title: Five Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Involvement in Drug Trafficking and Firearms Cases

body_text: MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of five men yesterday in the Western District of Louisiana for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the following defendants: Monta L. Allen , 37, of Monroe, was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On January 23, 2021, officers with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle Allen was driving for a traffic violation. Allen fled from deputies and led them on a high-speed chase and was ultimately stopped. Deputies arrested Allen and seized a white plastic bag from the vehicle which contained more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. A search warrant was obtained for Allen’s residence in Monroe and law enforcement agents found a firearm, ammunition, more narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and cash. Allen later admitted to agents that he used methamphetamine and that the package found in his vehicle was his and he intended to sell it. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Weber. John S. Lee , 41, of Tallulah, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years), followed by 3 years of supervised release. Lee pleaded guilty April 26, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These charges stem from an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Lee. During the investigation by law enforcement agents, they were able to obtain a state search warrant for Lee’s residence and on March 17, 2022, executed that warrant. Prior to execution of the warrant, agents conducted surveillance of Lee’s residence and observed him and a female leave in separate vehicles. Both vehicles were stopped by law enforcement agents and a search of the female’s vehicle revealed a backpack containing over $10,000 in cash, two firearms, and approximately four kilograms of powder cocaine. A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of approximately 38 grams of cocaine. Lee admitted to agents that the backpack in the female’s trunk belonged to him and that he had asked her to put the items in her car. He also admitted to knowing that as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing any firearms. The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Louisiana State Police and Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon. Rawtavious Demon Moore , 36, of Monroe, was sentenced to 132 months (11 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On September 4, 2022, an officer with the Monroe Police Department approached Moore while he was sitting in his vehicle. The officer asked Moore to step out of the vehicle and the officer found a loaded Smith and Wesson Model 637 .38 caliber firearm inside. Agents with the ATF examined the firearm and found it be a functioning firearm and determined it had traveled in interstate commerce. Moore was a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of possession with intent to distribute MDMA in 2021, and knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The case was investigated by the ATF and Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy. Darrick Laron Hamilton , 33, of Monroe, was sentenced to 96 months (8 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. In April of 2022, law enforcement agents with the Metro Narcotics Unit in Monroe began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Hamilton. Agents obtained evidence that Hamilton met an individual and sold and distributed approximately 5.5 grams of a substance that contained fentanyl to that party. The substance was sent to the North Louisiana Crime Lab for testing and confirmed the seized substance to contain fentanyl. The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten. Derrick Logwood , 23, of Monroe, was sentenced to 62 months (5 years, 2 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Logwood pleaded guilty on April 26, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On December 21, 2022, an officer with the West Monroe Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle which was being driven without working brake lights and other violations. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Logwood. The officer observed the grip of a pistol sticking out of Logwood’s pants pocket and he was ordered out of the vehicle. Officers seized a loaded Glock 23Gen5 .40 caliber pistol from Logwood’s pocket. In addition, officers detected the smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and Logwood admitted to having marijuana in a backpack on the back seat. Inside the backpack officers found three large plastic bags of suspected marijuana and a digital scale. The substance was sent to the crime lab for testing and confirmed to be marijuana with an aggregate weight of 2.00 pounds. Logwood had a previous felony conviction of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling in 2019 and knew that he was prohibited from having any firearm or ammunition. The case was investigated by the ATF and West Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan. # # #


title: Columbia County man charged with scheme to bilk customers for purchase of cryptocurrency computers

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: AUGUSTA, GA: A Columbia County man has been indicted on federal charges involving a scheme to sell expensive computer equipment to more than 30 customers who never received their orders. Steven Drawdy , 39, of Grovetown, Ga., was indicted in U.S. District Court on one count of Wire Fraud, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and restitution, and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “Even though this alleged scheme involves complicated computer technology, at its core this is still just a case of taking money for goods that weren’t provided,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “With our law enforcement partners, we will work to protect consumers from schemes designed to steal their money.” The indictment in the case alleges that from about August 2021 through April 2022, Drawdy participated in an online cryptocurrency discussion forum, and received approximately $1 million from at least 30 victims who believed they were paying Drawdy to provide them with cryptocurrency “mining” computers. The indictment further alleges that after receiving payment in cryptocurrency for the orders, Drawdy would eventually cease communicating with the customers. In some cases, he would offer a partial refund but would require the customer to pay a fee to receive the refund – and then would provide neither the refund nor the computer. Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI is asking anyone who might have been a victim of the scheme to call 706-722-3702. The case is being investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer A. Stanley.


title: Government Contractor Supplying Explosive Detection Canines at U.S. Embassy Settles FCA Allegations Regarding Deficient Training

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – SOC LLC, located in Chantilly, has agreed to pay $259,353.60 to settle False Claims Act (FCA) allegations that canine handlers, employed by SOC under a State Department contract, reported time training canines when, in actuality, training had not taken place or the training did not occur for the time reported to the government. The settlement arises in connection with a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the FCA by a former SOC canine handler, United States ex rel. Morris v. SOC LLC, et al. Under the Worldwide Protective Service (WPS) II contract awarded to SOC by the U.S. Department of State, SOC supplied explosive sniffing canines and canine handlers at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. The WPS II contract required the canines to receive four hours of explosive proficiency training weekly with their handlers. The settlement resolves allegations that SOC handlers and trainers violated the FCA by falsely reporting the requisite four hours of weekly proficiency training regardless of whether training happened that week or fell short of the four-hour requirement. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and evidence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery. The relator here will receive a share of this settlement. The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General. The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Starr. The civil claims settled by this False Claims Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae . Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit can be accessed on PACER by searching for No. 1:21-cv-327.


title: Owner of Maryland Construction Company Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Maryland man pleaded guilty today to evading his federal income taxes. According to court documents, Jerry Lee Redman of Severn, Maryland, owned Redman Services Inc. (RSI), a paving and construction company. For at least 2015 through 2018, Redman filed corporate income tax returns for RSI that underreported the business’s gross receipts. Redman caused customers to write checks to him personally, instead of to RSI, and then deposited those checks into his personal bank account. Those payments were not reported as gross receipts on RSI’s corporate returns. During the same years, Redman also did not report other income that he received from RSI. Redman withdrew and caused others to withdraw funds from RSI’s business bank account to pay for his personal expenses, but Redman did not report those funds as income on his own tax returns. Some of the withdrawals for personal expenses were also falsely deducted as business expenses on RSI’s corporate returns. Redman’s conduct caused a loss to the IRS of approximately $666,113. If convicted, Redman faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Christina M. Grimes of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Ohkay Owingeh Man Charged with Sexual Abuse

