title: Keene Woman Sentenced to 18 Months For Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business That Facilitated Scams

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Keene woman was sentenced in federal court for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Aria DiMezzo, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph LaPlante to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release. DiMezzo was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,000, and to forfeit 1.93 bitcoin and more than $14,000 in U.S. currency. “The defendant’s unlicensed bitcoin business allowed scammers of all kinds to obtain their victims’ money anonymously,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The sentence today sends an important message that those who sell bitcoin, like other money exchangers, must register and comply with the rules meant to ensure that these businesses are not used to facilitate frauds.” Between June 2020 and January 2021, DiMezzo charged a fee to exchange fiat currency (mostly U.S. dollars) for virtual currency. DiMezzo recruited customers on websites, including localbitcoins.com. Her customers sent money to her through bank accounts in her name, and in the name of an organization she created, the Reformed Satanic Church. DiMezzo then sent customers bitcoin or other virtual currency in return. DiMezzo also worked with Ian Freeman, selling virtual currency to customers that Freeman recruited, and she paid Freeman a percentage of the profits from the sales. A federal jury found Freeman guilty of money laundering, conspiracy to launder money, operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business, and tax evasion, on December 22, 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17, 2023. DiMezzo sold more than $3 million worth of virtual currency through her business. DiMezzo did not register her business as a money transmitting business and she did not comply with any of the various regulations imposed on money transmitting businesses. For example, DiMezzo never filed currency transaction reports for transactions over $10,000 or suspicious activity reports for transactions over $2,000 that may have involved funds derived from illegal activity, among other things. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service in coordination with the U.S. Treasury Department Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team provided substantial assistance in the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John J. Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe. ###


title: Readout of U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Meeting with Ukraine Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniaziev

component: Criminal Division

body_text: U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with Ukraine Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniaziev. The Attorney General reaffirmed the Department’s steadfast commitment to accountability for Ukraine. Chief Justice Kniaziev thanked Attorney General Garland for the Justice Department’s support. In the meeting, Chief Justice Kniaziev spoke about Ukraine’s justice system – the challenges posed by wartime conditions, his dedication to continuity of operations, and Ukraine’s ongoing implementation of justice sector reforms consistent with our countries’ shared democratic values that will deliver justice and uphold the rule of law. Both leaders discussed the need for openness and transparency in ensuring public trust in the judiciary and expanding access to justice, especially in those areas most affected by the war. Chief Justice Kniaziev and Attorney General Garland agreed on the importance of deepening U.S.-Ukraine cooperation to strengthen democracy and to build a judicial system that can provide justice for all, including victims of war crimes and other atrocities. Also at the meeting was Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova. U.S. Attorney General Garland with Ukrainian Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniaziev and Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova U.S. Attorney General Garland with Ukrainian Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniaziev


title: Fayetteville Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Production Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A Fayetteville man was sentenced to serve 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. Steven Luckett, 38, was sentenced earlier today by United States District Court Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. In October 2020, the Fayetteville, Arkansas, Police Department began investigating allegations that five minor children were being sexually assaulted by Steven Luckett while they lived in Little Rock. A number of the minor victims were interviewed and disclosed that Luckett sexually assaulted them over the course of several years and, on some occasions, had taken videos of them performing sex acts or had taken nude photos of them. One of the minor victims told investigators that the abuse began when she was six years old and continued until she was 13. Based on the allegations made by the victims, investigators interviewed Luckett and seized his cell phone. Luckett admitted filming a video of him having sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl and admitted sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Later, a search warrant was obtained for Luckett’s cell phone, which revealed numerous pictures and videos of child pornography. The images of child pornography had been both downloaded from the internet and produced by Luckett. Luckett was indicted in November 2020 and pleaded guilty in December 2022. In addition to the 30-year prison term, Luckett was sentenced to life of supervised release following his imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Fayetteville Police Department, the Little Rock Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar Twitter: @EDARNEWS


title: Violent Felon Sentenced to 5 Years for Illegal Re-entry Into U.S.

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A violent felon was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for immigration violations, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Gustavo Adolfo Ramirez-Leos, a 30-year-old citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty in January to illegal re-entry after removal from the United States. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Ada Brown, who handed down a sentence longer than the guidelines due to his history of violence. In plea papers, Mr. Ramirez-Leos – who had been deported or instructed to depart the U.S. on six prior occasions – admitted to being in north Texas without authorization. According to records introduced into evidence at sentencing, during his time in the U.S., Mr. Ramirez-Leos committed at least eight crimes, including burglary, theft, and family violence. Prior to his second deportation in 2013, Mr. Ramirez-Leos attacked his pregnant girlfriend, choking her and then throwing her to the ground and stomping on her back while yelling, “I will kill you and the baby.” He also attacked the victim’s roommate, who attempted to intervene. Seven years later, in 2020, after returning to the U.S., he attacked his own sister, punching her in the face and neck, pointing a BB gun at her head, and dragging her by the hair. (Following both altercations, Mr. Ramirez-Leos pleaded guilty to state charges of assault causing bodily injury to a family member and was sentenced, respectively, to 180 days and 120 days in jail.) Upon completion of his sentence in the immigration case, Mr. Ramirez-Leos will once again face deportation. Immigration & Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dimitri Rocha prosecuted the case.


title: Former Interiorscapes Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The former bookkeeper for Interiorscapes, a small Birmingham-based business that offers plant services to a range of companies, has pleaded guilty to running a multi-year embezzlement scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. Tammi Spangenberg Turner , 60, of Morris, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Karon O. Bowdre to wire fraud. According to the plea agreement, Turner served as the bookkeeper at Interiorscapes from about 2015 until late 2021. Her duties included overseeing accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and entries in the company’s QuickBooks accounting software. During her tenure, Turner used a company credit card to pay tens of thousands of dollars of personal expenses. Turner hid her conduct by creating false entries in QuickBooks, writing personal checks to the company purportedly as reimbursement for the charges, keeping copies of those checks in the company records, but never depositing the checks in the company’s operating accounts. These unauthorized and unreimbursed charges totaled more than $94,000. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release of up to three years. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward is prosecuting the case.


title: Greensburg Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Multiple Firearms

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison and three years' supervised release on his conviction of being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Dale Kuhn, age 75, of Greensburg, PA 15601. Kuhn was also ordered to forfeit multiple firearms and ammunition to the United States. According to information presented to the court, on or about Feb. 19, 2021, Kuhn, previously convicted of a felony, did knowingly possess 32 firearms. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Vasquez-Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kuhn.


title: D.C. Man Gets Seven Years for Using a Gun in a Crime of Violence

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON - Nicco Young, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Robert J. Contee III, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Nicco Young pleaded guilty in January 2023, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. U.S. District Court Judge Dabney Friedrich also ordered 36 months of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, the defendant entered the 7-Eleven, at 1700 17 th Street, NW, at 10:30 a.m., on February 23, 2022, armed with a firearm. He approached and pointed the handgun at a store employee. The defendant then forced the employee to empty the cash register and had the employee lay down on the ground. The defendant took the money from the cash register and fled the store. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from both the Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Karla Nunez. Finally, they commended the efforts of former Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Frey who indicted and prosecuted the case as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar.


