title: Malden Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

body_text: BOSTON – A Malden man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine disguised as Adderall, Xanax or oxycodone in and around the Malden area. Matthew Ramos, 26, pleaded guilty on Oct. 17, 2023 to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and other controlled substances. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Jan. 18, 2024. Under the terms of Ramos’ plea agreement, he faces a sentence of 90 months in prison. Ramos was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021 along with co-defendant Igor Desouza. A search of the defendants’ residence on May 25, 2021 resulted in the recovery of a firearm, over 200 rounds of ammunition, black tar heroin, MDMA crystals, cocaine, doses of LSD and nearly 10,000 pills that include thousands of methamphetamine pills pressed to resemble Adderall or Xanax; thousands of fentanyl pills (some mixed with xylazine) pressed to resemble oxycodone; thousands of MDMA tablets; amphetamines; and oxycodone. Desouza pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1, 2023. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and other controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Malden Police Department; and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Cobb County man receives 20-year sentence for producing child pornography

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Billy Calhoun has been sentenced for producing child pornography. Calhoun convinced multiple minor girls he met online to send him sexually explicit videos and images by pretending he was a teenage boy. “Calhoun took advantage of the anonymity the Internet provides to target and victimize young girls,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “While social media can provide a forum for young people to safely connect with family and friends, this case should serve as a reminder to parents that vigilance of their children’s online activity is critical.” “This sentence ensures Billy Calhoun will not harm children in our community for a long time. We hope his victims will be able to recover from the emotional scars left by his actions,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley. “The FBI will continue to work to ensure justice is served on those who commit these terrible crimes.” “Our detectives work tirelessly to make sure the most vulnerable are given a voice and those who would do them harm are brought to justice,” said Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer. “We are proud of our working relationship with our local and federal partners to ensure the full weight of the justice system is brought to bear on those who would victimize our communities’ children.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Calhoun came to the attention of law enforcement in February 2020 after the Cobb County Police Department (“CCPD”) received a call from a local middle school regarding the alleged exploitation of one of its teenage students. CCPD was advised that an older male—later identified as Calhoun—brought lunch to a 14-year-old girl. The girl told school administrators that the older male was her boyfriend’s uncle and explained to them that she had a 16-year-old boyfriend, “Zack,” who she met on Instagram several months earlier. Investigators learned that the girl had never actually met or seen “Zack” but that she had sent him nude photos using a cell phone. They also learned that “Zack” bought her gifts, including a cell phone and two laptops. Several weeks after initially speaking with the 14-year-old girl, CCPD learned that Calhoun had attempted to pick her up at school without her mother’s permission. CCPD subsequently arrested Calhoun on state charges. During a post-arrest interview with CCPD detectives, Calhoun admitted that he was “Zack” and pretended to be a 16-year-old when he learned the girl was 14 years old. Calhoun also admitted to receiving sexually explicit videos from her. CCPD later executed several search warrants on Calhoun’s cellular phones and residence. As a result, the FBI later identified at least three other minor girls Calhoun met online who sent him sexually explicit videos and/or photos. Investigators also discovered at least hundreds of other images and videos of child pornography. Billy Calhoun, 32, of Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced by Judge William H. Ray, II to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Calhoun will also have to register as a sex offender. Calhoun pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography on March 17, 2023. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cobb County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex R. Sistla and Katie Terry prosecuted the case. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Forty-One Charged with Illegal Trafficking, Possession, and Use of Firearms, Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy Offenses as a Result of Summer Violent Crime Reduction Effort “Operation Big Easy” in New Orleans

