest Flight 3789 operating as Delta Connections. MISSOULA — A Bozeman man accused of assaulting a woman passenger while on a flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman admitted charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Hunter Andrew Dietrich, 32, pleaded guilty to assault onboard an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, a misdemeanor, as charged in a superseding information. Dietrich faces a maximum of six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and one year of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. The court set sentencing for July 10. Dietrich was released pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that on Feb. 11, 2023, SkyWest Flight 3789 operating as Delta Connections traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bozeman. During the flight, Dietrich, a passenger, disobeyed repeated instructions from the flight crew to behave himself. In addition, Dietrich approached a woman passenger during the flight and touched her body in various places despite the woman passenger telling him to stop. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Bozeman Airport Police conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Canandaigua man who pleaded guilty to child pornography charge, caught again before reporting to prison

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Preston Herbst, 27, of Canandaigua, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography, following a prior conviction for a federal child pornography offense. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in January 2022, Herbst was serving a state probation sentence in Ontario County for Driving While Intoxicated and Assault. During a routine search of Herbst’s phone, Ontario County Probation Officers located images of child pornography and social media conversations, during which Herbst discussed trading child pornography with other individuals. A subsequent search by the FBI of his home and devices recovered approximately 81 images and 59 videos of child pornography, some of which depicted violence against children as young as 5-years-old. Herbst pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 36 months in prison. After his federal conviction and sentencing, but prior to self-surrendering to the Bureau of Prisons, investigators learned that Herbst uploaded child pornography to the Snapchat platform. The FBI executed new search warrants at Herbst’s Canandaigua home and on his Snapchat account, revealing that he had traded child pornography, using a prohibited device in violation of his release conditions. Herbst made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and is being held without bail. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Fairbanks man sentenced to 25 years for enticing, trafficking two minors

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Fairbanks man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for coercing two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct. According to court documents, in September 2022, Leveron Moore, 40, enticed two minors, aged 15 and 16 at the time, for the purpose of coercive sexual exploitation. Moore also used his cell phone to produce, attempt to produce and possess photos of sexually explicit conduct involving both minor victims and used an application on his phone to hide the images from law enforcement. One of the minor victims reported the abuse to a local health official, and Moore was arrested by the FBI in March 2023. Moore had previously been separated from the U.S. Army while stationed at Fort Wainwright in lieu of a court martial after having been charged with the attempted sexual assault of an 18-year-old subordinate in 2016. The defendant is required to serve 20 years’ supervised release as part of his sentence. “Mr. Moore deliberately targeted two of Alaska’s most vulnerable community members and will now pay the price for his destructive actions,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska. “We commend the tremendous bravery of both victims for disclosing Mr. Moore’s heinous conduct to officials. My office stands by our firm commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute any instance of child exploitation.” “Mr. Moore deliberately exploited and abused minors, the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Vorndran of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement partners and service providers to seek justice for these horrific crimes against children.” The FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers and the Fairbanks Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: D.C. Felon Sentenced to 115 Months for Firearms Offenses and Distribution of PCP and ‘Boot’

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – James Fitzgerald Honesty, 35, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 115 months in prison for a May 2022 incident that involved a police foot chase resulting in the recovery of a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and large quantities of drugs that included PCP and two varieties of “boot,” a designer synthetic stimulant, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Honesty pleaded guilty on September 2, 2023, in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. He also pleaded to unlawful possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Phencyclidine (PCP). In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered Honesty to serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration. This conviction, Honesty’s fifth involving a gun and his third for possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, involved a flight from officers and abandonment of a loaded gun and dangerous controlled substances on a public sidewalk in a residential neighborhood in Southeast -- less than 1,000 feet from an elementary school. Two separate 911 callers alerted police to his possession of a gun, one of which said that he used it in a fight. According to court documents, on May 23, 2022, MPD received a call at 6:25 p.m. reporting an altercation on the 2500 block of Ainger Place SE, and that “one of the guys pulled out a gun.” Another caller reported a man with a weapon, saying, “[h]e right here. He pulled out a gun on my boyfriend, threatened to kill him.” Several MPD squad cars responded. Officers in separate patrol cars spotted Honesty. After making eye contact with one of the officers, Honesty took off running. With three officers in pursuit, Honesty reached for his waistband, produced a firearm and dropped it to the ground. The foot chase continued as he rounded a corner. Honesty dropped a black satchel to the ground shortly before police caught him. An officer recovered the gun -- a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic loaded with 21 rounds in an extended magazine and one round in the chamber -- in the path of the Honesty’s flight. Another officer found the satchel bag which contained nearly 24 grams of liquid Phencyclidine aka PCP, 32 grams of a white powder, determined to be N, N-Dimethylpentylone, and brown rock-like substance later determined to be N-Propylbutylone. Both substances are considered to be varieties of “boot,” which is a designer synthetic stimulant that is typically sold as a cheaper alternative to Ecstasy or MDMA (sometimes referred to as “Molly”). Honesty has been detained since his arrest on March 23, 2022. This case was investigated by the MPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin F. Song, Meredith Mayer-Dempsey, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Cloherty and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Kristina Cervi.


title: Company that improperly took COVID 19 PPP loan agrees to pay nearly $1 million to settle False Claims Act case

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle –Brands LLC, has agreed to pay $989,438 to the United States to resolve allegations the company improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Docklight Brands develops and sells hemp derived products, and licenses certain marks for use in connection with state-licensed cannabis products. A False Claims Act qui tam lawsuit originally brought by relator Sidesolve LLC, alleged that the company was ineligible for the federal loan program because of its involvement with cannabis businesses that remain illegal under federal law. According to the settlement, Sidesolve filed the qui tam case in September 2022, alleging that Docklight had falsely certified that it was eligible for a $494,719 Paycheck Protection Program loan. The Small Business Administration program allows the loan amount to be forgiven. “Those seeking vital assistance from SBA’s pandemic response programs must comply with the requirements,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Today’s settlement sends a strong message of accountability. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their support and dedication to pursuing justice in this case.” Under the terms of the settlement, Docklight has agreed to pay back double the amount of the loan, with the additional $494,719 as penalties. Under the qui tam statute, the relator receives a percentage of the settlement for bringing the false claims matter to the government’s attention. In this case Sidesolve LLC will receive $148,416.70 of the settlement funds. The matter was handled for the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Waldrop with investigative assistance from SBA-OIG.