title: Former School Board President of Madison District Public Schools  Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – The former School Board President of the Madison District Public Schools pleaded guilty today to taking bribes from a local school contractor in a pay-to-play scheme and to tax evasion, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan Division; Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; and John Woolley, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. Albert Morrison, age 62, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Laurie Michelson to conspiracy to commit federal program bribery from 2014 through 2018 and tax evasion. Morrison was the elected President of the Madison District Public Schools Board of Education from 2012 through 2018. While Morrison was President, co-defendant John David was one of the owners of a building maintenance and reconstruction company, Emergency Restoration (a/k/a Emergency Reconstruction), that was awarded over $3.1 million in maintenance and construction projects in the Madison District Public Schools. David, who was a long-time friend of Morrison, wrote over $550,000 in checks from his company to Morrison’s company, Comfort Consulting, from 2014 through 2018. Morrison deposited the checks from David into his own bank account. The investigation uncovered $561,667 in payments from David to Morrison. David admitted he had to “pay to play” in the school district, and David’s companies received approximately $3,167,275 from the Madison District during the bribery conspiracy. Morrison spent the money from David on personal luxuries such as vacations in Florida and a boat slip. David pleaded guilty to bribery conspiracy and bribery on April 13, 2023. To keep the payments secret from the school board and the community in the Madison Schools, Morrison, when publicly confronted at a Madison District school board meeting, denied having any financial ties to David or Emergency Restoration. Morrison and David also failed to disclose to State of Michigan auditors the payments Morrison received from David. Morrison did not declare to the IRS David’s payments to Comfort Consulting as income in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, or 2018. In a further effort to conceal the payments from David, Morrison did not file a federal income tax return in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. By not declaring to the IRS the payments from David as income, Morrison avoided paying approximately $118,200 in taxes. “This pay- to -play scheme damaged the Madison District Public Schools and undermined the community’s trust in the education system, ,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “This prosecution demonstrates we will not allow the greed of corrupt school officials to harm the interests of our children.” "Today, Mr. Morrison admitted to accepting bribes while he was president of the Madison District Public School Board. His actions intentionally betrayed the public's trust that he would act in the best interest of the school district and children. Further, his actions destroyed the public's trust that contracts would be awarded through a fair and transparent process." said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “We thank the IRS and Department of Education Office of Inspector General for working alongside the FBI to investigate these allegations and expose Mr. Morrison’s corruption.” “The citizens of our community deserve trustworthy public officials, instead of an elected individual who abuses their power to enhance their own lifestyle," said Charles Miller, IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office. "IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure everyone pays their fair share of taxes, especially those individuals in positions of trust like Morrison." The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the Department of Education. It is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Resnick Cohen, Karen Reynolds, and Gjon Juncaj.


title: Department of Justice and United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (“OVC”) and the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. This year’s observance takes place April 23-29 and features the theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” In the Northern District of Iowa, United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax announced winners for the following awards based on their service to victims in Iowa: The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is presented to Sargent Investigator Brent Ostrander from the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department. This award is presented to law enforcement officers in Iowa who go beyond the call of duty to help crime victims. It is the highest federal honor in Iowa for victim services by a law enforcement officer. Sgt. Ostrander is recognized for his leadership skills when working with other law enforcement agencies and his compassion and survivor-centered approach when working with crime victims. Sgt. Ostrander took the initiative to attend college courses on trauma-informed services for victims of sexual assault and was then assigned to investigate all sexual assault allegations in Clayton County. During these investigations, Sgt. Ostrander consistently showed victims great respect and empathy. Sgt. Ostrander took his experience, knowledge and skills and began to train law enforcement in rural areas on how to interview, investigate, and present cases for prosecution. He collaborated with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy to implement a Sexual Assault training course. He assisted in creating the Clayton County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), a team comprised of numerous law enforcement agencies, the Clayton County Attorney and Clayton County Victim Witness Coordinator. Sgt. Ostrander is a leader, educator and outstanding advocate for men, women, and children devastated by sexual violence. The Award for Excellence in Victim Services is presented to Victim Specialist Sherrie Schweder from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is presented to Detective Nathan West from the Sioux City Police Department, Special Agent Bradley Colligan from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Deputy Jared Junge from the Dakota County Nebraska Sheriff’s Department. These four individuals were nominated for their outstanding investigative and advocacy work that led to the successful prosecution of Arjune Ahmed. Arjune Ahmed was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women in Sioux City Iowa. While investigating these crimes, SA Colligan, Investigator West and Dep. Junge discovered five additional victims of attempted kidnapping and sexual assault by this defendant stemming back to 2014. Each of these victims were afraid of the defendant, distrustful of law enforcement, and keen to forget the worst day of their lives. But for the caring, comforting strong and inspirational conduct of Victim Specialist Schweder, the victims would not have cooperated with the government. Ms. Schweder provided varying levels of assistance to each victim, including crisis counseling, court accompaniment, and transportation. This incredible team effort made it possible to remove a serial kidnapper and rapist from the Siouxland area. Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2023/overview .


title: Erie Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child Sex Assault Materials

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months in jail and 10 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Robert Mark Dyer IV, 32, of Erie, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the court, from November 2020 to April 2022, Dyer possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual computer files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Lower Makefield Police Department located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dyer.


title: Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Selling the Fentanyl that Resulted in Death of Young Woman