component: Office of the Deputy Attorney General

body_text: Federal and local law-enforcement officials announced today that 41 individuals were charged in connection with firearms-trafficking, drug-distribution, conspiracy, and other offenses following a three-month violent crime reduction initiative in New Orleans this summer. “The dozens of charges and arrests announced today represent what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work hand-in-hand to take violent criminals and trigger-pullers off our streets,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we harness the Justice Department’s resources and technology — especially crime-gun intelligence from ATF’s NIBIN network — we are able to identify and arrest the culprits of gun violence and safeguard our communities. Across the country, our towns and cities are safer because of the dedication and bravery of federal agents and their state and local partners, and the 21st-century crime-solving tools DOJ is able to provide.” “For months, incredibly brave ATF agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners have been investigating violent criminals who have terrorized New Orleans,” said Director Steve Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The results are now clear: dozens of arrests; scores of seized firearms, including guns previously used in crimes; recoveries of stolen guns and guns with obliterated serial numbers; and the seizure of deadly machine gun conversion devices. All done better than ever using crime gun intelligence to catch the worst of the worst. ATF commits to continue using and sharing its intelligence with our courageous partners around the country to further drive down violent crime." “Many thanks to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their invaluable efforts, unrelenting vigilance, and selfless contributions to the Operation Big Easy Initiative,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “When we work together and share information, good results occur. To our community, rest assured that we will continue to combat violent crime throughout the Eastern District of Louisiana. Every resource and every force multiplier we possess, will be used to accomplish that goal.” Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the ATF New Orleans Division, Special Agent in Charge Bradley L. Byerly of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Division, and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as other narcotics and violence-prevention efforts. Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. The charges stemmed from the extensive, targeted, and sustained effort this past summer, led by ATF and assisted by other federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners, to clamp down on illegal firearms trafficking, use, and possession, as well as the associated distribution of drugs, in New Orleans. Overall, this operation resulted in approximately 71 crime-related firearms being permanently removed from New Orleans’ streets. The seized weapons included a significant number of stolen firearms and others with obliterated serial numbers. NIBIN data connected a number of the firearms to violent criminal activity, including homicides and felonious assaults, that took place in the New Orleans area and Gulf Coast region in 2022 and 2023. And six of the weapons are machinegun-conversion devices or “switches,” which enable a firearm to fire in fully automatic mode. Some of these individuals also sold controlled substances to law enforcement. Many of these sales took place in public parking lots of business establishments during business hours or in recreational areas while nearby citizens engaged in their day-to-day errands or recreational activities. During this investigation, law enforcement purchased or seized over two kilograms of fentanyl/heroin mix, over one-half kilogram of cocaine and cocaine base, and over one-half kilogram of methamphetamine. The following is a breakdown of the charges in United States District Court, according to court documents: Michael Lott, 49, Dianta Tropez, 29, Vernell Woodard, 40, Quindele Addison, 47, Sheena Rudolph, 40, and Coris Addison, 23, were charged on Sept. 22 in a superseding indictment. Quindele Addison, Woodard, Rudolph and Tropez were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Tropez, Woodard and Quindele Addison were further charged with distribution of methamphetamine. Lott, Tropez and Woodard were charged with conspiracy and robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States. Lott, Tropez and Woodard with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon. Lott, Tropez and Quindele Addison were charged with unlawfully possessing firearms following felony convictions. Quindele Addison was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Quindele Addison and Woodard are charged, jointly, with maintaining a drug involved premises. Rashad Montague, 32, was charged Oct. 10 via complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Dawud Barnes, 22, was indicted Oct. 6 for possession and transfer of a machinegun. Vin Davis, 43, and William Grace, 45, were indicted Oct. 5 for distribution of fentanyl. Anthony Doyl, 40, and Carlos Guillen, 43, were indicted Oct. 12 for distribution of fentanyl. Devin Hilliard, 47, and Stering Pipkins, 39, were indicted Oct. 12 for distribution of cocaine, and Hilliard was additionally charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. Joshua Hogan, 35, was indicted Sept. 29 for distribution of fentanyl. Dayshawn Brown, 39, was indicted Oct. 12 for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Michael Lewis, 36, was indicted Oct. 6 for distribution of fentanyl/heroin/cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. Troy Locke, 34, was indicted Sept. 8 for unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. Junior Alexander Moncada-Vargas, 34, was indicted Sept. 29 for possession and transfer a machinegun and unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as an unauthorized alien. Luis Morales, 33, Tyrone Whittington, 38, and Daniel Beck, 43, were indicted Oct. 5. Morales, Whittington, and Beck were charged with distribution of methamphetamine. Morales was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. Whittington was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. Tommy Nash, 50 and Loreall Gorden, 38, were indicted Sept. 22 for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and distribution of fentanyl. Rodney Offray, 49, was indicted Sept. 22 for distribution of fentanyl and heroin. Jamar Holmes, 34, was indicted Oct. 5 for distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and sale of a stolen firearm. Kennan Alexis, age 47, was indicted Oct. 5 for distribution of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Dameron Carmon, 45, were charged Oct. 20 via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Daniel Smith, 55, were charged Oct. 20 via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The following is a breakdown of the charges in Orleans Criminal District Court, according to court documents: Johnny Milton, 42, drug trafficking. Brandon Adiar, 49, drug trafficking. Kenneth Tyler, 46, drug trafficking. Brandon Jackson, 33, drug trafficking. Calvin Smith, 44, drug trafficking. Cordero Johnson, 35, drug trafficking. Ernest Cloud, 29, drug trafficking. LC Nixon, 33, drug trafficking. Cierra Craig, 34, drug trafficking. Ormond King, 31, drug trafficking. Zed Jones , age 32, illegal possession of a firearm ATF investigated the cases, with assistance from the DEA, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, with additional thanks to the New Orleans Emergency Management Service and Crime Stoppers, GNO. This operation was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the cases. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Drug Trafficking James Lee Kesler, age 45, of Ogden, Utah, was sentenced to 108 months in prison following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on Mar. 3, an officer with the Evanston (Wyo.) Police Department contacted Kessler in his parked car. Kessler was disoriented and had trouble following directions. When asked if there were controlled substances in the car, Kesler said there were 500-600 fentanyl pills in the glove box. A search of Kessler’s car revealed over 700 fentanyl pills. Text messages found on Kessler’s cellphone showed he was selling fentanyl. This crime was investigated by the Evanston Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Forwood. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 18. Michael Guzman, age 40, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 75 months in prison following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents, on Mar. 18, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered over 60 grams of fentanyl following a traffic stop of a car driven by Guzman. A review of Guzman’s cellphone revealed text messages showing Guzman was selling fentanyl. This crime was investigated by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, the Cheyenne Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Forwood. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 19. Brandon Marshall Clevenger , age 39, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 100 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, during a traffic stop on April 18, investigators found a semiautomatic pistol and over 600 grams of methamphetamine in a car driven by Clevenger. When interviewed, Clevenger admitted the pistol and methamphetamine belonged to him. Clevenger was indicted in May and pled guilty in July. This crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Forwood. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Oct. 19. Violent Crime Charles Edward Wallowingbull Jr ., age 35, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 18 months in prison following a guilty plea to assault by strangulation. According to court documents, on Apr. 18, a Wind River Police Department (WRPD) officer responded to a call of a domestic strangulation. The investigation showed that Wallowingbull had placed his hands over the victim’s throat and squeezed while pushing her downward into a mattress to the point where the victim could no longer breath or scream. This crime was investigated by the FBI and WRPD. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 18. About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Project Safe Neighborhoods Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. Victim Witness Assistance The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking


title: Federal Jury Convicts Tennessee Man of Terrorism Charge

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: On Oct. 19, following an eight-day trial, a jury convicted Benjamin Carpenter, 31, of Knoxville, Tennessee, aka Abu Hamza, of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization. According to evidence presented at trial, Carpenter served as the leader of Ahlut-Tawhid Publications, an international organization of pro-ISIS “munasirin” (i.e., supporters), dedicated to translating, producing and distributing ISIS propaganda throughout the world. For years, Carpenter, using his alias “Abu Hamza,” published a large body of ISIS media, including his weekly newsletter “From Dabiq to Rome,” a periodical that, among other things, celebrated the deaths of American soldiers, glorified suicide bomber, and called for open war against the United States and its Western allies. In 2020 and 2021, Carpenter contacted an individual he believed to be affiliated with ISIS’s central media bureau and provided translation services for a project intended to relaunch Al-Hayat Media Center, ISIS’s official foreign-language media arm. Carpenter faces up to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, U.S. District Judge at a later date. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Knoxville Field Office made the announcement. The Knoxville Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, investigated the case, with assistance from FBI Field Offices across the country. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle J. Wilson and Casey T. Arrowood for the Eastern District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Charles J. Kovats Jr. of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section represented the United States at trial.


title: Virginia Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms, Silencers and Explosives

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

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing unregistered silencers and explosives while being an unlawful drug user. According to court documents, on July 14, 2022, Daniel Burky, 33, was being evicted from an apartment in Virginia Beach when law enforcement discovered explosives, silencers, firearms, and drugs in the apartment. During the search, law enforcement found, among other firearms, an AK-47 style firearm. Additional items found in the apartment include boxes of firearm suppressors, a ballistic helmet, a ballistic vest, a gas mask, and multiple rifle magazines. The Virginia Beach Fire Department, Fire Marshal, and Bomb Squad were called to the scene. Located throughout the apartment were chemicals that, when combined, become homemade explosives that are known to be extremely unstable and hazardous. A subsequent review of the seized electronic devices showed numerous videos of Burky shooting both handguns and rifles outfitted with the silencers. Burky did not possess, and has never possessed, either a Federal Explosives License (FEL) or a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Burky also pleaded guilty and was sentenced for drug and firearms charges in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court this past summer. Burky is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason Miyares, Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Colin Stolle, Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Doulas E. Miller accepted the plea. Significant assistance was provided by the Virginia Beach Fire Department and Fire Marshals and the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Comstock and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West are prosecuting the case. The Office of the Attorney General prosecuted the case in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 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-116.