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Dwayne Calvert made an initial appearance in federal court on an indictment charging him with sexual abuse. Calvert, 34, of Ohkay Owingeh, and an enrolled member of Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh, will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2023. According to the indictment, on July 2, 2022, Calvert attempted to engage in sexual intercourse with the victim, Jane Doe, while Doe was incapable of consenting to the sexual act. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Calvert faces up to life in prison and a term of supervised release between five years and the remainder of his life. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-175


title: Former Miami-Dade Corrections Sergeant Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Arashio Harris, 48, who was a Corrections Sergeant with the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (“MDCRD”), has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent applications for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, two Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), and an EIDL advance. Harris entered his guilty plea in Miami, Florida, yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. According to the facts admitted at the change of plea, Harris, along with being a MDCRD Sergeant, also was the owner and President of The Good Family Property Solutions Inc. (“Good Family”) and Flying Lions LLC (“Flying Lions”). Working with an associate, on April 3, 2020, Harris submitted and caused to be submitted to the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) a false and fraudulent EIDL application in the name of Good Family, seeking both an EIDL and an EIDL advance. In this fraudulent application, Harris falsely claimed that for the 12-month period prior to January 31, 2020, Good Family had gross revenues of approximately $130,000 and nine employees. As a result of this fraudulent application, Good Family obtained from the SBA a $9,000 EIDL advance that did not need to be repaid and $14,500 in EIDL loan proceeds. Harris also admitted that on June 30, 2020, he submitted and caused to be submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application to the SBA for Flying Lions, claiming that Flying Lions had gross revenues of over $480,000 and 10 employees during that same period of time. As a result of this fraudulent application, Flying Lions obtained approximately $150,000 in EIDL proceeds from the SBA. Harris additionally admitted at the change of plea that with the assistance of the same individual, he fraudulently obtained two PPP loans in the name of Good Family. First, on July 9, 2020, Harris submitted and caused to be submitted a false and fraudulent PPP loan application falsely claiming that Good Family had 10 employees and a payroll of approximately $51,710 per month. In support of this application, Harris submitted a fraudulent 2019 IRS Form 1120 falsely claiming that Good Family had a total income of over $1,050,000 and had paid wages and salaries that year of over $768,000 and a fraudulent IRS Form 944 for 2019 showing over $620,500 in wage and salary payments. The application also included false IRS Form W-2’s and Good Family payroll records for these supposed employees, and as a result of this false and fraudulent application, Harris obtained a $129,275 PPP loan from an SBA-approved PPP lender. On February 26, 2021, Harris began the process of seeking a second-draw PPP loan for Good Family to fraudulently take advantage of the additional PPP relief being offered to businesses that suffered revenue losses in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The second-draw application once again relied on the false income and payroll numbers used to obtain the first PPP loan, and the application package included the same fraudulent 2019 IRS Form 1120, as well as a fraudulent 2019 IRS Form 940 claiming that Good Family paid its employees over $620,000 in 2019 and fabricated Good Family payroll records for those supposed employees. As a result of this second-draw application, Good Family obtained a second-draw PPP loan of $129,276 from a different SBA-approved PPP lender. Harris is scheduled for sentencing on October 27, at 12:30 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Altonaga in Miami, Fla., where he faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, Inspector General Felix Jimenez of the Miami-Dade County Office of Inspector General (MDC-OIG), and SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Investigations Division’s Eastern Region, announced the guilty plea. The FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from the MDC-OIG, working in conjunction with IRS-CI Miami and SBA-OIG Investigations Division’s Eastern Region, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm is prosecuting the case. In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20295. ###


title: Kalamazoo Man Indicted For Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced the indictment of Jordan Isaiah Maurice Watts, 31, for three counts of sexual exploitation of a child. While Watts was charged by criminal complaint on July 25, 2023, to secure his immediate detention, today’s action satisfies the defendant’s constitutional right to federal indictment by a grand jury. “As part of our mission to protect the public, my office is committed to holding accountable persons who produce child pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “My office is fully prepared to prove these allegations at trial.” Watts is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e). If convicted, the statutory mandatory minimum sentence for each count is 15 years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison. “The sexual exploitation of children is among the most disturbing crimes the FBI investigates,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “I would like to thank the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office and the Portage Department of Public Safety whose partnership with our office helps ensure anyone who exploits vulnerable children will be brought to justice.” Arraignment and an initial pretrial conference on these charges is scheduled for August 29, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Ray Kent. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. Jordan Watts Indictment ###


title: Bronx Man Sentenced To 78 Months In Prison For Shooting Outside Of Bronx Deli

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DEMONT CHRISTIAN was sentenced today to 78 months in prison in connection with a shooting at the corner of Westchester Avenue and Faile Street in the Longwood neighborhood of the Bronx, New York, on October 7, 2022. CHRISTIAN previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who also imposed today’s sentence, to one count of possessing ammunition after conviction for a felony. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “On October 7, 2022, Demont Christian pulled a loaded handgun from his pocket and opened fire on a pedestrian in front of a Bronx deli. Christian perpetrated this senseless act of violence at a busy intersection filled with New Yorkers on nearby sidewalks and in passing vehicles. Today’s sentence sends an important message that we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute gun violence to the fullest extent of the law.” As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in open court: At approximately 10:24 pm on October 7, 2022, in the vicinity of a deli located at 1126 Westchester Avenue in the Bronx, CHRISTIAN, wearing a ski mask, pulled a gun from his pocket and fired four shots at a Victim using a .380 caliber handgun. CHRISTIAN fired at the Victim from approximately two to four car lengths away as the Victim walked away across Westchester Avenue. At the time of the first gunshot, the Victim had not even reached the yellow center line, while CHRISTIAN aimed his gun from the sidewalk. Surveillance footage shows that CHRISTIAN took deliberate aim at the Victim while bystanders stood just feet away: CHRISTIAN was not permitted to possess ammunition because of his prior New York State conviction for attempted assault in the second degree, for which he was sentenced to two to four years in prison. CHRISTIAN has at least 15 prior criminal convictions. * * * In addition to his prison term, CHRISTIAN, 28, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department. This case is being supervised by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Kinder is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Plainfield Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Federal Prison for $1.5 Million Identity Theft Scheme