title: Former Attorney at Law Office Representing Foster Children Charged with Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former supervising attorney at a nonprofit that provides legal representation to foster children in juvenile dependency court was arraigned today on federal criminal charges alleging he possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Charles Aghoian, 61, of Camarillo, is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He voluntarily surrendered this morning to federal law enforcement. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge set his bond at $1 million and a May 6 trial date has been scheduled in this matter. According to an indictment that a federal grand jury returned on March 1, Aghoian in December 2020 and January 2021 knowingly distributed sexually explicit videos featuring children. In April 2021, Aghoian also allegedly possessed on his smartphone images of child sexual abuse material including children under the age of 12 years. At the time of the alleged conduct, Aghoian was a supervising attorney at the Children’s Law Center of California, which maintains offices in Monterey Park, Sacramento, and Lancaster. The organization provides legal representation for abused, neglected, or abandoned children who fall under the jurisdiction of the state’s juvenile dependency court system. Its attorneys serve Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer counties. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Aghoian would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison on each child pornography distribution charge and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each child pornography possession and distribution charges. The FBI is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Nisha Chandran of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Alexandra Kelley of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Harvey Man Indicted for Being Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – MIGUEL KEELEN , age 35, of Harvey, La., was indicted on March 8, 2024 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the indictment, KEELEN possessed a firearm on the night of December 11, 2023. While at the Valero Gas Station on 2013 South Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, KEELEN displayed and drew a pistol from his waistband before concealing the pistol and fleeing from police. KEELEN was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions. If convicted, KEELEN faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crimes Unit.


title: Westbank Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA- United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRIQUE RICHARDS , age 27, of Violet, La., was indicted on March 8, 2024, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). The indictment alleges that on February 27, 2024, RICHARDS , possessed cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute, a handgun in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense, and a weight scale. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute, RICHARDS faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, which must be served consecutively with any other count, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. RICHARDS also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.00. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Violet Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MALI WILLIAMS , age 25, of Violet, La., was indicted on March 8, 2024 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tapentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, WILLIAMS was previously convicted of felony offenses in St. Bernard Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing a firearm on October 12, 2023. Moreover, WILLIAMS is alleged to have possessed marijuana and tapentadol with the intent to distribute, as well as firearm possession in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute, WILLIAMS faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, which must be served consecutively with any other count, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. For each count of conviction, WILLIAMS faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Former Postal Employee Indicted for Delaying and Stealing U.S. Mail

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – RANDY BROWN, JR. , age 31, a resident of Gretna, La., was indicted on March 8, 2024 on four-counts including, unlawful delay of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a) and theft of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709. According to Count One, between on or about July of 2022, through October 4, 2022, BROWN unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed U.S. mail entrusted to him as a postal employee. If convicted, BROWN faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to Counts Two through Four, on September 26, 2022, September 27, 2022, and October 3, 2022, BROWN did knowingly embezzle, steal, abstract, and remove checks from U.S. mail entrusted to him as a postal employee. If convicted, BROWN faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Father and Son Duo Sentenced to Prison in $21 Million Dollar Medicare Scheme

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 11, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Anthony Duane Bell Sr. and his son, Anthony Duane Bell Jr., were sentenced in federal court today to 65 months and 12 months and one day, respectively, for their roles in fraudulently receiving more than $21 million in Medicare payments and lying to cover it up. The pair, along with others, conspired to commit Medicare fraud by billing for medically-unnecessary durable medical equipment such as knee, ankle, shoulder, wrist and back braces. Bell Sr. pleaded guilty to Medicare fraud while Bell Jr. pleaded guilty to making false statements to a federal officer. U.S. District Court Judge William Q. Hayes also ordered Bell Sr. to pay $21,725,604.56 in restitution to Medicare and forfeit $806,375.12 and a luxury house in El Cajon. The forfeited property was purchased using money obtained from the fraud. In arriving at the sentence, Judge Hayes found that Bell Sr. intended to defraud Medicare of over $46 million dollars and received over $21 million dollars. “This brazen scheme exploited elderly and disabled Medicare beneficiaries so these defendants could line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “Together with our law enforcement partners, this office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute fraud that diverts Medicare funds from some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.” “Those who game the system to take advantage of federal health care programs for personal financial gain do so at the expense of those who rely on these programs and American taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. DeFrancesca of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Together with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue working diligently to hold these individuals accountable.” “The Bells using their business as a front to defraud the U.S. government and Medicare program is unacceptable,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Tom Ryan. “The FBI and its law enforcement partners will continue to dedicate their resources to make sure individuals who try to illegally profit from the U.S. government will be prosecuted.” According to court records, the Bells created companies known as Universal Medical Solutions 1 and Universal Medical Solutions 2, which supplied durable medical equipment. In order to find customers for their businesses, the Bells entered into sham agreements with “marketing” companies that, instead of marketing, provided packets of information about Medicare beneficiaries for $125 to $350 each. These packets of information included a Medicare beneficiary’s personal information, medical history, Medicare number, and an audio recording between a call center and the patient, in which the patient supposedly agreed to accept a brace. The packet also included a signed prescription from a doctor, obtained via telemedicine, claiming that the brace was medically necessary for the patient – although in almost all cases the prescription was signed by a physician who had no previous doctor-patient relationship with the patient, was often in another state, and at most had conducted an audio call with the patient. In all cases the doctor had not conducted any kind of physical examination of the patient. The Bells bought thousands of these patient packets, each time indirectly paying the telemedicine doctors through the “marketing” companies. The packets were referred to in the industry as “Doctor’s Orders” or “D.O.s.” The Bells purchased the “D.O.s” for a variety of braces, paying the most (up to $350) for a back brace prescription, the type of medical equipment for which Medicare offered the highest reimbursement. The Bells could then, after shipping the brace to the patient, bill Medicare around $1,359.89 for each back brace, through their companies. The Bells also bought other braces, including wrist, knee, and shoulder braces, and billed Medicare at much higher prices than they paid for them. When Bell Jr. was interviewed by the FBI, he lied about his knowledge of the scheme. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valerie H. Chu and Christopher M. Alexander of the Southern District of California. DEFENDANTS Criminal Case No. 20CR2887-WQ Anthony Duane Bell Sr. Age: 55 El Cajon, California Anthony Duane Bell Jr. Age: 33 El Cajon, California SUMMARY OF CHARGE Health Care Fraud, a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347. Maximum Penalty: Ten years in custody; a fine of $250,000; a mandatory special assessment of $100; an order of restitution; and a three-year term of supervised release. False Statement, a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. Maximum Penalty: Five years in custody; a fine of $250,000; a mandatory special assessment of $100; an order of restitution; and a three-year term of supervised release. INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General United States Marshal’s Service


title: Eight-Time Violent Felon Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possessing a Machinegun in Furtherance of Drug-Trafficking Crimes