title: Member of Catalytic Converter Theft Crew Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a regional organized theft crew that stole catalytic converters from over 490 vehicles. It is alleged that the crew stole from ATMs and jewelry stores. Santo Feliberty, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property; conspiracy to commit bank theft; bank theft; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The firearm charge arises from a pistol and ammunition found during the search of Feliberty’s residence as part of the catalytic converter theft investigation. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 31, 2024 Feliberty and six other men were arrested on April 12, 2023 , and charged with offenses related to the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from over 490 vehicles during 2022 and 2023. Catalytic converter theft has become a nationwide problem across a multitude of state, local, and federal jurisdictions due to the high-valued precious metals they contain – some of which are more valuable than gold, with black-market prices being more than $1,000 each in recent years. The theft of a vehicle’s catalytic converter results in damage that renders the vehicle inoperable – both mechanically and legally under EPA regulations – until properly replaced. Feliberty was a member of an organized crew that stole catalytic converters from at least 492 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 and 2023 alone. It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement, however. According to court documents, the crew was skilled and able to locate and cut away the catalytic converter from a vehicle within a minute in most instances – often utilizing battery operated power-tools, car jacks. It is alleged that, on numerous occasions, the defendants targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night reporting thefts from 26 vehicles. It is alleged that the crew was led by Rafael Davila, who engaged in catalytic converter thefts and burglaries on a full-time basis – committing thefts multiple nights per week for upwards of eight hours a night. Rafael Davila was allegedly responsible for the planning of and transportation to each targeted theft – using his vehicle, determining price values for stolen converters and purchasing needed materials. It is further alleged that he maintained meticulous notes accounting for the locations that he and his co-conspirators had targeted and the number of catalytic converters that had been stolen, including the makes and models and when they were dropped off. During the plea hearing, Feliberty admitted to participating in thefts of catalytic converters from 52 vehicles across eight cities and towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Once in possession of the stolen catalytic converters, the crew would then sell them to Jose Torres, who would accumulate stolen catalytic converters from multiple theft crews and then in turn sell them to scrap dealers in the Northeast – transacting approximately $30,000 to $80,000 in stolen catalytic converters per week. Torres then sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering in the District of Connecticut, the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma. In addition to the catalytic converter thefts, Feliberty pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal from ATMs of federally insured banks in Massachusetts on three separate occasions in December 2022. It is alleged that this conspiracy involved the use of stolen trucks to rip the ATMs from the ground and gain access to the vault. Feliberty also admitted to committing burglaries of two New Hampshire jewelry stores on Jan. 12, 2023, and the theft of a trailer on Dec. 14, 2022. The combined total value of the jewelry stolen during the burglaries was determined to be over $137,000, with each store facing approximately $10,000 in costs to repair the resulting damage. Additionally, a firearm and ammunition were found at Feliberty’s residence. Feliberty is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions. On May 17, 2023, Torres pleaded guilty to his role in the catalytic converter theft conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2023. On May 24, 2023, Oyola pleaded guilty to the ATM and jewelry store burglaries and will be sentenced at a later date. On March 13, 2023, Nicolas Davila pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on January 9, 2024. Charges against Rafael Davila, Carlos Fonseca and Zachary Marshall are pending and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The charge of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of interstate transportation of stolen property each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of bank theft provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operations for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Connecticut, the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN). Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. Over 70 local police departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut contributed to this investigation through the submission of their investigations of catalytic converter thefts in their jurisdiction. The Massachusetts police departments contributing to the investigation were Abington, Acton, Andover, Auburn, Bedford, Bellingham, Beverly, Billerica, Burlington, Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Concord, Cranston, East Hampton, Easton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Franklin, Gardner, Hampton, Hanover, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Ipswich, Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Malden, Mansfield, Medford, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Norwell, Norwood, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Springfield, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Tyngsborough, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, Wilmington, Woburn and Worcester. The Bow, Concord, Derry, Hooksett, Hudson, Londonderry, Manchester, Salem and Windham New Hampshire police departments also contributed. The South Windsor and Windsor Connecticut Police Departments also contributed to the investigation. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Trafficker admits to smuggling cocaine in car battery

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 28-year old man has pleaded guilty to importing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On July 18, Victor Torres approached the Hidalgo port of entry checkpoint and told law enforcement he did not have any contraband. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the battery area of the vehicle. Law enforcement conducted an X-ray examination and discovered several anomalies which resulted in the discovery of four bricks of cocaine. The drugs weighed approximately four kilograms with an estimated street value of approximately $40,000. During his plea, Torres admitted he knew he was transporting drugs into United States and that individuals in Mexico recruited him. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa will impose sentencing Jan. 25, 2024. At that time, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine. Torres has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III prosecuted the case.


title: Aurora Man Convicted of Defrauding Non-Profit of More Than $880,000 Intended to Address Cleveland Food Desert

body_text: CLEVELAND –United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko announced today that Arthur Fayne, 61, who managed the development of the New East Side Market, was found guilty of all 9 counts of wire fraud for embezzling more than $880,000 in funds intended to help the residents of Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, but which Fayne used for an extravagant lifestyle with extensive casino gambling. The trial lasted five days and was presided over by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr. According to court documents and trial testimony, Fayne owned and managed Business Development Concepts, LLC (“BDC”), through which he oversaw construction projects. Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. (“NEON”) was a nonprofit corporation that operated as a federally qualified health center network of community health centers and provided primary care medical services in the Cleveland, Ohio area. As part of that mission, NEON, through a subsidiary, initiated a project to redevelop a vacant building in the Glenville neighborhood into a grocery store and community center called the New East Side Market. The grocery store was intended to address the persistent food desert challenges in Glenville. NEON entrusted Fayne with control of the project and payments to vendors, and Fayne used that trust to steal funds NEON provided for the project. Fayne was convicted of embezzling approximately $759,105.92 in funds intended to pay the project’s general contractor, the Albert M. Higley Company (“AM Higley”). Fayne concealed the invoices he received from AM Higley while submitting his own invoices to NEON seeking funds he claimed were for paying AM Higley. He then diverted to his personal benefit more than $750,000 of the funds intended for AM Higley. Fayne was also convicted of embezzling approximately $125,923.86 in funds intended for audio-visual contractor Crescent Digital. That vendor actually returned roughly half of the money it had been paid at the start of the project, telling Fayne that it could only collect a deposit at that time, and would invoice BDC for the balance when the work was complete. Rather than hold those funds to pay Crescent Digital, however, Fayne had the funds deposited in his wife’s personal account, and then diverted that money for his benefit. Fayne spent the money on the extravagant lifestyle he lived, which included sometimes gambling tens of thousands of dollars in a single night. Evidence showed Fayne lost over $1 million at casinos during the project. Fayne’s spending of the diverted funds included gambling at the JACK Cleveland Casino, gambling at a New Orleans casino, and making personal expenditures on Louis Vuitton merchandise, services at a New York City spa, and a luxury cruise out of Miami. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Cleveland Division of the FBI and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of the Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Vanessa V. Healy.