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Vimalkumar Trivedi, 41, of Plainfield, Indiana, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to the possession of false identity documents and operating an unlicensed money transfer business. According to court documents, from April 2017 through April 1, 2021, Trivedi defrauded multiple victims, including some elderly individuals, into sending cash to various locations, including Indianapolis via FedEx. Trivedi and his co-conspirators in the U.S. and India masqueraded as federal law enforcement agents and told the victims that their Social Security numbers had been found in connection with criminal activity, often narcotics trafficking. The criminals stated that the victims would be arrested if they did not immediately withdraw large sums of cash and mail it to fictitious individuals. Trivedi tracked the packages of money sent by fraud victims to the fictitious recipients and picked them up at multiple FedEx locations. In each instance, Trivedi used a false identification document in the name of the listed package recipient. In total, Trivedi possessed at least 53 false identification documents, each with his picture but containing different identifying information. He used these false identification documents to pick up at least 122 packages containing $901,124 in cash proceeds of the fraud. Trivedi kept $60,000 stolen from victims for his own use and forwarded the remainder to his associates. Through the investigation, law enforcement agents have identified and confirmed approximately 17 victims, identified approximately 50 other suspected victims, and identified approximately $1.5 million in losses to the victims. United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office; Welber Hickman, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Norfolk Field Office, Rodney Hopkins, Postal Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division; and Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of the Social Security Administration, OIG made the announcement. “International fraud conspiracies steal from hard-working people using lies, manipulation, and fear,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “These vicious crimes often devastate families and individuals victimized by these heartless thieves. The sentence in this case demonstrates that fraudsters seeking a quick buck will pay a heavy price for their crimes. I commend the dedication of the FBI, NCIS, Postal Inspection Service, and Social Security Administration OIG, to hold these criminals accountable and seek justice for victims.” “The sentence imposed on the defendant sends a very clear message to those who attempt to profit from fraud. You will be caught, and you will face time behind bars,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Protecting the community from becoming victims of these types of schemes will always be a priority for the FBI and our partners.” “Mr. Trivedi’s conspirators threatened and scared innocent victims into sending him large sums of money in a vile scheme for which he deserves to be held fully accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Welber Hickman of the NCIS Norfolk Field Office. “This sentencing should serve as a warning that NCIS and our partners will expose and bring to justice those who seek to defraud our nation’s warfighters and their families.” “Trivedi was part of an imposter scam that used scare tactics and identity theft to scam innocent victims out of hard-earned money. Today’s sentence shows that such behavior will not be tolerated,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I thank the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and work on this case.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Trivedi 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 Attorneys Bradley P. Shepard and Patrick A. Gibson, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: West Virginia man arrested for threatening Pittsburgh federal jury

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Follansbee, West Virginia, man was arrested today on criminal charges related to his alleged obstruction and witness tampering in a federal trial. Hardy Carroll Lloyd, age 45, was taken into custody early this morning without incident. According to the criminal complaint, Lloyd began commenting online about the federal hate crimes trial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, of Robert Bowers, the Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooter. Lloyd, a self-proclaimed “reverend” of a white supremacy movement, made threatening social media posts, website comments, and emails towards the jury and witnesses during the trial. Lloyd also placed or had others place stickers in predominantly Jewish areas of Pittsburgh, directing people to the website containing his threats and antisemitic messages. “Jury trials are a hallmark of the American justice system and attempts to intimidate witnesses or jurors will be met with a strong response,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “The use of hateful threats in an effort to undermine a trial is especially troubling.” "The safety and security of all citizens in our communities is a priority for the FBI," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. "Threats of violence used to intimidate or influence a community or jury cannot and will not be tolerated. The FBI makes it a priority to investigate crimes based on religious bias. In this case, the Jewish community was specifically targeted by these threats. I want to thank the community for sharing information that helped lead to today's arrest." Lloyd is charged with obstruction of the due administration of justice, transmitting threats in interstate and foreign commerce, and witness tampering. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the obstruction charge, up to five years for the threats charge, and up to 20 in prison for the tampering charge. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph Bernard and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Christian County Man Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Paducah, KY – A Christian County, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in McCracken County, Kentucky. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Division, and Paducah Police Chief Brian Laird made the announcement. According to court documents, Michael Crawford, 29, of Oak Grove, Kentucky, possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in McCracken County, Kentucky. Yesterday, Crawford was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Paducah post of duty and the Paducah Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case. ###


title: Venezuelan Men Plead Guilty to High Seas 1400kg Cocaine Conspiracy

component: Criminal - Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – Two Venezuelan citizens pleaded guilty today and yesterday to conspiracy to distribute cocaine on board a vessel in international waters. According to court documents, on May 16, 2023, Juan Milano, 50, and Carlos Marcano, 31, were found with two others by a U.S. Navy ship and its Naval and Coast Guard personnel on board a go-fast boat in international waters while in possession of over 1400 kilograms of cocaine. The go-fast vessel was without nationality, and none of its crew declared their nationality, the flag nationality of the vessel, or claimed to be its master. Milano is schedule to be sentenced on December 14 and Marcano, who pleaded yesterday, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13. They each face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Milano and Marcano were prosecuted as part of a joint interagency partnership between the U.S Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, the Department of Justice including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and select U.S. Attorney offices in the United States and its territories. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; William P. Hicks II, Special Agent in Charge, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Chesapeake Region, made the announcement after U.S. District Senior Judge Raymond A. Jackson. The Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Section of the Department of Justice assisted in this investigation. The Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), a United States multiservice, multiagency task force , also assisted in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Comstock is prosecuting the case. Congress has declared drug trafficking on vessels in international waters a serious international problem universally condemned and one that presents a specific threat to the security and societal well-being of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-85.