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 25, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Jonathan Miguel Lopez was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison for selling the fentanyl pills that resulted in the fatal overdose of 23-year-old Sherie Gil on September 30, 2021. Lopez pleaded guilty in October 2022. According to the government’s sentencing memo, on the morning of September 30, 2021, law enforcement officials and paramedics responded to a 911 call from a commercial office building in San Diego. Law enforcement found Gil deceased in a bathroom along with drug paraphernalia, Gil’s cell phone, and “blues,” or counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. The Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that Gil had died as the result of the “toxic effects of fentanyl, cocaine, and alprazolam.” During a search of Gil’s cell phone, agents discovered that Gil had exchanged text messages with another phone number asking if she could “pick up” blues in the days leading up to Gil’s death. During the investigation that followed, law enforcement discovered that the other phone number was registered to Lopez’s co-defendant, Jamie Ashley Koryn. The text messages also indicated that, on September 29, 2021, Gil again messaged Koryn requesting blues; Koryn sent Gil. her address and Gil then responded that she was seven minutes away. On October 8, 2021, during the execution of a search warrant at the residence Lopez shared with his co-defendant, Koryn, law enforcement located and arrested Koryn and Lopez and seized their cellular phones. Agents found text messages on Lopez’s and Koryn’s phones showing that they entered into an agreement to distribute fentanyl. Lopez’s plea agreement described some of the text messages in which Lopez was negotiated the price of the fentanyl he would charge their customers. During that search agents also found a loaded pistol under Lopez’s mattress. In his plea agreement Lopez admitted that he used that pistol to protect the drugs that he and Koryn stored at their residence. Per the plea agreement, Lopez and the government stipulated that the Sentencing Guidelines for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and/or serious bodily injury would apply. “This young woman’s death serves as another terrible reminder of the ongoing devastation inflicted by counterfeit fentanyl pills,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This office remains dedicated to pursuing individuals who seek to profit from the deadly fentanyl market. Those who cause such tragic loss of life will be held accountable.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and investigating agencies who diligently pursued this case. “San Diego has lost another life to the devastating effects of fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe. “The DEA and its partners will continue to pursue justice for those who fall victim to this poison.” “Faced with a decade in federal prison, Lopez will no longer be able to contribute to the opioid epidemic terrorizing not only San Diego, but our entire country,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. “It is horrible that Lopez’s actions destroyed one life, but I am confident that his removal from society will save many more. Today’s sentence should put drug dealers on notice that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to identify, disrupt, and remove anyone who peddles this poison from our communities.” “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to prioritize our efforts and resources toward combatting this fentanyl crisis and will continue to relentlessly pursue those responsible for the smuggling and distribution of this deadly drug within our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge, Chad Plantz, HSI San Diego. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that those who deliberately engage in these dangerous activities will be held accountable.” Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation into Gil’s death. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. In 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County. For those who suffer from addiction, please know there is help. Call the Crisis line at 888-724-7240; it’s always open. DEFENDANT Case Number 22-CR-0214-LL Jonathan Miguel Lopez Age: 35 San Diego SUMMARY OF CHARGES Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1) Maximum penalty: Life in Prison AGENCY Drug Enforcement Administration Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Police Department Homeland Security Investigations California Department of Health Care Services San Diego County District Attorney’s Office


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to More than Six Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

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

body_text: ANNISTON, Ala. – A federal judge on Friday sentenced a convicted felon on gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Demarious Dupree Kirksey, 40, of Anniston, to 74 months in prison. Kirksey pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm in October 2022. According to the plea agreement, on April 13, 2019, an officer from the Anniston Police Department Street Crimes Unit was patrolling Glen Addie Homes due to recent complaints regarding drug activity. The officer observed Kirksey pull a clear plastic bag from his front left pocket and begin to make a marijuana cigarette in his lap. When the officer approached Kirksey, he attempted to flee. The officer grabbed the back of Kirksey’s shirt to stop him from getting away. The officer recovered a stolen Springfield 9mm pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition from Kirksey’s front waistband. In Kirksey’s pocket, the officer recovered eleven individually wrapped bags containing “crack” cocaine, a plastic bag containing methamphetamine, and a plastic bag containing one acetaminophen pill and one oxycodone pill. Near where Kirksey had been seated, the officer found a clear plastic baggie containing marijuana. ATF investigated the case along with assistance from the Anniston Police Department, and the 7 th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples and John Camp prosecuted the case.


title: Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Computer Intrusion

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jonathan Manzi, 31, currently of Beverly, Massachusetts, was sentenced on April 20, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for obtaining information from a protected computer. Manzi was sentenced to 18 months in prison and will also serve a year on supervised release. Manzi was also ordered to pay $655,000 in restitution. Manzi was an owner and co-founder of Ink Labs, Inc., a business that specialized in technology to permit its customers and users to upload materials to “the cloud” and then print those uploaded materials at an Ink Labs “kiosk” or other printing location for a fee. The majority of Ink Labs’ customers are colleges and universities. One of Ink Labs competitors in this market was Wepa, Inc., a business located in Pelham, Alabama. The victim identified in the investigation worked at Ink Labs until February, 2017, when he resigned from his position. The victim later took a job at Wepa, Inc. as a regional sales representative. In June, 2017, while traveling abroad with his family in Spain, the victim received notifications from both Google regarding his Gmail account and from his cellular provider, AT&T. These notifications made the victim aware that someone had been attempting to access his device and accounts. While still in Spain, the victim’s cellular phone lost service. He contacted AT&T and was told that he had requested that his phone number be moved to a Samsung device. The victim informed AT&T that he had not authorized this change and asked that his number be moved back to his phone. On this same day the victim also noticed that he was unable to log into his Gmail account using his credentials. Evidence established that on July 1, 2017, Manzi accessed the victim’s Google email account without authorization. Additionally, Manzi impersonated the victim to AT&T to gain control over the victim’s phone. Once gaining control, Manzi was able to access the information contained in files and applications on the Google accounts, including access to the victim’s email account and web-based applications. Manzi then was able to obtain the victim’s login credentials for the Dropbox account for Wepa, Inc., which Manzi then used to access files belonging to Wepa. In July, 2017, Manzi again accessed Wepa’s Dropbox account using the victim’s Google account and changed the password of the victim’s Dropbox account. Once Manzi accessed the Wepa, Inc. Dropbox account, Manzi was again able to access information of Wepa, Inc., including customer information. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: United States Settles Claims for Improper Inpatient  Rehabilitation Admissions for over $1.7 Million

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Lafayette Physical Rehabilitation Hospital and its management company, Acadiana Management Group, LLC have agreed to pay $1.2 million, and Dr. Carolyn Smith agreed to pay $575,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary inpatient rehabilitation services. “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that those who participate in federal healthcare programs follow the rules,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Billing for non-covered rehabilitation hospital stays results in a misuse of federal dollars. The financial viability of our Medicare program must be protected for current and future generations.” The United States alleged that from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2016, Dr. Smith admitted certain patients to Lafayette Physical Rehabilitation Hospital for whom inpatient rehabilitation treatment was not medically reasonable or necessary. Dr. Smith repeatedly admitted these patients, often by putting improper pressure on the patients, and falsely certified that the patients met the applicable criteria for inpatient admission. However, the patients did not satisfy the criteria and did not need impatient rehabilitation services. “The Department Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) will continue to aggressively investigate health care providers who submit Medicare claims for medically unnecessary services,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows. “Inpatient rehabilitation services are expensive, and Medicare dollars should be reserved for patients who need those services - not hospitals and physicians seeking to make easy money through improper billing.” This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistle blower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The whistleblowers, Tamara Boyd and Nancy Morrill, former employees of LPRH, will receive over 20% of the settlement amount. The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and HHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Edwards handled the litigation, along with HHS-OIG Special Agent Rita Bergeron. Special Agent Bergeron and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen King handled the investigation. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. # # #


title: Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Connie Robinson, 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Robinson to 192 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. On April 14, 2022, a Lincoln Police Department officer was on duty checking hotels in Lincoln. The officer saw a black Ford sedan sitting in a hotel lot. The license plate on the vehicle did not match that vehicle. The officer stopped and made contact with the vehicle. Robinson, who was in the front passenger seat, rolled down the window for the officer. The officer smelled marijuana odor coming from the vehicle. Another officer arrived on the scene, and the vehicle was searched. The second officer opened a fanny pack where Robinson had been seated and found a pipe, baggies, a scale, and about 98 grams of actual methamphetamine. Officers also found about 2.4 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in a sunglass case on the driver’s side. Robinson was arrested and taken to jail. While there, she made an excited utterance that the case was hers. Robinson had a prior conviction for delivery of a controlled substance which raised the mandatory minimum sentence in this case from 10 to 15 years’ imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.