title: Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Minor

body_text: BOSTON – A Bronx, N.Y. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, as well as traveling with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with the minor victim. Markell Greene, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit conduct. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Feb. 15, 2024. Greene was initially arrested on state warrants in February 2022 and indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022. He has remained in custody since. Greene persuaded, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Additionally, on or about Feb. 14, 2022, Greene traveled in interstate commerce with a motivating purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the minor victim. In late 2021, Greene sent an unsolicited Snapchat message to the then-12-year-old minor victim, who believed Greene to be approximately 16 years old. Over the course of several months, Greene manipulated the minor victim into sending sexually explicit photos and videos of herself at his request. Greene also directed the minor victim to brag about her age during the sexually explicit videos. In February 2022, Greene persuaded the minor victim to meet him in-person at a parking lot in Arlington. On Feb. 14, 2022, Greene arrived to the agreed upon meet up in an SUV, picked up the minor victim and parked the car in an adjacent parking lot. There, Greene raped the minor victim and forced her to engage in oral sex, which he recorded on Snapchat. “Mr. Greene is a serious danger to our communities. Under the cloak of social media anonymity, he targeted, exploited and violated the innocence of a vulnerable child. His conduct was beyond despicable and I commend the incredible bravery of the victim for coming forward. Today, this predator now stands as a convicted felon who now faces more than a decade in federal prison for his reprehensible conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “There is no higher priority for this Office and our law enforcement partners than protecting children. This case is a stark reminder of the evil that exists in our society. Make no mistake about it, if you prey on children in this District we will spare no resource to ensure our children are safe from harm and hold dangerous offenders accountable.” “What Markell Greene admitted to doing today to this 12-year-old child was heinous, and his actions will have untold ramifications on this brave victim’s life for years to come,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Every day, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force is working hard to protect our most vulnerable by identifying and apprehending predators like Greene who take advantage of their innocence to commit atrocious acts.” The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit conduct provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington, Mass. and New York City Police Departments; the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former university professor indicted for theft of grant funds

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Xinjian “Kevin” He, a former West Virginia University professor, has been indicted on two counts of federal program fraud. According to court documents and statements made in court, Mr. He, age 41, was a professor in the University’s engineering department and allegedly embezzled federal grant funding, using the money to purchase clothing, furniture, home goods, and electronics for his personal use. The indictment was returned in November of 2020 but remained sealed because the defendant fled the country and wasn’t arrested until September 26, 2023, when he entered the United States from Canada and was apprehended in New York. At a hearing today in Clarksburg federal court, a motion by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to detain Mr. He pending trial due to the risk of flight was granted. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison for each count of fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the WVU Police Department investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over today’s proceedings.


title: Harrisburg Man Convicted For Role In Straw Purchasing Firearms For Felons

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Johnny Quinones, age 37, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was convicted on October 18, 2023, of straw purchasing a gun, possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon, and conspiracy, after a bench trial before United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Quinones conspired with three other individuals to purchase firearms for felons and persons under indictment. Quinones was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions. On August 11, 2020, Harrisburg Police responded to a shooting victim in the City of Harrisburg where a victim was shot in the head. They eventually focused on Johnny Quinones, a felon. The investigation ultimately revealed that Taashaun Mansfield was buying guns for felons. Mansfield bought seven guns in a two-month period, and each time he lied on the forms about who was going to receive the guns. All of guns ended up in the possession of people prohibited by law from possessing the guns. The following coconspirators pleaded guilty to weapons offenses and were sentenced: Taashaun Mansfield was sentenced to 37 months in prison; Michael Windham was sentenced to 46 months in prison; and Antonio Godbolt was sentenced to 33 months in prison. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Richard Euliss are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Salmon Man Sentenced for Lemhi County Arson

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: POCATELLO – Dennis Caffero-Hopkins, 24, of Salmon, was sentenced to three years of probation for causing a fire on public lands, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco also sentenced Caffero-Hopkins to pay the full restitution requested for the loss of salvage logs to the Forest Service valued at $6,435 and fire suppression by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which cost $1,128.97. Caffero-Hopkins pleaded guilty on August 14, 2023. According to court records, on October 8, 2021, Caffero-Hopkins started a fire on BLM public lands in Lemhi County, Idaho, near Stormy Peak Road. The fire burned logs, set up as a log deck, on United States federal land under the administration of the BLM. Investigation into the fire determined that Caffero-Hopkins was responsible for setting the logs on fire after a local citizen reported Caffero-Hopkins’ involvement. Further, Caffero-Hopkins, after waiving his Miranda rights, admitted that he used oil and a rag to start the log deck on fire. U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the investigation by the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho Falls, which led to the charge. ###


title: Snohomish County man sentenced to 8 years in prison in connection with three arrests over two years for possessing guns and drugs