title: East St. Louis Brothers Sentenced on Federal Kidnapping Charges

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced two brothers from East St. Louis each to more than 30 years imprisonment after the pair was found guilty of kidnapping a man who has never been found. Convicted by a jury on Nov. 10, 2022, Kendrick Frazier, 36, received a 396-month sentence and Kenwyn Frazier, 39, received a 365-month sentence for kidnapping Kein Eastman, also of East St. Louis, in August 2020. Since his abduction, Eastman has not been seen or heard from according to law enforcement and his family members. “The lengthy sentences represent the severity of the defendants’ crimes and their blatant disrespect for human life and the law,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “This sentencing simply does not happen without ISP’s commitment to bringing criminals to justice,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents will continue to work with local law enforcement, the community, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reduce and prevent violence, while holding those who break the law accountable.” According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Kenwyn forced Eastman out of his grandmother’s house at gunpoint on Aug. 13, 2020, because he believed Eastman had stolen his jeweled mouthpiece, commonly known as a “grillz.” He drove Eastman in a Dodge Durango to an apartment on Kansas Avenue in East St. Louis and made him look for the grillz. When Eastman couldn’t find it, Kenwyn called his brother, Kendrick, to the apartment. Shortly after Kendrick arrived, the Frazier brothers pulled Eastman out of the apartment at gunpoint threatening to shoot him if he did not take them to the grillz. Recorded by a Ring doorbell camera outside the house, the brothers forced Eastman to the ground, repeatedly threatening and assaulting him. Eastman insisted he hadn’t taken it and pleaded with them not to shoot. Despite his pleas, Kendrick fired one shot at Eastman while he laid on the ground. After the shooting, witnesses testified they saw Eastman bleeding from his face as he ran from the apartment complex. Kendrick and Kenwyn followed immediately after him in the Dodge Durango. Hours later, the Dodge Durango was found on fire and burned to the frame by the East St. Louis Fire Department. Jasmine M. Crawford, 25, of East St. Louis, was also charged in the indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice after she admitted to tampering with a Ring doorbell camera as it recorded portions of the crime. She was sentenced to 4 years of probation on Dec. 7, 2022. Agents with the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group led the investigation with support from the East St. Louis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Summers and Zoe Gross prosecuted the case.


title: Cavalier, ND, Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography and Failure to Register as a Sexual Offender

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: FARGO - United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Cody John O’Hara, age 35 of Cavalier, ND, was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Peter Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, to 29 years’ imprisonment for Receipt of Materials Containing Child Pornography and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Specifically, O’Hara was sentenced to 27 years on the above-mentioned charges and a consecutive two years for a supervised release violation. This case came to the attention of law enforcement after a United States Probation Officer discovered child pornography on O’Hara’s cellphone. O’Hara was previously convicted of Possession and Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors in U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota in 2012. He was sentenced to 78 months incarceration followed by a five-year term of supervised release and was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act ( SORNA). Following his period of incarceration, O’Hara began residing Fargo during which time he was subject to the supervision of a U.S. Probation Officer. Beginning in the summer of 2021 and continuing through early 2022, the U.S. Probation Officer made several unannounced visits to O’Hara’s registered address, but she was unable to locate him there. The U.S. Probation Officer eventually discovered that he was living at a girlfriend’s residence in Moorhead, Minnesota. Thereafter, O’Hara was ordered to report to the U.S. Probation Office, after which his probation officer requested to view his cellphone. O’Hara initially lied about having his cellphone with him, but upon further questioning O’Hara eventually admitted that it was in his car hidden under the seat. The cell phone was later searched by the U.S. Probation Officer pursuant to his conditions of supervised release. During this search, the U.S. Probation Officer located child pornography and O’Hara’s cell phone was later forensically examined by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations. This examination revealed nearly 500 images and videos of child pornography. Following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, it was discovered that one of the children depicted in the child pornography images recovered from O’Hara’s phone was a child located in Minnesota, whom O’Hara was sexually abusing. “This decades-long sentence protects children in North Dakota and beyond,” Schneider said. “As this case shows, criminals who exploit children will be swiftly dealt with by law enforcement, prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, and sent to federal prison. Keeping kids safe is a priority of the highest order for our state and federal law enforcement partners.” “Exploitation of children is a reprehensible crime we at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) work tirelessly to combat,” said Jamie Holt, HSI St. Paul Special Agent in Charge. “O’Hara’s sentencing highlights the fact that predators will inevitably face significant penalties for their crimes that leave victims and families traumatized. HSI St. Paul will continue to fight against the exploitation of children and support victims by providing critical resources and services.” This case was investigated by North Dakota BCI, Homeland Security and Investigations and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with First Assistant United States Jennifer Klemetsrud-Puhl assigned to the case. # # #


title: Boston Doctor Arrested for Lewd Acts on an Aircraft

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested and charged today for allegedly masturbating and exposing himself within the view of a 14-year-old female seated next to him onboard a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022. Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Mohanty was arrested today and was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. “Everyone, especially children, has the absolute right to not be exposed to lewd conduct when they are traveling,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “If you engage in the type of illicit behavior alleged here, you will be caught and held accountable wherever it happens.” “What Dr. Mohanty is accused of doing in front of a fourteen-year-old girl is reprehensible,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Today’s arrest should make it crystal clear that the FBI takes crimes aboard aircraft seriously, everything from sexual misconduct as alleged in this case, to assault, interfering with the flight crew, and theft. If you’ve been the victim of a crime aboard an aircraft or have witnessed one take place, we ask you to report it to both your flight crew and the FBI.” According to the charging documents, Mohanty is an internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in Boston. It is alleged that, on May 27, 2022, Mohanty was a passenger aboard a Hawaiian Airlines Flight enroute from Honolulu to Boston with a female companion. Mohanty was allegedly seated next to a 14-year-old minor travelling with her grandparents, who were seated nearby. About half-way through the flight, the minor allegedly observed that Mohanty had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and that Mohanty’s leg was bouncing up and down. Shortly thereafter, the minor observed that the blanket was on the floor, no longer covering Mohanty, and that Mohanty was masturbating. The minor moved herself to an empty seat in a different row for the remainder of the flight. After arriving in Boston, the minor informed members of her family about the incident and law enforcement was notified. The charge of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI Acting SAC DiMenna made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Santo Domingo Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Henryetta John pled guilty to assault on a federal officer. John, 30, of Santo Domingo, New Mexico, and a member of the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, will remain in custody until she can be released for substance-abuse treatment. According to court documents, on Oct. 20, 2021, John was stopped on suspicion of DWI by a federal officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. When the officer tried to place John under arrest, she slipped the handcuffs and physically assaulted the officer, causing them to roll down a hillside. The officer sustained injuries as a result of the altercation. At sentencing, John faces up to 20 years in prison. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-176