title: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 23–29, 2023

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANA- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana is commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 23–29, 2023. According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes, the latest year for which such information is available. “Survivors’ voices must be heard. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana is committed to listening to victims and supporting them at every step of the criminal justice process and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an opportunity for all of us involved in law enforcement to reaffirm our dedication to providing resources, connections, and support to victims of all crimes.” The federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” During NCVRW 2023, the USAO SDIN will share information about victims’ rights and resources and underscore the importance of listening to survivors’ voices in every space where decisions are made that could impact them by holding a roundtable with Domestic Violence Service Providers in the district. The USAO SDIN is also honoring agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for their tireless advocacy on behalf of communities that have been affected by crime. On October 21, 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland released revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance . The revised guidelines updated, for the first time in a decade, when and how Department of Justice employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. The guidelines apply to all department employees engaged in the investigative, prosecutorial, correctional, and parole functions within the criminal justice system. For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov. ###


title: Queens Meat and Poultry Distributor Resolves Claims for Repeated Violations of Federal Food Safety Laws

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today that the United States has entered into a consent decree barring USA Halal Foods, Inc., also known as As-Salaam Halal and Fine Foods Wholesale Distributors (USA Halal Foods), and its President, Kashiif Saeed (Saeed), from offering for sale or transporting any misbranded meat or poultry products to the general public. “Consumers deserve confidence that the food they purchase is properly inspected and safe to eat,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “We have, and will continue, to enforce food safety laws that hold food distributors accountable to the required standards and protect the public from misbranded products.” The consent decree, approved April 18, 2023 by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall, requires USA Halal Foods and Saeed to keep records that fully and accurately disclose the offer for sale or transportation or other transactions of meat and poultry products. The decree also provides for escalating monetary fines if USA Halal Foods violates the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) . The court-ordered relief resolves a lawsuit filed on April 11, 2023. According to the complaint, the government’s claims arose from several investigations conducted by the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (FSIS). These investigations revealed that between 2017 and 2022, USA Halal Foods and Saeed repeatedly offered for sale or transportation goat, lamb, beef and chicken products that were misbranded and not federally inspected and passed, and failed to keep and maintain records that fully and accurately disclosed all transactions. The FMIA and PPIA prohibit the sale, transportation, offer for sale or transportation, or receipt for transportation, in commerce, of meat or meat and poultry products that are misbranded or that have not been inspected and passed by FSIS when inspection is required. Meat and poultry products are “misbranded” under the FMIA and PPIA if, among other things, the products fail to bear a label showing the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, an accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count, and the inspection legend. Businesses that engage in buying, selling, or transporting meat or poultry products must also keep records that fully and accurately disclose their business transactions and afford FSIS access to such records. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Yim from the Office’s Civil Division. In March 2022, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced a Consumer Protection Team in the Office’s Civil Division. The Consumer Protection Team pursues all appropriate measures to stop culpable entities and individuals that engage in conduct threatening the health, safety, economic security, or dignity of potentially vulnerable individuals. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, or to report suspected consumer fraud, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny . The Defendants: USA HALAL FOODS, INC. KASHIIF SAEED E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CV-2689 (LDH)


title: Parker, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sex Abuse Materials

body_text: ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Parker, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Thomas Robert Hawk, 41, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from August 2021 to May 2022, Hawk possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual digital files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. As part of his plea agreement, Hawk agreed that he had violated the conditions of his federal supervised release which he was serving for a prior federal conviction for receiving child sexual abuse material. Hawk also agreed as part of his guilty plea to a sentence of 11 years' imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for Aug. 8, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Hawk remained detained. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Probation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hawk.


title: Indianapolis Career Criminal Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking After Threatening Woman with a Firearm

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Corey Bussell, 42 of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on May 8, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were alerted to shots fired at a residence on Guilford Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana. Victim 1 explained to detectives that she was visiting Bussell’s wife at their home when Bussell came down the stairs with a gun in his hand. Bussell pulled the slide back on the firearm and told Victim 1 to “get the f*** out of my house.” As Victim 1 left the house, Bussell followed her outside and fired the gun into the ground next to the steps of the front porch. Victim 1 stated that Bussell continued to threaten her, claiming that he would “pop” her with the firearm if she did not leave. IMPD officers recovered one spent shell casing right outside the porch steps of Bussell’s residence. On May 13, 2021, officers initiated a traffic stop on Bussell near Guilford Avenue. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a fully loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine inserted. The weapon had been reported stolen on March 13, 2021. On that same day, IMPD SWAT officers executed a search warrant at Bussell’s residence where they found 57.4 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, 5.39 grams of cocaine, and marijuana in a backpack. Bussell’s multiple previous felony convictions for resisting law enforcement, possession of narcotics, robbery, alteration of handgun identification markers, carrying a handgun without a license, dealing in a sawed-off shotgun, and three convictions for illegal possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon prohibit him from ever possessing a firearm. Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and Randal Taylor, Chief of IMPD made the announcement. “This defendant poses an extreme danger to our community, as shown by his lengthy criminal history and willingness to engage in gun violence,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Not only did he use a firearm to threaten an innocent woman, but he was also responsible for pushing deadly poisons into our communities. We are grateful to our exceptional partners at IMPD and ATF for ensuring that this defendant is behind bars and unable to threaten or harm another individual.” IMPD and ATF investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Chief Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Bussell be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 4 years following his release from Federal Prison and be subject to a $500 fine. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Samantha Spiro, who prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Two now face life for drug trafficking in local parking lot

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Two Mission men have pleaded guilty for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. In October 2022, Eddie Perez, 29, was supposed to deliver narcotics to another individual on behalf of his friend Juan Alberto Mendez Jr., 28. Authorities were conducting surveillance at a Best Buy parking lot in McAllen They saw vehicles approach, after which Perez removed bags containing bricks of cocaine from the trunk of his vehicle. Mendez was parked in another vehicle observing the transaction. Law enforcement approached and arrested Perez and Mendez immediately. They seized a total of 20 kilograms of cocaine. Both admitted to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 20 kilograms of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo accepted the pleas and set sentencing for July 24. At that time, both face a minimum of 1o years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine. Mendez was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing and Perez has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.