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 34-year-old Snohomish County man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 8 years in prison and three years of supervised release for persistently dealing drugs while armed, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jade Alexander Beavin was caught three different times, twice with distribution amounts of narcotics while also carrying firearms. Beavin is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a lengthy criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “It is an extremely dangerous circumstance when dealing that drug (fentanyl)with a firearm, because the gun is only there to protect you or protect the drugs.” According to records filed in the case, Beavin was arrested by law enforcement officers ten times between 2020 and 2022. The sentence imposed today references three specific incidents: January 24, 2020, Beavin was arrested by Everett Police officers due to an active Department of Corrections warrant. In his car Beavin had a Rossi Revolver and heroin. Beavin also had materials to package the drug for distribution. On July 27, 2021, Beavin was again pulled over by Everett Police. In the vehicle was a Sig Sauer P365 9mm handgun, ammunition, and three kilos of fentanyl powder. The car also contained drug scales and a drug ledger. Finally, on February 25, 2022, Beavin was arrested by Everett Police on a Department of Corrections warrant. In the car was a loaded Taurus 9mm firearm. Beavin is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple previous convictions: Residential Burglary, Second Degree Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission, and Bail Jumping, all in Snohomish County in 2018. In asking for an eight-year prison sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson wrote to the court, “The defendant’s prior encounters with the criminal system also failed to deter or dissuade him from selling drugs and carrying firearms. A review of the defendant’s criminal history establishes that from the age of eighteen, the defendant has been in a revolving door of crime commission to prison admission.” Speaking to the court, Beavin said, “I’ve struggled with addiction for the last ten years of my life… I made excuses and that is what I think addiction does to you – it takes away accountability…. Please help me.” Judge Jones recommended drug treatment while incarcerated and ordered treatment as part of Beavin’s supervised release saying, “You have to make an affirmative decision that you want to change your life… Every day you need to get up and commit yourself to saying, ‘I need to make a change.’” The case was investigated by the Everett Police Department with assistance from the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Loan Brokers and Bank Loan Officer Sentenced for Bank Fraud Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – Two operators of a loan brokerage business and a loan officer at a Massachusetts-based bank were sentenced today for conspiring to defraud a bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Ted Capodilupo, 58, of South Easton; Joseph Masci, 72, of Boston; and Brian Ferris, 45, of Braintree, were each sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to one year and one day in prison and two years of supervised release. Additionally, Capodilupo and Masci were each ordered to pay restitution of $1,424,087 and Ferris was ordered to pay restitution of $1,236,251. The defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Between 2015 and 2018, Capodilupo, Masci and Ferris agreed to defraud a bank and the SBA by submitting fraudulent loan applications to the bank, which administered the SBA’s small business express loan program, to secure bank loans guaranteed by the SBA. Specifically, Capodilupo and Masci submitted dozens of fraudulent loan applications on behalf of borrowers who were ineligible for traditional business loans. These loan applications misrepresented, among other things, the identity of the real loan recipients and the businesses for which the loans were sought. Capodilupo and Masci also falsified applicant signatures and falsely indicated that no broker had assisted in preparing or referring the loan applications, when they in fact charged borrowers excessive fees for obtaining these fraudulent loans. Ferris, who worked as a loan officer at the bank, processed the fraudulent loan applications and in some cases fabricated federal tax forms in support of the applications. Ferris caused the bank to issue loans for which Capodilupo and Masci submitted applications and received a kickback from Capodilupo and Masci of approximately $500 per loan. The scheme generated approximately $270,000 in fees for Capodilupo and Masci. Many of the loans that the bank issued as a result of the fraudulent applications ultimately defaulted, resulting in substantial losses to the bank. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), New York Region; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian Tucker, Special Agent-in-Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of SBA OIG’s Eastern Region made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joined federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to announce that 41 individuals were charged with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a three-month, summertime violent-crime-reduction initiative in New Orleans. Operation Big Easy was a National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) enforcement initiative of collected firearm casings for the time period of August 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023 that produced data points of high-density shootings and homicides in seven areas of New Orleans related to individuals engaged in criminal activity. The vast majority of these individuals were charged in United States District Court, while the rest were charged in state court. They were apprehended in a series of coordinated arrests made during the last two weeks. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Special Agent in Charge Bradley L. Byerly and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as other narcotics and violence-prevention efforts. Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. They detail a lengthy ATF- led investigation, that focused on reducing firearms-related crime in several areas of New Orleans. These areas were selected after studying gun-crime violence data and then identifying illegal firearms sellers in an effort to disrupt their trafficking. Overall, this operation resulted in the seizure and permanent removal of approximately 71 firearms and from New Orleans’ streets. The firearms seized or purchased firearms included stolen firearms, firearms with obliterated serial numbers, “switches,” already-loaded firearms, assault rifles, and firearms previously used to commit violent crimes. NIBIN data showed that a number of those firearms were connected to violent criminal activity, including homicides and felonious assaults, that occurred in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas in 2022 and 2023. Of the purchased firearms, six contained machinegun conversion devices or “switches”—a device that enables a firearm to fire in fully automatic mode. Some of these individuals also sold controlled substances to law enforcement. Many of these sales took place in public parking lots of business establishments during business hours or in recreational areas in close proximity to law-abiding citizens engaged in their daily errands or recreational activities. During this investigation, law enforcement purchased or seized over 2 kilograms of fentanyl/heroin mix, over one-half kilogram of cocaine and cocaine base, and over one-half kilogram of methamphetamine. Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually. In all cases, however, these charges stemmed from the extensive, targeted, and sustained effort over the summer. This effort was led by ATF and assisted by other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and designed to reduce both illegal firearms trafficking, use, and possession, and the distribution of drugs in New Orleans. “The dozens of charges and arrests announced today represent what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work hand-in-hand to take violent criminals and trigger-pullers off our streets,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we harness the Justice Department’s resources and technology — especially crime-gun intelligence from ATF’s NIBIN network — we are able to identify and arrest the culprits of gun violence and safeguard our communities. Across the country, our towns and cities are safer because of the dedication and bravery of federal agents and their state and local partners, and the 21st century crime-solving tools DOJ is able to provide.” “For months, incredibly brave ATF agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners have been investigating violent criminals who have terrorized New Orleans,” said ATF Director Steve Dettelbach. “The results are now clear: dozens of arrests; scores of seized firearms, including guns previously used in crimes; recoveries of stolen guns and guns with obliterated serial numbers; and the seizure of deadly machine gun conversion devices. All done better than ever using crime gun intelligence to catch the worst of the worst. ATF commits to continue using and sharing its intelligence with our courageous partners around the country to further drive down violent crime." ”Many thanks to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their invaluable efforts, unrelenting vigilance, and selfless contributions to the Operation Big Easy Initiative,” said United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. “When we work together and share information, good results occur. “To our community, rest assured that we will continue to combat violent crime throughout the Eastern District of Louisiana. Every resource and every force multiplier we possess, will be used to accomplish that goal.” “This investigative initiative is an excellent example of the ATF-led Crime Gun Unit, working together with federal, state and local partners through the US Attorney’s Office, making impact in reducing, preventing, and solving violent gun in our community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Holding those accountable who further violent gun crime makes our communities safer.” The following is a breakdown of the charges in United States District Court, according to court documents: MICHAEL LOTT , age 49, DIANTA TROPEZ , age 29, VERNELL WOODARD , age 40, QUINDELE ADDISON , age 47, SHEENA RUDOLPH , age 40, and CORIS ADDISON , age 23, were charged on September 22, 2023, in a superseding indictment. QUINDELE ADDISON , WOODARD , RUDOLPH , and TROPEZ were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. TROPEZ , WOODARD , and QUINDELE ADDISON were further charged with distribution of methamphetamine. LOTT , TROPEZ , and WOODARD were charged with conspiracy and robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States. LOTT , TROPEZ , and WOODARD were charged with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon. LOTT , TROPEZ , and QUINDELE ADDISON were charged, individually, with being felons in possession of firearms. QUINDELE ADDISON was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. QUINDELE ADDISON and WOODARD were charged, jointly, with maintaining a drug involved premises. RASHAD MONTAGUE , age 32, was charged October 10, 2023, via complaint, with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. DAWUD BARNES , age 22, was indicted October 6, 2023, for possession and transfer of a machine gun. KEVIN DAVIS , age 43, and WILLIAM GRACE , age 45, were indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl. ANTHONY DOYLE , age 40, and CARLOS GUILLEN , age 43, were indicted October 12, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl. DEVIN HILLIARD , age 47, and STERING PIPKINS , age 39, were indicted October 12, 2023, for violating the federal controlled substances act and the federal gun control acts. HILLIARD was also charged with distribution of cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm. PIPKINS was also charged with distribution of cocaine. JOSHUA HOGAN , age 35, was indicted September 29, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl. DAYSHAWN BROWN , age 39, was indicted October 12, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. MICHAEL LEWIS , age 36, was indicted October 6, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl/heroin/cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. TROY LOCKE , age 34, was indicted September 8, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. JUNIOR ALEXANDER MONCADA-VARGAS , age 34, was indicted September 29, 2023, for possession and transfer of a machine gun and for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. LUIS MORALES , age 33, TYRONE WHITTINGTON , age 38, and DANIEL BECK , age 43, were indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of methamphetamine. MORALES was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. WHITTINGTON was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. TOMMY NASH , age 50 and LOREALL GORDEN , age 38, were indicted September 22, 2023, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and distribution of fentanyl. RODNEY OFFRAY , age 49, was indicted September 22, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and heroin. JAMAR HOLMES , age 34, was indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and sale of a stolen firearm. KENNAN ALEXIS, age 47, was indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. DAMERON CARMON, age 45, were charged October 20, 2023, via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. DANIEL SMITH , age 55, were charged October 20, 2023, via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The following is a breakdown of the charges in Orleans Criminal District Court, according to court documents: JOHNNY MILTON , age 42, Drug Trafficking. BRANDON ADIAR , age 49, Drug Trafficking. KENNETH TYLER , age 46, Drug Trafficking. BRANDON JACKSON , age 33, Drug Trafficking. CALVIN SMITH , age 44, Drug Trafficking. CORDERO JOHNSON , age 35, Drug Trafficking. ERNEST CLOUD , age 29, Drug Trafficking. LC NIXON , age 33, Drug Trafficking. CIERRA CRAIG , age 34, Drug Trafficking. ORMOND KING , age 31, Drug Trafficking. ZED JONES, age 32, Illegal Possession of a Firearm An indictment or complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation preceding the indictments was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD), the Louisiana State Police (“LSP”), the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”), the City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Also, many thanks to the New Orleans Emergency Management Service and Crimestoppers, GNO. This Operation was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. The cases stemming from this investigation are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. * * *