title: Smith Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Josiah Alan Smith, 29, of Smith Lake and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pled guilty in federal court to second degree murder. Smith will remain in custody pending sentencing which has not been scheduled. According to court documents on May 17, 2021, Smith shot and killed the victim, identified as John Doe, at a residence near Church Rock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Smith, who had arrived at the residence earlier in the day, allegedly fired into a window from outside the home, striking the victim in the back and killing him. The FBI, with the assistance of the McKinley County Sheriff's Office and Gallup Police Department, arrested Smith in Gamerco, New Mexico, on Aug. 21, 2021. At sentencing, Smith faces up to life in prison. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the McKinley County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Nelson and Blake Nichols are prosecuting the case. # # # 23-177


title: Former Contract Employee Pleads Guilty in Amtrak Timecard, Kickback Scheme

body_text: MIAMI – Edel Perez Acanda, 40, of Miami, Florida, has pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds for his role in a kickback scheme involving contractor employees providing services for Amtrak. Earlier this year, two other defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in the kickback scheme in case no. 22-cr-20559: Bryan De Castro Palomino, 34, of Plantation, Florida, and Jean Barbier, 35, of Hialeah, Florida. De Castro Palomino, Barbier, and Perez Acanda were employees at a company that had a federal government contract with Amtrak. From 2018 to 2020, De Castro Palomino, who was the warehouse manager, inflated Perez Acanda and Barbier’s timecards to falsely reflect that Perez Acanda and Barbier worked hours that they did not work. In exchange, Perez Acanda and Barbier sent De Castro Palomino part of their paychecks. De Castro Palomino received $77,966 in exchange for his services to fraudulently edit Perez Acanda and Barbier’s timecards. De Castro Palomino admitted that he is responsible for $155,929 in restitution to Amtrak. Perez Acanda admitted that he is responsible for $81,114 in restitution to Amtrak. Barbier admitted that he is responsible for $74,414 in restitution to Amtrak. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Basil Demczak of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General Central Field Office made the announcement. Amtrak OIG’s Miami Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Thompson prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon is handling forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20073. ###


title: Former South Carolina Priest Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Child Sexual Exploitation Offense

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Jamie Adolfo Gonzalez-Farias, a/k/a “Father Gonzalez,” 68, of Laurens, a former Catholic priest, has pleaded guilty in federal court to Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity. Specifically, Gonzalez-Farias admitted that he transported a minor victim from South Carolina to Florida with the intent to commit lewd and lascivious exhibition and lewd and lascivious molestation in violation of Florida state law. According to evidence presented in court: Gonzalez-Farias served as a Catholic priest in Newberry and Laurens Counties. In May 2020, Gonzalez-Farias met the minor victim and his family by virtue of his service as a priest. He began giving gifts and increasing amounts of attention towards the minor victim. In November 2020, the minor victim’s family reported to Catholic authorities their concern that the priest’s relationship with the minor victim was inappropriate. Church authorities suspended Gonzalez-Farias and made a report to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, and an investigation ensued. The FBI conducted a forensic interview in which the minor victim disclosed that in November 2020, when the minor victim was 11 years-old, the priest took him to Florida under the pretense of a beach vacation. During that trip, Gonzales-Farias masturbated in front of the minor victim, attempted to sexually assault the minor victim, and showed the minor victim pornography. The FBI corroborated the victim’s disclosures by recovering text messages and WhatsApp messages sent by the priest to the minor, which were consistent with the victim’s disclosures. When the FBI and the United States Marshals Service arrested Gonzales-Farias at the Miami International Airport, he admitted that he showered with the victim, that he touched the minor victim’s genitals, and that he showed the minor victim pornography. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Gonzalez-Farias after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, plus fines and restitution. The statute also requires the defendant to register as a sex offender. The FBI is seeking the public’s help in identifying potential victims. If you believe you or your minor dependent(s) were victimized by Gonzalez-Farias, or if you have relevant information about Gonzalez-Farias the FBI should know, you are encouraged to contact the FBI at 803-551-4200 . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and E. Elizabeth Major are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Former West Michigan Doctor To Be Sentenced In October

body_text: U.S. Attorney’s Office Seeks to Identify Any Additional Victims of Dr. Daniel Castro GRAND RAPIDS – On April 3, 2023, Daniel J. Castro, M.D., pled guilty to making a false statement related to health care matters in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1035. The sentencing hearing for Dr. Castro is scheduled for October 5, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States District Court, 315 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan. As part of the plea agreement, Dr. Castro agreed that conduct related to certain health care fraud schemes set forth in the Indictment against him would constitute relevant conduct for purposes of his sentencing. As alleged in the Indictment, Dr. Castro engaged in a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs by performing medically unnecessary sinus surgeries. Additionally, he engaged in a scheme to defraud by billing excisions of single lymph nodes, submandibular glands, and other glands of the neck as if he performed modified radical or selective neck dissections, which are complex and higher-paying procedures for cancer of the head and neck. These schemes to defraud are alleged to have occurred from February 2015 until May 2017 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. Patients who underwent sinus or neck surgery between February 2015 and May 2017 performed by Dr. Castro may qualify as victims of his offense under federal law and may be entitled to certain rights and, potentially, to restitution. To receive victim services and be considered for restitution, those patients must identify themselves to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Grand Rapids, Michigan prior to the sentencing hearing on October 5. Patients seeking more information or who believe they are victims of the conduct described above may access additional case information at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/vw-large-cases/Castro . Alternatively, potential victims may call Kathy Schuette, Victim Witness Coordinator, at (616) 808-2034 or Breane Warner, Victim Assistance Specialist, at (616) 808-2064. Any patient that already is receiving victim services from the U.S. Attorney’s Office need not contact the office unless they have questions or concerns that have not already been addressed. Daniel Castro Indictment ###