title: Indianapolis Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for “Straw Purchases” of Nineteen Firearms and Illegal Gun Trafficking Using Instagram

body_text: Indianapolis- DeAngelo Carnell, 24, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after pleading guilty to six counts of making false statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and one count of dealing in firearms without a federal license. According to court documents, over the course of 40 days, from April 2021 through May 2021, DeAngelo Carnell purchased a total of nineteen firearms from different gun retailers in the Indianapolis area over the course of six transactions as part of a “straw purchase” scheme. A straw purchase scheme is when a person not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm falsely states to a federally licensed gun dealer that they are purchasing a firearm for themselves, when they know that the gun is actually intended for someone else, frequently someone who is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm. In each of these transactions, Carnell purported that he was buying the firearms for himself. On During a June 28, 2021, interview with a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agent, Carnell admitted that he purchased all but one gun for other individuals and that most of the transactions were facilitated using Instagram. On one occasion Carnell met subjects from Chicago and Gary, Indiana, at a gun store to illegally by guns for them. Carnell admitted that he charged a $50 fee for each illegal purchase, and that it was common for him to purchase handguns for young people who were unable to legally buy a gun because they were under the age of twenty-one. Carnell admitted that buying and selling firearms was his sole source of income from April 2020 through June 2021. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement. “Illegal gun traffickers flood our streets with firearms and drive the violence plaguing too many of our neighborhoods, and saving lives requires us to stop the flow of crime guns at their source,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “This defendant repeatedly lied to obtain firearms and profited by putting them into the hands of people prohibited from legally purchasing them. Now he will pay for his crimes in federal prison. This prosecution demonstrates that our office will work tirelessly with the ATF to identify illegal gun traffickers and hold them accountable.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Chief Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Carnell 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 McGrath, who prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Second man pleads guilty to importing meth

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 50-year-old Alton resident has admitted he aided and abetted another man to bring meth into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On April 22, 2021, Argelio Chavero drove a Chevrolet Trailblazer into Mexico from the United States with Agustin Romero Jr. in the passenger seat. They returned two days later. Chavero entered the country through the Hidalgo port of entry pedestrian lane. At the same time, Chavero was driving the Trailblazer which was loaded with narcotics. Upon entry, authorities referred him and the vehicle to secondary inspection where they discovered anomalies in the fuel tank area. A physical search resulted in the seizure of 33 packages of meth and marijuana. The weight of the meth was approximately 12 kilograms and had an estimated street value of approximately $70,000. Further investigation led to the identification of Chavero. Romero, 40, a U.S. citizen residing in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, previously pleaded guilty for his role. At that time, he admitted he received payment from Chavero to drive the vehicle. U.S. District Judge Marina G. Marmolejo accepted the plea today. U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing for Romero and Chavero May 25 and July 26, respectively. At that time, Romero and Chavero both face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colton Turner and Eliza Rodriguez are prosecuting the case.


title: Rapper “Desiigner” Charged with Indecent Exposure on an Aircraft

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A California man has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with indecent exposure on an aircraft, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to a law enforcement affidavit, on April 17, 2023, Sidney Royel Selby III, 25, also known as “Desiigner,” was traveling on Delta Flight 120 from Tokyo, Japan, to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. While the flight was in the air, Selby, who was seated in the Delta One cabin, exposed his genitals multiple times. During one of the exposures, he masturbated. A flight attendant handed Selby an FAA violation card, which is a notice that states a passenger’s behavior “appears to be in violation of federal law.” At the request of flight attendants, Selby moved to the rear of the plane and was seated near two travel companions who agreed to monitor him. When Flight 120 arrived in Minneapolis, Selby was detained and interviewed by an FBI agent. Selby is charged with one count of indecent exposure on an aircraft. The alleged offense is a misdemeanor punishable by no more than 90 days imprisonment and a $500 fine. Selby will make his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in U.S. District Court at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew D. Forbes and Laura M. Provinzino are prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Roswell escrow manager set to plead guilty

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico announced today that Christopher Adam Jensen-Tanner is set to plead guilty to wire fraud and engaging in monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity on April 26, 2023 at 2:30 pm . Christopher Adam Jensen-Tanner, 44, of Roswell, is not in custody. Jensen-Tanner used his position and access as owner and president of Roswell Escrow Services, Inc. (RES) to fraudulently redirect customer funds for his personal benefit. If you were a client of Jensen-Tanner and/or RES and believe you are a victim, please contact the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or login at tips.fbi.gov to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If you are a victim or potential victim and would like to attend the plea hearing on April 26, 2023 at 2:30 pm, please contact Victim Specialist Jacquie Gutierrez at (575) 522-2304 before the date of the hearing for more information. The Roswell Division of the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Securities and Financial Institutions Divisions of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Ellison and Richard Williams are prosecuting the case. # # # 23-84


title: Former Postal Service Mail Carrier Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Stealing from Her Mail Route Debit Cards Containing Public Benefits

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for her role in a scheme that defrauded banks out of more than $200,000 via the theft of debit cards containing unemployment insurance and other benefits from her mail route and giving them to a co-schemer in exchange for cash payments and gifts. Toya Toshell Hunter, 45, of South Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered her to pay $206,212 in restitution. Hunter pleaded guilty in December 2022 to one count of bank fraud. From at least August 2015 to May 2020, Hunter schemed to defraud Bank of America by using her position as a USPS mail carrier to steal mail containing California Employment Development Department (EDD) debit cards that contained unemployment insurances benefits. Hunter also stole debit cards containing Economic Impact Payments for federally issued monetary relief because of the COVID-19 pandemic, United States Treasury checks, and other mail containing personal identifying information related to victims assigned to Hunter’s mail route. Hunter would then give the stolen EDD and other cards to co-defendant Michalea Latise Barksdale, a.k.a. “Miichii Bee,” 34, of Corona, who then activated and fraudulently used them. Hunter provided Barksdale the stolen debit cards in exchange for future payments and gifts. During the scheme, Hunter helped Barksdale make fraudulent and unauthorized cash withdrawals from 68 separate victims’ accounts and stole approximately $204,812 from Bank of America. In July 2021, Hunter stole from the mail and fraudulently activated a stolen EIP card belonging to a victim. Hunter then used this card to make fraudulent purchases and cash withdrawals from ATMs and stole approximately $1,400 from Fiserv, a Wisconsin-based financial institution. “[Hunter]…abused her position by stealing access devices, checks, and personal identifying information from mail assigned to her mail routes,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “These access devices were cards intended for people who were struggling financially: those that were unemployed or impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Barksdale pleaded guilty on March 6 to one count of bank fraud and one count of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices. She has agreed to forfeit her ill-gotten gains from the scheme, including 103 EDD debit cards, 78 EIP cards and four iPhones. Barksdale will face up to 40 years in federal prison at her July 10 sentencing hearing. The United States Postal Inspection Service; United States Postal Service Office, of Inspector General; and the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle W. Kahan of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Florence Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA --- Tommy Rene Lee, 53, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. Evidence presented to the Court showed that Lee used his personal electronic devices to possess child pornography. Lee came to the attention of law enforcement when two social networking sites reported evidence of alleged criminal activity on their servers. The IP addresses of the reports were ultimately traced to Lee. Upon Lee’s arrest, law enforcement seized electronic devices and conducted forensics examinations that found 121 images and 17 videos depicting child pornography. The investigation also revealed that Lee had a prior conviction under North Carolina law involving second-degree exploitation of a minor. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Lee to 120 months and 1 day in prison, to be followed by a life term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Hendricks also ordered Lee to pay $12,000 in restitution. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy F. Bower is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: South Texan admits to importing crystal meth