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced today to 45 years in prison for drug conspiracy, possessing bulk marijuana with intent to distribute it, possessing an illegally modified machinegun in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes, illegally possessing firearms as an eight-time convicted violent felon, and illegally possessing an unregistered machinegun. According to court documents and evidence presented at a December 2023 trial, Hassan D. Jones, 25, conspired with several individuals to distribute bulk marijuana in the Mobile area and elsewhere from at least March 2021 through February 2023. In May 2021, deputy sheriffs in Louisiana arrested Jones and two of his coconspirators following a traffic stop of a car they were using to return to Mobile from a drug pickup in Houston, Texas. In the car, police found a loaded Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine, marijuana, promethazine syrup, and more than $5,000 in cash. In February 2023, narcotics detectives with the Mobile Police Department executed a search warrant at Jones’s apartment in Eight Mile. During the search, detectives seized, among other things, four pounds of vacuum-sealed bulk marijuana, two loaded Glock pistols equipped with extended magazines, and two of Jones’s cell phones. One of the pistols was equipped with a machinegun-conversion device, commonly known as a “Glock switch,” which illegally converted the semiautomatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun. A DNA expert located Jones’s DNA on the Glock pistols seized from his apartment. Jones’s phones and social media accounts contained dozens of videos, photos, and messages regarding Jones’s drug dealing and his illegal possession of firearms, including illegally-modified machineguns. In addition to the 45-year prison sentence, Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Jones to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment and will receive mental health evaluation and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Jones to pay $500 in special assessments. “Illegal machineguns and machinegun-conversion devices continue to wreak havoc in our community and across the nation. In the hands of armed drug dealers and violent felons, such weapons present an even greater risk,” said U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: our office, working alongside our tireless federal, state, and local partners, will not tolerate it.” “This sentence is a direct message to career criminals that law enforcement is observant and will not allow egregious violations of our laws to go unpunished,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. “ATF and our law enforcement partners will remain on the frontline in our continuing effort to combat violent crime, maintain public safety, and remove criminals who continuously show total disregard for the law.” Mobile Police Department Chief Paul O. Prine said, “I am pleased with the federal conviction of Hassan D. Jones. The collaboration with our federal partners and their willingness to prosecute those violent and repeat offenders shows their resolve and commitment to working with the Mobile Police Department in making our community safe. Mr. Jones’s incarceration no doubt will have an impact on our community by not trafficking drugs or possessing weapons that can cause mass casualties.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mobile Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and Jessica Terrill prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Pensacola Heroin and Methamphetamine Dealer Armed with an Illegal Machinegun Sentenced to 44 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Pensacola, Florida man was sentenced to 44 years in prison for conspiring to possess and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, possessing an illegally modified machinegun and other firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes, and possessing firearms as a convicted felon. According to court documents, Grayson Zachary Eagan, 30, led Baldwin County sheriff’s deputies on a 30-mile high-speed chase on March 8, 2021, after he refused to stop for a traffic violation in Elsanor. During the pursuit, Eagan reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, frequently crossing into the wrong lane of traffic and blowing through several stop signs and lighted intersections. Near Lillian, deputies used a spike strip to deflate the front left tire of Eagan’s car, leaving only the rim of the wheel on the vehicle. Nevertheless, Eagan continued at speeds between 80 and 100 miles per hour, crossing into Florida. Near the end of the chase, Eagan sped into a residential neighborhood in Pensacola, spinning out and losing control of his car in the front yard of a house. Dash-camera video showed Eagan’s codefendant, Lakin Amanda Wright, throwing a black bookbag from the backseat of the car into a driveway as Eagan sped away. The bookbag contained four handguns, more than a kilogram of 100% pure methamphetamine ice, 38 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and more than $74,000 in banded-up cash. Forensic DNA analysts found Eagan’s DNA on items inside the bookbag. Shortly after Wright discarded the bookbag, Eagan again lost control of his car and got stuck in a gravel driveway. Eagan and another codefendant, Dylan Michael Miller, attempted to flee on foot before deputies took them into custody. Lying next to Eagan on the ground, deputies found a loaded AR 15-style rifle equipped with an arm brace. Eagan had more than $3,000 in cash on his person. Inside Eagan’s car, deputies located six additional firearms, including a Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun-conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch,” which illegally converted the semiautomatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun. Deputies’ search of Eagan’s car also uncovered numerous rounds of ammunition and gun magazines, a tactical body-armor vest, small amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and more than $1,000 in cash. At the time Eagan possessed the 11 guns that deputies seized from the car and the bookbag, he previously had been convicted of felony crimes in Florida. Those convictions rendered Eagan’s possession of firearms and ammunition illegal under federal law. Agents also seized Eagan’s cell phones and obtained warrants to search them. The phones contained hundreds of Facebook and text messages that Eagan exchanged with Wright, Miller, and others regarding his drug-trafficking activities and illegal possession of firearms. The messages included Eagan discussing amounts and prices for heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other drugs. Eagan also discussed trading drugs for firearms. In one such message, Eagan offered to clear an individual’s drug debt in exchange for obtaining a machinegun-conversion device for him. In addition to the 44-year prison sentence, Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Eagan to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Eagan to pay $600 in special assessments and forfeited Eagan’s firearms and ammunition to the United States. Chief Judge Beaverstock previously sentenced Miller and Wright to serve 221 months and 186 months in prison, respectively. Miller and Wright each will serve five-year terms of supervised release upon their release from prison, during which they will receive drug testing and treatment. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Escambia County, Florida Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa County, Florida Sheriff’s Office substantially assisted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and Gaillard Ladd prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Six Former Kentucky State Corrections Officers Sentenced for Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of Justice