title: Six Indicted for Multi-State Oxycodone Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – Six individuals were indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone pills, obtained from a source in the Houston area, across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. The following defendants were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone pills. They were previously arrested on July 12, 2023 : John Campbell, a/k/a Jizz, 40, of Taunton; Kenneth Veiga, 33, of Abington; Michael Atwood, 36, of Carver; Austin Gonsalves, 36, of Fall River; Scott Lambert, 55, of Falmouth; and Christan Russell, a/k/a Christian Russell, a/k/a Bear, 32, of Tomball, Texas. According to the charging documents, an investigation into Campbell began in April 2022 after law enforcement received information that he was allegedly distributing oxycodone pills. Intercepted communications allegedly revealed that Campbell distributed oxycodone pills to Atwood and Lambert, who then re-distributed the pills to others. On Feb. 24, 2023, law enforcement stopped Lambert in Bourne after he allegedly met with Campbell, and 73 oxycodone pills were found hidden in a Krazy Glue container inside the vehicle. It is further alleged that, on multiple occasions, Russell obtained oxycodone pills from pharmacies in the Houston area before travelling to the Boston area and distributing the pills to Veiga, who then re-distributed them to Gonsalves. Specifically, flight records allegedly show that Russell travelled to Boston and met with Veiga in February, March and May 2023 to distribute the pills in various locations, including the Twin River Casino, in Lincoln, R.I. and a Brookline hotel. The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone pills provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The indictment also includes a drug forfeiture allegation, aiming to seize the following items: a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550; a 2017 BMW X6; over $998,000 in U.S. Currency; an Aero Precision Model X15 Pistol; a Kongsberg Norwegian M1914 Pistol; a Glock 22 .40 Caliber Pistol; and a Taurus .44 Caliber Revolver. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Falmouth Police Chief Jeffrey A. Lourie; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office; the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth and Sandwich Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Former Greenfield Township Supervisor And Sewer Authority Manager Sentenced To Prison For Clean Water Act Violations And Fraud Related Crimes

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bruce Evans, Sr., age 70, of Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania was sentenced on August 8, 2023, to two years in prison by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for violating the Clean Water Act, wire fraud, and obstructing the delivery of correspondence. Evans, Sr. was convicted after trial in December of 2021. Evans, Sr. knowingly failed to operate and maintain the municipality’s wastewater treatment plant in accordance with regulations and limitations specified in a permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the United States Environmental Protections Agency (EPA). The permit requires that the permittee at all times maintain in good working order, and properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems, which were installed and used by the permittee to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of the permits. As a result of the defendant’s failures, pollutants were discharged in violation of the permit on multiple occasions. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the EPA presented testimony from 34 witnesses over the course of a trial that began on November 15, 2021 and ended on December 17, 2021. Evans, Sr. and co-defendant Bruce Evans, Jr. were tried together. Witnesses included Greenfield Township Sewer Authority (GTSA) board members, Greenfield Township Supervisors, FBI and EPA Special Agents, and multiple PADEP inspectors and supervisors. Throughout the time covered by the charges, Bruce Evans, Sr. was a Greenfield Township Supervisor, a Greenfield Township employee, a GTSA Board Member, and Manager of the GTSA. Evans, Jr. was an employee of Greenfield Township and the GTSA. Evans, Sr. was convicted of twenty (20) counts of Clean Water Act violations; four (4) counts of wire fraud involving the misappropriation of GTSA funds for his personal benefit and the benefit of his family; and four (4) counts of obstruction of PADEP certified mail addressed to his fellow GTSA board members but intercepted by Evans, Sr. Evans, Jr. was convicted of four (4) counts of Clean Water Act violations, and one (1) count of submitting a false statement to the PADEP related to representations and certifications made by Evans, Jr. regarding his professional work experience. Evans, Jr. was previously sentenced to serve 12 months plus one day in prison, a one-year term of supervised release upon release from federal custody, and restitution in the amount of $678. In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Evans, Sr. was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon release from federal custody. Judge Mannion reserved ruling on a restitution amount involving Evans, Sr. “The defendant demonstrated disregard for the environment and continuously falsified data required under the Clean Water Act, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Lisa Matovic of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This sentencing demonstrates that deliberate violations of the Clean Water Act will be held accountable.” The investigation was jointly conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigations Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Scranton Field Office, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection - Northeast Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski and EPA Attorneys W. Martin Harrell and Patricia C. Miller prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Two Florida Men Charged With Orchestrating $12 Million Advance-Fee Scheme

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging JOSEPH MALVASIO and GREGG MARCUS, a/k/a “Gregg Pierce,” with running a years-long advance-fee scheme through which they defrauded hundreds of victims of at least approximately $12 million. MALVASIO and MARCUS were arrested this morning will be presented later today in the Southern District of New York. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Joseph Malvasio and Gregg Marcus perpetrated an advance-fee scheme whose victims were defrauded into paying millions of dollars for loans they needed but never received. Instead of keeping their promises to the victims, Malvasio and Marcus allegedly used the victims’ money to fund their lavish lifestyles.” FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis said: "The defendants are alleged to have operated a fraudulent loan scheme where they collected fees from victims, however, had no intention of providing such loans. The fees were then used to fund luxury personal expenses. Ensuring that financial fraudsters are held accountable in the criminal justice system remains a top priority of the FBI." According to the allegations contained in the Indictment: [1] From at least in or about March 2017 through at least in or about August 2023, JOSEPH MALVASIO and GREGG MARCUS operated an advance-fee scheme that defrauded hundreds of victims of at least approximately $12 million. MALVASIO and MARCUS operated this fraudulent scheme through their ownership and operation of a business called Global Capital Partners Fund LLC (“GCPF”). MALVASIO and MARCUS falsely represented that GCPF was a legitimate business that would provide loans to individuals who were interested in funding for private commercial projects. Instead, MALVASIO and MARCUS defrauded victims, collecting thousands of dollars in fees from each victim without intending to issue a loan. MALVASIO and MARCUS typically collected several fees from each victim, including a “letter of intent” fee, a “commitment” fee, and an “appraisal” fee. Each fee ranged from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Once MALVASIO and MARCUS collected these fees, they informed each victim that he or she would not receive a loan and then refused to refund any of the fees each victim had paid. Once MALVASIO and MARCUS received money from victims, they transferred the funds to their personal accounts and used them to make payments in the tens of thousands of dollars to Porsche, BMW, and Modern Yachts LLC, among other dealers of luxury goods. MALVASIO and MARCUS also used victim funds to make payments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for personal credit card expenses. * * * MALVASIO, 65, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Bridgehampton, New York, and MARCUS, 57, of Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, are each charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackie Delligatti is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. U.S. v. Malvasio and Marcus Indictment


title: Couple Who Drugged And Raped Young Girl Multiple Times Sentenced To 360 Months In Prison