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 39-year-old Edinburg woman has pleaded guilty to importing 24 kilograms of crystal meth into the United States from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On April 17, 2022, Nelly Guerra attempted to make entry into the United States through the Donna Port of Entry. During inspection, authorities discovered 15 packages concealed within the side panels of the vehicle. The investigation revealed the substance was meth with a purity level of 90%. U.S. District Judge Hinojosa will impose sentencing July 26. At that time, Guerra faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. She has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting the case.


title: Physician and pharmacy settle claims for unnecessary medications

body_text: HOUSTON – A 61-year-old doctor and a compounding pharmacy he operates paid the United States $7,963,246 to resolve claims they improperly billed the Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (DOL-OWCP), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Dr. Ajay Kumar Aggarwal and Medley Compounding Pharmacy LLC knowingly and willfully submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to DOL-OWCP. The claims for payment were for compounding creams, gels and pain patches that were neither medically necessary nor medically beneficial to the patients. The investigation revealed DOL-OWCP beneficiaries were receiving excessive and unnecessary medication through the U.S. mail. “It is particularly egregious when providers who participate in federally funded programs like OWCP violate their responsibility to the public to provide legitimate, necessary and safe treatment,” said Hamdani. “We are not going to stand by when such people take advantage of federal employee health insurance programs and dispense unnecessary medications and services to the federal workforce. The significant penalty announced today is an example of that effort.” Aggarwal owned and operated A.A. Texas Anesthesiology Back Pain Center where he allegedly wrote and issued prescriptions for compound pain medications to injured federal employees with federal worker’s compensation benefits. Medley filled the prescriptions. Aggarwal’s wife owned Medley on paper. Medley began billing DOL in 2013, a year after it opened. The investigation began when an individual employed at Medley filed a qui tam aka whistleblower lawsuit under seal Oct. 10, 2017. During his term of employment, the whistleblower allegedly witnessed patients being sent unnecessary, unwanted medications through the United States mail despite the fact they did not need and could not benefit from the medications. In a few instances, patients did not see, or ever meet, Aggarwal. Medley employees were allegedly instructed to auto-fill medications on a monthly basis and to use pre-printed prescription pads to submit the prescriptions to DOL-OWCP without consideration of medical need. “This settlement is a testament to the dedication and determination of the investigative and legal teams,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich, U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). “USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously investigate these types of cases in order to root out fraud, waste and abuse.” “Protecting the integrity of the programs administered by OWCP is an important part of the mission of DOL-OIG. We will continue to work with OWCP and the Department of Justice to vigorously pursue allegations of fraud involving these programs,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Steven Grell, Central Region, DOL-OIG. Under the False Claims Act, a private party known as a relator can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. In this case, the relator will receive a total of $1,353,752. DOL-OIG and USPS-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill O. Venezia handled the matter.


title: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Local Drug Task Force Make Substantial Drug Seizures in Rural Washington

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement (“BIA”), the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the North Central Washington Narcotics Task Force, and other Federal, State, Local, and Tribal law enforcement, executed a series of federal search warrants at a number of residential locations in rural Okanogan County, near Oroville, Washington, seizing more than 100 pounds of illegal controlled substances and multiple firearms. The drugs were seized on April 19, 2023, as part of an investigation into the trafficking of multiple-pound quantities of dangerous controlled substances, including fentanyl-laced pills, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. In total, the BIA, DEA, and their law enforcement partners seized approximately 161,000 fentanyl-laced pills (to include Mexi-blues and rainbow-colored pills), approximately 80 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 6 pounds of heroin, and more than 2 pounds of cocaine. The BIA, DEA, and their partners also seized approximately 12 firearms. A significant portion of the drugs seized were believed to be destined for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, as well as for other Native American communities and surrounding areas in Washington and Montana. According to court documents, several individuals have been charged in connection with the investigation. On April 18, 2023, Erubey Arciga Medrano, Luis Esquivel-Balonos, Chad Winston Vanatta, Emily Wisdom, and Jeremy Wright were indicted by a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, as well as other related drug-trafficking charges. U.S. Attorney Waldref commended the joint efforts of law enforcement for removing such a large quantity of illegal drugs from the community. U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “Illegal drugs, and fentanyl in particular, have become a scourge across the United States, including in Indian country. I’m grateful to the BIA, DEA, and our critical Federal, State, and Tribal partners for working together to combat this dangerous poison. Without their combined efforts, approximately 161,000 deadly fentanyl-laced pills and more than 80 pounds of methamphetamine would not have been removed from communities in and around Indian country. As a result, our neighborhoods and communities in Eastern Washington and elsewhere are safer and stronger.” “The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement – working hand in hand with the DEA, Tribes, and our law enforcement partners – dealt a real blow to drug trafficking organizations operating in and through Indian country,” stated Associate Director Jason Thompson from the BIA. “Investigative efforts resulted in significant seizures of narcotics across multiple jurisdictions. As a result of all of the agencies involved, Indian country is safer today than yesterday.” “Our combined efforts at the State, Local, Tribal, and Federal levels removed large amounts of illicit narcotics and firearms,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle. “The partnerships seen here are saving lives and working to ensure our communities are safe from dangerous drugs and deadly weapons.” This ongoing case is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the North Central Washington Narcotics Task Force. The investigation team is being assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Okanogan County Sheriff, Colville Tribal Police Department, and the Kalispel Tribal Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Barker. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 2:23-CR-00047-TOR


title: Tangipahoa Parish Man Sentenced in Jungle Life Mafia Street Gang Federal Prosecution

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRELL HAYNES. a/k/a "Redman," age 44, was sentenced on April 18, 2023, to 145 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. HAYNES previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 1 kilogram or more of heroin. He also pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agents began investigating the drug trafficking activities of the Jungle Life Mafia street gang in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana in 2019. The investigation spanned two years and included surveillance and six controlled buys of narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, from HAYNES . The execution of a search warrant at HAYNES’s residence led to the seizure of a Taurus Model Millennium PT111 G2, nine-millimeter pistol and $8,146 in U.S. currency. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case is also 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Hammond Police Department, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 21 st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: DuPont and former employee sentenced for gas release that killed four

body_text: HOUSTON – E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Inc. (DuPont) pleaded guilty and has been sentenced for criminal negligence in connection with a 2014 accident that left four company employees dead, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On Nov. 15, 2014, DuPont released approximately 24,000 pounds of a highly toxic, flammable gas called methyl mercaptan (MeSH) into the air. In addition to killing the four, the chemical release injured other DuPont employees and travelled downwind into the surrounding areas. The company pleaded guilty today along with Kenneth Sandel, 52, Friendswood, unit operations leader of the Insecticide Business Unit (IBU) where the accident occurred. U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered DuPont to pay a $12 million penalty. The company must also serve two years of probation during which time the company must give the U.S. Probation Office full access to all of its operating locations. Judge Rosenthal also ordered Sandel to serve one year of probation. At the hearing, the court asked DuPont’s corporate representative whether the company had to publicly disclose their conviction, noting the importance of that fact. They will also make a $4 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to address the harm they caused by funding projects that benefit air quality in and around areas adjacent to the western shores of Galveston Bay. As a result of this case and other related civil cases tied to the explosion, DuPont will have paid a total of $19.26 million for its unlawful conduct. “Four employees are dead because of DuPont’s criminal negligence,” said Hamdani. “The sentence imposed today sends a clear message of my office’s dedication to holding managers at industrial facilities, and the corporations that own and operate those facilities, accountable for violations of federal criminal laws; laws meant to protect the safety of workers and nearby communities.” “The failure to follow required chemical safety procedures at Dupont’s La Porte facility resulted in the deaths of four employees,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This case demonstrates the importance of holding chemical facilities accountable for implementing chemical safety requirements that are designed to protect workers and neighboring communities.” DuPont is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, and owns chemical manufacturing plants around the world including a facility in La Porte. As part of its operations, the facility produces pesticides called Lannate and Vydate among other products. The release of the MeSH on Nov. 15, 2014, resulted in the introduction of the pesticides into the air which travelled downwind into the city of Deer Park and beyond. In addition to killing the four employees, several others were injured. The fatal accident occurred after an employee inadvertently left open a piping valve which caused a slushy material to block the flow of liquid MeSH into the Lannate process. To melt it, DuPont day shift employees began applying hot water to the outside of the blocked piping and opened other valves to vent MeSH gas into a waste gas system. However, the MeSH piping was still blocked at the end of the day. As the IBU leader, Sandel was responsible for ensuring shift supervisors, operators and engineers understood and complied with government safety, health and environmental regulations. Specifically, Sandel was responsible for implementing a safety procedure at the IBU by making sure employees understood and followed the procedure’s requirements and did not release toxic chemicals inappropriately to the environment. Sandel and other employees failed to provide sufficient instructions to the oncoming shift for how to safely clear remaining blockage. It finally cleared early the next morning, and a large volume of liquid MeSH began flowing into the waste gas system. At that time, an employee mistakenly believed the waste gas system only contained materials present during normal operations and opened valves that resulted in the release of the toxic gas. Records indicate employees at DuPont’s LaPorte plant disregarded a federally mandated safety procedure when opening those valves on the waste system. Sandel should have known operators did not have a safe and effective way to drain the vent system and should have prevented it from happening. As part of the pleas, DuPont and Sandel admitted to negligently releasing an extremely hazardous substance into the ambient air. The company also acknowledged negligently placing a person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. The IBU has since been demolished. The charges against DuPont and Sandel are part of an EPA initiative titled Reducing Risks of Accidental Releases at Industrial and Chemical Facilities. EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Texas conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Environmental Enforcement Task Force and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) John R. Lewis and Belinda Beek and Special AUSA Kristina Gonzales are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division.


title: South Los Angeles Woman Pleads Guilty to Scheming with Others to Use Stolen Identities to Fraudulently Obtain COVID Jobless Benefits

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The final defendant in a conspiracy – led by a woman serving a life sentence for murder – that used stolen identities of California prison inmates and others to fraudulently obtain at least $993,181 in state unemployment insurance (UI) benefits pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge. Mykara Destiny Robinson, 24, of Los Angeles, who was charged under the incorrect name of “Mykara Destiny Robertson,” pleaded guilty today to one count of bank fraud. Robinson is the 13th and final defendant to plead guilty in this case, whose lead defendants are Natalie Le Demola, 38, originally of Corona and who currently is serving a life prison sentence after she was convicted in 2005 of first-degree murder, and Carleisha Neosha Plummer, 33, of Los Angeles, a close prison associate of Demola’s until her parole in July 2020. The case’s other defendants are: Khanshanda Eugenea King, 32, of Los Angeles; Cleshay Johnson, II, 29, of Los Angeles; James Antonio Johnson, 32, of Los Angeles; Felicite Aleisha King, 42, of Los Angeles; Shafequah Lynete Mitchell, 34, of Los Angeles; Loresha Shamone Davis, 32, of Moreno Valley; Porsha Latrice Johnson, 33, of Lynwood; Donisha Lashawn Pace, 39, of South Los Angeles; Dominique Charmone Martin, 38, of Yucaipa; and Amber Jane Wade, 35 of Palmdale. Demola, Plummer, and other co-conspirators “would acquire the personal identifying information (PII), such as the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, of individuals, including identity theft victims, who were not eligible for UI benefits, including pandemic benefits, because they were employed, retired, or incarcerated,” according to a 39-count indictment returned in May 2022 . Members of the conspiracy then used the information to make fraudulent online applications for UI benefits from the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Once the applications were approved, members of the conspiracy received EDD-funded debit cards that allowed them to withdraw money from ATMs across Southern California. According to Robinson’s plea agreement, the conspiracy began in June 2020 and Robinson joined it two months later. Robinson and other members of the conspiracy assumed the identities of California prison inmates and used EDD debit cards issued in their names to make fraudulent cash withdrawals of UI benefits, including pandemic benefits, from Bank of America ATMs in Los Angeles County. As to Robinson specifically, from August 2020 to October 2020, Robinson and her co-conspirators used 10 debit cards to withdraw a total of approximately $68,742 in fraudulently obtained EDD funds from ATMs in Southern California. But, in total during the scheme, Robinson and other co-conspirators withdrew at least $993,181 in EDD funds from approximately 151 fraudulent accounts. United States District Judge John F. Walter scheduled a July 3 sentencing hearing for Robinson, at which time she will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Demola pleaded guilty on March 7 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. She faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years on the conspiracy and bank fraud counts, and a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for the aggravated identity theft count, at her July 10 sentencing hearing. Plummer pleaded guilty on April 17 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. She faces up to 32 years in federal prison at her July 14 sentencing hearing. The case’s other defendants have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, bank fraud, and/or aggravated identity theft based on their respective roles within the scheme. Most defendants will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The investigation into this scheme was conducted by the Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force led by Homeland Security Investigations that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California. The California Employment Development Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Inglewood Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service participated in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Lachman of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Assistant United States Attorney Nisha Chandran of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are prosecuting this case. Anyone with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Another Individual Sentenced in Federal Court for Staged Automobile Collision Scheme

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LOIS RUSSELL (“ RUSSELL ”), age 63 of Gibson, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 20, 2023 after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans. According to court documents, on March 27, 2017, RUSSELL conspired with Tanya Givens (“Givens”), John Diggs (“Diggs”) and James “Curtis” Williams (“Williams”) to stage an accident with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road. Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”) and Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), who have already pleaded guilty to staging other accidents, also participated in this accident. Hickman, while driving RUSSELL ’s car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene with Labeaud. RUSSELL advised NOPD that she was the driver. Thereafter, RUSSELL , along with Givens, Williams, and Diggs made claims for personal injuries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $272,500.00 for these fraudulent claims. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced RUSSELL to five (5) years probation and imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Rivera, Maria Carboni, and Brandon Long of the Financial Crimes Unit, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit. * * *


title: Colorado Springs Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Gun and Drug Crimes

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER -- The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that a federal jury found Christopher Barron of Colorado Springs, guilty of six charges related to guns and drugs, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. According to facts presented at a three-day trial in Denver, law enforcement executed a search warrant in January 2021, on a Lincoln Town Car registered to Barron, who was a convicted felon on parole for a weapons offense. The Lincoln Town Car was parked outside a motel in Colorado Springs. Inside the trunk of the car, investigators discovered over $18,000 in cash, a backpack that held six firearms, and approximately 349 grams of methamphetamine, in addition to heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. “Our office continues to prioritize gun crimes, especially when combined with drug trafficking – a truly dangerous combination,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We thank our law enforcement partners for their continued work making our communities safer by investigating these offenses.” "Keeping our communities safe remains our top priority," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. "We are grateful for our partnership with the Colorado Springs Police Department as it strengthens our ability to combat violent crime and carry out our unified mission.” United States District Court Senior Judge R. Brooke Jackson presided over the jury trial, which returned guilty verdicts on April 19, 2023. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2023. This case was investigated by the Colorado Springs Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Colorado Department of Corrections Office of Parole, and the Colorado Springs Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Minser and Dan Warhola. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Young handled the forfeiture. 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. Case No. 21-cr-00078 For more information about the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr Follow us on Twitter USAO_CO for the latest news.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Narcotics Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – HERBERT JAMES , age 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on April 19, 2023 to a two-count indictment charging him with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, JAMES was arrested on April 22, 2022 during the course of a traffic stop, by the Louisiana State Police when, troopers found JAMES in possession of a fully loaded Sig Sauer, nine-millimeter handgun and a quantity of Ecstasy. Further investigation revealed that JAMES had been convicted in 2018 for aggravated flight from an officer, which prohibited his possession of a firearm. The maximum penalties as to the weapon charge, are ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to the narcotics charge, JAMES faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. Additionally, JAMES will pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2023. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit. * * *


title: New Orleans Woman Sentenced to Probation for Federal Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS - ERIKA JAMES (“JAMES”) , age 49, from New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to five years’ probation following a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, before Judge Sarah S. Vance, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans According to court documents, JAMES was a Denial Specialist at Company 1, a Federally Qualified Health Center and AIDS Service Organization. From March 2020 through April 2021, JAMES created fraudulent invoices with falsified supporting documents, such as explanation of benefits documents from insurance companies. JAMES endorsed checks that were issued to patients that were in higher amounts than the usual range of the refund amount. JAMES made claims in the system that made it appear that patients came into Company 1 and paid out of pocket for services. JAMES would have the Finance Department issue the patient refund check, and would then deposit the refund check into her personal bank account. JAMES filed additional claims with the Louisiana Health Access Program (“LAHAP”) in December 2020 and told LAHAP to mail the checks to her residence. The checks that were sent to JAMES’s residence were made out to Company 1. JAMES then proceeded to deposit those checks into her personal bank account. JAMES faced a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Ryan McLaren of the Appellate Unit and Kathryn McHugh of the Financial Crimes Unit were in charge of the prosecution.


title: Roma man admits to trafficking $33 million in marijuana

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old local man has been convicted of drug trafficking after trying to escape drug house through an attic vent, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Adan Ontiveros Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute nearly 2,500 kilograms of marijuana. On July 16, 2020, law enforcement was conducting surveillance at a suspected drug house in Roma. There, they saw a man - Ontiveros - attempting to discretely exit the residence. He was trying to escape via an attic vent. However, authorities quickly took him into custody. They obtained a search warrant and ultimately discovered several hundred bundles of marijuana. The total weight was 2,477 kilograms with an approximate value of more than $33 million. He admitted he was aware there was marijuana inside the stash house. U.S. District Judge Richardo Hinojosa will impose sentencing July 27. At that time, Ontiveros faces up to life in prison as well as a maximum $10 million possible fine. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Phelps and Roberto Lopez Jr. are prosecuting the case.


title: Springfield, Vermont Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Robbing Two Banks and Three Convenience Stores

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Samuel Colby, 40, of Springfield, Vermont, was sentenced to serve 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to having committed two bank robberies and the robberies of three convenience stores in January of 2022. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Colby to serve a three-year term of supervised release after his release from prison. According to court records, during the early-morning hours of January 6, 2022, Colby robbed the Circle K convenience store in Springfield, Vermont of both cash and cigarettes by displaying what the clerk believed to be a black handgun, but which was actually a BB gun. On the evening of January 6, 2022, Colby robbed the Allen Brothers convenience store in Westminster, Vermont of both cash and cigarettes by displaying what the clerk believed to be a black handgun in his waistband, but which was actually a BB gun. On January 8, 2022, Colby robbed the 802 Credit Union in Springfield, Vermont of cash by presenting a demand note to the teller stating he had a gun and would shoot someone if he did not receive $2,000 in cash. Colby’s demand note was written on a torn piece of distinctive stationery. On January 10, 2022, Colby robbed the People’s United Bank in Springfield, Vermont of cash by displaying what the teller believed to be a black handgun, but which was actually a BB gun. On January 13, 2022, Springfield Police encountered Colby outside the 802 Credit Union in Springfield, where he was identified by witnesses as the robber during the robbery five days prior. Springfield Police approached Colby, spoke with him, seized Colby’s vehicle, and applied for a State of Vermont search warrant which was granted the next day. Inside the vehicle, officers located a black BB gun consistent in appearance with a functional semi-automatic pistol. The search of Colby’s vehicle was interrupted by reports of another robbery occurring at the Family Dollar store in Springfield. On the afternoon of January 14, 2022, Colby robbed the Family Dollar by demanding cash from the cashier and displaying a black baton-like object. Colby was located and arrested shortly after the robbery. Law enforcement thereafter obtained a State of Vermont search warrant for Colby’s residence, and during that search, located clothing items consistent with those worn during the robberies, cigarettes believed to have been stolen during the robberies, and the top portion of a torn piece of stationery that matched the demand note Colby had used. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Springfield Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also commended the assistance of the Vermont Forensic Laboratory, who provided crucial assistance analyzing evidence in the case. U.S. Attorney Kerest stated: “Samuel Colby committed multiple bank robberies and convenience store robberies in southeastern Vermont over the course of eight days. In addition to traumatizing victims, these types of crime sprees are dangerous and disruptive for our communities. Thanks to the coordinated and diligent work of the Springfield Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Colby was arrested and brought to justice. Our office will continue to work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect the safety of Vermonters.” Assistant United States Attorneys Wendy Fuller and Jonathan Ophardt handled the prosecution. Natasha Sen, Esq. represented Colby.