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – Six former officers of the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC) were sentenced on Monday for their roles in the assault of an inmate and the subsequent cover-up. Three officers who carried out the assault on the inmate and covered it up — Randall Dennis, 28, James Benish, 37, and Jeffery Havens, 28 — were sentenced to 60, 27 and 15 months in prison, respectively, followed by two years of supervised release each. A supervisor and two other officers who covered up the assault — Randy Nickell, 55, Nathan Cantrell, 33, and Derek Mays, 34 — were each sentenced to one month in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, with Nickell and Cantrell sentenced to five additional months of home confinement. All six officers pleaded guilty, and three of the officers testified against a seventh co-defendant, Eric Nantell, who was found guilty at a trial earlier this year. “These former corrections officers are being sentenced to prison for their roles in the violent assault of a handcuffed inmate in a prison shower cell, and their attempt to cover-up the crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These sentences should send a clear message: corrections officers are not above the law in our country. The Justice Department will continue to enforce federal laws to protect the civil and constitutional rights of people held in our jails and prisons.” “These individuals were responsible for the custody and care of inmates; instead, they chose to assault them, and lie to cover up the abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Their conduct was a profound breach of the trust placed in them, a brazen disregard for safety of people in their care and a disgraceful effort to conceal their crime. Fortunately, they now face the consequences of this inexcusable conduct.” “When several officers took part in beating an inmate who was unable to defend himself, a blatant violation of the individual’s civil rights occurred. But the injustice did not stop there as evidence of a cover-up also emerged,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “As in this case, FBI personnel will always take allegations of police misconduct seriously and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to identifying perpetrators who violate federal law.” The evidence at trial established that Dennis and Benish, both of whom were members of EKCC’s internal affairs department, assaulted a non-violent inmate who was lying face-down, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles and isolated in a prison shower cell. Havens, an entry-level officer, joined them in the assault. Within hours of the inmate reporting the abuse, supervisors of EKCC and state detectives of the Kentucky State Police opened an investigation. Nickell, Cantrell and Mays, who were standing in the hallway outside the door of the shower when the assault began, joined the other officers in a cover-up scheme. As part of that cover-up, they wrote false reports and lied to state investigators. The one defendant who did not plead guilty was recently convicted at trial in a related case. On Feb. 15, former Corrections Sergeant Nantell was convicted of one count of deprivation of civil rights for failing to intervene to protect the inmate and three counts of obstruction for lying to state and federal investigators. Nantell’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo and Mary Melton for the Eastern District of Kentucky prosecuted the case. — END —


title: Florida Man Arrested for Alleged Decades-Long Scheme to Hide Assets From the IRS

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: Defendant Allegedly Hid Millions in Unreported Assets in Series of Swiss Bank Accounts MIAMI – A federal criminal complaint was unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida charging a Florida man with conspiring to defraud the United States by hiding income and assets offshore and with making a false statement to the IRS. According to the allegations contained in the complaint, [1] between 1985 and 2020, Dan Rotta hid more than $20 million in assets in at least two dozen secret bank accounts at five different Swiss banks, including UBS and Credit Suisse. Over the years, Rotta allegedly earned substantial income from these assets that he did not report on his tax returns. Starting in 2008, after it was reported publicly that UBS and its bankers were under criminal investigation for helping U.S. taxpayers evade their taxes, Rotta allegedly took steps to continue concealing his offshore assets, including by closing his UBS account and moving the funds to Credit Suisse and another Swiss bank, and then later transferring the funds into Swiss bank accounts in the name of nominees. In 2011, the IRS allegedly began auditing Rotta after it obtained evidence that he had unreported foreign financial accounts. Allegedly, Rotta falsely denied that he had any such accounts. During the audit, the IRS allegedly obtained evidence showing Rotta received transfers of hundreds of thousands of dollars from these foreign accounts that he did not report on his tax returns. Rotta allegedly claimed that these transfers were non-taxable loans from third parties and caused his representative to present the IRS with sham loan documents to corroborate his claims. As part of the scheme, Rotta allegedly enlisted his friend and cousin, Co-Conspirator 1, a native and resident of Brazil, to claim to the IRS that he either made or facilitated the fake loans. The IRS allegedly did not believe Rotta and assessed additional taxes as well as penalties and interest against him. Rotta allegedly then caused a petition in U.S. Tax Court to be filed that sought a redetermination of the IRS’s assessments. In that petition, Rotta, through his attorney, allegedly falsely denied having any foreign accounts and attached the fictitious loan documents. Furthermore, Rotta allegedly caused Co-Conspirator 1 to travel to the United States and retell the false loan story to IRS attorneys. In 2017, after Rotta allegedly presented evidence showing that the purported loans had been repaid, the IRS reversed the deficiencies and agreed that Rotta owed no additional tax. Unbeknownst to the IRS, however, the funds that Rotta purportedly repaid to the third parties allegedly went into accounts that he controlled. In 2019, after he allegedly became aware that the IRS would receive copies of his Swiss bank records, Rotta attempted to participate in the IRS’s voluntary disclosure practice. Under that practice, taxpayers who willfully do not comply with their tax and reporting obligations can make timely, accurate and complete disclosures of their conduct, which may be a way to resolve their non-compliance and limit their criminal exposure. In his submission, which was signed under penalties of perjury, Rotta allegedly made several false statements. Rotta was arrested on March 9 and made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jared M. Strauss of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, Rotta faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and five years in prison for the false statement charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. The International Tax and Financial Crimes group of IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Homer for the Southern District of Florida, and Senior Litigation Counsels Sean Beaty and Mark Daly and Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell and William Montague of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the complaint and the description of the complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations. Every fact described should be treated as an allegation. ###


title: Poteau Resident Sentenced For Distribution Of Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Matthew Carl Cripps, age 43, of Poteau, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration. On March 13, 2023, Cripps pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. According to investigators, Cripps sold 24 grams of methamphetamine on November 15, 2021, and was responsible for distribution of over 50 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Oklahoma between November 2021 and February 2022. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings. Cripps was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.


title: Stilwell Resident Sentenced For Assaults Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeremy David Croley, age 47, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by one year of home confinement for each of two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian country. The sentence for each count will run concurrently. Croley was also ordered to pay a $15,000 fine. The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. On July 18, 2022, Croley entered a guilty plea to the charges. According to investigators, on September 15, 2018, Croley crossed the center line driving southbound on Bell Road and crashed his dual rear wheel truck into a vehicle driving in the northbound lane. Troopers arriving at the scene of the wreckage observed Croley unsteady on his feet, slurring his speech, and smelling strongly of alcohol. Croley failed a preliminary breath test and returned just under 0.20 on a subsequent blood alcohol test, well over the .08 limit. Data retrieved from Croley’s vehicle showed he had failed to brake in the eight seconds prior to impact. Two passengers in the oncoming vehicle suffered severe bodily injuries from the impact. The crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City. Croley will self-report to the U.S. Marshal service on March 11, 2024, prior to serving a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration at a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States at sentencing.


title: ST. CROIX MAN, 65, CHARGED WITH SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Juan Bermudez, 65, of St. Croix, was charged with sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement, aggravated rape second degree, and unlawful sexual contact second degree. If convicted, Bermudez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 to 15 years and up to life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. “Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to protecting our children and will continue to work jointly with the Virgin Islands Police Department to investigate and pursue individuals who sexually abuse our children”, said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas. United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Kyle Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Evan Brown Bull, age 38, of Kyle, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on March 8, 2024. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years, up to life, in custody and/or a $10,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Brown Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023. Evidence at trial established that between 2016 and 2023, Brown Bull conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Reservation and Rapid City, South Dakota. Brown Bull was seen on video selling drugs and chat records obtained also detailed multiple methamphetamine deals and demonstrated the conspiracy in which Brown Bull was involved. This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the Martin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has yet to be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Tea Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Meth Conspiracy