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Amy Lucille Shanty, of Scottville, Michigan, to 30 years in prison for creating multiple videos of child pornography after drugging and raping a young girl. Co-defendant in this case, Michael James Walworth, of Scottville, was also sentenced to 30 years in June. “The facts of this case are appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Totten . “My office is fully committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens. As this case demonstrates, we will hold those who harm our kids accountable.” For years, the young girl visited Walworth and Shanty, who were supposed to be caring for her. Walworth and Shanty drugged the young girl and gave her gifts to coax her into engaging in sex acts with them. Walworth also set up hidden cameras in his home, which he used to capture the young girl while she was in the bathroom. When police executed a search warrant at the couple’s home, they also uncovered an extensive collection of child pornography on Walworth’s computer that he had downloaded over the Internet. “This sentencing is a testament to HSI’s commitment along with our partners to identify, investigate and prosecute perpetrators who prey on innocent children in our communities,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar . “It is my hope that this justice brings some measure of peace to the courageous survivors of Shanty and Walworth’s horrific crimes.” This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, , the Scottville Police Department, and the Mason County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Davin M. Reust. ###


title: Inmate At FCI Schuylkill Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Contraband In Prison

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Daquon Brooks, age 28, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on August 8, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, to the charge of possession of contraband in prison. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Brooks was found by staff on April 20, 2023, in possession of a dangerous prison-made weapon, commonly known as a “shank.” The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Ontario County Man Pleads Guilty To Bilking Investors Out Of Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Thomas Corsaro, 59, of Bloomfield, NY, pleaded guilty to wire fraud before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that between November 2020, and November 2022, Corsaro, acting as an investment adviser, executed a scheme to defraud eight individual investors who invested funds with him. Rather than invest the funds, as he represented he would do, Corsaro used the funds for his own personal use, depositing the funds into personal and business bank accounts. In total, Corsaro received $1,712,469.32 from the eight investors. He repaid $265,642.83 prior to the criminal investigation. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford. # # # #


title: Luzerne County Woman Pleads Guilty To Preparing And Submitting Numerous False Economic Injury Disaster Loan (Eidl) Applications In Covid-19 Fraud Scheme

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Angela Castillo, age 39, of Freeland, PA, pleaded guilty on August 9, 2023, before United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani, to a wire fraud scheme involving the preparation and submission of numerous false Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the criminal Information to which Castillo pleaded guilty alleges that between June 2020 and September 2020, on behalf of other individuals and in exchange for payment, Castillo prepared and submitted to the United States Small Business Association (SBA) at least 40 false EIDL applications containing material misrepresentations. Castillo’s conduct resulted in the SBA paying out approximately $163,000.00 in COVID-19 relief funds to individuals, none of whom actually owned a qualifying small business, and who therefore were not entitled to receive such funds under the program. Pursuant to the terms of her plea agreement, Castillo acknowledged that the monetary loss attributable to her conduct was between $150,000.00 and $250,000.00, and she agreed to make restitution to the SBA. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Former Islamic center director sentenced to prison for embezzling funds, committing fraud

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The former director of a local Islamic center was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to four months in prison then four months in a halfway house followed by 12 months of home confinement for embezzling funds from the mosque, defrauding public housing, and filing for fraudulent COVID assistance funds. Ahmed A. Sh. Ahmed, 44, of Gahanna, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to committing wire fraud, submitting a false statement and making a false statement as part of his three separate schemes to defraud. As part of his sentence, Ahmed will pay more than $82,000 in total restitution. According to court documents, from at least 2009 until March 2019, Ahmed was employed as the Director of the Ibn Taymiyah Masjid and Islamic Center (ITMIC) on Mock Road in Columbus. During his tenure as director, Ahmed used his position of trust to embezzle funds from the religious organization. Specifically, Ahmed wrote unauthorized checks from ITMIC’s accounts to himself. Each year from 2015 through 2018, Ahmed increased the amount he embezzled, writing himself $4,500 in checks in 2015; approximately $11,000 in checks in 2016; $12,900 in checks in 2017; and approximately $21,000 in checks in 2018. Ahmed spent thousands of dollars of ITMIC funds to pay his own personal credit card bill and towards the purchase of his own personal vehicle. Ahmed also defrauded the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority’s housing choice voucher program. From 2014 until at least 2020, Ahmed submitted false claims to obtain housing subsidies he would not otherwise qualify for given his true income and assets. “Safeguarding taxpayer-funded programs and resources that are intended to benefit vulnerable families in our communities is vital to HUD’s success,” said HUD OIG Special Agent in Charge, Shawn Rice. “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to work closely with Federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate those who like Mr. Ahmed defraud HUD programs.” The defendant falsely claimed his personal income was $18,000 annually and did not report any household assets. In reality, Ahmed and his wife deposited more than $235,000 into their bank accounts from 2014 through 2018. Finally, Ahmed fraudulently applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance nine times from August until October 2020. During that same time frame, Ahmed generated at least $4,000 in revenue by producing and posting approximately 126 YouTube videos to his YouTube channel. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati division; and Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region; announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica W. Knight is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Chelmsford Dentist Sentenced to More Than a Year in Prison for Medicaid Fraud Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A Chelmsford dentist was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for engaging in a Medicaid Fraud Scheme. Dr. Scott Cale, 68, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Cale was also ordered to pay restitution of over $1.1 million. In April 2023, Cale pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud and one count of health care fraud. Cale was indicted by a grand jury and arrested in January 2020 along with co-conspirators Dr. Anthony DiStefano III, a fellow dentist practicing in Worcester, and Robin Cronin, a Worcester Dental Office Manager. DiStefano was barred from participating in the MassHealth insurance program because of concerns regarding the quality of dental care DiStefano delivered to patients. In order to circumvent his exclusion from the MassHealth provider network, DiStefano recruited Cale to join his practice. From 2014 to 2018, dental services that DiStefano personally delivered were billed to MassHealth using Cale’s provider identification credentials. Cale then paid DiStefano a share of the money that MassHealth had paid Cale. The purpose of this arrangement was to deceive MassHealth into paying for dental services that were not reimbursable (because MassHealth had terminated DiStefano from the MassHealth program). As a result of this scheme, multiple MassHealth patients were harmed and received dangerously poor care from DiStefano. Charges against the DiStefano were dismissed. Cronin pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy in September 2021 . She is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit and Chris Looney of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Lownds, detailed from Campbell’s office, prosecuted the case. Additional attorneys and investigators in the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts played a significant role in conducting the investigation.