title: Man sentenced to 18 months in prison for making racially-motivated harassing calls to African American woman employed at Billings church

body_text: BILLINGS — A man who admitted making numerous racially-motivated harassing calls to an African American woman employed at a Billings church was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, formerly of Dillon, pleaded guilty in June to harassing phone calls. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $617 restitution. “When Hiestand, a white man, went to a Billings church looking for help, an elderly African American woman who worked there responded with kindness and assistance. In return and for nearly two years, Hiestand launched a barrage of harassing hateful and racist calls and voicemails at her and the church. His racist conduct isn’t just abhorrent, it is illegal. We are better than this,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. In a statement to the court, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, said Hiestand’s messages contained racist rants and obscenities. “The first message made me sick. I literally started shaking. What he said really frightened me. I get high anxiety when I listen to those messages,” Jane Doe said. In court documents and statements in court, the government alleged that in November 2020, Hiestand, a white man, went to a church in Billings looking for a job and money. Jane Doe, an elderly African American who works at the church, gave him a gift card. Several days later, Hiestand left a voicemail for Jane Doe and, using a racial epithet, said he would give more money to the church if it did not employ an African American. The next month, Hiestand reached Jane Doe on the phone and referenced his “white friends” and, again, how he would contribute to the church if it did not employ African Americans. Hiestand’s behavior escalated. In another voicemail from Hiestand, he stated, “Nobody wants you here.” Jane Doe contacted the Billings Police Department, and officers identified Hiestand as the caller. In a telephone interview with law enforcement, Hiestand apologized for his conduct. But his behavior continued. In August 2021, Hiestand left another voicemail and, using a racial epithet, told Jane Doe that the “world is going to end because of your black ass race.” Hiestand’s conduct continued for approximately the next 19 months. Hiestand also made similar threatening and racially motivated calls to Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the southern United States. The investigation determined that Hiestand placed the calls from outside of Montana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Southeastern Connecticut Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS ANTONIO CRESPO-FEBUS, 43, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for trafficking large quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail for distribution in Connecticut and elsewhere. According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Crespo-Febus. The investigation revealed that Crespo-Febus was coordinating the shipment of parcels, each typically containing two kilograms of cocaine, from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New London County. Crespo-Febus paid at least three individuals to receive parcels of cocaine at their homes, and at least two others to serve as “runners” who retrieved parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Crespo-Febus. The runners were paid $500 for each parcel they delivered. Investigators intercepted and seized approximately 16 kilograms of cocaine that were mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, and identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine. Crespo-Febus has admitted that he trafficked at least 50 kilograms of cocaine. Crespo-Febus has been detained since his arrest on September 20, 2021. On October 21, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Crespo-Febus’ criminal history includes a conviction in Puerto Rico for murder in the second degree, for which he was incarcerated for 11 years and four months, and a federal conviction in 2013 for unlawful possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New London and Town of Groton Police Departments. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman 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 .


title: Harris County man sentenced for trafficking meth in Jefferson County

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Seabrook man has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking drugs in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. Justin Hall McSpadden, 45, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on October 20, 2023. According to information presented in court, on October 1, 2021, McSpadden sold four ounces of methamphetamine for $1,200.00 to an individual at the Petro Truck Stop located at 5405 Walden Road in Beaumont. Later that same day, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on McSpadden on Cardinal Drive in Beaumont. During the traffic stop, law enforcement located an additional two ounces of methamphetamine inside a toolbox in the vehicle and a handgun on the driver’s side floorboard. McSpadden was indicted and charged with federal drug trafficking violations. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson. ###


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Architects and Builders of Hawaii Apartment Complexes to Resolve Allegations of Disability-Based Discrimination

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that Hawaii-based developer, Albert C. Kobayashi Inc., and other defendants have agreed to pay $120,000 to settle claims that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The department’s lawsuit, filed in 2019 and amended in 2022, alleges that the defendants failed to design and build five multifamily housing complexes in Hawaii with required accessible features for persons with disabilities. Under the agreement, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, the defendants are required to make extensive retrofits at the properties, including replacing or modifying steps and overly steep slopes on sidewalks and walkways, lowering mailboxes so that people with disabilities can reach them and modifying doorways, kitchens and bathrooms so that persons in wheelchairs can use them. The defendants will also pay $200,000 for additional accessibility-related improvements at one of the properties. “People with disabilities have the right to safe and accessible housing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under this agreement, hundreds of apartment units in Hawaii will be significantly improved so that people with disabilities are able to easily navigate the property. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively enforce our federal civil rights laws to address discrimination faced by people with disabilities across our country.” “These Hawaii developers were required by law to provide accessibility features for persons with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii. “Enforcement of these federal rights is a priority, and this settlement marks significant progress towards achieving it.” The five properties in this case are Napilihau Villages, in Lahaina; Napili Villas, in Lahaina; Wailea Fairway Villas, in Kihei; Kahului Town Terrace, in Kahului; and Palehua Terrace Phase I, in Kapolei. Two of these properties — Kahului Town Terrace and Palehua Terrace Phase I — were designed as affordable housing under the federal government’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The other defendants are Martin V. Cooper, Design Partners Inc., Michael N. Goshi, Fritz Johnson Inc., Frederick M. Johnson, Stanford Carr Development LLC, SCD Wailea Fairways LLC, Sato & Associates Inc., Fukumoto Engineering Inc., Rojac Construction Inc., Delta Construction Corp., Warren S. Unemori Engineering Inc., GYA Architects Inc. and Goodfellow Bros. LLC. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the FHA, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. The FHA requires that residential buildings with four or more units constructed after March 13, 1991, have basic accessible features. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . Individuals may report disability discrimination or other forms of housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, e-mailing the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or submitting a report online . Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online . View the proposed consent order here.


title: Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Obstruction of Justice in So-Called “Blind Mule” Case

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 20, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Victoria Carmona of San Antonio, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court this week to a four-count indictment charging her and an unnamed codefendant with importation of cocaine, conspiracy to import controlled substances, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. The obstruction charges stem from Carmona’s extensive efforts to concoct a cover story beforehand if she was caught smuggling drugs and paint herself as a so-called “blind mule.” According to the indictment and plea agreement, Carmona conspired with her codefendant and others to import illicit narcotics into the United States from Mexico. The conspiracy culminated in Carmona’s arrest at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on February 20, 2023, after she imported 19.22 kilograms (42.37 pounds) of cocaine into the United States in her vehicle. After her arrest, as part of the planned cover story, Carmona claimed she was unaware of the hidden drugs and said she recently accepted a job offer on Facebook to pick up cash in the United States and transport it to Mexico. According to Carmona, earlier that day she was instructed to give her vehicle to others to install a GPS device as an added security measure for the cash Carmona would be transporting. Carmona suggested those individuals planted drugs in her car without her knowledge. Carmona showed investigators detailed Facebook Messenger conversations purportedly between herself and the individual who offered her the job that supposedly confirmed her account. In her plea agreement, however, Carmona admitted she and her codefendant fabricated the Facebook Messenger communications to make it appear she was tricked into smuggling narcotics. In the communications, the codefendant played the part of the fictitious person who supposedly hired Carmona to transport cash to Mexico. Carmona admitted she smuggled drugs into the United States seven times and, with the aid of her codefendant, falsified Facebook Messenger communications before each trip that purportedly corroborated the account she planned to tell investigators if she was caught. “Ms. Carmona went to extraordinary lengths to try to conceal over 40 pounds of cocaine from customs officers,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “But her concocted story did not fool them or the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Ms. Carmona’s guilty plea today reflects the serious charges drug smugglers face when they try to bring dangerous drugs into this country.” “HSI is committed to investigating criminal organizations that smuggle dangerous drugs into the United States and ultimately into our communities,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “I commend the work of our special agents and the U.S. Attorney’s office for uncovering this conspiracy and disproving this fabricated story used by the defendant to conceal her involvement in this smuggling conspiracy.” A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Miller. DEFENDANTS Case Number 23cr1119-GPC Victoria E. Carmona Age: 25 San Antonio, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Import Cocaine – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 952, 960 and 963 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $1,000,000 fine Importation of Cocaine – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 952 and 960 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $1,000,000 fine Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 371 and 1519 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine Obstruction of Justice – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1519 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCY Homeland Security Investigations


title: Honduran National Living in Bridgeport Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.

body_text: Vanessa Robers Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging NELSON ROMERO-MARTINEZ, 45, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Bridgeport, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported. The indictment was returned on October 18, 2023, and Romero-Martinez was arrested today. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on January 25, 2007, Romero-Martinez was convicted in Connecticut state court of second-degree assault. He received a five-year prison sentence and was removed to Honduras in approximately January 2010. Romero-Martinez subsequently tried to reenter the U.S. at least three more times and was deported to Honduras each time. He successfully and unlawfully reentered the U.S. and, on August 5, 2023, was arrested by Bridgeport Police in connection with an alleged stabbing incident. If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Romero-Martinez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten.


title: Justice Department Announces Violence Against Women Act Alaska Pilot Program

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department announced today the launch of a pilot program under the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that will allow Alaska Native Tribes to seek to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction (STCJ) over non-Indian offenders for certain crimes, including crimes of sexual and domestic violence. The Department’s implementation plan for the Alaska Pilot Program provides opportunities for Alaska Native communities to access technical assistance and other resources to help build the capacity of their criminal justice systems and strengthen public safety. “The launch of this pilot program marks an important step forward in the Justice Department’s public safety partnership with Alaska Native communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The program was developed in close consultation with Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal organizations and represents our continued commitment to helping Tribal communities meet the most urgent public safety challenges they are facing. I discussed the implementation plan with Tribal representatives when I visited Alaska in August, and I look forward to continuing to work with Tribal partners to help the Alaska Pilot Program succeed.” “Last year, at the first Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation in Alaska, the Department of Justice heard from Alaska Native leaders about how to best make their communities safer,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “We listened. The launch of this pilot program honors the Department’s commitment to working with Alaska Native communities to extend the benefits and promise of VAWA throughout the entire state of Alaska.” “This week, I met with advocates, law enforcement, and care providers in Anchorage and Nome to discuss the acute crisis of sexual and domestic violence in rural Alaskan communities,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who announced the Pilot Program’s launch in remarks to the Alaska Federation of Natives today in Anchorage . “VAWA 2022 is an important step forward in ensuring Tribes can keep their communities safe from those offenses. As I said today at the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention, we hope that all Tribes will consider participating in this important program.” The Violence Against Women reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013) included a historic provision – originally proposed by the Justice Department – that recognized the inherent authority of Tribes to exercise criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders who commit domestic-violence-related crimes in Indian country. Tribes in Alaska, however, were generally unable to exercise special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction because there is so little Indian country in Alaska. In the VAWA 2022 Reauthorization, Congress expanded this criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders to extend to crimes of sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, child violence, obstruction of justice, and assault of Tribal justice personnel in Indian country. VAWA 2022 also includes provisions specific to Tribes in Alaska. The first recognizes the inherent authority of Tribes in Alaska Native villages to exercise criminal and civil jurisdiction over all Indians present in the Village. And the second establishes a pilot program to enable Alaska Tribes designated by the Attorney General as “participating Tribes” to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders who commit covered crimes in their Villages. The statute gives preference to Tribes occupying villages with predominantly Indian populations and that do not have a permanent state law enforcement physical presence. VAWA 2022 mandated that the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and affected Tribes, establish a process to designate Tribes to participate in the pilot program. The process must include a determination by the Attorney General that the criminal justice system of the requesting Tribe has adequate safeguards in place to protect defendants’ rights. In June 2022, the Justice Department convened an intradepartmental Alaska Pilot Program Working Group. Tribal consultations, which included representatives from the Department of Interior, began in July 2022. Based on feedback received during those consultations, the working group formulated a three-track process for the Pilot Program that meets the requirements set forth in VAWA 2022 and provides Tribes with requested support. Under Track One, all Alaska Tribes are invited to join an Alaska-specific Inter-Tribal Technical Assistance Working Group (ITWG) on special Tribal criminal jurisdiction to receive technical assistance and peer-to-peer support. This Alaska-specific ITWG will be supported by an Office on Violence Against Women technical assistance award to the Alaska Native Justice Center and its partners. Under Track Two, any Alaska Tribe may opt to become a Preliminary Pilot Program Tribe by completing a questionnaire to assess their readiness to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction and identify any gaps in meeting the statutory requirements for exercising special Tribal criminal jurisdiction. Each Tribe that completes a questionnaire will be assigned a federal liaison, who will work alongside the Alaska Technical Assistance Provider to assist the Tribe in addressing unmet requirements and further building their criminal justice system capacity. Under Track Three, an Alaska Tribe may seek Attorney General designation as a Participating Pilot Program Tribe by completing the same questionnaire used for Track Two. Department staff who review the questionnaire will either recommend Attorney General designation or invite the Tribe to participate (or continue to participate) in readiness activities under Track Two. This framework will permit any Tribe in Alaska to take part in the Pilot Program, without requiring any commitment to ultimately seek Attorney General designation. Importantly, it provides a mechanism for Alaska Tribes to receive federal guidance and technical assistance to develop their criminal justice capacity. Alaska Tribes interested in participating in the pilot program may contact the Department by email at VAWAAlaskaPilot@usdoj.gov . More information about the Justice Department’s work in American Indian and Alaska Native communities is available at www.justice.gov/tribal .


title: Justice Department to Award More Than $96.7 Million in Grants to American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

body_text: The Justice Department today, through its Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), announced that it has awarded 182 grants to 111 American Indian and Alaska Native communities, totaling more than $96.7 million. “This grant program was created in recognition of the fact that Tribes are in the best position to determine how to meet the most urgent public safety challenges facing their communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These resources will go directly to supporting Tribes’ efforts to bolster their law enforcement capabilities, combat gender-based and domestic violence, and provide support to victims. The Justice Department will continue to serve as partners to Tribes as they work to ensure the safety of their communities.” “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that our resources support Tribal sovereignty and address acute public safety challenges in Indian Country and in rural Alaska,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who announced the awards today in remarks to the Alaska Federation of Natives in Anchorage . “We are committed to working with our Tribal partners to make our resources more accessible to Tribal communities.” The tribal grant awards are designed to help enhance Tribal justice systems and strengthen law enforcement responses, improve the handling of child abuse cases, combat domestic and sexual violence, support tribal youth programs, and fund an array of services for American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims. The awards are administered through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). In addition to the CTAS awards, several other Justice Department components announced grant awards to Tribes. For example, OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime has awarded almost $70 million through the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside to provide services for crime victims in tribal communities and to increase the quantity and quality of victim-centered services available to assist tribal victims of human trafficking in urban areas. The Justice Department also awarded more than $8.5 million through OJP's Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking to 24 tribes to assist in their compliance with federal law on sex offender registration and notification. “Through partnership and collaboration with tribal leaders, we are identifying the specific assistance that tribal communities need to ensure safety and justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon of OJP. “These awards support innovative programs that address challenges faced by law enforcement, improve crime prevention and intervention, strengthen victim services, and protect American Indian and Alaska Native people from violence.” Of the more than $96.7 million in grants awarded under CTAS, a streamlined application that helps Tribes apply for tribal-specific grant programs, OJP made more than $66 million in awards, and the COPS Office made nearly $30 million. The COPS Office used these funds to assist 49 Tribes in hiring personnel, equipment, and training grants to expand the implementation of community policing. Specifically, this funding can be used to hire or re-hire full-time career law enforcement officers, Village Public Safety Officers and school resource officers and to procure essential equipment, technology, and training to assist in initiating or enhancing tribal policing efforts. “The COPS Office is honored to be able to continue our support to our Tribal partners and provide funding for vital resources to help agencies enhance their law enforcement responses to the communities they serve,” said Director Hugh T. Clements of the COPS Office. “We know that this support is integral to enhancing public safety and continuing to build trust and sustain relationships.” About the Office of Justice Programs OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice, assist victims, and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov . About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime-fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. Since 1994, the COPS Office has appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to over 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers.


title: Four Gang Members Sentenced in the Murder of 10-year old Makiyah Wilson

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON –Four members of the Wellington Park Crew were sentenced today for the murder of 10-year old Makiyah Wilson, an innocent bystander gunned down on July 16, 2018, in the courtyard of a Washington, D.C. apartment complex. The shooting also left multiple people wounded. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Qujuan Thomas, 24, was sentenced to 68 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses. Darrise Jeffers, 23, was sentenced to 35 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses. Mr. Jeffers was found guilty under an aiding and abetting theory and was not identified as an actual shooter in this case. Quentin Michals, 25, was sentenced to 40 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, and multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Mr. Michals was found guilty under an aiding and abetting theory and was not identified as an actual shooter in this case. Gregory Taylor, 27, was sentenced to 65 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses. Two other defendants - Isaiah Murchison and Marquell Cobbs - were sentenced on October 6, 2023 to 60 years and 72 month in prison, respectively. According to the government’s evidence, on July 16, 2018, defendants Isaiah Murchison, Gregory Taylor, Qujuan Thomas, and two other individuals drove to the Clay Terrace neighborhood armed with guns. They opened fire on the Clay Terrace courtyard, firing more than 50 shots, indiscriminately. Makiyah Wilson, who was sitting on the front stoop of her home, was killed. Several other people were wounded. Defendants Quentin Michals and Darrise Jeffers assisted the shooters by obtaining the weapons and vehicle used in the shooting. Despite having witnessed the defendants preparing for the shooting, no witnesses were willing to provide information regarding the identity of the shooters. The government presented forensic evidence, statements the defendants made over social media, and motive evidence in presenting its case. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of the detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Branch, especially Detective Konstantinos (Gus) Giannakoulias, who investigated the case, and members of the prosecution team, including Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, IT Specialist Charlie Bruce, IT Project Manager Deon Williams, Supervisory Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Clark, Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Allen, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Maenylie Watson, Witness Security Specialist Ashli Tolbert, USAO Criminal Investigator Neil D’Cunha, Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman, Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Barker and Melissa Jackson, along with former AUSA John Timmer, who investigated the case. Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Lindsey Merikas, who prosecuted the case.