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Tea, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 4, 2024. Nicholas Ganske, 44, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Ganske was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty on November 29, 2023. Ganske, along with his co-conspirators, was responsible for distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota. Ganske would meet a co-conspirator to purchase drugs, which both knew Ganske would then sell to others in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. The investigation is being led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from other law enforcement agencies such as: FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Brookings Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Rock County (MN) Sheriff’s Office, Worthington (MN) Police Department, and the Mitchell Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen. Ganske was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Readout of Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco’s Trip to San Francisco and Seattle

component: Office of the Deputy Attorney General

body_text: Deputy Attorney General (AG) Lisa Monaco traveled to San Francisco and Seattle this week to highlight the Justice Department’s efforts to uphold the rule of law through its corporate criminal enforcement program and the development of guardrails to prevent misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). In her keynote remarks at the American Bar Association's 39th Annual National Institute on White Collar Crime, the Deputy AG outlined the Justice Department’s approach to corporate criminal enforcement: holding individuals accountable; targeting resources to combat the most serious white-collar criminal conduct; and pursuing tough penalties for repeat corporate offenders. She highlighted the Justice Department’s “carrots and sticks” approach of encouraging companies and individuals to self-report corporate crimes and other financial misconduct and imposing the most significant penalties on those most culpable. To reinforce these efforts, the Deputy AG announced a new Justice Department whistleblower rewards program, which will offer rewards to individuals who discover and report financial and corporate misconduct not otherwise known to the government – akin to the successful whistleblower programs operated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The Department’s program’s launch will follow a 90-day pilot development period and will complement the Department’s existing voluntary self-disclosure programs that operate with the same principle: individuals and companies who want to qualify for reporting benefits have to be the first in the door. In her announcement, the Deputy AG said, “Our message to whistleblowers is clear: the Department of Justice wants to hear from you. And to those considering a voluntary self-disclosure, our message is equally clear: knock on our door before we knock on yours.” The Deputy AG also warned of AI’s potential to supercharge corporate crime, stressing that federal prosecutors will seek stronger sentences when AI is abused to render a corporate crime significantly more serious. She also announced that going forward, in all corporate cases, federal prosecutors will assess companies’ ability to manage AI-related risks as part of their overall compliance efforts. In keeping with the Department’s focus on AI, the Deputy AG convened the first roundtable discussion of the “Justice AI Initiative,” which she launched last month at the University of Oxford. Justice AI brings together stakeholders across industry, academia, law enforcement, and civil society to share expertise on both the promise of AI and the perils of its misuse. Together with industry leaders, the Deputy AG discussed how AI will impact the Department’s mission to uphold the rule of law, keep the nation safe, and protect civil rights. The Deputy AG concluded her trip in Seattle, where she visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. In meetings with U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington, her leadership team, and the prosecutors and professional staff of the office, she thanked them for their hard work to combat increasingly complex and dangerous threats, such as swatting incidents, cybercrime, and nation state actors seeking to steal our best technology. She also sat down with federal law enforcement partners and leadership of the Swinomish Tribe to discuss their collaboration around violent crime and public safety challenges, including deadly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.


title: Readout of Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Marshall Miller’s Trip to San Francisco and San Diego

body_text: This week, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General (PADAG) Marshall Miller traveled to San Francisco and San Diego to highlight the Justice Department’s efforts to uphold the rule of law through its corporate criminal enforcement program and through its commitment to ensuring robust access to counsel for federal criminal defendants. On Wednesday, March 6, in San Francisco, PADAG Miller participated in a panel of Enforcers and Regulators at the American Bar Association’s 39th Annual National Institute on White Collar Crime — a panel which also included Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California, and the enforcement directors of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In his remarks, PADAG Miller outlined the Justice Department’s approach to corporate criminal enforcement: holding individuals accountable; targeting resources to combat the most serious white-collar criminal conduct; and pursuing tough penalties for repeat corporate offenders. PADAG Miller also previewed Deputy Attorney General (AG) Monaco’s announcement of a new Justice Department whistleblower rewards program. On Friday, March 8, PADAG Miller led an access to counsel stakeholder convening at Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) San Diego, providing opening remarks and facilitating a wide-ranging stakeholder conversation. PADAG Miller was joined at this event by representatives from the leadership teams at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) and the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), as well as U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California and leadership representatives from the Federal Defenders of San Diego, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. District Court, and U.S. Probation Office, among others. This meeting was the last in an annual series of 10 convenings on access to counsel at pretrial detention facilities across the FBOP. PADAG Miller’s visit to MCC San Diego follows a comprehensive, 100-day review of practices and policies related to access to counsel in FBOP’s 10 pretrial facilities, launched by Deputy AG Monaco last year. Coming out of that review, on July 21, 2023, Deputy AG Monaco issued a groundbreaking Report and Recommendations Concerning Access to Counsel at the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) Pretrial Facilities (the “Report”). The Report provided over 30 recommendations for BOP to further safeguard the right to counsel in its pretrial facilities, including the recommendation to convene annual meetings of local stakeholders to “assess legal correspondence, discovery, visiting, and other pertinent legal access challenges at pretrial facilities and to identify solutions.” During the San Diego convening, PADAG Miller stressed the importance of local, cross-agency participation in the Department’s ongoing efforts to protect the right of access to counsel in federal facilities. He also highlighted several access to counsel reforms that the Department has implemented since the Report’s publication. Those reforms included, among other recommendations, policy authorizing defense practitioners to bring laptops for legal visitations at all pretrial facilities and guidance standardizing the rules for legal visits by non-attorney legal staff. Following the convening, PADAG Miller toured MCC San Diego, accompanied by U.S. Attorney McGrath, as well as representatives from FBOP and ATJ. The tour inspected the facility’s newly constructed legal visitation pods and counsel consultation phone booths, which provide additional confidential spaces for legal visits and calls with counsel. After departing the BOP facility, PADAG Miller visited both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the Federal Defenders of San Diego, where he met with office leadership and staff for further conversation on access to counsel and other topics. At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, PADAG Miller thanked U.S. Attorney McGrath, her leadership team, and office personnel for their hard work in fulfilling the Department’s mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights.


title: INTERPOL WASHINGTON AWARDS MEXICAN AUTHORITIES FOR ASSISTANCE IN CAPTURING TWO ‘MOST WANTED’ FUGITIVES

component: Interpol Washington

body_text: WASHINGTON – Last week, INTERPOL Washington and members of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) presented awards to the Fiscalía General de la República in Mexico City for their exceptional assistance in the capture of two individuals on the USMS 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list. The fugitives, Edgar Salvador Casian-Garcia and Araceli Medina, were elevated to the list in February 2023, wanted by the Pasco Police Department in Franklin County, Washington, in reference to aggravated murder of a child, rape in the first degree of another child, and three counts of aggravated assault of a child in the first degree. Acting on U.S. requests for provisional arrest for the purpose of extradition, and thanks to the diligent efforts of the Agencia de Investigación Criminal and INTERPOL Mexico, the pair was successfully arrested in Mexico on March 22, 2023, and subsequently extradited to the U.S. This operation also led to the recovery of five missing and endangered children. INTERPOL Washington issued two INTERPOL Red Notices and five urgent Yellow Notices regarding Casian-Garcia and Medina that were instrumental in their location and apprehension. “It is a great privilege to honor the incredible work done by our partners in Mexico to bring these dangerous fugitives back to the U.S. to face justice for such heinous accusations,” said INTERPOL Washington Director Michael A. Hughes. “Criminals don’t stop at borders and neither do we. Through this remarkable example of international law enforcement collaboration, we have once again demonstrated that by working together, we can build a safer world.” The charges came after Casian-Garcia’s biological daughters, 8 and 3 at the time, were found abandoned in Tijuana, Mexico, in mid-2020. Both girls showed signs of severe physical abuse. Subsequent forensic interviews done with one of the girls determined that Casian-Garcia and Medina had likely been physically abusing the children, as well as the girls’ seven-year-old brother, who is believed to have been tortured to death in Washington state and his body later dumped. His remains were found in a rural part of neighboring Benton County in February 2022. After presenting the awards, INTERPOL Washington also visited INTERPOL Mexico to recognize its support and assistance in the case, as well as provide an operational update and discuss increased partnership opportunities. A component of the U.S. Department of Justice co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, INTERPOL Washington—the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB)—is the designated U.S. representative to INTERPOL. It serves as the national point of contact and coordination for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies.


title: California Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Jason Kirk, age 43, of Tracy, California, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Northern Panhandle. Kirk pled guilty in October 2023 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 5 kilograms of cocaine, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Kirk worked with others in the Ohio Valley to sell large quantities of drugs in the Wheeling area. Kirk was one of the cash couriers for the operation, flying in and out of the Pittsburgh International Airport to San Diego, California, to deliver large amounts of drug sale proceeds. Once he completes his prison sentence, Kirk will be required to report to the U.S. Probation Office for a period of five years of supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Belmont County (OH) Sheriff’s Office and the Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office assisted. The investigation was supported by the ATF, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, the Allegheny County (PA) Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: Repeat Felon Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Armed Robbery

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A previously convicted felon was sentenced yesterday in connection with the armed robberies of two Boston and Brockton businesses. At the time of the offenses, defendant had pending state charges for armed and unarmed robbery and three outstanding warrants. Fernando Bost, 32, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to eight and half years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In December 2023, Bost pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. “This defendant has wreaked havoc in our community for over a decade, committing a string of armed robberies against innocent victims. Keeping our communities safe from this type of violence is at the core of DOJ’s mission,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Fernando Bost is a hardened and chronic offender who targeted two businesses in Boston and Brockton in one day, threatening his victims at gunpoint to force them into compliance,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Getting violent criminals like this off the street is a priority for FBI Boston’s Violent Crimes Task Force and our local law enforcement partners, as we all work our hardest to keep the public safe." Bost is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to two previous armed robbery convictions from 2012 and 2017. Additionally, at the time of the federal offense, Bost had several pending state charges for armed and unarmed robbery as well as three outstanding warrants issued in three different courts for armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering during the daytime with intent to commit a felony, receiving stolen property and shoplifting. On March 29, 2023 at approximately 11:05 p.m., a man entered RJ Smoke and Convenience Store in Dorchester, held the victim cashier at gunpoint and took cash before fleeing the store. While investigating the robbery, it was determined that a 7-Eleven in Brockton was robbed approximately 40 minutes earlier that same day. Surveillance footage depicts the robber wearing the same unique clothing worn in the RJ Smoke and Convenience store robbery in Dorchester. A subsequent investigation identified a Kia Sorento captured in the vicinity of both businesses prior to the robberies and leaving after each robbery took place. Records determined that the vehicle had been rented to Bost’s girlfriend. It was also determined that Bost’s EBT card had been used at a gas station and a Target the same day of the robberies. Surveillance footage obtained from those locations show Bost wearing clothing identical to that worn by the robber. Bost was arrested during a traffic stop near Springfield where a loaded Glock 43x with a high-capacity magazine was recovered in his sweatshirt. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Hamden County District Attorney’s Office; and the Boston and Brockton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Crownpoint Woman Sentenced to 30 months in Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Ryntana Yazzie was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Yazzie, 34, of Crownpoint, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Nov. 2, 2023. According to publicly available court documents, on August 4, 2020, Yazzie had been drinking alcohol and was driving south on Highway 371 outside Farmington when her vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and struck a semi-truck driven by John Doe, who was driving northbound. Yazzie crossed the center line into John Doe’s truck and did not brake prior to the crash. John Doe attempted to veer to the right to avoid Yazzie. The impact occurred head on, slightly off center. John Doe died at the scene of the crash. OMI determined John Doe suffered from blunt force trauma to the head and neck. He suffered hemorrhage in the neck and head which would have been nearly immediately fatal. Yazzie suffered a broken left arm and a broken leg from the crash and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center before she was flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. Upon her release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Lake Worth resident on bond in federal case charged with bank fraud conspiracy involving over $2.1 million dollars

body_text: MIAMI – While on bond in an aggravated identity theft matter, Manley Vanel Neptune, 33, of Lake Worth, was charged in a second federal case with participating in a conspiracy to obtain over $2.1 million dollars by depositing a stolen U.S. Treasury check into a fraudulent bank account. According to allegations in the initial complaint, on Feb. 2, Neptune attempted to open a fraudulent account at a First Horizon Bank in Lighthouse Point, Florida, by presenting a counterfeit U.S. passport card in the name of “W.H.” (Case No. 24-mj-6052). Neptune was arrested by law enforcement. On Feb. 15, Neptune was indicted for using a counterfeit passport and aggravated identify theft (Case No. 24-cr-60028). Neptune was released on bond. Neptune was then charged in a second complaint when further investigation revealed that on Feb. 1, Neptune successfully opened a fraudulent account at a Truist Bank in Pompano Beach, Florida by using the same counterfeit U.S. passport card, in the name of “W.H.,” that Neptune used at First Horizon Bank the following day. On Feb. 20, while on bond, Neptune caused two female co-conspirators to deposit, into the fraudulent account at Truist Bank, a stolen U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $2,172,687.18 that was issued to “W.G.H.” The second criminal complaint (Case No. 24-mj-6093) charges Neptune with participating in the bank fraud conspiracy. On March 7, Neptune had his initial appearance in federal court in Case No. 24-mj-6093. The parties stipulated to pretrial detention with the right to revisit. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for March 21. If convicted of the bank fraud conspiracy, Neptune faces up to 30 years in federal prison. If convicted of using a fraudulent U.S. passport, Neptune faces up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, Neptune faces a mandatory minimum term of 2 years in federal prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other mitigating, aggravating, and statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, made the announcement. HSI Ft. Lauderdale investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley is prosecuting it. An indictment and complaint contain mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case numbers 24-mj-6039 and 24-cr-60028. ###


title: United States Attorney Prim Escalona Holds United Against Hate Event at Alabama A&M University

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – United States Attorney Prim Escalona announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office held an event at Alabama A&M University to promote the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative. The event, which included federal prosecutors and state and local law enforcement partners, focused on educating students on how to identify, report, and prevent hate crimes. With approximately 195 students attending, Alabama A&M hosted subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office; Montrez Payton, Chief of Police, Alabama A&M University; and Tafeni English-Relf, State of Alabama Director, Southern Poverty Law Center. Presenters highlighted differences between hate crimes and hate incidents and provided options for responding to hate incidents when situations do not constitute a federal or state crime. Presenters also distinguished unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity, including distinguishing between protected speech and speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes. U.S. Attorney Escalona previously hosted meetings in November 2023 in the Birmingham area at Ramsay High School for students and faculty and in the community with the FBI Birmingham Division and the Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee, which consists of community leaders from across the Northern District of Alabama. “Through the United Against Hate initiative, we are working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and community stakeholders to prevent hate crimes and incidents through education and awareness,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “It is so important to build community trust so that people feel comfortable reporting hate crimes. We want people to feel safe in their communities and that means they should be free of fear based on what they look like, where they are from, what faith they practice, and who they love.” Those who believe they are subject to hate crimes or incidents should contact local law enforcement and the FBI. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . Anyone in the Northern District of Alabama may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama by calling 205-244-2001.


title: Mount Vernon Man Sentenced To 50 Years In Prison For His Enticement Of A Minor

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that LELAND ROBINSON was sentenced to 50 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas for his enticement of a 14-year-old minor to engage in sexual activity. ROBINSON was convicted of enticement of a minor following a week-long jury trial in July 2023. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Leland Robinson’s crime is the nightmare of every parent of a child who uses a smartphone. Robinson met his victim on a social media application and then traveled to Connecticut, where he sexually assaulted the child outside the child’s home. I encourage parents and caregivers to have conversations with their children about the dangers of communicating online with strangers. We will continue to use every tool available to law enforcement to prosecute and punish those who seek to exploit our children.” According to court documents and the evidence presented in the trial of ROBINSON: In or about February 2019, ROBINSON, who was 31 years old but posing as a high school student, met a 14-year-old boy (“Victim-1”) on a social media application. ROBINSON sent Victim-1 sexually explicit images and videos of himself and requested the same from Victim-1. In the fall of 2019, ROBINSON agreed to provide Victim-1 with a JUUL if Victim-1 would engage in sex with ROBINSON. On multiple occasions in September and October 2019, ROBINSON traveled to Victim-1’s home in Connecticut. On October 24, 2019, ROBINSON returned to Victim-1’s house and sexually assaulted him in the yard outside his house. In imposing the sentence, Judge Karas said: “People should understand that when they prey on kids, they will pay the price.” * * * In addition to the prison term, ROBINSON, 35, of Mount Vernon, New York, was sentenced to 15 years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Canaan Police Department, and the Greensboro Police Department in Greensboro, North Carolina, in connection with this investigation. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcia S. Cohen and Jennifer Ong are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Westerville man sentenced to more than 8 years in prison for $1.8M fraud schemes

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Prince Oduro, 34, of Westerville, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 102 months in prison for wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering. As part of his sentence, Oduro will pay approximately $1.8 million in restitution. After being arrested in this case, Oduro was initially released from custody. He continued to defraud a victim of romance fraud while on release, causing an additional $709,500 in loss. According to court documents, Oduro was involved in multiple fraud and money laundering schemes for several years, including through his employment at a bank and via online romance scams. In 2015, while Oduro worked for JPMorgan Chase Bank in Columbus, he stole a customer’s bank information before calling to gain access to the account and fraudulently opening a PayPal account. Oduro transferred a total of $12,500 of the customer’s money to the PayPal account before withdrawing it in cash for himself. He attempted an additional $8,000 transfer but it was denied. In 2016 and 2017, Oduro stole the personal information of at least four other victims. He would then open PayPal accounts linked to the stolen information and use the accounts to launder the proceeds of online romance scams. In total, through March 2020, Oduro received and laundered at least $1 million in fraud proceeds. Victims sent money to individuals who they believed needed a medical operation, had been an American soldier in Afghanistan, were building roads in Dubai, had access to gold or silver, or other schemes. Oduro then laundered the fraudulent proceeds. For example, one victim was told her late husband had allegedly stored valuable artwork and other items in Atlanta. The story seemed plausible to the victim because her husband had traveled extensively. The victim sent a total of $390,300 to bank accounts controlled by Oduro to receive her husband’s purported assets. When law enforcement executed a search warrant on Oduro’s phone, they found messages in his WhatsApp messenger stating: “This is the only business in America I can do and make 20k in a month and not get arrested…I’m locating money, I’m not fraud anyone…It’s called money laundering.” Oduro was arrested in February 2022 and pleaded guilty in January 2023. After being arrested and even after pleading guilty, Oduro continued his romance fraud. Before his arrest, he had caused approximately $1.1 million in loss. He caused an additional $709,500 in loss after his arrest. After investigators discovered the fraud, Oduro was arrested in November 2023. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Karen Wingerd, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; announced the sentence imposed on March 7 by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Fort Myers Drug Trafficking Organization Leader Sentenced To Life In Prison For Killing An FBI Informant And Conspiracy To Distribute Cocaine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Robert Lee Ward (55, Fort Myers) to life in federal prison for killing an FBI informant and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. A jury found Ward guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine on February 18, 2022. Another jury found Ward guilty of killing an FBI informant on September 29, 2023. According to the evidence and testimony presented during the trials, Ward was the leader of a drug trafficking organization in Fort Myers that distributed cocaine in Fort Myers and other locations for over a decade until his arrest in 2018. Ward and his co-conspirators routinely purchased kilograms of cocaine from Ward’s supplier in Miami and distributed the cocaine in Fort Myers and Panama City. Federal investigators used confidential informants to make multiple purchases of cocaine from Ward’s co-conspirators. A confidential informant that purchased cocaine from Ward was relocated by investigators after they learned of a threat against the informant’s life. In 2012, the FBI obtained the assistance of Kristopher Smith, a member of Ward’s organization, who agreed to cooperate in the investigation against Ward. After learning about Smith’s cooperation with investigators, Ward solicited James Broomfield to kill Smith. Broomfield agreed to kill Smith for $30,000. Ward provided Broomfield with a loaded firearm and told him where to locate Smith. On January 7, 2013, Broomfield and another individual followed Smith and his girlfriend as they drove to their son’s school. Smith remained in the car while his girlfriend entered the school. Broomfield and his accomplice parked their vehicle behind the informant’s car. Broomfield ran up to the car and shot Smith several times, killing him. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Panama City Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Candace Rich. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identities, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Previously Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Willie Burroughs, 53, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, in June of 2023, IMPD officers began investigating a shooting that occurred on June 13, 2022. The target of this investigation was Willie Burroughs. On June 22, 2023, IMPD officers located Burroughs at Stratford Apartments in Indianapolis and saw him drive off in the passenger side of Chevrolet Equinox. Officers followed the vehicle and conducted a felony stop of the Equinox in the area of West 38th Street and Moller Road. Burroughs was ordered from the front passenger seat and detained. An officer received consent from the driver to search the Equinox and located one Glock 19 Gen4 9mm semi-automatic pistol under the front passenger side seat. The Glock was fully loaded, with one round in the chamber and 16 rounds in the magazine. Burroughs admitted that the Glock was his. In 1994, Burroughs was convicted of Murder and Armed Robbery in Marion County, prohibiting him from ever again legally possessing a firearm. “Illegally armed, repeat violent criminals are responsible for a disproportionate share of the gun violence suffered in Indianapolis and all of our communities These offenses will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Like this defendant, every offender returning to our community has a choice. If you want to turn your life around, and be there for your family, seek out the services and supporters committed to keeping you safe, alive, and successful. If instead, you choose to carry a firearm, you will return to prison to serve a serious sentence behind federal bars.” “Armed repeat offenders such as Mr. Burroughs who choose to knowingly possess firearms when they are expressly prohibited from doing so demonstrate a clear disregard for the lives of others,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our partners will continue our commitment to the community to investigate and hold accountable criminals who illegally have these deadly weapons.” The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Burroughs be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case. This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Multiples Thefts from CVS

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Quinton Thomas, 40, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on nine counts of felony second-degree theft and two counts of unlawful entry stemming from events occurring between October 2023 and November 2023, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced. Thomas is to be arraigned on April 22, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge. According to the government’s evidence, between October 2023 and January 2024, Thomas repeatedly stole from two CVS stores located in Northwest Washington D.C., returning on multiple occasions to steal thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. Thomas was later located and arrested after investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department. Thomas has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted. Since September 1, 2023, including the aforementioned case, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has indicted 31 cases involving a felony second-degree theft charge based on a defendant’s two or more prior theft convictions, not from the same occasion. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Kurland. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.


title: Trailer full of meth lands trafficker in prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 51-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced following his conviction of conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute 200 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Daren Lynn Lopez pleaded guilty Nov. 16, 2022. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Lopez to serve 192 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard of Lopez’s long criminal history including three prior felonies. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the additive, potent and dangerous effects meth has on the community. In March 2022, Lopez arranged for the transportation of a tractor-trailer concealing 200 kilograms of meth to be imported from Mexico. The trailer successfully entered the United States and was driven to Lopez’s truck yard in Edinburg. Lopez then coordinated and hired a driver to transport the trailer to Dallas. Law enforcement intervened, stopped and seized the trailer on its way north. At that time, they discovered a false compartment spanning the entire roof of the trailer which concealed hundreds of bricks of meth. The drugs have an estimated street value of $1 million. Lopez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.


title: South Florida Couple Arrested in Relation to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Distribution Resulting in Death of Baby

body_text: MIAMI – On March 7, Samantha Yi, 32, and Darnell Mendez, 31, of Lake Worth, had their initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in West Palm Beach on a criminal complaint charging Yi and Mendez with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and Yi with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Their arrests followed a long-term joint investigation by the Boynton Beach Police Department (BBPD), the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) after the death of a 10-month-old infant in Boynton Beach who ingested fentanyl. According to allegations in the criminal complaint, on March 31, 2022, PBSO responded to a 911 call of an infant in distress. The infant was transported to Bethesda Hospital East in Boynton Beach, Florida with her mother. On April 1, 2022, the baby was transferred to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. On April 5, 2022, the baby died. An autopsy conducted by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner determined that the baby’s death was caused by fentanyl intoxication and that her manner of death was homicide. The BBPD conducted a homicide investigation during which law enforcement recovered fentanyl at the baby’s home. Investigation determined that the baby’s mother and father were addicts and had been abusing fentanyl regularly in the kitchen of their apartment. The investigation also determined that the baby was teething and ingested fentanyl on March 31, 2022, while in the care of her mother, and while her father was at work. The mother was arrested by the BBPD and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child by culpable negligence. DEA joined the investigation to identify the drug dealers that were responsible for the distribution of the fentanyl that killed the baby. Through data and information retrieved from the mother’s cellphone, law enforcement was able to identify YI as the drug dealer. The investigation uncovered months of electronic communications exchanged between YI and the mother involving drug transactions in which the mother was the customer. The investigation further determined that Yi’s boyfriend, Mendez was also involved in the distribution of fentanyl. As contained in the criminal complaint, Mendez has a history of controlled substance and violent crime offenses and may qualify as a career criminal. Investigators were able to determine that on March 30, 2022, the mother met with Yi in Boynton Beach, Florida to purchase fentanyl, and that fentanyl was ingested by the baby resulting in her death. As part of the joint investigation, DEA, the BBPD, and PBSO conducted an operation involving two undercover officers who purchased fentanyl from Yi and Mendez. The undercover operation culminated in the arrests of Yi and Mendez on March 6, 2024, at their residence in Lake Worth, Florida. In court, on March 7, 2024, the United States sought the pretrial detention of both YI and Mendez. The United States informed the Court that the couple is believed to be a risk of flight and danger to the community based upon the offenses described in the criminal complaint. Furthermore, the United States informed the Court that the couple was found in possession of 14 firearms in their home when they were arrested. Both Yi and Mendez are convicted felons. Detention hearings are scheduled for Yi on March 12 and Mendez on March 14, respectively. The arraignment and preliminary hearings are scheduled for March 21. If convicted of the offenses charged in the criminal complaint, Yi faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 20 years to a maximum sentence of life. Mendez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of DEA, Chief Joe DeGiulio of BBPD, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of PBSO, announced the arrest and charges. The Office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg for the 15 th Judicial Circuit – Palm Beach County provided invaluable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McMichael and Shannon O’Shea Darsch are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 24-cr-80041. ###