title: Billings man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for armed robbery in carjacking

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

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings man convicted of robbery and gun crimes for stealing a car at gunpoint in Billings and leading law enforcement on a chase into Big Horn County was sentenced today to 11 years and nine months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Joseph Wayne Cantrell, 30, pleaded guilty in April to Hobbs Act Robbery and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 8, 2022, the victim was sitting in his 2017 Subaru Outback in a parking lot in Billings when Cantrell approached his driver’s side door. The victim told Cantrell to go away. Cantrell then pulled out a handgun, and the victim immediately surrendered his car to Cantrell, who drove off in it. Less than an hour later, law enforcement found Cantrell with the car. Cantrell fled and led law enforcement on a chase from Yellowstone County into Big Horn County. Law enforcement deployed spike strips to stop Cantrell and could hear gunshots coming from the car. The car wrecked a short time later and Cantrell fled with the firearm into a field. The car’s passenger side window had been shot out. After a standoff lasting several hours, Cantrell threw the firearm away and was arrested. The firearm was a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas K. Godfrey and Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Probation and Parole, conducted the investigation. 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. XXX


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for production and possession of child pornography. According to public court documents, and evidence presented at sentencing, William Richard Trudell, 43, was identified by law enforcement as a person of interest after a cybertip was received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The cybertip from the MeWe social media platform reported that images of child pornography had been uploaded. Law enforcement traced the email that was used to upload the images back to Trudell. During a search of Trudell’s electronic devices, officers located hundreds of images of child pornography. The investigation also revealed that Trudell had been sexually abusing a minor child over a three-year period and produced child pornography images and videos of the abuse. After completing his prison term, Trudell will be required to serve eight years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Trudell was also ordered to pay restitution. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Cocaine and Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Philadelphia, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 420 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on John T. Terry, age 48, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On August 25, 2022, a jury found John Terry guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and cocaine, between March 30, 2018, and April 4, 2018. Further, on August 26, 2022, District Judge Kim R. Gibson found Terry guilty of unlawfully possessing a loaded, stolen Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On June 2, 1998, Terry was convicted in United States District Court for the Eastern District of PA, of interference with interstate commerce by robber for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, both of which are crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Mr. Olshan commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police SHIELD Unit, and the Somerset Turnpike Barracks, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Terry.


title: Busby man admits assaulting dating partner on the Northern  Cheyenne Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS — A Busby man accused of hitting and injuring his dating partner admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, 31, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Littlewhiteman faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Littlewhiteman was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 30, 2022, Littlewhiteman and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, were drinking at a house in Busby, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. They argued, and Littlewhiteman left the home. Later that night. Jane Doe woke up and Littlewhiteman punched the victim in the face. Jane Doe was treated at the Indian Health Service in Lame Deer for injuries. At the time of the assault, Jane Doe and Littlewhiteman were dating partners. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Sabol is prosecuting the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Directing Drug Conspiracy from inside the Grand Forks County Jail

body_text: FARGO – United States Attorney Mac Schneider, District of North Dakota, announced that on August 10, 2023, Timothy Edward Eason , age 57, Minneapolis, MN, was sentenced to 204 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release and $200 Special Assessment for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Money Laundering Conspiracy. On October 18, 2021, Eason was arrested on state drug charges and was held in the Grand Forks County Jail. The investigation revealed that from October 2021 to February 2022, Eason used communication facilities in the jail to arrange shipments of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Arizona to distributors in Fargo, North Dakota, Moorhead, Minnesota and elsewhere. Eason and other co-conspirators arranged payment for these controlled substances through cash applications such as Cash App and Chime. Eason and Tiffany Marie Johnson were indicted by a Grand Jury in North Dakota on February 16, 2022. A Superseding Indictment was returned on March 16, 2022, adding additional defendants, Alfonso Demond Patrick and Ashtyn Lenea Gladue. The investigation resulted in the identification and prosecution of the source of supply in Arizona. The other sentences handed down in this case include: Alfonso Demond Patrick , 47, Phoenix, Arizona - 96 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release. Tiffany Marie Johnson, age 43, Moorhead, Minnesota - 54 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release. Ashtyn Lenea Gladue , age 26, Rolla, North Dakota - 42 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release. “Distributing dangerous drugs like fentanyl and meth puts lives at risk in our communities,” Schneider said. “Arranging shipments of these drugs from a county jail, as today’s sentence shows, is a surefire way to land an even longer stay in a federal prison. This result is a real credit to the teamwork of our local, state, and federal partners.” This case was investigated by the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, the Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Cass County Drug Task Force and Moorhead Police Department. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher C. Myers # # #


title: West Hartford Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Gang-Related Fentanyl Distribution

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO DIAZ, also known as “Dragon Eyes,” 53, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and firearm possession by members of Los Solidos. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Luis Feliciano, also known as “Louminaty,” distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack to customers and other distributors in the Hartford area, including Diaz. Diaz sold the drug to his own customer base. On June 8, 2022, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Diaz, Feliciano, and 14 others with various narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses. Diaz was arrested on June 9, 2022. At the time of his arrest, he possessed 63 wax sleeves of fentanyl. On February 22, 2023, Diaz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is currently detained. Feliciano pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert S. Ruff. through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .